Network - The magazine for Scout Network membersFebruary/March 2010

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W GOOD NET ITIES N OPPORTU

Orient impressed

We go to China and Mongolia

How to stand out

Getting media attention for your Network

E H T G N ASKI S N O I T S E U Q H G TOU ving on o m d n a e g e, age ran g n a h c e t a On clim

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Adventure Beyond is a family run centre based in West Wales. We have venues and camping or bunk house accommodation in St Davids, Cardigan Bay, Brecon Beacons.

Jethro Moore Adventure Beyond

G • CLIMBING • COASTEERING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: CANOEIN TER RAFTING • SURFING • CAVING • WHITE WA G KIN YA KA • ING LK WA E RG GO ILLS URSE/ LOW ROPES • FIELD SK TEAM BUILDING • ASSAULT CO Nant Y Pobty Farm Coed Y Bryn, Llandysul Ceradigion, SA44 5LQ Phone: 07787123761 fun@adventurebeyond.co.uk www.adventurebeyond.co.uk

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Your Scout Network Team Adrian Wray, UK Adviser (Scout Network) Emma Saunders, Programme and Development Adviser Contributions to: programme@scout.org.uk ADVERTISING Richard Ellacott richard.ellacott@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258

ON THE COVER Lizzie Harvey, 18, of Invictus Network in Hampshire, attended a briefing with Climate and Energy Secretary Ed Milliband after the Copenhagen summit. Along with other Scout Young Campaigners, Lizzie put her question to Milliband and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who joined the meeting via satellite. She said: ‘It’s important that our voices get heard as we are the generation that will be affected by climate change.

Scouting already has many strong views on climate change and is active in trying to be as ecofriendly as possible: we recycle, plant trees, grow our own fruit and veg, encourage walking and cycling, that’s a lot!

‘It was overwhelming not only to be given a chance to speak but to be listened to as well. Through Scouting young people have a voice.’

Welcome

We can make a difference

Whether restoring a temple in Mongolia or questioning politicians about climate change in Westminster, members of the Scout Network are doing their bit up and down the country and across the world.

Lee Allwood encourages you to ‘be the change’, and kicks off another chocka issue This issue of Network is all about standing out, and that’s exactly what Scouts do through their words, thoughts and actions. Not to mention the uniform. In Merseyside you’d be hard-pressed to miss members of the Network, as their pink hoodies are a force to be reckoned with, but it’s not the physical appearance that is under scrutiny in this supplement.

We follow Network members from Derbyshire on the Three Nations Expedition to Mongolia and China, catch up with media relations supremo Simon Carter who has the intel on getting great coverage, and there’s some outstanding opportunities for your Network to get involved with. See page 16 for more of that.

It can’t be forgotten that we live in serious times, but your Scouting experiences are only ever a plus in propelling yourself into the job market, or getting noticed if you’ve been hit by the recession. Get our tips for CV boosting on page 12.

If you like what you see here and want your Network to grace the pages of the supplement, what are you waiting for? This supplement doesn’t write itself and there’s always space for your stories and pictures. Drop us a line at scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk and be sure to put ‘Network Supplement’ in the subject line. There’s also the Scout Network Supplement group to join on Facebook.

Contents 4 Three nations expedition Derbyshire Network members see China and Mongolia, avoiding monstrous hail stones and sleeping in yurts

7 Lee’s top three Candles, pancakes and feeling green

8 So you want to get noticed?

Top tips on generating perfect PR, from camps to traffic reports

12 ‘Gis a job’ How the recession has affected Scouting, and how Network activities can boost your employment credentials

14 Moving with the times Important information on the change to the moving on age

16 Opportunities galore Ideas for adventure, from the home counties to Oman

18 Two of the fest A run-through of faith festivals and awareness campaigns in April and May

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‘You know it’s not good when even the Mongolians are dropping’

Not only did the Three Nations Expedition bring together people from China, Mongolia and the UK, it was a bonding experience for Network members in Derbyshire. Fusion member Martin Barradell reports on a life-changing trip

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Three nations expedition

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hree Nations was a phenomenal experience which I‘m so glad I was able to be a part of.

Only Rob Fox and I were able to make it from Fusion, but together with Phoenix and new friends made during the expedition we had an amazing time.

During the first three days in Beijing we managed to visit the summer palace, the bell tower, the Olympic stadium and the national art gallery. To be honest we only went there because it was raining, but it was quite good. We also sampled plenty of the local cuisine, although we weren‘t entirely sure what a lot of it was.

Some of the guys even managed to sample some authentic Chinese culture and went to Hooters! No names mentioned – you know who you are.

Off to Mongolia After three days in China we then headed to Mongolia, where we were met at the airport by the Mongolian Rover Scouts who we would be spending the next 12 days camping with. Our first jobs were to build the yurts which we would be living in and build the toilets (I say build but I mean dig a big hole). During our time there we were split into groups and rotated between the activities and service projects. The first project involved painting and redecorating a Scout hut in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.

The second was the restoration of a Buddhist temple in the nearby town of Zuunmod, which included painting the outside of it and building a wall around it.

During breaks we also found time to play basketball with the local kids. Each group also spent a day with a nomad family learning about their daily way of life and helping with their daily tasks such as cooking and milking the goats. We took gifts such as kites and jigsaws for the nomad children.

Duck for cover On one of the days we went for a ten mile hike around the national park. The views throughout the walk were amazing, but unfortunately on the day my group did the hike, we reached the peak of the walk and were then stuck in the worst storm I‘ve ever witnessed.

Hiding under a tree with our bags on our heads trying to protect ourselves from the golf ball sized hail stones wasn‘t what I had in mind!

When we started to try and walk again, a bolt of lightning struck so close to us it caused our guide to drop to the ground. Luckily he wasn‘t hit, but you know

it‘s not good when even the Mongolians are dropping to the ground in fear! Eventually we made it back to camp only to find out we had to evacuate to the nearby village as the flooding was so bad. The next morning we returned to see the damage. Some yurts were worse than others but we spent the whole day sorting them out and moving the whole camp 100 metres uphill just in case it happened again.

Cultural exchange During our time in Mongolia we spent two days on site, during which we learnt about Mongolian musical instruments and the language and writing. The second day was for the Naddam festival, an annual celebration which included archery and a Mongolian wrestling tournament—which was eventually won by Fusion‘s very own Robert Fox. Most evenings began with us cooking in our groups – normally mutton stew or the occasional pasta dish, followed by a few drinks. The Mongolian Scouts were a good laugh and most had a really good grasp of English. We‘d spend most nights socialising with them and having a good sing song, belting out classics such as Wonderwall, Time of your life and Back for good.

The night sky was incredibly clear, and with no buildings or light to interfere with the view, the stars went on for miles and you could spend all night just staring at them.

Back to China After 12 days in Mongolia it was time to head back to China. Never have people been so happy to see a proper toilet and a shower, and after almost a fortnight of stews we had to go and get some familiar food …

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‘You know it’s not good when even the Mongolians are dropping’

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so we went to McDonald’s.

That evening it rained so hard taxis were refusing to pick people up; roads were flooding over and a baby attempted front crawl in the hotel car park.

During our remaining days in China we went to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming tombs, Beijing Zoo and the silk and pearl markets where we haggled for bargains. We also got the night train to Xi‘an to see the terracotta warriors, but one of the personal highlights for me came at the end of the trip when we went to the Great Wall. We went up the evening before and were able to stop the night in one of the turrets on the wall. The next morning we were up early so we could do the walk before it got too hot. We did a ten kilometre walk of the wall, taking in three mountain passes and some astonishing views.

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Unfortunately, the next morning it was time to come home. The three weeks had flown by, the whole experience was incredible and the three nations expedition is by far the best thing I‘ve done in my life.

A massive thank you to everyone who helped out and attended any of the fundraising events over the last couple of years – it’s much appreciated.

WORLD VIEWS

If you’re planning an overseas expedition, or have just returned from one, drop us a line at scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk with ‘Network supplement’ in the subject line.

For more info on going international see www.scouts.org.uk/international

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Lee’s top three

Lee’s Top Three

Hot wax and pancakes

g green. It must Meeting without the leccy, flipping out and goin . See if you can be time for another offering from Lee Allwood me incorporate his top three into a future program 2 February: Candlemas Day This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. Candles were important in olden days, not only because there were no electric lights but because people thought they protected against illness, famine and the plague.

Idea: No lights Network Why not have an evening of no electricity? Light everything with candles and see if you can run a normal meeting without energy!

Make the tea and coffee for your committee meeting backwoods style, and try not to bump into one another. You could do this to mark Earth Hour 2010, on the 27 March. http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk

16 February: Shrove Tuesday Also known as Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar. Dates vary from year to year, but pancakes are usually being tossed in February or early March.

The day of preparation for Lent would mean all the eggs and fat needed to be eaten, as these products were prohibited during the forty days of fasting.

Idea: Champion tosser Make your programme pancake related.

Hold a pancake race! See who can make the biggest pancake or eat the most in a minute.

Who can toss their pancake the highest?

The possibilities are endless!

17 March: St Patrick’s Day Some facts about St Patrick: • Although St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, he was born in Britain in around 385.

• St. Patrick is associated with the shamrock plant, which he supposedly used to explain the trinity.

• He only got his name when he was made a Bishop by the Pope in 432, after which he returned to Ireland to preach.

• Wearing green, eating green food and even drinking green beer, is said to commemorate St Patrick’s use of the shamrock.

Idea: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Have an Irish evening, dress in green, eat green food and drink green-coloured drinks.

Perhaps you could try and link with a Scout Network based in Ireland to mark the occasion?

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Getting a TV crew with presenter to your event is a triumph, even if it’s the weather forecaster

g o t t n a w u So yo Getting your Network noticed and your profile raised is not as hard as you may think, says Simon Carter. With a bit of planning ahead you can use any events you are organising in the next year to help you raise your Network’s profile

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he first thing to do is contact your Media Development Manager (MDM). They can help you put your story together and will have some good contacts to help you pitch your story to relevant local newspapers and radio stations.

Planning The first step to successful media coverage is to look through your planned events and work out which ones are best suited to raising your profile. The larger and more interesting the event is, the more likely it is to get picked up. Camps and expeditions provide an ideal basis for good stories.

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Media relations

Key messages The message is vitally important but is regularly overlooked. It not only helps with coherent and consistent communications when it comes to external media, it also helps with selling the event to participants. Having clear and defined messages will help move your PR work from simply raising Scouting’s profile locally to helping deliver the messages that you want the public to hear.

Here are some example key messages for a Network camp which can be adapted and used as a template for the press release to support your event: • The [title of the event] will be the largest ever Scout camping event [in the region] and will provide the opportunity for all [your County] Scouts to take part in their own locally organised Jamboree.

HINT: Look for ‘killer facts’ ie the first, largest, longest, the biggest size, the furthest.

• Half of the [maximum number] participants will be from the host county. The other half will come

from across the UK and over [number] countries around the world.

• Participants will camp for [number] nights and will have the opportunity to take part in over [number] different adventurous activities over the course of [number] days.

HINT: When counting up the number of activities, make sure that you include tent pitching, camping, preparing meals, cooking and all the other Scouting skills that may be relevant.

• The young people will gain awareness about protecting their environment through community projects such as doing conservation work, recycling and understanding major ethical issues in order to make the world a better place.

HINT: If your event has a theme, make sure that you consider building this into the key messages.

• The event will be supported by over [number] adult volunteers.

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? d e c i t o n t e g o Matching stories to outlets A one-day event lends itself to inviting journalists, a radio truck or a TV crew to the event. Alternatively, select the most on brand, high quality photograph taken during the event and let that become the focus of your media work with local outlets. Work with your MDM to help get the journalist along to your event.

Covering camps and events that last a few days are different, and will give you much greater opportunities. A key part of your planning will be looking at how to get the most from each event. Think about pitching for a ‘before’ story, a ‘during’ story and finally an ‘after’ story.

‘The coldest winter camp on record’ is more newsworthy, so get the superlatives out

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Our brand is adventure, so make sure your story reflects this

So you want to get noticed?

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Building the hype A ‘before’ story can feature expectations from the participants. This best lends itself to a local newspaper or local radio piece. One trick is to get a Network member to be interviewed in a local radio studio and invite the presenter along to the event, or work out a plan for the interviewee to be invited back.

Capturing the adventure A ‘during’ story is all about inviting the journalist, radio presenter or TV crew to experience the event in full swing and to savour the atmosphere. This requires some good planning techniques. Firstly, have a look at the programme for the day so that you can invite the 10

media along at the right time to suit your event. If you want them to see for themselves the large number of activities on offer, it is no use them coming along during the lunch break. It is well worth letting the activity instructors know that you will be accompanying somebody from the media so they are aware and feel involved in the experience. Plan a route that you intend to follow which includes all the activities that you want to showcase. Remember that you are in control. You don’t have to show the media everything that is happening. Think about which activities will help best convey your key messages.

A good way to involve a local TV station is to be creative and invite the weather reporter along to present the weather forecast live from the event. If they are not able to attend, offer them some suitable images that feature the weather conditions.

Two inventive ways of having regular mentions on your local radio station is to inform the travel news presenter when the participants are arriving and leaving. They particularly like to have an anecdote to run alongside the traffic report, and you can justifiably tell them that the reason there are delays in the area is that there are a huge number of Scouts on way to have the adventure of their lives at this location. Give them relevant key messages, and this gives you a free advert for Scouting every half an hour.

Network February/March 2010

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Media relations

Getting the best footage will make your story get noticed above others

Another winning idea is to work with the radio station and get them to invite parents of the participants attending the event to text or email the station with messages of good luck to their sons and daughters.

Reaping the rewards Finally, an ‘after’ story works well across all media outlets. A local newspaper story works well because you will be in possession of the full media package: the story, the right images, the quotes that complement the story and image, and even a case study to expand the piece.

Local radio is perfect for Network members or trained Young Spokespersons to talk about their own personal adventure, challenge and fun, the friendships made and if you are lucky, their life-changing experiences.

Finally, an interview in the TV studio can be significantly enhanced with video footage to play alongside which brings the interview to life. If there is no video of the event, then offer some inspiring images.

24 hours after the event. Ideally, this should be the case with local newspapers. However, there have been instances of local newspapers running the story a few weeks after the event. Sometimes they have not got any space left for your story during the following week, so they will hold it back to the next issue. It is worth considering using language like ‘Scouts have recently returned from….’ rather than giving exact dates.

Remember that there is nothing wrong in writing up the story prior to the event taking place. You already know the story along with your key messages (don’t forget to change them into the past tense), so it is just a matter of weaving in your quotes and choosing the right images.

Planning makes perfect The best way to get good media coverage is to start working out what events you can use to help build your Network’s profile. So don’t delay and meet up with your Media Development Manager today.

It’s all in the timing The best case scenario is to give your story to the media well in advance if you are pitching for a ‘before’ or ‘during’ story. If you are pitching for an ‘after’ story, it is crucial that you work with TV and radio no more than

more info To find out who your MDM is, ask your County Commissioner or Secretary

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’ b o j a s i G ‘ With a lingering recession and youth unemployment nearing the million mark, starting a career is a feat in itself.

Can Scouting help? Emma Saunders gets to grips with this issue’s problem

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Problem page

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t the current time, with the R word still hanging over us, times are hard when it comes to disposable income, especially as we have just had Christmas and it’s the time of year we pay our membership subscription.

It is also notable from newspaper articles and figures released from the National Children’s Bureau that unemployment has risen, especially within the Scout Network age bracket.

This unemployment may be hitting your Scout Network with lack of funds to go on adventurous activities and having to plan in advance so that members can plan how they spend their money more wisely!

Here are some hints and tips to help you save money but also a reminder to include the great activities and achievements you have from Scouting in your CV and application forms.

Network on a shoestring 1. Plan evenings that use recycled materials such as bin bag fashion, create a band, artwork for the meeting place. These will save money as you can use everyday items that you have at home and at the same time help reduce your carbon footprint.

achievement, not everyone knows what the award is and so it would be more appropriate to put ‘While being a member of the Scout Network I undertook a four-night, five-day project with the local Waterway Company to help clear the riverbanks.’

Once you get to the interview you can add that this led you to the highest award in Scouting and the opportunity to meet the Chief Scout, receive your certificate and attend the National Parade at Windsor Castle.

Take some time to practise filling in application forms and writing your CV with fellow Network members.

This will make sure you don’t forget anything you have done by using the activities in Scout Network Taking the Lead (section 2).

Whereas the financial climate has caused difficult choices for everyone, with staycations and budget shopping necessary adaptations, Scout Network activities provide a value for money escape from the workplace or the job hunt. Giving flavour to your CV, we hope that everything you do in Scouting improves your potential as an employee, and provides some much-needed fun.

2. Going out with the Network? Before you go visit www.vouchercodes.co.uk and www.moneysavingexpert.com to find out if there is a voucher or deal you can take advantage of.

3. Do some DIY, whether to your building or maybe a cycle rack to encourage members to cycle to the meetings.

(See POL: A Green Scout Network - Scout Network Bike Rack – ID 27481)

Give yourself a boost If you’re a section leader or helper, get out your December/January copy of the main magazine, and check out Rosie Shepherd’s guide to how the Adult Training Scheme can help boost a CV (page 52). As well as the training modules there are many other activities and achievements that you undertake just being a Network member, so put these in.

The most important thing to get on your CV, without taking up too much space (you want your prospective employer to read it, after all) is the activities that you have done instead of just writing ‘… completed my Queen’s Scout Award’. While this is a great

THE STATS

Britain has the highest number of unemployed 16 to 24-year-olds in Europe, according to figures published by Eurostat.

Unemployment figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions show that youth unemployment has risen to almost one million. Department officials say that by population, this leaves the UK 13th out of 27 in the EU for youth unemployment. The TUC described the situation for young people in the job market as ‘a national emergency’.

Statistics courtesy of the National Children’s Bureau

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Moving with the times If you read your December/January issue of Network you will know that from July Explorer Scouts will be required to move on from the section before their 18th Birthday.

Gemma Veitch answers your questions

Moving on up: Network gives Explorers the chance to continue doing the activities they love

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uring the past few years we have received numerous pieces of feedback from the Movement that the current flexibility (up to 18½ years old) causes confusion in the Explorer Scout section in relation to the following: • Lack of clarity as to the need for a CRB/ Access Northern Ireland disclosure*SV at 18 years old.

• That an individual can hold an adult appointment and be an Explorer Scout at the same time – giving rise to conflicting responsibilities and confusion about their status.

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• Confusion surrounding sleeping arrangements for someone aged 18 to 18½ years old when on an Explorer Scout event with fellow Explorers aged between 14 and 18 years old.

• The Scout Association Permit Scheme applies to those aged 18 years old and over.

• Confusion regarding the position of Explorer Scout Young Leaders aged between 18 and 18½ years old.

With the implementation of this change from July 2010 the above issues will be clarified.

Q: When do people have to get a CRB/Access Northern Ireland disclosure check?*SV A: When a young person reaches the age of 18 (and wishes to remain in Scouting) they must be registered on the Vetting and Barring Scheme and complete a CRB/Access Northern Ireland disclosure check.*SV Q: When will Explorers have to move on by?

A: The transition window to move on from Explorer Scouts will be from 17 ½ - 18 years old. Explorer Scouts will have to move on by their 18th Birthday.

Q: When an Explorer moves on where can they go?

A: Explorer Scouts can move onto any or all of:

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Age range change

*SV Scottish variations The legislation regarding the availability and applicability of disclosure checks is different in Scotland. For further details please contact SHQ on 01383419073 or shq@scouts-scotland.org.uk

• The Scout Network section (from 17½ years of age) • To a role in Scout Active Support (from 18 years of age) • To any other adult role in Scouting (from 18 years of age) Q: I am a Network member so I’m not sure why this will affect me?

A: You need to ensure that your Network provision is suitable and welcoming to any Explorer Scout about to move up. You will need to be proactive to organise joint activities and invite them to events so they feel enthusiastic and relaxed about the transition.

Q: Does this affect DofE and Queen’s Scout Award expeditions?

A: No. Explorer Scouts and Network members will still be able to complete their expeditions together. They will still need to ensure that their accommodation is separate for over 18s and under 18s.

Q: Does this affect DofE and Queen’s Scout Award volunteering/service in Scouting?

A: No, nothing will need to change. If someone is under 18 they will be participating in the Young Leader’s Scheme. Once they turn 18 they will participate in the Adult Training Scheme.

Kind and helpful: There are chances to actively support young people when you turn 18

Q: I have been told an Explorer Scout wants to join Network at 17½. How can I support them with this?

A: Ideally you will have already had joint meetings so they will be known both to you and the Network members. When they are invested into the Scout Network section they automatically need to complete a CRB/Access Northern Ireland disclosure check.*SV They will need to continue having separate sleeping accommodation until they are 18 years old. The person running any activities that they participate in before they turn 18 years old will need to hold the relevant permit.

Although this change does not take effect until July 2010 it is worth thinking about now. Use the opportunity to produce a strategy for moving Explorer Scouts in. It is important that everyone takes on the responsibility to ensure that these Members are supported and have full understanding of the opportunities they have within Scouting. more info For more information please refer to www.scouts.org.uk/vbs or contact the programme team via the Information centre 0845 300 1818 or programme@scout.org.uk

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Opportunities galore There’s always so much going on, but have you considered our picks for Network relevant activities in the coming 18 months? Read on to be inspired Opportunity to explore

Opportunity to draw

The British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) recently announced their first desert expedition in many years.

The astoundingly beautiful location in Oman’s Empty Quarter will put even the toughest Scouts to the test, requiring participants to be physically fit, enthusiastic and resourceful in order to succeed.

The trip is perfect if you have a lust for adventure and a passion for environmental science; it would make an extraordinary gap year challenge. Bear Grylls, who is a patron of the BSES, said ‘[These expeditions] give those young people with a dream the chance to explore some of the world’s most remote regions. With that exploration, I have found, so often comes a sense of pride and achievement, building the champions and explorers of the future.’

Activities on the expedition will include desert field studies and surveying techniques, desert ecology, geology, wildlife surveys and anthropology, while camping in extreme conditions and testing your survival skills.

Anyone interested in taking up the challenge should log on to www.bses.org.uk and find out more.

The Scouting magazine cartoon competition was launched in the December/January issue, but will it be a Network member who will have the last laugh. The deadline has been extended, so get your wobbleboard out and some crayons and get a bit Rolf Harris for the chance to win a copy of the excellent new Scouting Skills book.

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Events and activities

Send your entry by 1 April to Cartoon competition, Scouting Magazine, Gilwell Park, London E4 7QW

Opportunity to design Next year, Hampshire Scout Network are organising an international activity camp for Networks, and they want everyone’s ideas on what would make Inter-Net 2011 the best.

The team are looking for suggestions on the programme, marketing, administration, site and services and cost.

To get on board designing the fantasy Network event, get in touch with Donna Tew at donna.tew@inter-net.org.uk and for more information see www.inter-net.org.uk

Opportunity to score

to everyone, and will have mens, womens and mixed categories.

Of course this summer will see the World Cup in South Africa, so the May event will have special relevance as teams from around the land vie for the honour of lifting the trophy.

To enter a team, contact Vulcan through their website at www.vulcan-network.org.uk

Opportunity to do more There are many more international opportunities than those covered above, from the World Scout Winter Games in Switzerland to the Australian Rover Moot in January 2011.

To discover more international opportunities and Network events visit www.scouts.org.uk/international and www.network-events.org.uk

Vulcan Scout Network are hosting a football competition for Networks at PACCAR Scout Camp in Chalfont, Buckinghamshire. The 7-a-side event is open

NB: Not all events mentioned are organised by The Scout Association and their inclusion in the supplement does not constitute an official endorsement by TSA. It is a requirement that all Scouting events are subject to risk assessment and follow the rules of the Association as outlined in Policy, Organisation and Rules.

Network Camp Saver Pack Item code: 1027666

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Save £18.75 against items sold separately Get kitted out for camp and make a big saving.

Vango Pillow Item code: 1022003

£5.25

01903 766 921 Vango Nitestar 250 Sleeping Bag Item code: 1026328

Foam Sleeping Mat

£25

Scouts Be Prepared 65 Litre Rucksack Item code: 1027425

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Item code: 1021985

On the move or in your tent, get a good night’s sleep with a spacesaving inflatable pillow.

Silverpoint Wind Up 3 LED Head Torch

£5.50

Item code: 1023863

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This essential mat gives protection, insulation and comfort and has multiple uses.

Recommended for DofE, the Nitestar offers warm and seriously comfortable sleeping for the dedicated camper.

With adjustable back system, emergency whistle and plenty of features, this robust rucksack has everything you need to be prepare for a hike.

Detachable headlight with 3 light settings. One minute of winding provides 20 minutes of power.

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).

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Faith and awareness events for April/May April 2 Good Friday (Christian) 4 (19th Orthodox) Easter Day (Christian) 5 Ch’ing Ming/Festival of pure brightness (Chinese) 8 Hanamatsuri (Buddhist) 12 Yom Ha-Shoah (Jewish) 14 Vaisakha/Baisakhi (Sikh) 21 1st Day of Ridván (Bahá’í) 23 St George’s Day 25 Start of Save the Children week 26 Start of RSPCA week May National share a story month 2 Lag B’omer (Jewish) 3 Start of deaf awareness week 3 Start of Red Cross week (tbc) 8 World fair trade day 9 Start of Christian Aid week 13 Ascension Day (Christian) 19-20 Shavuot (Jewish) 23 Pentecost/Whitsuntide (Christian) 23 Anniversary of the declaration of the Báb (Bahá’í) 27 Vesakha Puja/Wesak/Buddha Day (Buddhist) 29 Anniversary of the ascension of Baha’u’llah (Bahá’í)

Two of the fest Spiritual development is no less important a principle in the Network, but no less difficult as we all have searching questions and different journeys. In forthcoming issues we will be mentioning events that could form the basis of an activity or discussion at a future meeting Bahá’í festival of Ridván

Deaf awareness week

Bahá’í is one of the world’s youngest faiths, founded in Iran in 1863. It was founded by a young Iranian, known as The Báb. He foretold of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh, whom Bahá’ís believe is the latest manifestation of God. The Bahá’í faith accepts all world religions as having noble, true beginnings. Unity is a core principle to followers. There are 6 million Bahá’ís in the world, of which about 6,000 live in the UK. The festival of Ridván lasts 12 days and commemorates when Baha’u’llah declared that he was the Promised One of all previous religions. During this time, followers observe holy days, meet together, pray and tell stories about the experiences of the early Bahá’ís. One of the special beliefs of the faith is that whenever you open your mouth to pray, whether alone or among friends, the spot you are in becomes a sacred place of worship.

Every year in May, hundreds of deafness charities get together to raise awareness of deafness.

There are 35,000 deaf children in the UK and three more born every day.

Idea: Learn more about the Bahá’í faith as a Network and spend some time of personal reflection without any ritual.

For more info see www.bahai.org 18

Idea: Contact your nearest deaf school or support group for deaf children. Put on a Scouting activity for the children, learn some basic sign language, and think about how you can raise awareness together about the issues facing deaf people.

Link: www.britishsignlanguage.com

more info Deaf Friendly Scouting, a resource produced by The Scout Association and NCDS, is available from the Scout Information Centre.

Call 0845 300 1818 or email info.centre@scout.org.uk

Network December 2009/January 2010

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