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P U H C T I P KE PART IN TA X WEEK GREEN BO

Heal the world

An award that makes a difference

Young Herts

Hertfordshire Network makes strides

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S L L A B E H T T tory O s r e G c n a c ’s r be A mem

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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 RAFTING ING • CAVING • WHITE WATER RF SU • G KIN YA KA • ING LK WA GORGE 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 Working Group Adrian Wray, UK Adviser (Scout Network)

Welcome

Emma Saunders, Programme and Development Adviser

A hands-on issue

Contributions to: programme@scout.org.uk ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive: Tom Fountain tom@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258

Emma Saunders introduces a supplement filled with serious advice, programme ideas to get you walking, news of a new resource and the usual medley of fun and frolics

ShelterBox needs you!

The UK charity ShelterBox, which provides emergency aid to those affected by natural disasters, is organising Big Green Box Week, 18-25 May. They would like a thousand Scouts to raise awareness by taking part in a scavenger hunt in Central London.

To get your Network involved, please contact Becky at Shelterbox at beckym@shelterbox to register.

Shorts and swimwear are in all the shops, the events list is getting longer and the dates ever closer… could this mean it’s summer time?

Balls game Our main feature, ‘Talking Bollocks,’ explains the serious issue of testicular cancer, including a real case study and some hints and tips on how to protect yourself and what to do if you are worried.

Lead by example A new resource has been launched. Scout Network: Taking the Lead is available to download from a computer near you and has been produced to help you as Network members gain skills to run the most successful Scout Network.

Get in here Along with all this are our regular features, including all the key dates for the next few months. If you have any events, programme ideas, crazy Network names or articles you would like to see feature in your supplement please email them to the team at programme@scout.org.uk

Contents 4 Talking bollocks One man’s story of dealing with testicular cancer

8 Programme factory Expedition aids from Programmes Online

10 Scouts of the World How eleven Network members are making it a better place

12 Taking the lead Your guide to an indispensable resource

13 Lee’s top three From spaghetti trees to meddlesome bras

14 Network in focus Hertfordshire Network under the spotlight

16 Problem page Expert advice to give your CV a boost

18 Coming up...

A guide to future events

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Talking bollo

(but this time we’re There is plenty of information around on the telly and in lifestyle magazines encouraging girls to check their breasts for lumps, but encouraging boys to feel their bits is thin on the ground. The Network team felt that it was about time this was rectified and asked Martin King to give us the lowdown on what’s down below

It’ll never happen to me...but it did!

At the end of November 2004, I noticed a slight swelling down below. My doctor put me on antibiotics (which didn’t work) and I was referred to the local hospital. I had an ultrasound scan on Monday, blood tests and an appointment with a surgeon on Tuesday and the offending article was gone by Friday afternoon.

(Knife-wielding surgeons don’t muck around!)

As the lump seemed to be localised the surgery meant that 99.9% of my problem was now in a rubbish bin somewhere and not doing any further damage.

However, a nine-week course of chemotherapy was recommended to mop up any cells that might be floating around.

As it all happened so fast, much of the experience was a blur, but during my three-week recuperation following the operation my mind was racing. I still thought I would be dead by Christmas. Who was going to look after my kids? I wouldn’t see them get married, never see any grandchildren and many, many other doom-laden dreams. I didn’t sleep well as I spent night after night thinking of things I needed to do (sort out money, check my life insurance, make a will, the list went on.)

Jamboree incentive One of my biggest worries was that I was going to miss EuroJam. Silly I know, but I was part of the Medical 4

Services Organising Team and I had put in a lot of work that I wanted to see to fruition. So desperate was I to attend, I even made plans to book a hotel room and visit each day if I wasn’t fit enough to camp.

My chemotherapy passed without problem apart from the obvious tiredness. Modern anti-sickness drugs are very good, although the steroids I was given might have had something to do with my rosy feeling. The staff at the hospital were wonderful, even sitting up with me during the night when things got too much.

I was off work for six months and since then everything has been fine. The return outpatient visits gradually became further apart and I am now on 12-monthly check ups. Since finishing my treatment the hospital are always available on the phone to answer even the dullest of questions.

My friends at work and in Scouting were understanding but still treated me with the usual MON DA Y ribbing that made me feel Ha ve Scan there was nothing wrong with me. The day that stops is when I know there is no hope!

TUES DA Y If you are unfortunate AM - Blo od Test enough to suffer from PM - See Surgeon something similar and you

F

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Testicular cancer

locks

’re serious) cause Being diagnosed with cancer can y, but worr tant cons and ts nigh less sleep ed testicular cancer can be easily treat

need an ear to bend then contact me via the supplement and I’ll do what I can. Don’t suffer in silence. It is understandable that you will feel scared, but tell your Scouting mates what’s happening as I am certain they will be very supportive. Mine were.

What’s the risk?

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting young men and it’s getting more common: in fact, its prevalence has doubled in the past 20 years. Any man can be diagnosed with testicular cancer, although you may be at higher risk if a close family member has had it. If you work on the principle that as soon as you hit puberty you are potentially at risk you can’t go far wrong. It is also the most readily treatable cancer, with 95% of sufferers making a full recovery. In the words of my surgeon ‘If someone put a gun to your head and told you that FRIDAY you had to have cancer, Bollo ck off! you would pick this one every time’.

What causes it?

The causes aren’t yet fully understood but the chances of a cure are higher the earlier it is detected.

n

Also remember that everybody is built differently, so the lump you find might be normal, but you’ll never know unless you get it checked out by your GP. As some of the symptoms aren’t always obvious, it’s important to check your testicles regularly. There is a very good self-examination video available at www.thefamilygp. com/self-examination-videos.htm from Dr Chris Steele of ITV’s This Morning.

Should I see a doctor?

If you discover a lump or abnormality on your testicles you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

It’s more likely to be due to something other than cancer, but if things are more serious your doctor will have you in hospital before you can blink.

It’s important to remember that testicular cancer may not cause any discomfort or pain, especially in the early stages. The most common symptom is a small painless lump.

What happens if I do have cancer?

Almost all treatments will include surgery. As the cancer occurs in an organ that is by its nature separated from the rest of your body, removing the affected testicle removes most of your problem. You may need chemo or radiotherapy but the specialist will decide this. The most important thing to do is to inform yourself about your condition, its treatment and talk to your doctor.

>>

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>> The chances of a cure are extremely good.

It’s inevitable that you’ll feel anxious and scared (I know I did). However, it’s also important to remember that testicular cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat successfully, and treatment does not normally affect your sex life or chances of becoming a dad.

Who else can help?

CancerBACUP www.cancerbacup.org.uk Patient support organisation producing excellent literature. Their help and information line is staffed by cancer nurses. They also offer cancer counselling services.

Orchid Cancer Appeal www.orchid-cancer.org.uk This site contains useful information for men with testicular cancer.

Final word Keep an eye on your testicles and act as fast as possible.

If in doubt, talk to your GP. Most of all, if you do find yourself affected, get support and advice from one of the organisations above and your friends in Scouting.

Having my mates’ support made it all the more bearable.

Good Scouting friends can carry you through tough times

Next issue Here come the girls. We will look at breast cancer, and how to identify the symptoms. If you have an experience and would be happy to share it, please get in touch with us at scout.network@scout.org.uk

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Network April/May 2009

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Testicular cancer

Thanks to Health Challenge Wales for permission to use their poster.

Check your balls!

Any man can get testicular cancer but those aged 20 to 50 are more at risk.

After a shower or bath - check your balls for: • Swelling or tenderness • Hardness or lumps • Weight gain Also look out for: • Blood passing from your penis • Any back or lower-abdomen pain • Aching in either testicle • A heavy feeling in the scrotum If you spot anything - make an appointment with your doctor - but try not to worry as most testicular lumps aren’t cancer!

For more information visit wales.gov.uk/healthchallenge

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Ready trek This issue the Programme Factory has generated ideas from Programmes Online – the premium planner for your Network programme. This selection can all be used to get you prepared for an upcoming expedition Expedition Tea (Ref: 17129) The most important time to get hot liquids inside you on an expedition is at the end of the day when you arrive at the campsite and start to cool down. This activity gives you the opportunity to practise this before you need to do it for real.

You’ll need: • Matches • Stove (Coleman) • Stove (lightweight gas) • Torch 8

• Tea bags or coffee • Mugs • Milk • Pot

Duration: From 30 to 60 minutes

Instructions: • Split the Scout Network into small groups • Get everybody to recreate the expedition scenarios as closely as possible • Get each Scout Network member to make a cup of tea or coffee in as quick a time as possible using only the equipment you would have on an expedition

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Programme Factory

Lost! (Ref: 17130)

Expedition Cooking (Ref: 17127)

This game is set in a local community (or beyond) and involves the players being dropped off at an unknown location. They must then use the equipment they have been given to get home again.

This activity allows you to test out various meals for an expedition and then build an exciting menu that you can use while on your Chief Scout’s or Queen’s Scout Award Expedition.

You’ll need:

You’ll need:

• Ground sheet • Matches • Stove (Coleman) • Stove (lightweight gas) • Tent (Lightweight) • Torch • Emergency Card • First aid kit

• Small pencil • Whistle • Compass • Ordnance Survey map (local area) • Pens • White paper • Cars

• Matches • Stove (lightweight gas) • Stove (Coleman) • Food • Expedition cooking equipment

Duration: From one to two hours

Duration:

Instructions:

From one to four hours

• Using a menu-planner (there is a ready-made one on Programmes Online) plan a menu for a complete expedition • Get each member of the Scout Network to cook one of the items on the recipe in conditions similar to those you would expect on an expedition • Test the different foods and score them using the attached score card • Using the results change the menu so that everyone likes the food.

Instructions: • Each team is given a standard set of equipment and food • The team members are then blindfolded and driven to an undisclosed location • They must then find their way home using only the equipment they have been given • The winner is the team that makes it back to base first.

Additional information: The equipment and food varies on the distance and time it is expected each team to get home.

Instant Ideas

April and May have much to offer for quirky ideas, from Croatian cuisine to vernal stargazing.

On 6 April, Albania and Croatia will join NATO. Why not herald the news as a Network by cooking some Croatian cuisine (think skewered pork, stew or baklava) or donning sunglasses in honour of Albania’s most famous son, Blues Brothers actor John Belushi?

Additional information: Remember that the menu can be as exciting as you want to make it. Try lots of different ideas and remember to take all members of your team’s views on board when finalising the menu.

Easter falls on 11 April. Could you organise the country’s biggest egg hunt? With papier mache and chicken wire, manufacture ten or more massive eggs, and hide them around a square mile in your local community (do this in the middle of the night). Then invite Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and children’s groups to find all the eggs before meeting you at a designated point to claim their prize.

12 May is the last official NASA service mission to the Hubble Space telescope. Could you mark the occasion by borrowing a telescope for the night and setting up camp to take in some of the finer points of our beautiful galaxy? Get started at the International Year of Astronomy website. www.astronomy2009.co.uk

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r o W e h t f o s t Scou The second Scouts of the World Award Discovery was completed by eleven members from all over the UK, over two weekends in January. They learned loads about the world around them and became great friends. Sophie Bowman and James Stafford reveal all

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he Scouts of the World Award is an International Award for Scout Network members in the UK. It aims to provide opportunities to face the challenges of the future identified by the Millennium Declaration, which was unanimously adopted by the United Nations in 2000. The Award has three topic areas: development, peace and environment, which relate directly to the Millennium Development Goals.

We joined nine other Network members to take part in the Discovery on the theme of Environment. On the first weekend we spent a day at a Severn Trent Water 10

treatment works in the West Midlands, learning about sustainable development and renewable energy including what we can do locally for the good of the global environment. We also got to see first hand how sewage is turned into water clean enough for our rivers; how the energy created from the digestion of ‘sludge’ is being captured and sent to the National Grid and that the sweetcorn in poo can end up in landfill!

Participating in this adventure brought us loads of new challenges. We had the opportunity to learn project management skills and share ideas with others constructively. We also heard from specialist non-

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Scouts of the World

governmental organisations like Practical Action and Peace Direct.

After a hectic week apart we came together again in Croydon.

This time we explored how to manage emotions and had a go at solving problems. We also constructed a mini wind turbine, after a big debate about their feasibility. We also held an international campfire, in which we each presented a game from countries as far apart as New Zealand, Korea and France.

The Discovery is only the first part of the Scouts of the World Award. All of us now have to go away and complete 14 days of voluntary service as part of a project which addresses the issues we learned about on the discovery. We are all preparing

orld

to contribute to the world in which we live to make it better for future generations. The projects of Scouts of the World may not provide definitive cures for the problems of our world, but working together across the globe, our projects and actions will come together to make a huge impact. As well as wanting to make a difference to the world it has had a great emotional impact on our lives. As Scouting moves forward, we believe the Movement has a major role to play in the future of our world.

We would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of all the participants to everyone who has given us guidance, support and help to complete the Discovery section of the award.

The Discoverers Name: Natalie Kernan Nickname: Blondie Likes: Anything Pink and Fluffy Dislikes: Anything scary

Name: Vikki Gee From: South east London Nickname: Cheesecake Catchphrase: Save the fish and racoons!

Name: Sophie Bowman Likes: Coffee, jumping around and making noise Dislikes: Wasting water, electricity or food Claim to fame: I was once on Korean TV talking about how fun a water fight was

Name: Daniel Rust Likes: Everything Dislikes: Most things Claim to fame: Used the toilet at the highest point in Europe!

Name: Harriet Eloise Brewster From: West Glamorgan Likes: To give everything a go, giggling all the way Dislikes: Smelly boys

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Taking the Lead If you attended your Development, Advice and Support Day you will already have your copy of Scout Network: Taking the Lead. Emma Saunders turns the pages and picks out the need-to-know details

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aking the Lead has been developed to help promote the active participation of our members in the day-to-day running of Scout Network and it will help them to develop lifelong skills.

It is fundamental that Network members are involved in the decision-making process and organisation of the Scout Network. For some members, they may be new to this type of leadership and decision-making; leaders and commissioners have a responsibility to support them in learning the necessary skills.

Fab four The resource is divided into four sections and has a number of modules in each: 1. Being a member of the Scout Network 2. Building skills outside Scout Network 3. Being on the Scout Network committee 4. The extras.

Flexible friend The resource is there to help leaders and Commissioners support Network members in building the skills to run 12

really fantastic Scout Networks. How you deliver the modules, or whether you simply use the resource as a starting point is entirely up to you.

Each section also links with the Adult Training Scheme, and therefore completion of the modules may support you during your adult training or when validating the appropriate module of the training scheme.

We hope that Taking the Lead will help you develop your Scout Network to meet its full potential. We recently trialled the resource in the North East Region and the feedback received has been very positive. If you would like the team to assist you in running a course, simply contact the Scout Network team on scout. network@scout.org.uk

Get it now

Scout Network: Taking the Lead is available to download free from www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead

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Lee’s top three Intro

l o o f e h t y t i P ical trio, applicable to the issue’s Each edition we aim to look at a top best April Fool’s hoaxes launch date. This time out it’s the

1 The Left-handed Whopper In 1998 Burger King published a full-page advert in USA Today announcing the introduction of a new item to their menu: a left-handed Whopper specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the ad, the new Whopper included the same ingredients as the original (lettuce, tomato, hamburger patty, etc) but all the condiments were rotated 180º for the benefit of their left-handed customers. The following day Burger King issued a follow-up revealing that although the left-handed Whopper was a hoax, thousands of customers had gone into restaurants to request the new burger.

2 The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest In 1957 the respected BBC programme Panorama announced that thanks to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop.

It accompanied this announcement with footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Huge numbers of viewers were taken in. Many called the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. To this the BBC diplomatically replied that they should place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.

3 The Case of the Interfering Bra In 1982 the Daily Mail reported that a local manufacturer had sold 10,000 ‘rogue bras’ that were causing a unique and unprecedented problem, not to wearers but to the public at large.

Apparently the support wire in these bras had been made out of a kind of copper originally designed for use in fire alarms. When this copper came into contact with nylon and body heat, it produced static electricity which was interfering with local television and radio broadcasts. The chief engineer of BT, upon reading the article, immediately ordered that all female laboratory employees disclose what type of bra they were wearing.

Network names In the spotlight this issue, the Hollyoaks Network from Chester, named in honour of the Channel 4 soap that is predominantly set in the Cheshire city. Their logo combines the city’s rich Roman history and the Network’s skill with a spatula. scouts.org.uk/pol

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Being a big County can be a bane and a blessing in equal measure, but the Scout Network in Hertfordshire has come to terms with its size and is going from strength to strength.

Ela Drewett reports

Network at I

n 2002, Network kicked off in Hertfordshire based in-County and formed from old Venture Scout Units roughly grouped into local Networks. In ‘the old days’ it was very reliant on a few individuals who really kept things going, but when they went to university or moved on a number of the local Networks folded. Due to the size of Hertfordshire these local setbacks led to a general feeling of failure about the section within the County.

The road from 2002 to 2008 hasn’t been an easy one and has been an uphill struggle at times. However, with a lot of determination and hard work from certain dedicated individuals, Hertfordshire Network in 2008 is alive, kicking and growing by the day.

Support from above This growth can be attributed to two main factors.

Firstly, the National Network Review led by the UK Network Support Team gave clear and helpful guidance on how Hertfordshire could grow and evolve its 14

Network. Now there are 12 District based Networks that vary from fully established and thriving to just starting out on their journey. Running Network at a District level allows the County to focus on support, events and continued development in Districts where currently no Network provision exists.

Secondly, the District based Networks are really beginning to take shape as the old school of ‘Ventures’ get too old, and a flush of Explorers from the introduction of the Balanced Programme get their feet in the door and make it their own. Who said change couldn’t be good?

Getting involved Hertfordshire is proud of its Network and the contribution the section makes to the wider Scouting community through running events, camps and bases at competitions. Team work, enthusiasm and fun are the bywords to the success of these events, as Robin Smith from Hemel Hempstead Network explains:

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Network in focus

‘We’ve been running the Chiltern Challenge for the last six years and have seen it grow from eight teams taking part to over 50. We believe this growth is due to the continued enthusiasm Network members have for the event and to the strength of ideas they put forward.’

The Scout Network in Hertfordshire is thriving and successful. The successes come in all shapes and sizes, from a new Network penning their first programme to an established Network’s expedition to Kenya.

While proud of what they have achieved to date, we know that there is so much more that to be done, and with that in mind, it seems that the only thing left to say is ‘watch this space…’

Looking ahead Hertfordshire Network has many plans for the future: growing Exodus (see February issue of Network), improving inter-Network relationships, developing and growing links with the Explorer Scout section and running more events to name but a few. more info Find out more about Hertfordshire Scout Network online at www.hertfordshirescouts.org.uk or ‘friend up’ with them at their Facebook group

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Craghoppers’ classic-fit trousers are generally acknowledged as one of the best in the business.

Now with better performance, better features and better value, the Kiwi finish has been upgraded to improve water-repellent properties and minimise washing requirements.

Recommended by the DofE, this popular rucksack is ideal for any Network member undertaking a DofE programme.

It has a self adjust carry system, ergonomic hip belt, top access and zippered base compartment, plus many other features.

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC0384837 (Scotland).

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Boosting your CV This issue’s problem page takes a look at how to build an effective CV, and more importantly how you can use the skills and achievements gained in Scouting to stand out from the crowd

The employers’ view Ian Anderson – Commercial Manager, BAE Systems Ltd In most cases the first contact a potential employer will have with you is by reading your CV. This will allow them to get a quick assessment of what type of candidate you are, so first impressions really do count!

As an employer the first areas I tend to focus on are where do they work now followed by work history.

If the candidate is straight out of university the details of degree courses followed by work experience during study is useful to see. A good tip is to limit your CV to two sides of A4 only, font size 12, with adequate spacing.

For those with Scouting experience, concentrate on any specific large trips such as international projects, Jamborees and Moots, plus mentioning awards, team-building, camping experiences enjoyed and so on.

This all makes a CV stand out head and shoulders above others.

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Peter Oliver – Clinical Workstream Manager, System C Healthcare plc We receive a large number of CVs so it’s essential that they can be easily interpreted by HR Advisers and sent on to appropriate recruiting managers within the organisation. When a CV lands on my desk, what I tend to look for is: • Relevant professional experience, with detailed information for the last couple of roles and then a summary of others, unless the more relevant roles are in the past.

• Practical examples of why they are good at what they do – there is nothing worse than a CV that starts by

Scouting is on my CV and helped me get promoted. I’m in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and was applying to become an Officer.

One of the interview panel was a Scout Leader, so understood all I have achieved.

Craig, Scout Network On Tour

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Problem page

proclaiming greatness without real example.

• Reasonable education – but I don’t look for every single qualification to be listed.

• Membership to professional bodies, as this shows a potential wider interest in the area of work.

• Nice to have a line or two about other interests – especially voluntary roles of responsibility as this gives a bit of insight to the individual.

• Previous employers, for example those with a good reputation in the industry.

• Industry relevant continual professional development.

I was interviewing for a position as a trainer and had to demonstrate that I could ‘train’ a skill in ten minutes.

One square lashing later, the job was mine! I’ve been there nearly four years now, and without my Scouting knowledge, who knows where I’d be?

James Yeomans

What makes a good CV?

What makes a bad CV?

• One that is very clearly structured with a simple layout and good use of bullet points.

• Most relevant points at the top of each section of the CV. • CV tailored to the role they’re applying for.

• Mistakes or out of date information – this can indicate a lack of effort in the application.

• One that doesn’t use up valuable space with lots of referee contact details – unless specifically asked for or unless they have significance with the role being applied for – this space could be better used with other information.

• A very long one.

• One without a clear structure.

• One that’s full of buzz words or abbreviations that are hard to understand.

• Mistakes or out of date information as this can indicate a lack of effort in the application.

• Unexplained gaps in employment history as this has the potential to raise questions and also makes it harder to assess real length of experience.

• Use of multiple fonts and different colours – this just makes it hard work.

more info Help is at hand to get the best of your Scouting experience across in your CV. The factsheet CV Aid – The wider implications of Scouting (FS500004) provides useful information on how to translate your experiences into practical skills outside of Scouting. It also

explains how adult training modules can be accredited by the Open College Network (OCN).

The factsheet is available from the Scout Information Centre or online at www.scouts.org.uk/factsheets

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. . . p u g n i Com If your Network is twiddling its thumbs, get signed up for these impending Network events

April Activity Academies Hawkhirst Activity Centre, Northumberland 6-10 April Isle of Wight Revolution Activity camp for Explorers and Network 9-13 April Network Gathering Great Tower Scout Camp, Windermere 10-13 April Apex Challenge Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nottinghamshire 18-19 April www.apexchallenge.co.uk National Scout Service and St George’s Day Parade Windsor 26 April www.scouts.org.uk/windsor

Activity Academies

Find details of the Association’s first Activity Academy at www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/ assessment/activityacademy.htm

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May Evo World Tour Ferny Crofts Activity Centre, Hampshire 1-4 May www.evoevents.net Big Green Box Week Central London 18-25 May www.shelterbox.org June Open University Event Milton Keynes 27 June www.scouts.org.uk/network/events MADUK Camp hosted by Essex Network 26–28 June www.essexscouts.org.uk/maduk Wanted: A thousand Scouts to raise awareness of the work done by the charity ShelterBox in disaster areas. Get involved in Big Green Box Week – register your Network now by emailing beckym@shelterbox.org

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