BON VOYAGE!
Paris D is co ve r r i l in Ap
ine for The magazembers ork m Scout Netw arch 2011 February/M
Heart of Network
What is it that makes Network special?
Students who Scout Take a look at SSAGO
E L D D A P A H WIT s return e i m e d a c A k Activity r o w t e N e h T
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Welcome
Published by: The Programme Team The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW
New look Network
Tel: 0845 300 1818 Contributions to: programme@scouts.org.uk ADVERTISING Richard Ellacott richard.ellacott@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258 Contributors: Eleanor Rendells, Peter Ford, Patrick Rooke, James Boyle, Chris Dean Cover photo: Allan Baxter For ease of reading, this supplement refers to all variations of ‘county’ groupings simply as County. You can read all the section supplements, and the main magazine, online at www.scouts.org.uk/magazine
New factsheet A new factsheet has been produced to support the safe and responsible use of social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Social Networking Sites and Scouting promotes a common-sense approach as well as containing information about the training opportunities available
Important announcement regarding changes to the UK Adviser roles On 1 January, the volunteer structure for the Programme Team changed and Graeme Hamilton has been appointed to the role of Deputy UK Commissioner for Programme. Previously Graeme was the UK Adviser for Cub Scouts and has been heavily involved in Scouting in Scotland. Adrian Wray will stand down from the role of UK Adviser for Scout Network at the end of March after three years in the role. The Programme Team would like to take this opportunity to thank Adrian for all his hard work over the years including the time he spent on the Scout Network Support Team previous to his appointment as UK Adviser. Adrian has made a particular impact on the Scout Network review in 2002 and his work in local Regions and Counties across the UK. Should you wish a member of the Programme Team to support your event or Scouting in your area please contact programme@scouts.org.uk to discuss your requirements further.
Find it by searching for FS103011 on www.scouts.org.uk
Graeme Hamilton
Contents 4 Network news A round-up of what’s happening in the section
6 What’s the point? A new series of articles that go to the heart of the section
8 SSAGO and onion What do you know about Scouting clubs at UK universities?
10 Hallå Sverige Swedish meatballs and water awareness from the programme factory
12 Enter the academy We reminisce about the pilot event as the academies whirr into action once more
16 World aware, world helpful The latest Scouts of the World Discovery
17 21st-century penpals The International Links Scheme
18 Events Team Penguin look back at their Explorer Belt in Serbia
14 Où est la piscine? A Parisian Network adventure
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News and updates A camp with the Chief Scout, make your own on-brand flyers, defunct factsheets and an old pioneer. The swiftest of round-ups of Scout Network news
Switch on to adventure in 2011 If one of your new year’s resolutions is to smarten up your signage and local communications, then help is at hand. The Scout Association’s Print Centre is a free facility available to all members. Personalise and print on-brand resources using templates for flyers, calendars and more. To access, please log in using your membership user name and password at www.scouts.org.uk/brand This year we will be launching templates for more events including jumble sales, swimming galas, newsletters, annual reports and District directories.
Handy hint Use the purple only version of the Scout logo as it’s more visible on a white background and helps us get recognised all over the UK. If you have any queries, email communications@scouts.org.uk
Chief Scout’s Survival Camp 20-21 August 2011
Chief Scout Bear Grylls is holding a 24-hour wilderness survival camp on his island in Wales, and eight Scout Network members aged 18 to 25 will be lucky enough to join him!. If you have achieved your Queen’s Scout Award or will have by 13 August 2011 then you are eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is 30 April 2011. To find out more and get an application form visit www.scouts.org. uk/survivalcamp
Factsheet Update The following factsheets have now been discontinued and will no longer be updated: FS800016 | SDA Skills and Development FS800015 | SDA Community FS800014 | SDA International FS800013 | Finance & Network FS800001 | Decision making in Network FS800011 | CRB & Network New factsheet: FS103011 | Social Networking Sites and Scouting All information on the Scout Network section can either be found in Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) or in the Information and Resources area of www.scouts.org.uk
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News
Well I never…
Young Leaders – Ongoing learning module Are you a Beaver, Cub or Scout section leader? Ever have Young Leaders come to your section without knowing much background about the scheme? A new ongoing learning module has now been launched to support section leaders in gaining vital knowledge about the Young Leader’s Scheme and their role in supporting it. For more information, ask your training adviser or visit the training area of the Information and Resources pages of www.scouts.org.uk.
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In the Hourglass Tower item in the December/January issue of Network you asked if anyone had done a similar project. Well, yes I have, but probably not in the time frame you had in mind. The photo (below) was taken during my Scout Section Leader Advanced course in May 1978. Sadly, even then, I would have been too old to be a member of Scout Network (if it had existed). The course was held at the Kent County campsite at Hamlet Wood near Maidstone. I hate to say this, but I do think our tower was a little taller; although, I’m sure, even less stable than the Cornwall Network’s version. It’s nice to see that such activities are just as much fun in 2010 as they were in the 1970s! Charlie Horne
Charlie Horne, now Appointments Secretary of Deal, Walmer, Sandwich and District Scouts
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What’s the point? As the Network nears its tenth birthday, we take a look at what makes the section tick, why you like it and if it’s seen its day. The search has begun for Network’s beating heart
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ince its genesis in 2002, the idea of a ‘youth’ section for 18 to 25-year-olds in Scouting has been tossed around, chewed over and debated. By its members, by section leaders who see it as a social club for those who could be doing them a favour in leadership roles, and by managers who are trying to find the best format and structure to enable Network to be sustained and grow. So what have we learned, nearly ten years down the road? And have we answered the question: What is Network for? Over the next couple of issues, we’re going to be asking the questions that get at the heart of the section in these pages, and talking to people who were there at the start, and some current Network members to sit down together and pick apart the achievements (and pitfalls) of the section’s first decade.
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and projects have had on them as individuals. It should be remembered that the section is still in its infancy, and hasn’t reached ‘teen age’ yet. But there are also issues that have been slow to resolve, such as the management of the section, and communicating its identity to local Groups and Districts. Stories of success are coupled with anecdotes that express a frustration from those who have tried to establish a Network and felt like they’ve been bashing their head against a brick wall.
Dear to your heart
You have the floor
Just before Christmas, we posed the question on the Scout Network Facebook page, ‘What does Network mean to you?’ A broad question, yes, but one that we hoped would elicit the feelings and emotions that come with reflecting on why Network is special. Here’s a selection of the answers we received:
There is clearly some genuine affection for the Scout Network, as members who have been in touch with the supplement over the years are quick to speak eloquently about the effect international experiences, expeditions
‘What does Network mean to me? Not as easy to answer as it sounds. It depends on the individual and the group leaders as well as the other members of the
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Heart of Network
At the end of it all, Network is a great adventure with great mates
group. On top of that the activities combined with the numerous camps change the idea of what Network means to me. You get to do things you never thought of doing before. It’s a chance to go new places, see new things and meet other Network members.’ Victoria Hadfield, Starchaser/MENS (Manchester East Network Support) ‘To me, Network is a great way of making friends, staying with old ones and having fun. Most of all it’s that feeling of reaching 18 and not having to leave Scouting and all the fun times that go with it!’ Rose Ware, Bedfordshire Clangers Network ‘Network is about getting something back from Scouting. As an Explorer Scout Leader, being in Network provides me with opportunities to enjoy socialising with other people in Scouting of my age, and enjoyment without responsibilities. I see the point of Network as doing lots of activities, making new friends and having a laugh.’ Jess Flavin, Merseyside Scout Network
Getting involved at events is one part of the fun of Network
‘First and foremost it’s my way of keeping Scouting for myself. Yes, I help out at a Group and help out when I can to support events for all sections but Network ensures I get the most out of Scouting. If anything, my Scouting experience becomes richer the older I get. Thanks to Network, I get much more out of it now.’ Lewis Abbott, Chair of Ormskirk Local Scout Network
What do you think?
Don’t sit on the sidelines. Join the discussion about the real meaning of Network and play a part in its future development. We’ve started the ball rolling on the Scout Network Supplement group on Facebook. Sign in to have your say.
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d n a O G SSA onion You can’t get a degree in Scouting, but you can continue the adventurous life at university through the Student Scout and Guide Organisation (SSAGO). Eleanor Rendells joined up at Southampton Uni, and hasn’t looked back
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f all the societies I joined as a fresher, I can honestly say that SSAGO is one of the best. It is great value for money (extremely important as a student) but far more importantly, it’s fun. The Student Scout and Guide Organisation is open to anyone studying at university who would like to join in with Scout and Guide style activities. This year, we accrued 42 members, including 20 freshers. There’s a good split between Guides and Scouts which is great because we have a mix of people and personalities. We also get a much wider range of activities offered to us and it’s great to work with the ‘other’ organisation, a chance you don’t often get in regular Scouting and Guiding circles.
Meeting We have a weekly meeting in a local pub where we catch-up and plan activities. Our diverse membership has led to numerous interesting discussions and debates. Meeting regularly is the best way to get to know everyone else in the society in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. 8
Helping SSAGO also aims to connect students with local Scouting in leadership or helper roles. At the start of the academic year, one meeting gave us the opportunity to meet with leaders from Groups in and around the city. The Groups who were there understood that students may not be able to give regular commitment, but could work flexibly around term schedules and allow us to keep up our Scouting or Guiding.
Camping One of the first events of the SSAGO year is Freshers’ Camp. This year it took place in Devon and is definitely worth participating in. As well as spending Friday night at the Tar Barrels Carnival in Ottery St Mary’s, we hiked from Seaton to Beer and enjoyed a campfire on the beach and a paddle in the not-so-warm sea. There were also silly games on the campsite and a trip to the Rufus Stone in The New Forest.
Rallying Every term, SSAGOs from across the UK host a Rally
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SSAGO
where everyone goes camping for a themed weekend. In November, over 240 people attended the Silly Hat Rally in London. The next (called ‘The Legends Rally’) takes place in Cardiff in February. We’ll be there.
SSAGO’s got balls Social occasions are a mainstay of the student Scouting life, culminating in SSAGO balls, which are held by individual societies and at national level too. These too are themed, and always give rise to some hilarious moments.
Because meetings happen in the evening, they rarely interrupt studies and tend to get a good turnout. Activities can be suggested by any member but are usually the genius ideas of the committee. Comprised of nine students who are elected annually by SSAGO members, anyone from any year can stand for positions such as president, treasurer, Guide/Scout liaison officers, social secretary, webmaster and more. If you know your onions, and would like to get involved in the organisation of SSAGO, you’ll find a role that suits you.
SSAGO BASICS
Student Scouts have several choices when they rock up at campus, and each university will have its own setup, so find out what’s on offer before you arrive and get swept up in the melee of student life. Network – Some unis have distinct ties to a Network, which will be a combination of students and local residents who are of Network age. SSAGO – Some college campuses are allconsuming, and the only time you see ‘townies’ is on the odd night out. In these instances, SSAGO may be the only choice you have. Leadership – Joining up with a local group can help you connect with your university town, and give you a break from campus chaos. SSAGO and Network could hook you up, or you can contact the Information Centre with your new postcode. Scout Active Support – You can still be involved in Scouting without the full time commitment. Scout Active Support Units provide a resource to Scouting by means of specialist skills and qualifications or services where required.
GET INVOLVED For details of SSAGO go to www.ssago.org.uk
To find your local Scout Group (to volunteer) or Network (to join) visit www.scouts.org.uk/join 0845 300 1818 | info.centre@scouts.org.uk
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Our programme processing this issue has been done by the International Team, who remind us to join in with the build up to the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden. Super (trooper)
Hallå e g i r e v S Our World: World Water Day 22 March 2011 is World Water Day. This has been observed since 1993 and was created by the United Nations in order to recognise the issues surrounding water supplies and promote activities relating to water awareness. In March, members of your Scout Network can come together to promote water awareness to other sections in your Counties and Districts. Be creative in how you deliver some activities to another section. You could run games involving water awareness which are in other 10
The Join-in-Jamboree theme for February is Hallå Sverige (Hello Sweden). Get involved by cooking up some Swedish fare at your next overnight event
QUICK AND EASY LLS SWEDISH MEATBA For the meatbal ls: 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 red onion 1 tsp of dried or frresh oregano 1 tsp of dried or fresh parsley 300g beef mince 300g pork mince 1 free-range egg yolk 2 tbsp plain flour Salt and pepper to season For the tomato sauce: 1 tsp of sugar 1 crushed garlic clove 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper To serve: 100g cheese (cheddar or parmesa n)
March’s Join-in-Jamboree theme is ‘Our World’, promoting awareness and action on international issues sectional Join-in-Jamboree resources, available to view online at www.scouts.org.uk/wsj2011. Alternatively, you can search for programme activities involving water on Programmes Online at www.scouts.org.uk/pol. You could also make a presentation to other sections, discussing their own level of water use and what can be done to reduce water consumption. The choice is yours, but be creative.
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Programme factory
Instructions 1. Dice the onion and fry in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 3 minutes until the onion softens. Remove from the heat and put to one side. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the pork mince, beef mince, oregano, parsley and flour with your hands for 2-3 minutes. 3. Separate the white and yolk from an egg. Beat the yolk using a fork and add this to bowl. The egg yolk will bind all the ingredients together. 4. Add the cooked onions to the bowl and season the mixture with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients again for 1 minute with your hands. 5. Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour onto a work surface or plate. Take some of the mixture from the bowl, quickly turn it in the flour and then roll it in your hands to make a
golf-ball sized meatbal l. Repeat this until you have run out of mixture. 6. Using the pan you fried the onions in, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Then cook the meatbal ls on a medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown. 7. To ensure the meatbal ls are thoroughly cooked, cut one in half. The meat should be brown all the way through . If there are any hints of pink, put them back on the heat. 8. When cooked, remove the meatbal ls from the heat but keep them warm while you make the sauce. 9. In a saucepa n, add the tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, crushed garlic, salt and pepper. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes. 10. Pour the hot sauce over your meatbal ls and sprinkle with your choice of cheese.
Looking ahead The themes for April, May and June are: April – Make a change! Make a difference! Get involved with a life-changing charity, such as ShelterBox. You can do this via the ShelterBox Experience on 18-20 March or 13-15 May. Find out more at www.youngshelterbox.org/events.php May – Scouting Skills. Replicate a Swedish landmark with a supersize pioneering project. Enter the Network flagpole competition by building it and sending us your photos. June – Working together. Get the team going and put your skills to use with other sections, or using the Taking the Lead resource. www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead
Join in and share Let us know what you’ve been doing to Join-in-Jamboree by posting your pictures and comments on the Scout Network Supplement group on Facebook.
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e h t r e t n E academy tivity academies are Trialled last year, the ac of fast-tracking your back, and an ideal way ills. Elis Matthews Network to a series of sk lot recalls the successful pi
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hat’s the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid?’ The question was thrown out, followed by a pregnant pause. Eyes fell to the floor, course mates looked suspiciously at each other. From the back of the room, an answer was offered… ‘A life jacket puts the buoyancy behind the neck to keep your head the right way up when you’re in trouble in the water; a buoyancy aid keeps you generally afloat.’ This could have been a scene from any activity assessment, but the setting was Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre on the banks of the picture-perfect Kielder Water, and the context was The Scout Association’s pilot Activity Academy. The week-long course, organised to allow Scout Network members and leaders aged under 25 to gain canoeing, sailing and power boating qualifications and Scout activity permits, focused on water activities, making the most of the facilities the centre has to offer the outdoor enthusiast. 12
Repeat formula This spring, the academies return with an extended offer. As well as repeating the water activities course at Hawkhirst, there’s a more general (but no less useful) Introduction to Instructing course being held at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre which aims to give you the tools to become an effective outdoor instructor. If the first academy was anything to go by, these intensive courses are worth investing the time in, as you have the opportunity to gain experience and qualifications that usually would take several weeks at a greater overall cost. There’s also the added benefit of attending the academy with like-minded souls from all over, rather than the same old faces.
Skilful mentors It takes a special something to turn a group of twentysomething strangers into a crooning bunch of wetsuited posers within 48 hours of first meeting, but that’s the memory I’ll take away from the sun-kissed
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Activity Academies 2011
jetty of the Hawkhirst site. Young men and women, who signed up to learn technical skills on the water, got new friends and new ideas about what it means to be a Scout in the 21st century out of the bargain. The staff are brilliant. Working at everyone’s level, offering honest and practical answers to the technical questions, offering reassurance and guidance without condescension. The expertise that exists within the teams at our national Scout Activity Centres is first rate, but it’s cheerfully passed down, with the newer members of the staff being subjected to the usual rites of passage (Mike, the sailing instructor, was dunked in the water by the sailing class shortly before I left).
We take all comers
paddlers, for whom the course offered a timely refresher and a chance to validate the skills they had with the appropriate certification. But in the middle was the social melding of a new group, the first graduates of the ‘Activity Academy’, who continued their conversations via Facebook and Skype. You might not be the first class to experience the academy, but you’ll be part of a select bunch if you get quickly booked on the impending courses. I can’t recommend them highly enough, and indoor accommodation and hearty food is provided so you can focus on getting the most out of the sessions. Both academies take place during the week from 28 March to 1 April, and full details can be found at www.scouts.org.uk/events
Some of the participants had only just turned 18, and new to Network and adult leadership. The course opened their eyes to the section and to the possibilities getting activity qualifications can lead to. There were also seasoned leaders, and competent sailors and scouts.org.uk/pol
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Où est la piscine?
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he international element of the Network programme is one of its shining lights, as it allows us to discover new countries and broaden our horizons as Scouts and active citizens. Yet sometimes our nearest neighbours hold the key to discovering more about our Scouting, and about ourselves. I was recently introduced to a new event being organised by the Scouts et Guides de France, exclusively for Scouts and Guides aged 17-22. Staged over four days (22-25 April) in the French capital, Paris d’Avenir is geared towards giving youth members the tools to feel empowered in making a difference in their local communities, inspiring creativity (for which the flamboyant French are famous) and invoking cultural exchange in the centre of one of Europe’s greatest metropolises.
Everybody needs good neighbours As UK Scouting’s Global Adviser for Europe (one of two) I’m keen to highlight the advantages of Networks
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exploring what Scouting has to offer in our own continent. An active and diverse Scouting community awaits, and Paris d’Avenir would be one of the most economic ways to access this in 2011. The event has three themes, spread over the weekend. They are: YOUTH INVOLVEMENT. Making choices and being committed here and now allows us to reach our potential and find happiness. CREATIVITY. By innovating and creating we are the change we want to see in the world INTERCULTURAL EXCHANGE. Meeting each other is using our differences as a basis to build peace.
Lost in translation Once you get past the bizarre version of English spoken in Europe by Scouts who are not native speakers, and try and wheel out your best GCSE French (Je m’appelle, Je voudrais, Où est? and so on) you’ll soon find much in
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International
A new event across the Channel could open up a new avenue of discovery. James Boyle says bonjour to Paris d’Avenir
common with your French counterparts (known as Compagnons) and begin up to ‘104 journeys’ that will help you build a better world. Add to this social occasions (Souk), an Easter celebration, a street action in Central Paris (Happening) and some Scouting activities and you’ve got a perfect Parisian weekend with your mates (and some new friends).
Saturday programme – The number 104
a sense of joie de vivre, you’ll be challenged to work in teams to find the answers. 104 MINUTES. An artistic evening exploring intercultural dialogue. What talent will you bring? This event does have a unique ring about it, and the more UK Networks that take part, the better it will be. Give the website a visit and take your place in contributing to the Paris of the future.
The main day of Paris d’Avenir centres around the number 104, with projects, partners, hunts and arty stuff to participate in. 104 JOURNEYS. An afternoon of community service with Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) involved in building a better world. These range from ‘Double click on the mouse’ to ‘Handi lip dub’. 104 CLUES. A scavenger hunt to discover the cosmopolitan Paris. Armed with a metro map and
Bienvenue
If you’d like more information, or can’t wait to book, get what you need at www.parisdavenir.eu or drop James a line at europe.adviser@scouts.org.uk. There are advisers for all world Scouting regions. See them at www.scouts.org.uk/globaladvisers
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The team works as they build a wind turbine
World aware, world helpful The third Scouts of the World Discovery was held over two weekends in September 2010 at Ullesthorpe Scout Campsite, Leicestershire. Scout Network members from all over the UK attended and, for the first time, the Discovery focused on two themes: environment and peace. Chris Dean reports
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n the first weekend participants spent a day exploring one or other of the themes. A group visited the Derby sewage treatment works at Spondon to learn about waste, clean water and renewable energy – the site is already 60% self-sufficient – and then travelled to Carsington Water to assess the environmental impact of this Severn Trent reservoir. The other group headed to Leicester, where their task was to investigate the success of various initiatives aimed at improving community cohesion. Results were shared amongst all participants. Another day was spent on generic skill training including prejudice and stereotyping, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
Next steps The second stage is for the participants to spend a period of time reflecting on their experience at the Discovery, introducing programme ideas in their local Scouting communities, and planning their voluntary service projects in detail. The Scouts of the World Voluntary Service will take them to many different parts of the world in small teams, from Nepal to Singapore, and Korea to Uganda. Mentors will be on hand to support and keep track of progress, and a Reunion and catch-up weekend took place in December 2010.
Turbine testers The main emphasis of the second weekend was developing such skills as project management, and working on action plans for the Scouts of the World Voluntary Service, a project lasting 14 days. This was reinforced with presentations from Practical Action and the first two UK Scouts to achieve the award, Rosie Hawley and Matthew Abbott, and a real hands-on demonstration of assembling a medium-size wind turbine suitable for generating energy in rural villages in developing countries. 16
SCOUTS OF THE WORLD
The Scouts of the World Award is an award of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Find out more about it at www.scout.org
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International Links
21st-century penpals
As the old adage goes, ‘There are no strangers in Scouting, just friends you’ve yet to meet.’ Peter Ford considers the International Links Scheme, and how it might just hook your Network up with a new global possibility
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he International Links Scheme offers a means of communicating with other Scouts abroad and provides an ‘international experience’ without necessarily having to leave town. The traditional concept of writing a letter has now given way to members all over the world from Australia to Malawi and Hong Kong to Zimbabwe requesting links with Scouts online. As well as exchanging emails, International Links/ penpals can now talk to each other on Skype, share photos and videos using any number of online tools (including Group websites, MSN and YouTube), and link up with each other in October during JOTA-JOTI, the world’s largest International Scouting event! There’s still room for snail mail though... badge swaps, anyone?
Why make an international link? Scouting has always promoted international peace, understanding and co-operation by encouraging contact between members from various countries and cultures. These connections help develop a broader awareness of the global community, seeing what they have in common and what the differences are between themselves and Scouting friends globally. Reasons to be global: • Opportunity to make new friends
• Helps you complete the International Partnership Award and International areas of the International, Values, Environment list for Chief Scout’s and Queen’s Scout Awards • Build relationships that can last a lifetime • Swap photos, programme ideas and camp experiences. • Leaders can exchange ideas with, and gain support from, an international counterpart with similar interests and goals • Maybe even visit and camp together.-
How do you find a link?
If you are interested in trying to organise a link, please contact Peter Ford, International Links Co-ordinator, by email international.links@scouts.org.uk or register online at www.scouts.org.uk/ intlinks. The scheme can be used by individual youth members and leaders, as well as Group links between sections. You can also search for, and share experiences of, international campsites online by using the new Globe Trekker tool. Go to globetrekker.scouts.org.uk to start your quest.
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Events February Fun in Beds. 25-27 Feb. Bedfordshire Network Camp. Cost: £25 (before 5 Feb) £35 after. funinbedsfun@hotmail.co.uk
March Operation Red Flare. 5 March, Surrey Hills. Night incident hike for teams of 4-7. www.glswscouts.org.uk/2011/ operation-red-flare
Hub Camp 2011. 25-27 Feb. Nethy Bridge, near Aviemore. www.scout-network.org.uk
Network Activity Academies. 28 March to 1 April. Introduction to Instructing @ Youlbury | Watersports @ Hawkhirst See p12-13 for more information. sac@scouts.org.uk
April Apex Overnight Challenge. 9-10 April, Sherwood Forest. Tough challenge event including climbing, caving, mountain bikes and more. www.apexchallenge.co.uk Paris D’Avenir. 22-25 April 2011. International Rover event. See p14-15 for more information. www.parisdavenir.eu europe.adviser@scouts.org.uk
Serbian Explorer Belt Expedition Team Penguin, a group of three Scout Network and Guide members undertook their Explorer Belt Award expedition across Serbia in August 2010. Helen and Louie tell us what it was like The trip was for 17 days and was the biggest challenge in Team Penguin’s lives so far. We gathered at the Serbian headquarters in Sabac ready to begin. We were very nervous as we couldn’t plan routes until the day before we were due to leave, which was nerve-racking. Our nerves increased after we planned our route and it dawned on us how far we would be walking for ten days with our really heavy bags – our first day was 22km. We had a fantastic time during the expedition.
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The Serbian people were so kind to us and helped at every opportunity, even though many couldn’t speak a word of English. We were offered drinks and food wherever we stopped or even when just passing by their house. We helped on a farm doing chores, hiked like a walking jumble sale with washing drying on our backs and Ben even had his hair shaved off as one of the challenges. Along the way we made some great friends, who we hope to keep in touch with in the future. It felt like we had walked 1,000 miles but completing the challenge gave us a great sense of achievement. If you ever get the chance to experience an Explorer Belt, then do it. www.scouts.org.uk/explorerbelt
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WALTON FIRS ACTIVITY CENTRE Convent lane, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1HB Owned and managed by Walton Firs Foundation
Warm & Friendly Welcome 3 Accommodation Buildings, 30 acres of Camping Ground Activities, Open Fires & Easily Accessible
Wardens: Sue & Dave McIntosh 01932 8632243 Email: warden@waltonfirs.co.uk www.waltonfirs.co.uk Walton Firs are pleased to welcome Scouts Please note that while we welcome Scouts, this centre is neither owned nor run by The Scouts Association
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