scout

ine The magaazders for Scout Lrceh 2011 a February/M

Which way now?

Hiking tips for urban and rural environments

Cross border ties The International Links Scheme is looking for Scout Troops

T I R I P S P O O R T F O S E L TA of Scouting e c n e s s e e th Identifying

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Published by The Programme Team The Scout Association Gilwell Park Chingford London E4 7QW Tel: 0845 300 1818 Contributions to: programme@scouts.org.uk Advertising Richard Ellacott richard.ellacott@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258 Contributors: Eddie Langdown, Louise Henderson, Peter Ford, David Mitchell, Julian Morgans, Tom Jenkins Cover photo: Stuart Whale For ease of reading, this supplement refers to all variations of ‘county’ groupings simply as County.

WELCOME INTRO

New year, new look Important annoucement regarding changes to the UK Adviser roles

You can read all the section supplements, and the main magazine, online at www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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.

SHOEBOX APPEAL

The 3rd St Budeaux had a very successful time participating in the Support our Soldiers shoebox appeal over Christmas

Alasdair McBay will stand down from the role of UK Adviser for Scouts at the end of March after three years in the role. The Programme Team would like to take this opportunity to thank Alasdair for all his hard work over the years including the time he spent on the Scout Support Team previous to his appointment as UK Adviser, particularly his work on the Scout Handbook.

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.

Contents 4 Set the scene Ideas on setting hike routes whether in the countryside or in town

6 News and updates Troop news from across the UK

9 Calling all Scout Troops A guide to the fantastic International Links Scheme

10 Programmes on a plate An evening of Join-in-Jamboree

12 The intangible assets What do we actually mean by the ‘spirit’ or the ‘essence’ of Scouting?

14 Step up A leader’s experience of moving into the role

16 Partners Great offers and opportunities

18 Fair play Camp activities involving the entire Troop

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e n e c s e h t t Se and compass skills, Eddie In another piece on teaching map ting hike routes, in all terrain Langdown offers some ideas on set

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ne of the realities of map reading and setting hikes is that it is a far more difficult exercise in suburban settings than it is in open countryside. Following field footpaths, especially near built-up areas, requires the skills of a detective whereas deciding upon and walking on a long uninterrupted route in open countryside is easier but potentially more risky.

I recently planned a five mile hike in Kent which required no less than 30 map-reading decisions as the route crossed small roads, went into a churchyard with three possible exits, through a new housing estate, re-routed around a golf course, across the local football pitch (with a Sunday match in progress) and exiting from the corner of a packed pub car park.

How to set a hike route (in a farm footpath/mixed countryside setting) Gaze long and hard at the map in the immediate area of your campsite, chosen area or starting point. The blessings of the Magna Carta and the subsequent history of our ‘Rights of Way’ leave us spoilt for choice in England when it comes to the sheer abundance of public footpaths.

Settle down and read the map like a good book, study the detail like a beautiful oil painting, notice the oddities; 4

wells, monuments, trig points, tumuli, small bridges, churches, woods and so on. Get curious.

Now, read the footpaths only and begin to see how they might link up, stand back a little until you see a run of footpaths. Avoid all roads and pay particular attention to where roads have to be crossed. Get excited.

Can you make a circular route with Patrols starting at either end? Could you have two somewhat parallel routes that keep Patrols (and yourself) quite near, but out of sight? Could you have two routes from a station to a campsite so the groups exchange and walk a different one back?

Get your Scouts to plan and walk their own hike by giving them a piece of string the exact length of the route, the general area of the map, some pins and a selection of suitable start/end points.

How far/how fast?

Around 2.5 to 3 mph is often quoted as a good walking speed, but to be perfectly honest you will be lucky to get half that from your Scouts, such is the amount of time they spend standing gazing at maps and arguing about the route at every junction and crossing.

In my last article I suggested to my fellow leaders that we start by walking with our Troop for the first couple of

Scouts February/March 2011

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SKILLS

Scouting Skills Hiking and map reading are just some of the great skills covered in A Complete Guide to Scouting Skills, available from www.scouts.org.uk/shop

hikes, to help with the transition from Scout hall to the real thing. That is where we can teach them to try and make two or three decisions ahead, to put the map aside and walk at some speed until an agreed point is reached. So, the length of some first hikes might be five or six miles, which realistically could take them between four and six hours.

Now check it out yourself Always walk and check every route, especially if it involves fiddly little footpath junctions and farm tracks. Make notes or take photos of confusing junctions which you can add advice upon to their hike instructions. You may decide that a road crossing on a bend is just too dangerous when you see it or you might opt to have someone there to see them across. Finding an inscription on a bench or boundary stone could be a question in a quiz.

TOP TIPS

• Do everything you can to help your Scouts stay safe.

• Give everyone a laminated map section and a compass.

• Get them to check every turning with their compass.

• Make the route challenging but relatively obvious; we want them to get it right.

• Instead of written instructions, simply highlight their route.

• Make it fun; hide sweets along the route or give them a laminated picture quiz.

• Use small radios to keep in touch as you track them from a little way behind.

• Don’t slow them down by making it an ‘incident hike’.

Hike often If Scouts are encouraged to buy some basic hike boots when they join and if map reading and hiking is something you discuss regularly and do at every camp, my experience is that your Troop will accept it as being part of what Scouting is all about and, perhaps begrudgingly, they will become very good at it and enjoy it.

Get in touch Do you have any other top tips for teaching these skills? Are you planning on adopting some of Eddie’s ideas? Let us know at programme@scouts.org.uk

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News and updates Amazing fundraising

HMS Chatham When the Frigate HMS Chatham visited her home town in November, the 4th Gillingham Sea Scouts were invited along on open day to welcome the visitors to the ship. Visitors coming aboard were greeted by the Scouts and those leaving the ship were asked if they had enjoyed their visit and thanked for coming. The shifts began at 10am and finished at 5pm after which they were all invited to tour the ship. The weather was very cold but the Scouts were undeterred, remaining in full uniform throughout. Well done to all.

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A fantastic fundraising effort raised in excess of £2,000 for the 1st Teign Valley Scouts. The Troop put on an Indian meal and auction night at their meeting place hoping to get the much-needed funds. The response was excellent as parents and friends bought tickets and dug deep for lots. This proves that one good event, done well, can raise as much money as many smaller traditional activities. Next year the Troop is joining in with the Movember charity and going Mexican.

Golden Scout show Scouts in Stowmarket District braved the elements for their amazing centenary Scout show ‘Going for Gold’. The cast, which included Scouts, Explorer Scouts and leaders put on a fabulous production which marks the end of a whole year of centenary celebrations.

The Scout Show comprised traditional songs and sketches, numbers from West End musicals and Disney movies, dances choreographed by the Scouts themselves, and even their own fantastic take on a number from the TV series, Glee.

The Scout show has a history of some 65 years in Stowmarket – one member having been involved for 35 of them so the event at The Regal Theatre was enjoyed by all. It is hoped that the Scout show will have its part to play in the Scouting calendar in Stowmarket long into the future.

Scouts February/March 2011

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NEWS

Now get out of that The annual Now Get Out of That Competition in Surrey featured Explorers and Scouts from the 34th Reigate (Meadvale) sleeping in Reigate Fort - the first Scouts to do so for 20 years.

A large firework display marked the start of Now Get Out Of That, whereby the Patrols had to complete various bases on or near Reigate Hill, all related to different faiths: friendship bracelets, food tasting, Tai Chi, GPS navigation and Diwali (Rangoli) patterns. The evening continued in the Fort’s tool store with further challenges, including quiz, funny pictures and a dance routine before the Scouts and Explorers spent the night, below ground in the Casemate (which many thought was a dungeon).

In the morning after a keep fit session and breakfast, the challenge was to build a Popemobile for races after which they set off down the hill to Reigate and found time to complete the Reigate Town Challenge on the way back to their Scout Hut.

got a story?

If you have any news or updates which we can feature, get in touch at programme@scouts.org.uk

How many Gold Awards?

The annual review of the 1st Falkirk Scout Group was an extra special event this year, including, as it did, the presentation of no less than 18 Chief Scout’s Gold Awards.

All but two of the Scouts were from the Centenary Troop which had been formed in 2007 to cope with a large number of Cubs moving on at that time – a truly incredible achievement which everyone associated with the Group should be proud of.

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news extra

Ongoing learning module A new Ongoing Learning module has been launched to give section leaders an overview of the Young Leaders’ Scheme and their role in supporting Young Leaders. The module will fulfil the five hours of ongoing learning that Wood Badge holders are required to complete a year. For more information or to get started, speak to your training adviser or visit the Information and Resources pages on scouts.org.uk.

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International Links

Calling all Scout Troops

Are you aware of the International Links Scheme? The programme helps to put you in touch with Scouts, Eclaireurs, Tropa and others around the world, says Peter Ford

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he scheme offers a means of communicating with other Scouts abroad and provides an ‘international experience’ without necessarily having to leave your own town. The traditional concept of writing a letter has now given way to members all over the world, from Australia to Malawi to 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 Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet, the world's largest International Scouting event. There's still room for snail mail too... badge swaps, anyone?

Why make an international link?

Scouting has always promoted international peace, understanding and co-operation through encouraging contact between young people from various countries and cultures. These connections help young people 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.

When you participate in the International Links Scheme your Scouts will: • Have an opportunity to make new friends.

• Get an aid to complete the Global Challenge Badge and International Friendship Partnership Award.

• Build a relationship that can last a lifetime.

• Swap photos, programme ideas and camp experiences.

• Maybe even visit and camp together.

And don’t forget that leaders can also exchange ideas with, and gain support from, an international counterpart with similar interests and goals.

How do you find a link?

If you are interested in trying to organise a link, please contact Peter Ford, the International Links Co-ordinator at 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.

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POP for this month covers the ry and Join-in-Jamboree themes for Februa rld’ March, ‘Hello Sweden’ and ‘Our Wo

POP

Activity

Time

In

Sing that tune

10 mins

It w ren a lo Ca

Work in teams – Flatpack challenge

30 mins

For flat to aw

Enjoy some ‘Fika’ time

10 mins

Fika and enj

Do you jump?

10 mins

Thi the diff ran flie any wh

Environment

15 mins

In g the fam ‘M the of

Nordic celebration

30 mins

Co to ww in S pro

Programmes on a plate

February/March 2009 2011 10 Scouts June/July

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Instructions It wouldn’t be Sweden without ABBA, would it? Start your programme with a brief rendition of some ABBA classics; Dancing Queen, Knowing Me Knowing You…there’s a long list. You could see if your Scouts know any other music by Swedish artists: The Cardigans, Roxette, Robyn and Basshunter to name just a few.

For this element of the programme, you will need two or three small and inexpensive flat-packs of chairs or other pieces of furniture. In two or three teams, Scouts will need to build a flat-pack in as short amount a time as possible. If you are feeling fiendish, take away the instructions on how to build it.

Fika is a social institution in Sweden and means to have a relaxing break with your family and friends, accompanied with drinks (usually coffee) and cake. Have a short break and enjoy this custom with your Troop.

This is a traditional Swedish Scouting game. All Scouts need to stand in a circle. When the leader calls out ‘The hawk flies high’, everyone jumps. The leader varies the call with different kinds of birds; ‘The seagull flies high’ or ‘the eagle flies high’ and so on. At random intervals, the leader calls out animals that can’t fly, for example ‘the wildebeest flies high’. The Scouts should not jump for animals that cannot fly. Those that jump anyway take one step backwards and are out. They then have to help the leader identify who’s jumping at the right moment and who is not.

In groups, talk with your Scouts about ways they can have a more positive impact on the environment. You could discuss both the good and bad things that Scouts and their families and friends do and what impact they have on the environment. In line with the ‘Make a Change! Make a Difference’ Join-in-Jamboree theme during April, discuss with them how you could get involved in a local initiative or project which promotes awareness of the environment.

Complete your evening by building a Swedish midsummer pole. The instructions on how to do this are in the Scout Join-in-Jamboree resource, available to download at www.scouts.org.uk/wsj2011. The pole forms a focal point of midsummer celebrations in Sweden, where dancing around the pole to Swedish folk music is the norm. Finish your programme by coming together as a Troop and experiencing this tradition.

Faith and awareness events April/May April 2011 4 Ugadi (Hindu) 13 Vaisakhi (Sikh) 14 Birthday of the Guru Nanak (Nanakshahi calendar, Sikh) 17 Palm Sunday (Christian) 18 Therevada New Year (Buddhist) 19 Passover (Jewish) 21 First Day of Ridwan (Baha’i) 21 Maundy Thursday (Christian) 22 Good Friday (Christian) 23 St George’s Day (Christian) 24 Easter Day (Christian) May 2011 1 Yom Hasoah (Jewish) 8 World Red Cross Day 9 World Fair Trade Day 9 Yom Ha’atzmaut (Jewish) 15 Start of Christian Aid Week 17 Wesak or Buddha Day (Buddhist) 23 Anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) 29 Anniversary of the Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) 29 Birthday of the Guru Amar Das (Nanakshahi calendar, Sikh)

For more great ideas visit www.scouts.org.uk/pol scouts.org.uk/pol 11

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The intangible assets People constantly refer to the ‘essence’ or the ‘spirit’ of Scouting for describing something. But what do these terms mean? With Founder’s Day approaching, we asked two volunteers to give us their thoughts

The essence of Scouting B-P was keen to see Scouting described as a movement rather than an organisation. He understood that it had to be flexible and adaptable.

To me, the essence of that vision is distilled into five key themes: adventure, values, citizenship, fun and friendship.

I took over a Scout Group in decline in 2002. Our building was a disaster and numbers were low. I was emotionally attached to the Group but we were close to folding. In a scenario which might be familiar to some, for around six months I ran all three sections.

Wondering what to do, I re-read Scouting for Boys and thought about what I had loved about Scouting as a young boy. Adventure, fun and friendship defined it for me then and these were also the basic principles of B-P's writing which jumped from the page.

So we started to rebuild the group with that as our starting point. Values and citizenship are softer things which are done with more subtlety, so we focused on friendship, fun and adventure. I was very lucky to get a few key leaders who shared this idea.

Daft… to a degree A degree of daftness is a pre-requisite for a good leader; letting kids do things they would certainly never do at home, whether that’s sleeping outside, hiking overnight or getting very muddy. We took it on ourselves to hone the traditional skills we had learned and spent time teaching these skills and values to new leaders.

I’ve been pretty forceful about how things are done, how we treat our young people and how they treat each other. The balance between discipline and controlled energy can be difficult to achieve but when you get it right it’s great.

In the end, everyone liked what we did and our numbers grew (including leaders). We have raised around £250,000 in the last two years, creating a cool and fun environment by refurbishing our building and investing in a range of new equipment to support our activities. I like to think that we have been successful because we re-discovered the essence of Scouting.

David Mitchell 7th Stirling Beechwood

12 Scouts February/March 2011

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Founder’s Day

Scout spirit – what is it?

Recognise the spirit

I don’t know about you but I’m happy if a Scout leaving to move on to Explorers is kind and courteous, has learned some skills and smiles more often than not.

An armful of badges is a great bonus but I believe Scout spirit is the true measure of our Movement’s success and luckily I work with a team of leaders who think along similar lines. The difficulty is defining what exactly Scout spirit is.

Our colleagues across the pond in the Boy Scouts of America may have it. In fact, advancing through their rank badges requires a boy to demonstrate it. They even have a checklist to help leaders decide, and it’s pretty good. For example: • Do you participate in lots of Troop activities regularly?

• Do you try not to complain or put other people down, even when you feel bad or you have to do a task like cleaning up?

• Do you keep an eye on others in the Troop and help them out?

• Are you a good, patient teacher and example to younger Scouts?

When commenting on Scouts who have shown great bravery, our Chief Scout often highlights their ‘Scouting spirit’. I think it’s fantastic that he recognises there are qualities we should all aim for which can be called this.

I’d like to think we know it when we see it.

I learned it from the service team at our local campsite who made me feel so welcome when I joined and are still my friends today.

I learned it from the Patrol Leader who looked after a new and very nervous Scout last week.

I learned it from the people who rejoined because they said they missed something they couldn’t quite describe.

I’ve learned it from my mate Steve who is an older leader than I am and I know he learned it from his Scout leader who is sadly no longer with us.

But, after all this I still can’t tell you what it is, so you’ll probably have to decide for yourself. I can however, tell you that it’s an amazing and intangible thing, and I really hope I’ve got it.

Julian Morgans 44th Swansea

• Are you always ready to assist and be helpful when you see something that needs doing?

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Step up

ever-changing entity.

A leadership team is an rs to other things and othe People leave or move on ility on that extra responsib have to step up. Taking s g but, as Tom Jenkin can initially be dauntin thing to fear discovered, there is no

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case study

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f you’re reading this, you’re probably already involved in some way so I don’t have to sell you the rewards of working with young people or the benefits your own children get out of Scouting.

But what happens when the Beaver Scout Leader starts a family, The Cub Scout Leader retires or the Scout Leader relocates for work? Suddenly everybody – young people, parents, the executive, the sponsors, the District – is looking at you. The section may have to close if you don’t lead it. So why wouldn’t you?

Extra responsibility Well first off, because it’s frightening. It’s an awful lot more work and responsibility and most people already have a full-time job and a family to juggle. You’ll get the emails and phone calls before and after the meeting – not to mention on the intervening days. You have to manage the paperwork, the admin and deliver a programme. You will be accountable both for and to the young people. It’s a lot to take on.

And that’s why, four years who, when I first found myself in that situation with my Group (135th Derby Broadway Baptists), I ducked. Luckily, a young Assistant Scout Leader answered the call. However when, just 12 months later, he relocated to Mallorca (and who wouldn’t, given the chance?), I knew that a lot of people would again look to me to step forward.

I still hesitated though. Truth be told, I was scared. I initially settled on taking it on temporarily, eventually agreeing to formalise the de facto position a short time later. Once again, I promised to do my best.

could have been done better. It’s been terrific fun and I’ve had great support from the other section leaders, the executive, the community and the District.

The Troop has grown from 12 to 22 Scouts – plenty for our church hall. We’ve had a summer camp for the last three years, achieved seven Chief Scout’s Gold Awards, and added new activities to the programme. We have new helpers too.

How did I lose the big fears? I’ve learned by doing. That sounds simple but it has been immensely hard work, particularly dealing with the paperwork and the admin which is by no means a particular strength of mine.

Important advice So if you find yourself in that position what can you do about it? My advice would be that the single most important thing you can do is to not be afraid to ask for help.

A special few will offer without prompting, but many more will respond to a specific directed request. Our group treasurer took on the subs chase, and then the address list. The County team provided templates for progress charts, which I then customised to suit my needs.

Straight away this made a major improvement to our admin base and made my life a lot easier.

You can borrow from, and lend to, neighbouring Troops; both equipment and ideas. Programmes Online is another great source of inspiration.

So, when the time comes, control your fears. There will be help. Take the plunge and your best will be good enough.

Added fun And, despite my initial fears, my best has been good enough. Of course, there have been days when I feel it scouts.org.uk/pol 15

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Chubb fire demos are a roaring success In 2010, Chubb renewed its sponsorship of the Fire Safety Activity Badge. It offers Scouts invaluable advice on fire prevention, detection and escape routes, and helps them to understand causes, calling the Fire Brigade, and fire safety for the home

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s the badge requires Scouts to be able to recognise various fire extinguishers, and know what kinds of fire they should be used on, Chubb Fire also offers live fire demonstrations, giving Scouts the opportunity to try using fire extinguishers and fire blankets on a live fire in a controlled environment.

Across the course of 2010, Chubb Fire offered a series of demonstrations hosted at fire stations across the country.

The last date in 2010 saw 52 Scouts visit Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Service’s South Park Training Centre to

participate in a demonstration from Chubb Fire Training Officer Bob Middleton and Station Manager, David Hopkins, in order to complete their Fire Safety Badge.

These hands-on events always prove extremely popular, with more events planned for 2011 in Surrey, Cheltenham, Shoreham and Sheffield – dates to be confirmed. more info For further details on the Fire Safety Badge, visit www.chubb.co.uk and go to the News & Resources page.

New year adventures Kick-start 2011 by introducing your Troop to the Puffin Adventure Challenge Award Take your Scouts on extreme adventures that will test their skills to the limit with Puffin’s most popular adventure book series. These include Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan, Young Samurai by Chris Bradford, TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow and The Enemy by Charlie Higson

Three steps to get you started: 1. Visit www.scouts.org.uk/puffin to download your activity cards and wall chart, ready for your next meeting.

2. Get your Troops’ adrenaline racing by showing them the introductory video from Chris Bradford, Puffin Adventure Challenge Award Champion and Young Samurai author, which is also available on the website.

3. Discuss what they think makes an epic adventure.

Two brilliant new books Take a walk on the wild side with the Scarrow brothers this February. TimeRiders: The Doomsday Code, the third book in the mind-blowing fantasy series, sees the time-travelling trio return to Sherwood Forest in 1193 to discover the origins of an ancient coded manuscript.

Alex’s brother, and award-winning adult author, Simon Scarrow, releases his first book for children: Gladiator: Fight for Freedom at the same time. Recruited as a gladiator, young Marcus Cornelius Primus faces a new life of brutal training, governed by strict rules, as he learns the skills of an elite warrior.

Both make excellent reading for adventure-loving Scouts... and their leaders.

16 Scouts February/March 2011

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PARTNERS

WD-40 seeks Scouting skills WD-40, the multi-use product, has announced a nationwide competition to support its sponsorship of the DIY Activity Badge with a cash prize for the winning Troop

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cout Groups are invited to tell WD-40 how they have used their DIY and Scouting skills to make a difference to their community. It could be cleaning up a local park, a litter pick or redecorating and freshening up a community centre or Scout hut.

The winning group will be awarded £500 to use for equipment, materials or resources for their group.

WD-40’s senior brand manager, Neil Gow, says: ‘We know there are many Scout Groups up and down the country that are making a big difference in their community using their Scouting and DIY skills to help others. We want to celebrate those good examples and reward the young people for their efforts.’

Scout groups wishing to enter the competition can email WD40@connect-group.com or call 01902 714957 to explain their clean up or community project. Entries will be hosted online at wd40Scouts.blogspot.com and all entries received will receive a WD-40 goodie bag for their Group.

more info Leaders and Scouts can access the resource at www.scouts.org.uk/wd40

Active Kids is on another adventure.

Sainsbury’s Active Kids is back and we’re delighted to be supporting The Big Adventure again this year. Last year was an incredible success, with loads more people getting outdoors, active and involved with Scouting.

Active Kids vouchers are available from 9 February to 31 May 2011, so get collecting for some fantastic sports, outdoors and cooking equipment.

If you order an Active Kids Ingredients Card by 15 April 2011, we’ll deliver it to you before 6 May 2011 so that you can stock up for your Big Adventure.

For more information on the Ingredients Card and all the Active Kids products, courses and coaching experiences, see your Active Kids catalogue or visit the website.

Don’t worry if your Group isn’t registered yet, there’s still plenty of time: Simply call 0844 415 8440* or visit sainsburys.co.uk/activekids *BT customers will pay no more than 5p per minute. If not with BT, all other costs are subject to customer’s call plan. Call duration will vary depending on the query.

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Fair play Scouts on camp love activities where the whole Troop is involved and there are ways that hosting an event can provide a focus for the Patrol in their preparation and be a great social gathering as well, says Louise Henderson

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aving a mock craft or country fair is one way. You may think that your Troop will have outgrown playing ‘shop’, but just watch and see.

For best results, Patrol Leaders need to be told of the challenge before camp so that they can arrive with ideas that might work and/or materials to make the goods.

If the fair is held at the end of the week, the Patrol can spend any free time they may have preparing. A useful rule is that everything must be made at camp even if the materials are brought with them. Successful ideas have included pancakes and jam, friendship bracelets, fizzy jelly, wooden bookmarks, stone jewellery, fudge, face painting, dream catchers and various fairground type games.

Generate a buzz The ‘money’ is printed beforehand in small denominations and issued in set amounts to the Patrols, as float and spending money. Try to keep the stalls in a fairly restricted area as this gives the whole event some atmosphere.

Patrols are given time to set up their stall and a pre-fair meeting is held where the Patrol Leader pitches their goods to everyone else. There are obvious decisions to be

made about pricing and sometimes it is the Patrols who have a little of a good product and who are willing to hold out for a higher price who make the most money.

The fair is declared open and trading begins. Patrol Leaders organise who stays on the stall and who can go and buy things. Make sure that everyone gets a turn at everything and issue money to those who are buying.

Enterprise and ingenuity At various times a leader can bank money that the Patrols have made on their stalls. Once it is recorded this money can then be put back into circulation so the Scouts go on buying each other’s goods.

The fair can take up most of an afternoon and a winner can be declared on the basis of most money taken.

This event is well worth a try. To see Scouts buying and selling goods that they have produced is a joy. The ingenuity and enterprise that are encouraged and displayed would do justice to anything that Alan Sugar might expect to find. I mean, when the fizzy jelly ran out, who would have thought that you could still sell the empty paper bowls?

18 Scouts February/March 2011

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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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