scouting

Scouting April/MAY 2009

g n i t u o c S 2009 April/May

Growth and diversity scouts.org.uk/magazine

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SCOUTING

PRINTED ON

Scouting Editors: Chris James, Hilary Galloway and Elis Matthews Production Controller: Rose Wells The national magazine of The Scout Association ISSN 0036 – 9489 © 2009 The Scout Association Registered Charity Numbers 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland)

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Published by: The Scout Association Gilwell House, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW Tel: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8433 7103 Email: scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk Website: www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

WELCOME

TO SCOUTING

Contributions to: scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk Please note that the views expressed

by Members and contributors in the magazine are not necessarily those of The Scout Association.

Publishing Management: Think Publishing Ltd, The Pall Mall Deposit, 124-128 Barlby Road, London W10 6BL Sub-Editors: Camilla Doodson, Mary Cooch and Marion Thompson Design: Sally Laver ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive: Tom Fountain tom@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258 Head of Advertising: Tamzin Freeman Printed and distributed by: Headley Brothers Ltd. Printed on 100% recycled paper

CONTRIBUTORS Dave Budd is a full-time knife and tool maker, a Scout Leader and writes for Bushcraft and Survival Skills magazines. On page 50 he looks at how the law on knives affects Scouts.

Jo Hawtin has been involved in Scouting for 30 years, but just over a decade ago a virus made her deaf. She shares her experience and how it affected her Scouting on page 60.

PAPER

Breaking the stereotype Our census results are out at the end of April. Will they reveal that we are more diverse, with more young people and adults in the Scouting mix? After meeting the people in this issue it would certainly appear so. In our cover feature on page 18, we celebrate the individuals and teams that are helping to change the face of Scouting to better reflect our communities. Teams such as Coventry Muslim Scout Group are helping to break the stereotype of UK Scouting as a white, middle-class, male organisation. Meanwhile, in Wales Scouting is helping tackle anti-social behaviour by providing a safe place for young people to develop and grow.

Another stereotype-buster is Aline Afazali, who became a Scout in Rwanda and used her skills to help people during the war. Now living in the UK, she is passing on her skills to Potters Bar Scouts. Her story is on page 32.

Congratulations to all those honoured in this year’s St George’s Day awards and to every volunteer – our great adventure wouldn’t happen without you.

Yours in Scouting,

Cover photo: Photolibrary

LOG ON – DON’T MISS OUT If you have moved house, want to change your section supplement or amend your personal details, you can update with a click of the mouse: • Sign up at www.scouts.org.uk – you only need to do this once. You will need your unique membership number to hand (this can be found on the address sheet that comes with Scouting magazine) • Log on • Update your details and anyone else’s you are line manager for • Logging on today also means you can access Programmes Online – the revolutionary programme planner!

Hilary PS. From next issue your Scouting magazine may arrive a day or two later than normal. No, it’s not Royal Mail’s fault, but it saves us money if we mail it out over four to seven days, instead of the usual three.

Three things to do this issue

1 Send us your Scouting skills | We need your input for our book on outdoor skills, so email web.team@scout.org.uk

2 Share your Big Adventure | Tell us about your Big Adventure at www.scouts.org.uk/bigadventure

3 Watch episode 3 of Scout TV | Search ‘Everyday Adventure’

on the Community Channel www.communitychannel.org 82,875, January/December 2008

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Contents

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REGULARS

10 Correspondence 12 everyday adventures | Young people share their stories 14 scouting plus 16 updates 40 go International | How Cubs are building bridges overseas 44 How to… | Brush up on your Scouting skills 46 Country diary | Hiking round a parish 58 group in focus | A County putting power in the hands of its young people 60 health & wellbeing | How Jo Hawtin continued Scouting after going deaf 64 Faiths & Beliefs | Five ways to heal the world 68 Promos & resources 70 Scout shops | The latest camping and all-weather gear 82 last laugh

FEATURES 18 the changing face of scouting | The Scouts who are challenging stereotypes 32 scouting worldwide | Aline Afazali fled Rwanda using her Scouting skills on the way 36 a grand day out | Places to go and things to do 42 young person of the year | Stefan Prest has changed his community

48 The big adventure | Attracting parents 50 CAN SCOUTS CARRY KNIVES? | Knife expert Dave Budd on using knives within the law 62 RISKY BUSINESS? | The importance of carrying out risk assessments 67 new uniform | Our new, redesigned polo shirts

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S T N E T N O C

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opinion

adult support

7 from the chief | Peter Duncan on Scouting’s growing numbers

55 Adult Training | How Scouting trains the trainers 57 Let’s work together | A Fellowship’s part in redeveloping a campsite

9 Over to you | What would you do if you were Chief Scout for the day?

competitions 73 WIN | A hamper of Dutch Edam 76 WIN | £200 of books

in THE SUPPLEMENTS beaver scouts Scouting in the country and the city plus Bushcraft for Beavers |

Cub scouts Summertime games and banishing waiting lists | scouts The easy way for your Scouts to record their achievements, human noughts and crosses and news on an updated Scouts... Taking the Lead | Explorer Scouts Recruitment tips and the lowdown on leadership skills | network CV boosting and expedition planning | Focus Tips

on growing the District, the best way to say thank you and how to make the most of your local Scout Fellowship

All available at scouts.org.uk/magazine

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From the Chief

‘It’s people like you who are making all the difference’ The latest figures indicate more positive growth for Scouting, says Peter Duncan, and this is due as much to innovation and energy at a local level as good central support

O

ver the last four years we have seen the positive resurgence of Scouting. This is excellent news, but you and I know that statistics don’t always tell the whole story.

Decline precipitates change, which is good, but growth, like all success stories, can hide continuing failure to address certain issues.

Why are we growing?

Becoming more visible to the outside world coupled with the Centenary has certainly helped us grow. We are also extending Scouting to more girls, and minority ethnic communities are increasingly buying into our ethos and message of adventure. A concerted effort to simplify management and bureaucracy has also contributed to the positive trend. And, of course, we know Scouting grows where there is an active programme.

We are increasingly extending Scouting to girls and minority ethnic communities

It has been easy for me in PR interviews to roll out these reasons but I have always had a suspicion that something else was going on. If Gilwell were to disappear in a puff of smoke would every Scout meeting place disappear? I think not. All the good work, support and ideas would be missed, but in the end it is the inspiration of individuals at local level that really makes the difference. Someone who wants to start or join a group does it because they want ownership over their own actions. They may wish to help disparate communities come together, support disaffected young people or simply offer Scouting to more people.

Looking forward My personal wish list for the future growth of volunteers and young people is this: keep it simple with transparent communication. I would suggest full uniform for Explorers or young adults only on formal occasions. I would urge you to carry on providing fun and adventure and continuing to promote environmental and sustainability projects. Let’s also look outside the Movement for the expertise we don’t have on our committees. Let’s continue to be creative in the way we offer Scouting and help people volunteer, with projects like after-school Scouting. Make it easy to form new sections and Groups and allow the philosophies of young leaders to really set the agenda, supported by the experience of older Members. Change, recalibrate and renew.

Get in touch Email me at chief.scout@scout.org.uk or write to The Chief Scout, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Keep track of my activities at www.heresoneimadeearlier.com

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Opinion

I would establish a UK-wide network of ambassadors for Scouting. These would be high-profile personalities suitable to be role models.

Each one would have a shadow/mentor who would support them.

Sandy Kerr

I would redesign the uniform for female leaders. I want to feel like I look half reasonable in my uniform and at the moment the baggy, shapeless sweatshirts are too long, and shirts tucked into baggy cargo-type trousers makes you look like a sack of potatoes whatever your dimensions.

Hilary Braithwaite

I would provide more training for Scout Leaders.

Rathna Damayanthi

I would start a national recruitment campaign for adults.

Christine Skinner

As well as celebrating youth and young ideas, I’d also ensure that traditional Scouting ideas are valued and included. You can’t cook a sausage on a computer!

Rosey Messing

I’d tell the Queen how fantastic our leaders are and suggest inviting them to a special party at the palace to say thank you for keeping so many kids interested in life and off the streets. Terry Longhurst

It’s the top position in Scouting and it’s about inspiring, motivating and representing us in public. But what would you change if you were

Chief Scout for the day?

And others (not pictured)

At the moment, entertainments are in the south of England: the Live O7 show at the O2 arena was superb, but it would be nice to be able to access this locally.

Sheila Sands (north Yorkshire)

I would bring in some form of formal qualifications that Scouts could work towards. Nick Wilson We would do all the things that Peter Duncan has done during his time as Chief Scout!

I would impress on all leaders that Scouting should mean taking every opportunity to be out of doors and that they should ensure that they themselves have the necessary skills to provide it.

Colin Foster

I would introduce a model that allowed Explorers to be managed as an integral part of Scout Groups.

Steve Altria

He has been such a breath of fresh air and we are sure has been instrumental in the huge increase in the popularity of Scouting in the last few years.

Lindsay & Colin Andrews www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 9

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Good news, grumbles and useful guidance all made this issue’s postbag a fascinating read.

STAR LETTER

correspondence Ready, steady, cook?

I thought the December/January issue was very well done and the temporary change of style was eye-opening and welcome.

With regard to content, I look forward to the forthcoming article on knives. I think you should also have articles about simple and successful recipes that can be cooked outdoors over an open fire.

I think this sort of article would be of interest to your readers as I suspect the majority of them are leaders who may be looking for ideas like this.

Gordon Brand, Carnoustie Scout Group Editor’s response: Thanks for your suggestions, Gordon.

We’ve thought about doing an article on cooking and you’ve given us a nudge, so look out for delicious recipes in future issues. Plus, turn to page 50 for our feature on knife law.

Nicely does it Just a line to say thank you for Scouting magazine – always a good read, but my husband and I, both members, have been married for 45 years and are still on good terms. We wouldn’t mind one bit if we had to share a magazine!

Anne Poole

I was Jack Straw’s Cub Leader Watching Question Time recently, the question came up ‘Should boys and girls be encouraged to join Cubs and Brownies?’

Apparently this was to stop them carrying knives, and I was musing on the fact that for 50-60 years a knife was very much a part of the Scout uniform, when I suddenly heard Jack Straw say, ‘I was a Cub in the 28th Epping Forest Pack’. I was amazed that after 50-plus years he could actually remember the Pack name and number and was staggered when I realised that he could have been one of my Cubs.

I was an Assistant Lady Cubmaster in the group from 1956 until I married in 1961.

I checked at the library and found his date of birth was August 1946 and he was born in Buckhurst Hill (where the 28th met in the Methodist church hall in Queens Road). I did not invest him but he was a Sixer in the Pack when I went there and I did his leaping-up ceremony to Scouts. I still have a photo of him on a Sixers’ outing to London.

Joyce Beard, Somerset

Scouts rock Found on a beach by Jack Page, 14th Airedale Scouts Not sure what it proves: • Scouting is for ‘old fossils’?

• Scouts are ‘hard’?

• Scouting goes back to the beginnings of time? ...answers on a postcard please!

Nigel Batty (Scout Leader)

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Feedback

Mail us: Scouting, Chingford, London E4 7QW or scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk Tied up in knots Good to see the knots article (February/March, p62), but I’m a bit concerned that it states that one use of the highwayman’s hitch today would be to get down from a tree. It is generally accepted that this knot is not suitable for lowering one’s self out of a tree to the ground.

Phil Hughes I noticed a mistake in the third and fourth diagrams on the diagonal lashing. As the spar going from top left to bottom right is the one on top, the frapping turns should be below it and on top of the other spar. See my sketch.

James A Welsh

pictured? Male Scouts (aged 10-14) appear to have close to nil.

I do hope you will understand my concern that the pendulum appears to have swung too far against boys in these publications.

Graham Scrimgeour, Edinburgh

The writer of the star letter each issue receives a copy of The Scout’s Companion, also available from www.scouts.org.uk/ shop (£9.99)

Editor’s response: Our aim of our communications is to promote Scouting as a diverse Movement.

Awareness that Scouting is for girls as well as boys is still pitifully low, which is why our communications always ensure girls are well represented.

Our youth editors were chosen for their passion for communicating with the Movement, not for their gender. The gender split between boys and girls in each of the sections is: Beavers: 89,901 (m) 11,193 (f) Cubs: 122,589 (m) 14,679 (f) Scouts: 91,054 (m) 16,912 (f) Explorers: 22,735 (m) 7,678 (f) Network: 1,256 (m) 657 (f) Figures taken from the 2007-2008 Census

Editor’s response: Thanks for your feedback. Of course, health and safety is very important, and we do hope that readers will properly risk-assess all Scouting activities, even those inspired by articles in Scouting.

Is Scouting biased against boys?

In looking at the December/January issue: Editorial team: four boys and five girls From the Chief: pictured with a girl Feature on communications: three girls IT badge feature – girl Active Kids advert/feature – four girls out of five children.

Can you tell me what the gender split UK-wide is between boys and girls in each of the sections? What is the percentage chance of any individual male member being pictured in the magazine, compared to the percentage chance of an individual female member being

STOP THE CHARGE Water charge campaign takes off As discussed in Scouting (October/ November 2008), several water companies are charging charities, such as Scout Groups, for the discharge of surface water from a meeting place into a sewer.

The ‘Stop The Rain Tax’ campaign continues to go from strength to strength with the number of supporters growing all the time.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to the campaign, emailed their MP or written to Ofwat to help us stop unfair water charges for Scout Groups.

If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit www.scouts.org.uk/water or email water@scout.org.uk With many thanks from the Public Affairs and Campaigns Team.

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Food, glorious food…

Once the team was picked for the annual Salisbury & South Wiltshire District cooking competition, we chose London to be the theme of our menu. On our first try we made London particular (a pea soup), Coronation chicken and St Clement’s pudding.

As the main course didn’t work, we changed it to poached chicken stuffed with leeks and mushrooms.

On the day the team worked well together and we were so pleased and surprised when we were announced the winners (although we were quite confident that we would win).

Emma, 8th Salisbury

EVERYDAY Scouts share their stories and adventures

Tales from Poacher Camp

15th Lincoln (1st North Hykeham) I enjoyed my day at Poacher. My for names of the favourite thing was having a go rivers. The shop had nice on the climbing wall, although I did things and I bought a key-ring and not quite get to the top! Even the bangles for my sisters. Thomas weather was good. Thomas To Butterfly, thank you for I had lots of fun. The best thing letting us come to the Poacher was making the rope because it day. I liked the trail to find names was fun when you pull it and it of rivers. Cameron goes up and down. I would like to go again because it was really, I liked making the face as I used really fun. Michael lots of fabric and colours. I bought presents for my mum and dad I liked making the fish-eating seal and sister. I had a good day. and the trail because I liked looking Matthew

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Everyday adventures

Networkers’ environmental discovery The Scouts of the World Award is an international award for Network members in the UK and has three topic areas – development, peace and environment. We joined nine other Network members to take part in the second Scouts of the World Discovery on the theme of the environment. Over two weekends we learned about renewable energy and how sewage is turned into water clean enough for our rivers. Participating brought new challenges as we learned project management and how to share ideas constructively. We had a go at problem-solving and constructed a mini wind turbine.

We now have to complete 14 days of voluntary service to address the issues we learned about. The Scouts of the World projects have had a great emotional impact on our lives and we thank everyone who has given us guidance and support.

Sophie and James

Y ADVENTURES Have Snaggle will travel i.Scout…

Although not winning our i.Scout T-shirt competition, these Explorers summed up why they Scout. i.Scout because it helps to build my character; it’s a lot of fun and keeps me out of trouble; I learn new things and it keeps me fit and active; it’s a place to meet friends and try different activities; it will open up career prospects due to the commitment involved; I enjoy the camps; it helps me expand as a person and gain knowledge; it is social and gives me opportunities to climb and hike; it has opened many doors for me.

19th Ayrshire, Kilwinning

Howe Park Cubs’ Snaggle goes to all events and even on holiday. The Cubs record his adventures in a diary.

This summer, Snaggle came with my family to America for three weeks. We travelled around in a big RV and visited lots of places. First we went to Los Angeles and here is Snaggle at the famous Hollywood sign. Then we travelled across the desert. It was very hot.

When we stayed in Las Vegas, we went to see the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. Here is Snaggle standing on the Skywalk bridge.

My mum was terrified.

Elliot, Howe Park www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 13

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FARM FUN

Egg Hunt

The annual Easter Egg Hunt is taking place at Downe Activity Centre in Kent between 4-12 April. Send your Beavers and Cubs off searching for clues and they will receive a chocolate egg for their efforts. Telephone 01959 572121 for full details or email downe.scout.centre@scout.org.uk

The North East’s hands-on farm, Down at the Farm, is staging a cracking Easter programme from 4 April.

Located at Houghton-leSpring, activities include egg-throwing and egg-rolling competitions, a panto, sheep racing and Easter egg hunts. The farm is open throughout summer and encourages visitors to interact with the animals and enjoy a tractor ride. Telephone 0191 584 1873 or visit www. downatthefarm.co.uk for details of admission costs and further events.

SCOUTING+

Keep up to date with news and information in the world of Scouting

PITCH UP FOR SHELTERBOX Big Green Box Week, 18-25 May, sees the launch of the partnership between ShelterBox International and The Scout Association worldwide. Put up a tent in an unusual or fun place, or put up as many tents as you can and help to raise funds for disaster relief.

Find out how to get involved at fundraising@ shelterbox.org

TIME TO GO

English Heritage is launching a series of events named Time Travellers Go. All your Scouts need is a sense of adventure, a little imagination and a Time Travellers’ passport. Time Travellers Go offers a range of activities to enable your Group to discover history in a fun and interesting hands-on way. Events at English Heritage properties across the UK include learning to be a knight, travelling to the magical court of King Arthur or joining Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/timetravellersgo

Book now for Reunion ’09

Reunion ‘09 will take place at Gilwell Park on 4, 5 and 6 September. Adult Members of the Movement can meet old friends, make new ones, discover and share programme ideas, attend workshops and training and, above all, have fun! You will need to book in advance at www.scouts.org.uk/reunion or call 0845 300 1818.

Were you there in ’59? | Did you attend the 1959 Jamboree in the Philippines? Call Roger Norman on 01268 743065.

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News slug

©

Natural History Museum

BUSY, BUSY AT THE NHM

Buzz over to the Natural History Museum at Tring in Hertfordshire for its Bumblebees exhibition. Find out why these fuzzy insects are important to us, why they are in danger and see specimens from around the world. The museum’s website is full of interesting events taking place and has a great Kids Only section. Visit www.nhm.ac.uk /tring. The Bumblebees exhibition runs until 12 July 2009.

IT’S RUBBISH!

Register now for The Big Tidy Up and receive a free tidy-up kit with tabard bibs, badges, stickers, refuse sacks and tips to get started. An award for the most successful uniformed group is up for grabs. www.thebigtidyup.org

NOW RECYCLE IT!

During Compost Awareness Week, 3-9 May, Recycle Now will show us how to save money, enjoy home-grown food and create our own composting to reduce waste. Visit www.recyclenow.com/compost

24 hours

Gilwell 24 swings into action 11-12 July. Open to all Explorer Scouts, book early to avoid missing out on activities.

Visit www.gilwell24.info

AN AID TO HELP

The 9th edition of the First Aid Manual is a fully illustrated guide to what to do in emergencies. Features include the 2009 updates to best practice and first aid techniques, including how to treat asthma and allergic reactions. It reflects real-life situations with step-by-step photos and is published by Dorling Kindersley.

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT SERVICE Monthly rate after deduction of Management Commission.

December 2008 1.060% 1.560% November 2008 0.688% 1.188% Interest at the higher rate applies to deposits of £5,000 and above. Contact Frances on 020 8433 7252 (Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm) for more information.

CALLING ALL POETS

To find out about The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award for 11-17-year-olds and the National Poetry Competition for adults, visit www.poetrysociety.org.uk www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 15

for details.

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News

updates

It’s time for another round of updates, with recent changes to factsheets, publications and guidelines all in one place New factsheets Youth Participation in the Beaver Scout Colony (FS155067) Generating Media Coverage from Award Events (FS295423) Celebrating a Group’s Centenary

(FS295424) Generating Media Coverage from a Challenge Hike (FS295425) Generating Media Coverage from Expeditions (FS295426) Generating Media Coverage from an International Jamboree (FS295427) Criminal Record Checks (FS321004) Role Description for a District Scout Network Leader (FS330093)

Updated factsheets Role Description for a County Scout Network Administrator (FS330022) Role Description for an Area Scout Network Administrator (FS330023) Role Description for a County Scout

Network Chairperson (FS330024) Role Description for a County Scout Network Commissioner (FS330026) Role Description for an Area Scout Network Commissioner (FS330027) Role Description for a County Scout Network Leader (FS330028) Role Description for an Area Scout Network Leader (FS330029) Fundraising for Visits Abroad (BP260006) In the Face of War and Terrorism

(FS260066) Module Completion Form (TRO104)

Rules Changes to the flexibility of when Scouts may move on to Explorer Scouts will be implemented in September 2009. This will mean that Scouts must have moved on by the time they are 14½. The core age range of the Scout and Explorer Scout sections remains unchanged.

Visit www.scouts.org.uk/agetransition

e who need to know ose who know for thos th m fro ns tio da en Recomm Prompt cards When thinking about recruitment, occasionally it’s necessary to give people a little prompt.

Prompt cards, split into four themes, are just the ticket. Recruitment (catalogue no. PCREC), Induction (PCIND), Support (PCSUP) and Review (PCREV) all list the key points for each subject and are free.

Key to Success books These little books are designed for anyone who is new to the role of GSL, DC or CC. They help you understand your role and give advice on leading the Group, District or County on to success.

Again, these are free and can be ordered online or by calling us.

A new book aimed at County Training

Managers will be available in April.

Contact the Scout Information Centre by phone on 0845 300 1818 or by email at info.centre@ scout.org.uk

SCOUT INFORMATION CENTRE

a guide to scouts.org.uk /fellowship resources for anyone interested in Fellowship /focus for managers /infocentre online catalogue, factsheets and help /magazine issues and supplements /media Scouting in the press /news daily Scouting news stories /pol online programme planning /scoutbase resources galore /thebigadventure resources and FAQs related to this summer’s big adventure /waterways directory of UK waterways For young people /beavers /cubs /scouts /explorers /network Please note: we are in the advanced stages of building a new, fully integrated website, which will deliver content specific to your role.

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SCOUT

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THE

changing FACE OF Scouting As this year’s census figures pour in, early indications are that we have grown again for the third year running. Great news, but there is still lots to do for us to be a truly diverse Movement.

One of our key aims is to broaden our appeal to young people and adults of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, race or gender. Yet how many times have you surprised a parent by telling them Scouting is for girls too or that we are a multi-faith Movement? Here, we meet some Members who are challenging these old-fashioned stereotypes and outdated perceptions. And if you feel inspired, we have some practical tips and resources to help you grow

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Cover feature

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Boy meets girl It’s been two years since Groups were obliged to make provision for all young people, and 30 years since our first female youth member joined. Claire Welch talks to Kate Uings, one of the first girls to join and now Assistant Beaver Scout Leader What was your experience of Scouting as a young person?

Kate Uings

I was a Guide, and when I grew too old I had to make a decision whether to move on to Rangers or to a Venture Unit. My friend had a great experience with Venture Scouts (the precursor to Explorer and Network) and persuaded me to join. Attending an all girls’ school meant I had very little contact with the opposite sex and Venture Scouts gave me the opportunity to build friendships with both sexes.

I had a great time. I enjoyed putting together the programme, which led to my Queen’s Scout Award. And, of course, I still enjoy meeting up with the friends I made in Venture Scouts!

When did you become a volunteer?

our leadership team more mixed. Although not compulsory, we felt it was good practice to have a mixed team to enable us to be effective role models to our young people.

We used this opportunity to recruit and found that providing mixed Scouting opened up new possibilities for growth.

People are still surprised to learn that girls can join Scouting. And as more people become aware, we are seeing an increase in our female membership. The young people have also adapted well. Other youth organisations have been supportive and we continue to enjoy a good relationship with them.

Has there been much change in how you operate and provide Scouting?

No, not really. We’ve always aimed to run a programme enjoyed by our young people and that doesn’t change, whatever gender they are. We are more aware of needing a balance in our team but this hasn’t been too hard. i.SCOUT because...

In many ways it has ‘Scouting is enabled us to grow our team and helped controlled, is great, us think differently is wet and cold, about how we involve and is not part people. For me, having of today’s nanny girls in Scouting is state! Most of all, natural. I had a great Scouting is exciting time as a young and adventurous’ person in Scouting and it is a privilege to Ash Chambers be able to offer it now to a new generation.

After a short break while I completed my studies, I was keen to get involved again.

I took on the role of Assistant Beaver Scout Leader at my local Group.

In January 2007, it became compulsory for all Groups to offer mixed Scouting.

How did your Group approach this?

When the policy was announced, the Group did offer mixed Scouting, but only on a small scale, so we needed to look at ways to effectively implement it.

Part of this process was making

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Changing faces

50,000 +

The number of ng girls in UK Scouti

play your part Girls and young women under 25 are still underrepresented.

Whether it is through the images we use, the stories we tell or the conversations we have, we can all play a role in improving this.

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PROFILE

Reaching out to new communities

S

couting has always been a multi-faith Movement, and a third of Scouts worldwide are Muslim. But in the UK, historically it has been a challenge to attract different communities. Over the last few years this has changed dramatically, and the 100th Coventry Muslim Scout Group is one of the latest to be launched.

The Group was started this February by Mohammed Saleem and his wife after they recognised a need to provide more outdoor and adventurous opportunities for young Muslims in the local area.

‘There were already some youth clubs,’ says Mohammed, ‘but we wanted to bring something different that would provide local Muslim children with skills that they could use for life. Scouting provides a structured set of activities, which gives them a sense

i.SCOUT because... ‘i.enjoy working with children i.love the challenges it gives i.want to give to my local community i. love it and i.have fun’ Joanne MacEachen

of achievement. This was just the thing we were looking for.’

When it started as a trial last year, there were some initial problems in challenging the perception of Scouting within the local community. ‘In the UK, Scouting can often be perceived as being a white, middle-class Christian organisation,’ Mohammed continues. ‘Scouting is undeniably faith-based, but it has always been open to all faiths. You just need to look at all the different countries and cultures around the world that Scouting is involved in to see that.

‘To challenge that perception we took the decision to bring our name, Coventry Muslim Scout Group, to the forefront. A generic Scout name just wouldn’t have broken down the barriers that exist within the wider community and shouted “Scouting is for everyone!”

‘We work alongside other Scout Groups in the District, taking part in District activities and attending camps with them. I like to think that through Scouting we recognise that we’re all one big family, but are able to celebrate our differences too.’

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Tackling anti-social behaviour

PROFILE

Changing faces

PC Johnson and the Beaver and Cub sections he helped to set up in the Rhondda Valley

G

ilfach Goch, in the Rhondda Valley, was suffering from petty vandalism and general rowdiness from its local youth. That was until one policeman realised that Scouting could be the answer.

Community Police Officer Ian Johnson was concerned at the lack of organised activities in the community for young people with too much time on their hands. So he approached ScoutsWales to see if they could get the young people in the area signed up to Scouting. ‘One of the biggest problems facing all our communities is anti-social behaviour, but we have to deal with the cause not just the and an Explorer Scout Unit. South Wales Police symptoms,’ says PC Johnson. are delighted with the outcome of the project, It was agreed that ScoutsWales would speak and recent figures show a marked reduction in to children at the local primary school and, crime relating to youth nuisance. with the help of experienced leaders, three ‘So far the response has been really positive taster Scouting sessions were held in October from the young people and their families,’ says last year. From this, a number of adults were PC Johnson. ‘You get to know them and they also recruited. By February 2009, 41 Beavers get to know you. You also meet their parents and Cubs had signed up and the community and can forge a proper relationship. You are was asking ScoutsWales to open a Scout Troop no longer just a police officer seen walking around ticking kids off.

‘Many incidents of bad behaviour are just i.SCOUT because... kids acting up out of boredom. We have to direct their energies into something positive.

‘Scouting teaches me so This is not a quick fix. This is a process that will much that’s useful in my hopefully have a long-term effect on young life as a leader and person. people from the age of six onwards.’

Where else can I be in the Rees Preston, Local Development Officer (Mid Glamorgan), is working on the project. great outdoors and with ‘We are now looking, together with South the people of tomorrow?’

Wales Police, to repeat this process in Keith Malcolm, Scout Leader other towns and villages throughout South Wales,’ he added. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 23

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PROFILE

s r e e t n lu o v e r o m g in Attract

, but try r Malvern Scout District fo sy ea as w le op pe g Recruiting youn

M

alvern District (The Malverns) had seen a ten per cent increase in demand from young people in 2008, but to prevent these going straight onto waiting lists, they needed almost 20 leaders

and assistants.

With 700 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts across five Groups, the ask was great, so Derek Barnes decided to hit the community quick and hard. ‘We decided that the way to make us more visible was to use a variety of channels over a two-week period. It was essentially a marketing campaign over a very limited period.

‘Over a fortnight we fired off press releases to the local papers, created posters, secured free advertising at the local

t ing to find 18 adults

stations, provided free coffees and teas to commuters and at rugby matches, did a sponsored walk and held coffee mornings. You would have had to be in Cuba to miss us. Our aim was to bring Scouting out of the huts and make it more visible to the wider community.’

Exactly two weeks later they had 11 people signed up as uniformed leaders. What was surprising was that few of the recruits were parents. ‘Mostly, it was people who had been involved in Scouting in the past but hadn’t done anything for nearly eight years. One guy had just moved back to the area, aged 37. He

TIPS 1 Think big

Invite your Scouts’ parents to join your summer camp leadership team as part of The Big Adventure. It’s the perfect way to help them experience the fun of Scouting, volunteering and the outdoors. See www.scouts.org.uk/ thebigadventure and page 48 for more.

2 Think differently

Is there a possibility you can run Scouting at a different time or in a different place? Section meetings are increasingly run on Saturday mornings, in schools, after school, for young mothers, on

Top 11

ways to help you grow

housing estates, in supermarkets and many other more unusual settings.

3 Use Young Leaders

Find out more about the Young Leaders’ Scheme in your District – it’s a great way to support the younger sections and to develop the confidence and skills of 14-18-year-olds. If you are an Explorer Scout Leader, then encourage your Explorers to look into this. Order Young Leaders’ Essentials from www.scouts.org.uk/shop

4 Say thank you

Of course, most of us do this without thinking, but thanking our helpers, parents and other adults who support Scouting makes all the difference.

People who are properly

thanked and appreciated are much more likely to offer their services again. Order thank-you cards from the Scout Information Centre at www. scouts.org.uk/infocentre

5 Use Scout Fellowship

In your District you will have a Scout Fellowship full of experienced and enthusiastic adults who are just waiting to be asked to help out. The Scout Fellowship exists to provide active support to Scouting, so why not get them more involved in your District or Group… and of course encourage others to sign up?

6 Run a school assembly

Providing you have sufficient adult support,

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ts

Changing faces

was a different story to support the meetings

was a Cub Scout and Venture Scout and wanted to rejoin the Movement.

‘The posters were great background noise but the two things that really worked was the coverage in the newspapers and the little flyers we handed out. More people came forward from that than anything else.

‘The two-week drive helped focus recruitment in the minds of the leaders and it got everyone involved, which was nice. We will continue looking for leaders, but this worked for us.’

47%

r of the UK volunteer fo t a sense of achievemen

why not arrange with your local school to go in and talk to the pupils, teachers and teaching assistants about Scouting?

A video and activities may also help bring Scouting to life and encourage adults and young people to join.

7 Make it public

All too often, Scouting takes place behind closed doors – now, as the weather warms up, get out into the open and run some exciting outdoor activities in the local park, for example.

Let other people see what they’re missing!

8 Add a twist to St George’s Day

Think about how you can do something different and add a splash of adventure

to a St George’s Day event – is it too late to lay on an activity so the public can see Scouting in action?

9 Run a two-week recruitment drive

Like Malvern District (see above), blitz the press with press releases, run recruitment events, put up posters, hand out flyers and give out free coffees at sporting events or even train stations. By focusing your efforts over a set period, potential volunteers can’t fail to miss you! Flyers can be ordered from the Scout Information Centre, at £3.50 for 100.

10 Follow up all leads If you know someone is interested in volunteering make sure that the right person gets back to them

in good time. If someone is interested then you need to contact them straight away before they change their mind or decide to do something different. Have you got a system in place for ‘Want to Join’ enquiries?

Having someone locally who can follow up all offers of help and support really works and takes the pressure off of the whole Group or District.

11 Talk about it!

Whether you’re in the staff room or office, remember to talk about the fun and rewards, skills and qualifications you get from your involvement with Scouting.

And show others what Scouting can offer them. Enthusiasm really is infectious!

Celebrities such as Blue Peter ’s Andy Akinwolere are helping to raise the profile of Scouting

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Changing faces

PROFILE

le p o e p g n u o y e r o m g in Welcom

T

Penny Marjoram

he Cub Scout section is still where we are losing the most young people. Penny Marjoram ran 3rd Hove (St Leonard’s), a very successful Cub Scout Pack, but she realised that there was room for improvement.

Here, she retells her journey to start a new Pack.

‘It was getting to the stage where my waiting list was so long it i.SCOUT because... was apparent that not all the young people would be able to join.

‘They Scout’ So I made it my mission to open a new Cub Pack. That was easier der said than done! I started by thinking about the choices I had. I sent Karen Davis, Scout Lea letters out to parents explaining the situation and saying we needed two new leaders. The response I got back was nil. I then ran ‘I must admit I was at a full stop. I spread the word throughout two Packs on alternate weeks, the District and the County that we wanted to open a new Pack but this was too difficult for me and were after new leaders, but no response. My breakthrough to manage and I was getting came one morning at work when I cheekily asked a mum in the negative responses from young school playground if her husband would like to become a leader. people and parents. I also To my surprise, the next day the mum came back to me and said asked about starting a Pack yes, her husband was interested and her sister was interested in on a Saturday and again the becoming his assistant! The next step was to hold a meeting with response was negative because them and our Group Scout Leader and District Commissioner. of people’s lifestyles and the ‘Four months later, after initial training and checks, 24 young other activities and clubs that people turned up for their first-ever night as Cub Scouts. We the young people attended. ran games and gradually introduced them to the Grand Howl, the Promise, Law and various activities, camps and outings. Two years on we now have two very successful Cub Scout Packs with 36 young people in each. Sadly though, we are back in the same situation as three years ago with both our waiting lists overflowing and we have had to close the lists for a year.’ www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 27

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PROFILE

Students wake up to g n i r e e t n u l vo

g on their rprise invitation hangin su a d un fo ts en ud st get stuck e This spring, som ring opportunities and ee nt lu vo al loc t ou ab nce t th project with a differe bedroom doors: find ou ow gr a on rts po re on n Beac in to a free barbecue. Da

I

n three universities (Essex, Lancashire and Bedford) a mixture of volunteers, Scout Association staff and professional event specialists descended on campuses to start conversations and recruit new Members. Although Student Scout and Guide Clubs have always been popular, we have often found it hard to sell volunteering and the benefits of Scouting to students who have never considered us before.

Prior to the events, posters, flyers, door hangers and articles in student media helped generate a buzz about the three one-day events. On the days themselves, as the smell of freshly cooked grub wafted across campus and the word ‘free’ was hurriedly The benefits of volunteering whispered in libraries and And while this was all going on, our team was seminars, the buzz around our weaving in and out of the crowds, seeking out new marquee rapidly built. In no time volunteers and Scout Network Members. The key at all our climbing walls were was identifying areas which would interest potential being scaled, our food devoured new Members. For example, by asking people what and goodie bags were flying out courses they were doing they were able to highlight of the door. how volunteering could benefit them. Some already wanted to volunteer with young people and had never thought about doing it with us until that moment! With hundreds of volunteering enquiries The num generated from each event, all the indications are who reg ber of stud e i that the initiative is successful. Be prepared to hear s n t t e s interest re in joindi an more about this in the coming months and how it ng! can extend to your area.

901

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Changing faces The resources used our new visual identity and included posters, stickers, flyers and door hangers

D i.BOARY i.STUD IN... i.SLEEP

MORE! i.WANT

27.o2.09 3/2/09 17:00:06 Essex A5 Fliers.indd

1

57%

The percentage of students who use volunteering as an opportunity to develop skills

WHAT THE STUDENTS THOUGHT ‘We were on our way to get some money from the cash machine, saw the display and barbecue and thought we’d check it out. I think Scouting needs to be re-marketed for older young people – it’s not just for little kids. Everyone wants to go on an adventure weekend or do something silly!’

‘We finished our lecture and were on the way to a job fair when we saw the stand. I’ve realised that Scouting isn’t just one-dimensional – there are activities for everyone.’

i.SCOUT because...

‘Standing around under a street lamp, outside shops, messing about outside strangers’ homes, being asked to move on, writing graffiti and making a general nuisance is just not me’ Louise and Ben Clipstone, Explorer Scouts

‘I stopped by because I didn’t know what Scouting was about, especially the travel opportunities and being able to volunteer.’

‘I’m studying graphic design and want to get some volunteering experience to build up my CV and help me in the future. Scouting also seems like a good opportunity to meet new people – it was cool that the people I spoke to were my age – it was a laugh.’ *Percentage statistics from the Volunteering Index, 2009 (commissioned by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service)

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Changing faces

i.SCOUT because...

‘Boredom isn’t an option’ RESOURCES

Ian Hammond

h t w o r g r o f Grants is bers and Groups, money em M of r be m nu g sin For an increa developing reason to hold back on a be ht ig m at th d at hand, an tight g projects. Now help is in ild bu d an ies eg at str d recruitment velopment Grants Boar De e th of rm fo e th in , says Bruce Murdoch

W

ouldn’t it be good if there was a ‘one-stop shop’ for all headquarters grants? Well now there is, in the form of the new and improved Development Grants Board (DGB).

Providing financial support to local Scouting, it can help cover the costs of camps (UK and abroad), uniforms, travel to events, support for members with special needs, training equipment and trainer support, development planning events, promoting Scouting, Air and Sea Scouting, starting new sections and Groups.

Funds are not available for everything, but as they say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

DS A ROOF OVER OUR HEA

£700,000 ment The amount the Develeop Grants Board set asid to 7/8 support Scouting in 200 Who has already benefited?

In September 2008, the DGB launched a pilot project to provide building grants to local Groups for the refurbishment of meeting places that would support the further growth of Scouting locally. A sum of £700,000 was set aside for grants in 2007/8 and 87 applications were received. From the shortlist of 14, the Board selected nine projects to receive a Building Grant, each of varying nature and scale, including inner city and rural locations, new build, refurbishment and extensions, as well as special needs and Sea Scout Groups.

PROFILE

‘We were a Scout Group based at a local church. About nine years ago it became apparent that they would have to sell the land our Scout meeting place was built on. Based in inner-city Birmingham, we were (and still are) a growing multi-faith, multi-racial group – it’s just that we didn’t have anywhere to meet!

‘I knew there was an old Scout building nearby that had been lying idle for a number of years and managed to negotiate the lease. The roof was leaking and it needed a lot of work, but everyone put up with it and got on with their Scouting. Our new GSL, Paul, spent most of his time filling in grant applications, and we had some success – but it was not until the Development Grants Board wrote to us saying we had £68,000 to bring the building up to scratch that we made the real breakthrough. Now we are repairing the roof and installing heating and hot water so we can provide a decent place for our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and 18 Explorer Scouts to enjoy their activities.’

Jayne Milne, 64th Birmingham Scout Group

more info

Contact the Development Grants Board Team at Gilwell Park on 0845 300 1818 or visit www.scouts.org. uk/developmentgrantsboard

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‘ moment From the

we made the

decision

to leave,

I was

ready’ Aline Afazali had to flee her Rwandan home when civil war broke out in 1994. Now living in the UK, she tells Hilary Galloway about the difficulties she faced and how Scouting helped her to rediscover her youth

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n

T

he air hung heavy with fear and sadness as with every step Aline and her family walked further away from their homes. The Afazalis, and thousands of others, were ordinary people fleeing the genocide in Rwanda. Over the course of 100 days, half a million people would be killed.

It was 1,000 miles to the relative safety of the Congolese border and the refugee camp. The family was forced to travel by foot. They owned a car but had to leave it behind, along with most of their belongings.

Any private or public transport by car was considered opposition and almost always targeted by the militia.

As they walked, people around Aline fell sick, often with cholera or from bad dehydration. Unable to stop due to fear of attack, Aline helped everyone she could, using the first aid skills she’d learnt at Scouts.

Left: Aline with her family in Rwanda; Below: Baby Aline with her parents.

Her dad was killed during the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Different worlds This was a very different world to one that Aline was used to. Born to a wealthy family in Kigali in Rwanda, Aline’s childhood was blessed. She lived in a large home with all the luxuries of modern life.

The world outside her front door was tolerant and peaceful. ‘I have three sisters and four brothers, but I was the first to join Scouting,’ she says.

‘Scouting was offered at my boarding school.

There were lots of other activities but it seemed like the most fun. I was ten and I absolutely loved it – it was such an adventure.’

For the next nine years, Aline camped, sang and relished in her weekly Scout meetings. But, in 1994, this world was blown apart by the civil war.

‘I witnessed some terrible events and learnt some very difficult truths about what people can do to each other. Many people were killed. My family had no choice other than to pack our belongings and leave our lovely home.’

Still only 19 at the time, Aline was resolute in her desire to help people. ‘From the moment we made the decision to leave I was ready. I wasn’t frightened by the situation or by what was to come because I was a Scout. I would always “be prepared”.’

Stranded without water, electricity or even shelter as they trekked towards the Congolese border, Aline felt proud that she was a Scout. ‘I was able to use the survival skills I learnt through Scouting.’ But instead of simply practising, this time she was saving lives.

Scouting skills Helped by her father, Aline used her first aid knowledge to help dozens of people. She grabbed branches and clothes to construct makeshift stretchers. ‘I did what I could. But I always had to make sure I was near my family. With so many people around, it was easy to lose each other. And if that happened it would be near impossible to

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find each other again. It was also a great comfort to my parents as they knew they could entrust me with the safety of my brothers and sisters.’

The family, along with many others, trekked through unfamiliar villages, where people would give them shelter and feed them in preparation for the next day’s trek. They walked 20 miles every day for two months.

‘When we eventually reached the Congolese camp, we built tents out of plastic sheeting sent by the UN. My father and I would go and cut wood to make a fire for cooking and warmth. Once again I used my Scouting skills.’

Aline today. She credits Scouting for helping her recapture her lost youth.

As a leader, Aline teaches her skills to the Scouts

Leaving home When Aline arrived in England, aged 24, she was still scarred by how she had been robbed of her early twenties by the war. It had been five years since she had attended a Scout meeting, and she vowed to find a group.

But first she had to find a job. Then, last year a chance encounter changed her life. ‘I was shopping in my local supermarket when I saw some Scouts and their leaders. I was so excited to have found a group. I spoke to the leaders who took down my details.’ A few days later, Potters Bar District Commissioner Charles Dace met me and then offered me the role of Assistant Scout Leader at 3rd Potters Bar. ‘I instantly loved it. Being in Scouting makes me feel 14 again. My youth was robbed by the war, but I feel like my old self. I run around as much as the Scouts themselves. It gives me energy and I live by the principles of Scouting. It reminds me of all the good things that I had in Rwanda as a child. As English isn’t my first language, I hope to educate my Scouts a little in my native Rwandan, Swahili and French.’

Reliving the war Unfortunately, Aline was caught up in conflict again when she visited the Democratic Republic of Congo

‘I wasn’t frightened by the situation or by what was to come because I was a Scout. I would always “be prepared”’

for a family funeral in 2008, and once again her Scouting skills were called for. ‘I used first aid skills again but I also used behavioural skills learnt in Scouting. When you’re in a conflict and there are lots of problems, being polite, humble, guiding others and always being prepared helped me enormously.’

Tragically, her dad was killed in the conflict while there. Aline returned to the UK six weeks later. She was only meant to be away for two.

A lifeline Now a parent herself, Aline is looking forward to her daughter eventually joining the Scouting Movement. ‘I am happy that she will learn the discipline and skills that I did at her age. I just hope she never has to use them for the same reasons I did.’

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For such small isles, the UK has a disproportionately large variety of places to see and things to do, from horse-riding in the New Forest to hiking on the Great Highland Way. Chris James introduces this summer’s best days out Parklife Our 14 National Parks cover nearly 9,000 square miles and are there to be enjoyed by everyone, including Scouts. The Peak District was the first to be given National Park status in 1951 and the New Forest as late as 2005. Although not to be confused with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks typically boast spectacular scenery – from the wilds of the North Yorkshire Moors to the mountains of Snowdonia.

Things to do in our National Parks • Go gliding in the uplands of the Brecon Beacons, www.bhpa.co.uk • Take a hot-air balloon flight over the Lake District, www. balloonsoverbritain.co.uk

• Go kayaking down the River Wye, www.breconbeacons.org • Try horse-riding in the New Forest, www.newforestnpa.gov.uk • Walk the 84-mile Hadrian’s Wall Path (crossing Northumberland National Park), www.nationaltrail. co.uk/hadrianswall • And, if you have any breath left, hike the 95 miles of the West Highland Way, www. west-highland-way.co.uk

Get historical It’s not until you visit a country like New Zealand or the United States that you realise how lucky we are to be surrounded by castles, towers and other ancient monuments.

Britain has beautiful ruins to spare – from Dunluce Castle perched

precariously on the edge of a headland on the North Antrim coast of Northern Ireland to Scrabo Tower, which looks as if it has come straight out of Lord of the Rings.

Be a folly hunter The UK is dotted with follies – buildings and structures with little (and usually no) practical use whatsoever. Built primarily by bored minor aristocrats with too much time and money on their hands, they have left us with a legacy of curious architectural delights. Why not plan a trip to take in a few of them at a time?

Visit www.follytowers.com to plan your trip. Whether it’s the Obelisk in Ripon or the Temple of Harmony in Somerset modelled on a

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Days out

first-century Roman temple, they are as dotty as they are unexpected.

Swim free Well, not exactly free, as there may be an entrance charge, but lidos (outdoor swimming pools) offer a delightfully different way to enjoy a swim this summer. From long ones such as the 90-metre Jesus Green Pool in Cambridge to the Art Deco majesty of the Grade II-listed Tinside Lido in Plymouth, you can combine history and exercise in one go. Visit www.lidos.org.uk to find the pool nearest to you.

Bag a Munro No, nothing to do with a certain Hollywood blonde, these are mountains in the Scottish Highlands standing over 914m (3,000ft).

Originally classified by Sir Hector Munro, the mountains (all 284 of them) are now obligatory conquests for any self-respecting mountaineer.

From Ben Vane (a mere 915m) to his rather more famous sibling Ben Nevis (a whopping 1,344m), why not try getting a few Munros under your belt? If you’re expecting to complete the Munros between now

and the end of May, BBC Scotland would like to hear from you. Contact Matt Barrett on 0141 422 6110 or email matt.barrett@bbc.co.uk

Go camping!

It sounds obvious and maybe it is, but if you haven’t got a summer camp planned, then it’s certainly not too late to start. If you invite parents to be part of the leadership team then it can also be part of The Big Adventure, our nationwide campaign to introduce parents to the wonders of Scouting. Visit www. scouts.org.uk/thebigadventure for more information and advice, not to mention money off Wall’s sausages.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVENTURE? Tell us about your best day in the UK at scouting. magazine@scout.org.uk Sign up to The Big Adventure at www.scouts. org.uk/thebigadventure

Have an island picnic A trip to Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset, was responsible for this whole great adventure in the first place, so there’s no harm recreating the experience. Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea to find out how. If not, why not pack a hearty lunch and head off for an island as small as Holy Island (Lindisfarne) on the Northumberland coast, or one as large as the Isle of Wight?

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Advertising feature

Adventurous

trips, afternoon outings and more…

After 65 million years

they’re back!

After years of planning, the award-winning BBC TV series Walking with Dinosaurs comes to life in a stunning theatrical event. Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 15 lifesize dinosaurs, including the terror of the ancient terrain, tyrannosaurus-rex!

Two reasons to come on down This year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species. B-P’s father, Professor Baden-Powell, was a contemporary of Darwin and they exchanged many letters about their work and research.

English Heritage has renovated Down House in Kent, where Darwin lived from 1842. For further information, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/darwin Downe Scout Activity Centre is near Down House. For details of accommodation and camping, phone 01959 572121, email downe.activity.centre@scout.org.uk

Back to the future The National Children’s Museum is designed especially for children aged 0-11.

With more than 400 interactive exhibits in six galleries, from a futuristic world alive with sound to your very own home in the desert, Eureka! is a great day out for groups.

The great outdoors Rockley Adventure has in excess of 30 years’ experience in providing high-quality outdoor education to Cubs, Scouts, Guides and other groups of young people. Whether it’s a day visit or a longer residential stay in the UK or France, Rockley’s RYA Sailing and Windsurfing programme or multi-activity courses are the ideal ‘badge building’ opportunity.

One day not enough?

Fancy taking your Scouts on an activity week in Croatia or trekking in Morocco? The Adventure Company has more than 230 exciting trips designed to broaden horizons. They have also just launched a Groups Department which tailors trips to meet the needs of your group. Call 0845 609 0895 or visit www.adventurecompany.co.uk for a brochure.

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When the Cubs of the 1st Hensingham learnt that Cubs at St Stephen’s School in Stanley, Hong Kong, were looking for a UK Cub Pack to take part in their Bridges for Peace project, they were quick to volunteer. Claire Riley picks up the story

CUBS CAN

BUILD A

BRIDGE T

he project ‘Bridges for Peace’ was developed by 150th St Stephen’s Cub Pack in Stanley, Hong Kong, as part of its contribution to the Centenary of Scouting celebrations. The Cubs Below left: began by brainstorming a list of questions that they wanted to The 150th St Stephen’s Cub ask Cubs in other countries. These ranged from ‘What are your favourite Pack in Hong foods?’ to ‘What type of house do you live in?’. They decided to approach Kong (top) and the 1st Cubs in countries they had connections with, which generally meant Hensingham that their grandparents were from there or born there. From their hit list, Cubs, Cumbria (below) the following countries participated: Australia, Canada, England, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, Kenya, Scotland, Singapore, received a special ‘Bridges for Peace’ badge. The badge Switzerland and the USA. The Cubs was designed by 150th St Stephen’s Cubs and Scouts all completed questionnaires; these, who described it as ‘our corner of the world’. Hong along with other facts about each Kong is labelled on the left-hand side, with a bridge of the countries and their Scouting, spanning water to another land. The other side could were compiled into a report. A copy be anywhere across the sea, and symbolises how was then sent to each Cub Pack.

Scouting is reaching out to other lands through the The Cubs exchanged badges and project. The bridge depicted is the Tsing Ma Bridge in each person that took part also Hong Kong (right), which links the mainland to Lantao Island. As the longest rail/road suspension bridge in the world, it’s an architectural marvel.

The travelling campfire Along with the badges and report, 1st Hensingham also received a small pot filled with campfire ash, which was accompanied by a short history of the ashes’ travels. The ash had been travelling since 1933, taking in over 20 countries! In a special fireside moment, the Cubs felt connected to their worldwide family of Scouts, despite never having met.

The Cubs also exchanged games, songs and recipes.

The next page shows three that any section could try.

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Go international

From Switzerland Half-fill a small pot with rice and 12 small safety pins (closed).

While wearing a blindfold, pick out as many safety pins as possible in two minutes. It is hard to feel the pins among the grains of rice.

From Hong Kong Oh, I had a little chicken and it wouldn’t lay an egg So I rubbed hot water up and down its legs Yes I rubbed hot water up and down its legs And now my little chicken laid a boiled egg, A boiled egg, a boiled egg, the darn old chicken laid a boiled egg.

Swap the words in bold in the next verses: 2 Chocolate/Easter egg; 3 Oil/fried egg; 4 Scout Leader/rotten egg; 5 Myself/perfect egg

From Canada Grandma’s Ginger Snaps Ingredients: 1 cup butter ¾ cup treacle 3 cups flour 1 cup brown sugar 2 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp ground cloves Mix butter and treacle in pan and just melt.

Do NOT burn! Meanwhile, sift everything else into a bowl. Remove butter/treacle mixture from heat, let cool slightly and pour into dry ingredients.

Mix well with a spoon. Pack into an old-fashioned tin ice-cube tray lined with cling film, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from tray and slice thinly. They should be very thin rectangles.

Leaving in the tray overnight will make it easier to slice them uniformly. Bake on an ungreased baking tray at 350°F /180°C for ten minutes until they turn a nice brown colour. Let them cool slightly before removing from tray.

more info

These activities are all on Programmes Online, as well as several more suitable for the Global Programme Zone.

Visit www.scouts.org.uk/pol

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A 19-year-old who opened a cyber café for teenagers in his t village is the first Scou to win a top ‘YOPEY’ prize, a growing campaign to give young people a fairer image. Tony Gearing l meets an inspirationa young volunteer

Man n o i t c a of S

tefan Prest is a high-flyer in more ways than one. As well as helping to run Rufford Explorer Scouts, he has been a member of the UK Youth Parliament and has recently gained a gliding scholarship.

But it is his work in his own village, supporting young people that really singles him out.

The café – effectively a youth club – is the most visible sign of his work in the former mining village of Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire.

He has campaigned to give young people a voice and more facilities since he was just 12.

Making it happen At the age of 13 Stefan set up Bilsthorpe Youth Tenants and Residents Association (BYTRA).

The aim of BYTRA was to raise the voice of young people in the village. ‘I began to think of things that young people enjoy doing, such as computers, internet and sports. At the next meeting I proposed the idea to the rest of the group, and there and then we began working on it.’

A couple of years later Stefan researched other projects and came up with costings.

He applied for and won a £6,000 grant from the East Midlands Development Agency and European Social Fund. The group bought computers, desks and a bar. They also stocked up on sweets and drinks.

‘When the young people It took only three who use the café say months for the how good it is, then I Ozone Cyber Café know all the hard work and Coffee Bar to and effort has paid off’ open under the slogan ‘Run by young people 4 young people.’ It is held in Bilsthorpe Village Hall, which the group hires two nights a week.

A place of their own The café is free to enter and the computers and games, such as pool, table football and badminton, are free to use. BYTRA pays all the café’s running costs of £2,000 a year by fundraising. Typical fundraising events include car washes, coffee mornings and

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Young person of the year

Stefan’s dedication to his community really sets him apart

even a variety show called Bilsthorpe’s Got Talent!

Over 40 young people attend the café on a typical night and Stefan says: ‘They are not customers or service users – they are young people who just come along and enjoy themselves.’ All the work is done by young people under Stefan’s leadership. About eight older teenage volunteers run the café each evening, including friends from his former Explorer Scout Unit.

Even now he remains as committed as ever, studying for his degree in business and management at a local college so he can continue to run the café.

Rewarding work Stefan is modest about his achievements.

‘Don’t get me wrong,’ he says. ‘I’m like any other teenager – I do enjoy a drink, just not every night. Watching an idea grow from nothing to the success it is today gives me a sense of pride,’ he continues. ‘When the young people who use the café say how good it is, I know all the hard work and effort has paid off.’

Stefan was typically generous with his £1,000 first prize, which he won in the Notts YOPEY, sponsored by the county council and an IT company. ‘Having just passed my driving test, I put £500 towards a car. The other £500 I’ve put into the café.’ Stefan and his team also managed to attract £22,000 of new funding, so the café’s long-term future is secure.

‘Volunteering, particularly in Scouting, is a fantastic opportunity for people to give back to their community,’ says Stefan, ‘no matter what your age or background.’

more info Young People of the Year or YOPEY (pronounced ‘yop-ee’) was founded by Tony Gearing, a former national newspaper journalist ‘tired of the bad press young people receive’. So far 26 YOPEY contests have been held and over £60,000 won by young people to share with good causes. Prime Minister Gordon Brown calls YOPEY ‘a wonderful celebration of Britain’s youth’. This year contests are being held in Scotland and several English counties.

Anyone can nominate a young person for an award. Log on to www.yopey.org or write to Young People of the Year, PO Box 103, Hare Street, Ware SG9 0XD for an entry form.

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S R E K N O C CAN ?

S R E D I P S T U KEEP O Firelighting God’s own firelighter Look out for silver birch trees. The papery bark can be peeled off and makes the best tinder to be found.

Log on When building a fire, use a large log to lean your sticks against. It makes the fire easier to build and acts as a reflector for the heat.

Bag it up Dry wood shavings kept in a sealed plastic bag make starting fires on a damp day much easier.

Crisp and dry Save trees, save paper. Use empty crisp packets to light campfires.

Look for dry wood When searching for firewood in a pine forest, look up not down, as the wood on the floor will be damp.

If you look up into the lower branches there will be dead wood caught in them which has fallen from above. These will have been ‘air dried’ and make great tinder.

No more rusty axes or saws

Wipe a white candle or camellia oil over blades to prevent rust forming.

Mirror, mirror Polish the base of a soft drinks can to create a mirror-like surface. (Use a metal cleaner. Toothpaste works too.) This will act like a parabolic mirror.

Point towards bright sunlight and hold a piece of dark-coloured tinder in the focal point (about 5cm away from the base). After a few seconds you will see smoke.

Alternatively, take your torch apart and use the reflector. Remove the bulb and poke the tinder through the hole where the bulb was.

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the time ound the corner, now’s ar ps m ca er m m su ith W lection outing skills. Here’s a se to brush up on your Sc ything from er embers, including ev submitted by you, the M in oven chocolate-assortment-t a to n pa g in fry e ad a homem

Shelter

?

How to…

Bubbling under

Food & drink Make your own pan Cover the forked end of a twig in double thickness tinfoil to make a triangular-shaped frying pan.

Use the other end as the handle.

Great if you want to pack light for a hike or overnight camp and also fun for Cubs and Scouts as an introduction to campfire cooking.

Breakfast in a packet Save on washing up breakfast bowls at camp – if your Scouts like cereal in the morning simply buy funsize packets. Open them up and pour the milk straight in.

They can eat out of the packet!

Nettle tea Cleansing, refreshing and free!

Just add a handful (per person) of the top four leaves in boiling water. No milk required.

Bring along a 50cm2 piece of mini bubble wrap to sit on or to wrap round hot food to keep it warm.

Self-cleaning pans If you are using pans on an open fire, smear the outside with washing-up liquid before cooking.

It makes them a lot easier to clean.

When cleaning, wipe them with recently used, wet tea bags.

Lucky strike

Brilliant bivouacs When building a bivouac from sticks and leaves don’t forget that your roof needs to be at least 30cm thick to stop rain getting through.

It also takes a long time to build so start early before it gets dark.

Bonkers advice?

A dixie lid full of conkers at the door of the tent keeps the spiders out.

Off the ground

To make your matches waterproof dip them in candle wax first.

Chocolate-tin pizza oven Round chocolate assortment tins make great pizza ovens on an open fire. Use the lid as the base, pierce a couple of holes in the tin and leave on the embers for five to ten minutes. Coat hooks through the holes are good for lifting it out of the fire.

To stop water creeping in around the edges of a groundsheet that is completely flat, lay some 2cm-diameter staves under the edges to lift them up.

Peg puller Always use a skewer to pull up tent pegs.

Don’t pull on the cords or loops.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST SCOUTING SKILL? Scouting skills We are working on a new would like to you ll ski a e book – if you hav ase send it ple k, be considered for the boo ny thanks Ma k. g.u t.or cou to: web.team@s ir tips so the red sha to all those who have k. boo the in be ll wi s far! Your name

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Scout in the country

Living on the edge

Fancy a hike with a difference? Well, here’s a seasonal idea from James Taylor which incorporates some historic detective work, unusual folklore, lots of community involvement and, of course, plenty of exercise

B

eating the Bounds is an ancient ceremony that usually took place around the fifth Sunday after Easter, somewhere around the 17 May. At its most basic level, villagers would walk the boundary of the parish and a churchman would bless the fields and crops.

The practice dates back hundreds of years, when the outskirts of communal areas were blessed to welcome in the summertime and ensure good crops. As the population grew, a defined ‘territory’ became more important and Beating the Bounds became widespread. It was an occasion when every village member was welcome to join in. The celebrations that took place afterwards are thought to be where most English folk songs and dances originated.

Taking some stick So what form did the walk take? Well, as this event was practiced right across Britain and over much of Europe, there seem to be many variations. However, the basic format was that a senior villager – usually a churchman or mayor – would lead everyone along the parish boundary. The path and markers would be ‘beaten’ using a stick cut from branches of

a willow with the bark stripped off. Beating the Bounds gradually died out in the 19th century because of the Enclosures Act which both split land and transferred power from the church to local government.

Nowadays parish boundaries are often merely markings on maps, even though they may well be ancient rights of way. However, they can give a community a sense of its own history and who better to revitalise this interest than the local Scout Group, Unit or Network?

Community support My own parish was last walked in April 2002 and resulted in a 14-mile hike! So, if you can organise such a trek, bear in mind that it might be too much for Beavers and Cubs. However, everyone else in the community who can manage such a walk could be invited, including the mayor and religious leaders.

more info

If you organise a hike around your parish along the lines of Beating the Bounds, let the organisation Common Ground know. It is trying to re-identify parish maps as an ongoing project.

Visit www.commonground.org.uk

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Big ideas for the

e r u t n e v d Bıg A W

camps. planning their summer e ar rs de lea , UK e th ss Acro ults to ted parents and other ad Many have already invi venture? . So what’s your Big Ad am te ip rsh de lea eir th join

day night with the hether it’s a mum Fri rs arr ivi ng on the ave Be who has never g Sat urday. We’re lookin camped before unteers to assist in vol for to run or a dad who cooking and helpi ng next Ray Mears, and superv ise the groups. the wants to be ite adults p we’re asking you to inv Without them the cam mer r!’ sum r would be a lot ha rde to help out on you It’s the Brian Mi ller, Fife camp or outdoors event. e som m perfect way to show the trict s ‘We are holdi ng a Dis real Scouting and perhap ing ups, with eer Gro unt 11 vol for to p m cam the ce introdu ers, Here more tha n 1,000 memb on a more regular basis. ct tri Dis ns: to celebrate the are just some of your pla is Centena ry. Eac h Group to joi n the ts ren pa g itin inv a ian us ‘We’re holdi ng an Ind tea m so leaders can foc for the Jones-style sleepover activities.’ the g nin run on ht nig a Pac k wh ich involves Joh n Rober tson, Fife se there hike. On ret urn to ba watch wi ll be the chance to ‘We are run ning an all the In . bed a film before p and we’ll cam p ou -gr age t fas , morni ng after break be absei ling, cli mbing ties.’ there’ll be more activi teering, en ori g, lin tho po ire esh Ca rl Wi llox, Ch king shelter-building, ma Th is re. mo fires and much ture of the r yea rd ‘The Group’s Big Adven thi the be wi ll p where ere wh st fir wi ll consist of a cam camp, but the rs to g, so tin rui rec all sec tions, from Beave ly ive act we’re at least ely.’ tim is e tur Network, wi ll spend The Big Adven of us ssex Su st We one night away. Most ey, rtl Ha ve Da p on wi ll be goi ng to the cam

ou ant aym w e W the te ! on

Helping support The Big Adventure

N

S

SCOUT SHOPS

EQUIPPED FOR ADVENTURE

more info Ask your Group Scout Leader or Group Contact for free resources and invitations so you can make the most of this national recruitment opportunity.

scouts.org.uk/parents

p into a turn your summer cam FInd out how you can dventure iga heb k/t rg.u ts.o w.scou Big Adventure at ww

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STARTS SATURDAY 16th MAY until SUNDAY 14th JUNE

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Can

Scouts carry knives?

Whether Scouts can legally carry knives is something that concerns many of you. So we asked knife specialist and Scout Leader Dave Budd to cut through the confusion to reveal the facts

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Knives

K

Dave Budd

nives have been in the news with increasing regularity over recent years, and not always for the right reasons.

The series of high-profile fatal stabbings last year highlighted a growing knife culture in the UK. Now the general public is unsure of the law on knives.

Scouts often have the need for a good knife, and in the early days every Scout was actively encouraged to put a knife on their belt. Sadly, there is now confusion about when a Scout is allowed to carry a knife. I hope to explain and clarify how the current law on knives affects Scouts.

The main piece of UK legislation regarding the possession of knives and other sharply pointed/bladed objects is the Criminal Justice Act 1988. The Act details what is generally deemed to be an ‘offensive’ weapon and Section 139 particularly describes what types of knives are banned, those that can be carried in public and under what circumstances.

The law in a nutshell Buying/selling knives • It is illegal for any shop to sell a knife of any kind (including cutlery, kitchen knives or Swiss army knives) to anyone under the age of 18 (in England, Northern Ireland and Wales) or under the age of 16 (Scotland).

Carrying knives • In general, it is an offence to carry a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority (for example, a good reason is a chef on their way to work and carrying their own knives).

• However, it is not illegal for anyone to carry a foldable, non-locking knife, such as a Swiss army knife, in a public place, as long as the blade is shorter than three inches (7.62cms). www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 51

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Knives

It is not illegal for anyone to carry a foldable, non-locking knife, such as a Swiss army knife, in a public place

Knives and Scouts

ac

The Scout Association provides additional guidance: • Knives should be carried to and from meetings by an adult.

• Knives should be stowed in the middle of a bag/rucksack when transporting.

• Knives are tools and should be treated as such: use the appropriate tool for the job (don’t use a large fixed blade for carving or a penknife for clearing brush).

• Knives should be stored away until there is a need for them to be used.

• Campsites are considered public places (when used for a camp) and so knives are not to be carried.

• Except for reasons of religion, knives may not be worn with uniform.

I think it is probably safest to assume that knives of any sort should not be carried by anybody to a Scout meeting or camp, unless there is likely to be a specific need for one. In that case, they should be kept by the Scout leaders and handed out as required.

I would also suggest that proper training in the use and care of knives (and other tools) be taken, not only by the Scouts themselves but also by the leaders in charge. tu

al

si

ze

more info www.davebudd.com Dave’s site includes information, course details, advice and handmade tools. To ask him for advice, email buddknives@yahoo.co.uk www.scouts.org.uk/scoutbase Information specifically related to using knives on camp can be found here. Search ‘knife law’ www.opsi.gov.uk The Office of Public Sector Information’s site has general information on policies www.scouts.org.uk/correspondence Continue the debate online

HELPING BATTLE KNIFE CRIME

The blade outline below (three inches) is the maximum size that is allowed to be carried in public

A group of Scouts visited Westminster and spoke about the positive impact Scouting can have on young people in under-privileged areas, where knife crime is most prevalent.

The group spoke to the all-party panel of MPs about why Scouting teaches young people respect for themselves and for others.

Leader James Reid, from Chingford Scouts, spoke about the impact it is having in his area. He said, ‘A young person we worked with had a particularly bad attitude. As a Scout we took him away camping and found he had a skill for cooking, so we worked with him and helped him to gain his Chef Activity Badge and then he went on to gain his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It was through Scouts he found something he was good at and it gave him a set of skills to put into use throughout his life.’

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Special Scouts Rates: APRIL 1st

HK$800.00 nett per room per night

2nd -12th, 17th -19th, 24th -26th

HK$720.00 nett per room per night

13th -16th, 20th-23rd, 27th - 30th HK$900.00 nett per room per night MAY 1st -31st

HK$650.00 nett per room per night

For reservations, please contact National Scouts Organisation No.8 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2376 1111 / Fax: (852) 2376 1333 Direct line to Reservations: (852) 2378 7611 Reservation Direct Fax: (852) 2376 1159 E-mail: enquiry@bpih.com.hk Website: www.bpih.com.hk

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Adult training

viser for Donna Kerrigan, UK Ad two trainers to Adult Training, meets got involved discover how they first

‘You’ll be hat w d e s i r p r su ’ r e f f o n a you c

on developing training skills. I’m now beginning to work with trainers delivering other modules.

Recently, we had a development meeting where we worked hard as a team to share ideas and develop new techniques.

Emma: I’ve done taster sessions and helped other trainers on the Getting Started modules.

I’m also doing my own management training modules before I begin to gather evidence for Module 29, Presenting.

Emma Hartland (above left) has been involved in Scouting since the early 1990s as a Cub Scout Leader. Mike Leedham (above right) is a retired teacher from Dudley, Group Scout Leader and trainer

What would you say to any adult considering the role of trainer?

Mike: Have a go! Your training team will support you. You’ll be surprised what you can Ask a member of offer. Ask a Training Adviser the training team Mike: A leader in my Group or a member of the team to to tell you more. Be was friendly with the County tell you more. Be proactive; proactive and don’t Training Manager and don’t wait to be asked. wait to be asked suggested that I become a Emma: You must try.

Training Adviser.

I’ve grown in confidence Emma: In January 2007 I was approached by and I’ve loved sharing experiences and my a Local Training Manager who asked if I would enthusiasm for Scouting with other adults. be a Training Adviser. I agreed to give it a go.

I really enjoyed the experience and got on well with the very supportive team. After a while I asked the County Training Manager We asked some of our training what other roles I could consider and she managers what they look for in a trainer: • Enthusiasm suggested Local Training Manager.

• Patience and a good sense of humour • A willingness to try something new What was your experience • Commitment as a new trainer like?

• Communication skills Mike: I had a mentor to support me. I worked • Personal presence on the Nights Away module, which was a • Experience subject I was confident with and so could focus • Specific knowledge

So how did you get involved in the training team?

IT TAKES? HAVE YOU GOT WHAT

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Adult support

In 2008, Chalfont Heights campsite was redeveloped with the support of a Scout Fellowship. Sixteen-year-old Alec Stanworth finds out how the dynamic role of this Fellowship contributed to the success of the project

Let’s work together ‘O

ur Fellowship is like a big family,’ says Vikki, one of the team, looking out on the recently revamped site. ‘There are younger people as well as adults here, and we get on really well – most of the time!’

Two years ago our Scout County was faced with the challenge of purchasing and developing our campsite; a project that would cost £1.3 million. The service crew at the campsite, now a Scout Fellowship, made this possible through their active support.

With a mix of fresh ideas and past experience, the Fellowship helped select activities that would appeal to all. Everyone in the County had the opportunity to have a say and a BMX track and its new adventure course were just some of the ideas that came to fruition.

Making the plans a reality The Fellowship took on the task of installing new activities and constructing the new accommodation. An all-weather go-kart track was built entirely from scratch, along with a new adventure course. More indoor accommodation was constructed

to complement our existing facilities and training complex.

‘The Fellowship played a key role,’ said Andrew Bedford, chairman for the development of the campsite. ‘They did everything from showing potential donors around the camp to deciding how to spend the money. Once funding was secure, they looked after the projects, from the new high-ropes course to our new traverse wall.

The campsite couldn’t run without them!’

The local Fellowship helped develop a new BMX and go-kart track for the campsite.

Who said Fellowships weren’t active?

Support throughout the year The Fellowship works in all weather, at weekends and throughout the holidays to run the activities and maintain the site. Different crews meet at different times, and many carry out specialist roles, including our forestry crew, who look after our 44 acres of woodland.

OVER TO YOU How do Scout Fellowships in your area work to improve the quality of Scouting for young people? Let us know at fellowship@scout.org.uk

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Young people decided themselves how money would be spent in the County

Handing Scouting back

to young people As part of its drive to increase youth participation, West Sussex introduced a Young Person’s Award and young people decided where the funds raised should be spent. Mike Wakeling, Assistant County Commissioner (Development) reports

‘I

was standing up in front of a group of people making my first-ever presentation,’ says Megan a ten-year-old Cub Scout. ‘Of course I was nervous, but excited too. I volunteered to be on the presentation team because I wanted to help buy some new play equipment for our campsite.’

Megan was just one of the young people pitching to their peers for funds to improve local Scouting. The novel idea came about in 2007 when County President, Colonel Sir Brian

Barttelot Bt OBE DL, raised a considerable amount of money for West Sussex Scouts and The Scout Association. Rather than going down the usual path of letting the great and the good decide how the cash should be spent, the decisions were put entirely in the hands of young people. Not only would those pitching for the funds be young people, they would also make up the judging panel.

Young people take the lead ‘We all wrote down our ideas,’ Megan continues, ‘and Akela

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County in focus

‘Young people from West Sussex pitched for funds for a variety of projects, including international expeditions and improving local campsites’

helped us with a PowerPoint presentation. After that we were on our own. Once the presentation got going I felt better and more confident. I thought we had done quite well.’

Teams of young people in the District each decided on a project for which funding was needed – this could be anything from a leaking roof to a new toilet; skate boards to mountain bikes, tents to overseas projects.

The young people then chose a smaller team of four, comprising three presenters to make the presentation (all under 17 and with a total age not exceeding 47 years) and one young person to go on the project selection team.

Districts then selected the one project that was to be judged at County level.

Fast forward to the County Award Selection Day and Don Wills from the Regional team was on hand to help the young people elect a chairman. From then on, they ran the sessions, calling in the teams to make their presentations.

The judging begins The initial process was to reduce the number to three projects to go forward to the second stage.

The presentations were to be ten minutes long and all three members of each team had to be involved.

Jodie, a Scout, was one of the young people on the judging panel. ‘I was a bit worried about helping to judge other teams as they all had really exciting projects,’ she says. George, aged 11, was another of the judges. ‘I didn’t know any of the others on the panel, so I was pretty nervous.

It was quite hard, but I felt my decisions were honest.’

Finally, after much debate, the winners were decided, with a first prize of £2,500 going to Goring Sea Scouts, while 1st Felpham Sea Scouts received £1,500 and £1,000 went to 1st Rustington.

This was one of our County’s first experiences of shifting decisionmaking towards young people.

After all, our future is in their hands.

But how did Megan’s presentation go? ‘It was great to find out we had come second,‘ she says, after winning £1,500 for her District campsite. ‘I felt so proud.’

more info Another County Award Selection Day is planned for November 2010, but why not think about doing something similar where you are?

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SILENT WITNESS When Jo Hawtin was struck down with a virus, little did she know just how much it would change her life

I

’d just become Assistant County Commissioner (Venture Scouts) and was looking forward to my new role, when I fell sick. Overnight, I lost virtually all hearing in one ear and the other was severely damaged.

That was 12 years ago.

It took some time to accept that I couldn’t hear. I was no longer able to join in with some of the camaraderie; I missed the salient points and when I asked what had been said the moment had passed. At the time, I was involved in the training team as a tutor and I found that colleagues stopped asking me to teach; they were afraid that I couldn’t hear. As a result, I became withdrawn and lost a lot of confidence.

My family life also initially suffered. I had to get my family to accept that I wasn’t able to interact with them unless I could see them face to face. Coming to terms with the frustrations of my children and myself was probably the hardest thing. It took time to fully understand my capabilities, needs and support.

My Scouts are receptive, although I do sometimes have to remind them that I can’t hear. I also have to educate them that I can’t hear when they have their music on or are having a conversation among themselves. I don’t need to adapt any games/activities that I’ve run in the past, although if there are whistles involved, someone else manages that.

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Health & wellbeing

Before I became deaf it was much easier to shut the noise out if I was concentrating A turning point I learned that as long as I put myself into a position where I can see the person, I can hear. This means sitting in the front row and not facing a window, which puts the other person’s face in shadow.

In the beginning I got very tired as I had to concentrate more to hear.

I also found it very difficult when there were several small groups in a large room. Because I couldn’t hear, my voice became louder.

The best way I have found to cope is to be more forceful – something that goes against my nature. I now have to position myself in meetings so that I can hear everyone.

It has also made me more aware of how intolerant/tolerant people can be. Even though I can’t hear as well, I am still the same person and

A warmer welcome

not stupid. I quickly learnt who my real friends were.

Hearing aids I work at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre part time and they have provided me with a special telephone. It is more difficult working in an open office when there are other conversations in the room. If this happens, I simply don’t answer the phone or just ask them to be quiet. Before I became deaf it was much easier to shut the noise out if I was concentrating.

In my voluntary role, I am now Assistant County Commissioner Special Needs, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Adviser, and a section helper. It certainly hasn’t changed my approach to Scouting.

It’s made me more determined to provide support where it’s needed.

If you have someone with any type of special need joining your Group, there are a number of easy steps to consider.

• Phrasing questions in a helpful way is a good start.

‘Could we provide any resources, support or equipment to make you more effective?’ helps volunteers to ask honestly for help.

• Form-filling may be second nature to some people, but to others reading and writing may present a number of challenges. Sensitive support and a move away from recording everything on paper will help.

• Role models come in all shapes and sizes and it’s important for young people to see the diversity of their society reflected in the Association. Consider how positive it is for our youth members to be taught how to sail by an expert who happens to have a muscle-wasting condition or be part of a Group whose members always sign their Promise because one of their adults does?

Hopefully, as we look at more flexible volunteering and a smoother passage through the appointments process, those initial contacts can be more welcoming for everyone, not just those with particular needs or disabilities.

Sue Burton

JO SHARES HER PROBLEM AREAS Background noises are much louder when you’re deaf. Background music on the television drowns out voices and some programmes can be very difficult to hear.

Stand still when giving a talk.

If someone is charging around the stage, I have to keep moving my head which must be most annoying to anyone sitting behind me!

Speak clearly. A lot of people don’t talk very clearly – they either don’t open their mouths, or lean on their elbows with their hands covering their mouths.

Slideshows can be difficult to watch. I can only see the pictures and not hear the person.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES If you or someone in your Group has special needs, please send your experiences to the Special Needs team at special. needs@scout.org.uk

more info The Treloar Fund assists those with individual special needs and helps provide the provision of disabled facilities in Scout buildings. www.scouts.org.uk/hqfunds A booklet has been produced with the National Deaf Children’s Society on adapting your meeting place for Scouts with hearing difficulties. www.scouts.org.uk/deaffriendly

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Y

ou and your Scouts are about to set off on a a game that involves running around. A boiling kettle winter hike. A full moon is out and a crust of used by Explorers may constitute a hazard when a ball frost is forming on the grass outside. Just as game is taking place. The best time to identify hazards is you leave your meeting place, you do a quick when planning the activity and it is good practice to ask check of your Group’s clothing and equipment. You the opinion of other members of the leadership team. notice one Scout at the back is wearing little more than 3 Evaluate the risks and determine whether a T-shirt and anorak – a sure-fire exposure risk. Believe the existing precautions are adequate or it or not, you’ve just done a form of risk assessment! whether more should be done Risk assessment is the process we use to ensure This step involves taking steps to eliminate hazards, that the activities we provide for young people are where practical, and determining whether the adventurous but not hazardous. We all undertake risk remaining risk is acceptable. The activity leader has assessments in our everyday lives. Whenever we cross to make a judgement as to whether the precautions the road we assess the road conditions and traffic, then in place are sufficient to protect those involved. If the decide whether it is hazardous to cross or not. In a judgement is that the risks associated with the activity Scouting context, risk assessment is about identifying are too great then steps must be taken to reduce the the hazards associated with an activity and ensuring risk to an acceptable that they are reduced to an level; otherwise acceptable level.

Remember: there are specific rules the activity cannot The Scout Association has for many adventurous activities take place. a five-step approach to risk which must be followed. These For example, an assessment. Let’s look at activities are listed in the Scout activity may require how this might be applied Led Activities Index (FS120084) the use of Stanley in practice to an activity at knives to cut card. a typical weekly meeting.

The leader may decide that these are too hazardous 1 Look for the hazards; and for Beavers to use and an adult would need to cut the 2 Decide who might be harmed, and how card. If Scouts undertook a similar activity the leader For a simple activity, steps one and two are naturally may decide that the Scouts are competent to cut the undertaken by the person planning the activity. No card without the likelihood of harm. responsible leader would knowingly put young people 4 Record your findings in danger. In identifying the hazards you need to think Once we have decided what precautions need to be about what is involved in the activity, the ability of the put in place, these should be recorded. This includes young people and any hazards related to where the those actions that need to take place prior to and activity is taking place. during the running of the activity, over and above For example, a stack of chairs, normally a safe structure, may become a hazard to Beavers during

>

? ss e n i s u b Risky st a intimidating – rather ju or ex pl m co be t no ed n Austin, Risk assessment ne and run activities. Adria an pl e w ay w e th of ps rt natural pa plains the five easy ste ex l, na sio es of pr ty fe sa Scout Leader and

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Safety

more info Activities – Risk Assessment (FS120000) and Scout Led Activities Index (FS120084) factsheets are available from the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 or www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre

what would normally happen. They are what could be called ‘additional safety precautions’.

How the findings are recorded is a matter of choice for the leaders involved. There is no requirement for these to be recorded on a risk assessment form (or similar). There are many different ways of recording the information, such as: • on the planning sheet for the meeting or activity • as part of the rules to be read out prior to the activity • in a notebook.

However you record Additional Safety Precautions, it is important that all those involved in running the activity are aware of the precautions.

5 Review your assessment and revise it

>

if necessary During an activity there are often things that don’t go to plan. As a result, those supervising the activity may have to take additional action to keep things safe.

It is good practice after the event to review what went well, what went wrong and how the activity could have been improved. Record your findings so other leaders can learn from your experiences.

Risk assessment is mostly common sense.

By following these simple steps we can ensure that our activities are safe and all participants are protected from harm.

?

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In the last of our series looking at how the Beliefs and Attitudes Zone underpins every part of the Balanced Programme, Daisy Charlton turns to the Global Zone (International for the Scout Network) to uncover a world of opportunity

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Faiths & beliefs

1

Develop an inner discipline and training

More than 5,000 children in the developing world die every day of diarrhoeal diseases. Simple changes, such as hand-washing with soap, can help reduce this by almost 50 per cent – saving at least one million lives.

Talk about this with the Scouts to help them understand the importance of washing their hands – especially after they’ve been to the toilet or before preparing food. Ask them to make a small poster to remind people to wash their hands that they can display in the toilets at their meeting place or home. www.washyourhandsofthem.com

2

Be involved in corporate activities with others

Scouting has always promoted international peace through contact with young people from other countries and cultures. This helps young people develop an awareness of life outside their own immediate sphere, and assists them in recognising and respecting the differences that exist between cultures.

• use the internet to play games; • are members of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace or Bebo?

Most of them will use one or more of these things on a regular basis. The internet has had a massive effect on youth culture and although not everyone has a computer at home, most schools do. However, in poorer countries many people can’t afford a computer. A charity called One Laptop Per Child has designed a cheap laptop and aims to give one to every child in the developing world.

Ask the Scouts to have a look at their website and to see what you can do as a section to raise awareness of this project. www.laptop.org

4

Help to create a more tolerant and caring society

It is often the people who grow our food who get the worst deal from what we buy. They are usually paid very little, so can’t afford to send their children to school or buy food for their families. The Fairtrade Foundation exists to make sure producers in developing countries get a fair price for what they do. Collect

Heal the world The International Links scheme offers a means of communicating with Scouts abroad and provides an ‘international experience’ without necessarily having to leave town. See if you can find a group or individual to link with to exchange letters, photos and stories.

Visit www.scouts.org.uk/interlinks

3

Understand the world around them

Nowadays there are many ways to communicate with the rest of the world – through newspapers, television, radio and the internet. For example, when Barack Obama was inaugurated President of the US in January, he was watched not only by millions of Americans, but on a big TV in the village in Kenya where his dad was born, and by millions more across the globe.

Ask the Scouts how many of them: • use the internet at work or school; • have an email address;

lots of packaging from Fairtade and non-Fairtrade products and leave them in a big pile. Ask the Scouts to choose which products are Fairtrade (don’t tell them about the symbol). After they’ve done this, explain the benefits of buying Fairtrade products and ask them to tell their friends and family about what they’ve learnt. More activities can be found on Programmes Online, www.scouts.org.uk/pol or at www.fairtrade.org.uk

5

Discover the need for prayer and worship, both personal and shared

Ask the Scouts to write a Scouts’ Own or, for younger sections, ask them to choose readings from a selection to include in a Scouts’ Own that you devise. Use one of the themes covered in this article or another suitable theme, eg water or travel. Use readings, prayers, songs or quotes from world religions or cultures.

more info Links for useful websites and other helpful resources can be found on the Faiths and Beliefs pages at www.scouts.org.uk/scoutbase

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New uniform

polo?

Anyone for

Scout Shops bring you an exclusive first look at the new section-branded polo shirts available from May

S

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sections except ‘Scouting purple’ for all Explorer which is green. e excellent Naturally, they are the sam Scout m fro ect exp quality you would y-toeas m fro de ma ts, Shops produc polyester/cotton care-for, hard-wearing from May, fabric. They’re available rg.uk/shop online at www.scouts.o Shops and from Local District Scout If you prefer rs. aile high street Scout ret re are the k, loo a more understated le ilab ava rts shi o still current pol . last while stocks

g All profits go to Scoutinail arm icial ret Scout Shops Ltd is the off ned by The of Scouting and fully ow fits made pro Scout Association. All uting.

Sco into are put directly back ut Shops Sco s, item As well as uniform ping cam ed pric ely itiv supply compet re. mo for 70 e pag to gear – turn

N

S

SCOUT SHOPS

ENTURE EQUIPPED FOR ADV

Beaver Polo Shirt £9 1026531R Sizes: 22-36" chest Cub Polo Shirt £9.50 1026538R Sizes: 24-38" chest Scout Polo Shirt £10.50 1026546R Sizes: 32-40" chest Explorer Polo Shirt £12 1026551R Sizes: 34-44" chest Network Polo Shirt £13 1026614R Sizes: XS -XX XX L Order from ww w. scouts.org.u k/shop from May 2009

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OFFERS Listen up!

14-DEAEY FR TRIAL

Free audiobook from audible.co.uk/scouts How often do you get the time to enjoy a good book?

A survey from the Office of National Statistics revealed that a quarter of Britons had not read a book in the past year! While it’s true there are sometimes not enough hours in the day, why not make the most of your time by listening to a great audiobook? There’s a huge selection available from www.audible.co.uk To help you try Audible for yourself, we’ve secured an extra special offer for you, a 14-day free trial of Audible. Choose from more than 30,000 downloads with Audible’s selection. Tame the Troop with The Dangerous Book for Boys or settle down with Andrew Marr’s History of Modern Britain.

>> To receive this offer These audiobooks can be enjoyed on a range of devices, from MP3 players to mobile phones. Join for free, try the service and download for free any audiobook of your choice. If it’s not for you, simply cancel, owe nothing and keep your free audiobook.

This offer is not available on the normal Audible site, so please visit www.audible.co.uk/scouts today to claim your 14-day free trial.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: If you need any assistance claiming your free audiobook, please speak to Audible’s friendly support team on 0800 082 5100 or email myaudible@audible.co.uk You are signing up for a free 14-day trial of Audible during which you pay nothing and can download any audiobook for free. They will need your credit/debit card details to verify your identity and to prove you are over 18. You will not be charged during your 14-day free trial.

H WOR.T 0 1 £21 Gardening giveaway

Grow your own with Cottage Garden Seeds Readers can claim a free Organic Vegetable Seed Collection worth over £20 when ordering with Cottage Garden Seeds. You only pay postage and packaging. To claim, download an order form from www.scouts.org.uk/offers

>> To receive this offer This offer is open to UK residents only.

Only one free application per person.

Your contract of supply is with Cottage Garden Seeds.

Terms and conditions available on request.

All offers are subject to availability.

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Scoutshops Gear up for the big adventure Fire-Retardant Large Mess Tent

Icelandic II Patrol Tent

£995 Ref: 503327

By far the most popular Patrol tent with a generous accommodation area, the Icelandic II is ideal for eight to ten campers. Made from fire-retardant canvas to our own premium specifications (12oz/393gsm), and treated to withstand water penetration. Terrific value for money. Flysheets not included. Size 3950 x 2450 x 2000mm.

£540 Ref: 500074

Mess tents are very popular for outdoor group activities such as mealtimes, meetings and accommodation. They are easy to erect, stable and long lasting.

Features: Windows with mesh ventilation and roll-down storm covers • Heavy-duty zip doors at front and back • Storm guy points at corners • Double-sewn seams • Pegging points on tent and mudwall • Reinforced saddles to prevent wear • Size 7540 x 4420 x 2140mm • Other Mess tent sizes available.

Vango Beta 350 Tent RRP £90 Our price £77 Ref: 1026331

A best-selling lightweight tent, available in a new colour for 2009. The versatile tunnel design features a huge porch area with double entrance.

Features: Three-person capacity • Fire-retardant fabric • Protex® 2000 polyester • Taped seams • Powerflex® fibreglass poles • Polyethylene 10,000HH groundsheet • Total weight: 6.15kg • Pack size: 65 x 19 x 18cm • Pitching time: 10 min • Pitching area: 640 x 400cm • Colour: Ensign/bluebell • Also available in two- and four-person models.

Vango Nitestar 250XC Sleeping Bag RRP £35 Our price £29 Ref: 1024686

Wider and longer than the standard Nitestar 250, giving the user added comfort and flexibility. Performance: 2-3 season.

Features: Off-set double-layer construction • Single-hole siliconised hollow fibre • Polair® RSP shell tough, microripstop polyester • Polair® soft handle micro-polyester • 3D hood with dual cord closure • Insulated shoulder baffle • 2-way autolock zip • Zip guard • Internal pocket • 4-strap compression sac • Left-hand zip • Suggested usage: +4º to +20ºC, Extreme: -19ºC • Dimensions: 225 x 95 x 65cm • Colour: black/blue.

Bullfinch Heavy Duty 2 Burner Cast Iron Stove £75 Ref: 1023773

The most popular stove for use at large camps and events.

All Scout Shops profits are returned to Scouting

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Shopping

Order online at www.scouts.org.uk/shop or call 01903 766921 N

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SCOUT SHOPS

EQUIPPED FOR ADVENTURE

Berghaus Twentyfourseven Daysacks RRP £20 Now £17.50 Ref: 1025733 and 1025734

Available in men’s 20-litre or women’s 18-litre sizes. Ideal for short day walks.

Features: Colour: women’s – night shadow/chicory, men’s – eclipse/palomo grey • Weight: approx 0.47kg/0.42kg.

Light My Fire Sporks Pack of 4 £4.99 Ref: 1026669

Save £2.65 when you buy as a pack

Handy all-in-one eating utensil is a combination of a knife, fork and spoon.

Features: Heat-resistant PC material • Dishwasher safe • Teflon friendly • Extremely durable • Assorted colours in a pack • Weight: 9g per spork.

Gelert 16-piece Melamine Tableware Set RRP £27.99 Our price £21 Ref: 1026603

Colourful, hard-wearing tableware.

New, improved quality for 2009.

Gelert Wilderness 65-litre Rucksack RRP £47.99 Our price £38 Ref: 1026365

Great-value Gelert Wilderness 65-litre rucksack is a versatile piece of kit designed with comfort in mind.

Features: Adjustable padded Cool Air design for cool back comfort • Padded adjustable waist belt with lumbar support • Two main compartments with snow collar and compression strap • Hood with inside map pocket and outside zipped pocket • Front storage pocket • Elastic bungee cord on the hood • Webbing carry straps on the hood • Ice axe/walking stick holders • Hydration compatible • Yellow raincover for visibility • Size: approx W33 x D21 x H85cm.

Weight: 2.34kg • Colour: Bluesteel/flint.

Berghaus RG1 Waterproof Jacket (top) RRP £70 Our price £57.50 Ref: 1018961R

Colours: black XS-XXL; mazarine blue/eclipse S-XXL. Women’s version (Calisto) also available.

Regatta Women’s Anya Jacket (above) RRP £40 Our price £30 Ref: 1026499R

Waterproof jacket.

• Size: 10-18 • Colour: opaline.

See website for full product details

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BIG

THE

Chubb Fire’s Big Adventure

TURE..

ADVEN

Fire safety is a valuable skill for life. That’s why we’re pleased to continue our partnership with fire safety expert Chubb Fire – and the good news is that it is on board for this summer’s Big Adventure, says Alison Bell

T

he Chubb Fire Safety Badge gives Scouts the opportunity to learn not just about how to prevent a fire, but also how to escape in an emergency. It gives them an understanding of what causes a fire, how to call the Fire Brigade, how to use a fire blanket and extinguisher, as well as fire safety in the home. Its success has been impressive: since its introduction, more than 60,000 Scouts have received the badge.

Resources and events Alongside the badge, Chubb Fire has provided educational literature and posters to more than 7,200 Scout Troops across the UK. The company also offers practical help from its nationwide network of officers and engineers. This includes the ever-popular live fire demonstrations.

The demonstrations, held at fire stations across the country, offer the Scouts a unique hands-on experience. This year they are due to be held in Shoreham, Cirencester, Leeds, Tipton and Sunbury-on-Thames. Details are available at www.scouts.org.uk/chubb

Chubb Fire at The Big Adventure This year Chubb Fire is also supporting The Big Adventure, which is about encouraging parents and others connected to Scout Groups to experience the fun of Scouting as an active part of an event leadership team.

Chubb Fire will be offering its full support to The Big Adventure, and also donating a quantity of fire safety packs. These packs include a smoke alarm to help detect fire, and a fire blanket, made from a special, highquality fibreglass material, which can be used to tackle blazing chip pans or to wrap around people whose clothing or hair has caught fire.

A small number of the fire safety packs will also include a domestic extinguisher, which can be used to tackle small fires. In addition, one lucky Big Adventure event will be offered the chance to have its own live fire demonstration provided by Chubb Fire.

‘The overriding theme of The Big Adventure is fun,’ says Chubb Fire’s Jane Garland. ‘We’re looking forward to working with The Scout Association to add an extra element of fun, and to spread the fire safety message to the next generation of Scouts and their leaders.’

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Promos & resources

With the days getting longer and summer not far away, it can be tricky to think up exciting challenges to keep your Scouts busy. Why not whet their appetite by entering the Dutch Edam Summer Chef’s Challenge?

Edam made for cooking

O

competıtion

ur partnership with Dutch Edam continues this summer, with recipes and ideas to make cooking fun and get your creative juices flowing in the kitchen. The Summer Chef’s Challenge is to make a dish from one of the recipes on the Edam website, such as the yummy Dutch Edam and veggie bean wraps (see below). Packed with colourful vegetables, these wraps are full of goodness and easy to make.

Or why not invent your own dish using the famous cheese?

The winner will receive a hamper full of delicious Dutch Edam to share with their Scout Group.

To enter, email a photo of your dish to edam@beattiegroup.com or post it to us at: Dutch Edam Summer Chef’s Challenge, 4 Great James Street, London WC1N 3DB.

Points to remember • If you decide to make your own recipe, don’t forget to include a wedge of Dutch Edam among your

ingredients and make sure you include a copy of your recipe along with your photo.

• The judges are looking for fun, colourful food, so let your imagination flow! Also, if you have a Dutch Edam Chef’s hat, make sure you wear it in your photo.

• The deadline for entries into the Summer Chef’s Challenge is 31 May 2009.

• See a selection of recipes online at www.edammade.co.uk

IE BEAN WRAPS G EG V & M A ED CH T U D Preparation time: 10 minutes, Serves 6 Method • In a large bowl, mix the pepper, sweetcorn and mixed beans with the tomato salsa.

• Place a flour tortilla on a chopping board and arrange a little lettuce over the base of the tortilla. Spoon some of the bean mixture down the centre of the tortilla, then add a handful of grated Dutch Edam. Spoon 15ml (1tbsp) of yoghurt over the top.

• Roll up the tortilla, tucking the ends in as you go.

Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

H E IN OLLA • Cut in half and AD serve immediately.

M

ND

Ingredients 1 small red pepper, de-seeded and diced 1 x 160g can sweetcorn, drained 1 x 420g can mixed beans, drained and rinsed 90ml / 6tbsp tomato salsa 6 soft flour tortillas 125g / 4oz shredded iceberg lettuce 125g / 4oz Dutch Edam wedge, cubed or grated 60ml / 4tbsp Greek-style yoghurt

L

OV

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ED

RE

EDAM EVERYWH

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ALL ABOARD!

Take the Serco Cub Scout poster challenge

F

ollowing the successful take-up of the Serco Personal Safety Badge railway safety activity pack, Serco Integrated Transport would like to invite all Cub Scouts to design an attentiongrabbing poster to promote the rail safety message throughout their community. Entries should contain a written message and a colourful picture or design.

The following information and conditions apply: The poster must be submitted on A4 paper and accompanied with a clear photo of your Cub Scout Pack and sent to: Serco Poster, c/o Graphic Ad, Unit 1, Moorfield Business Park, Moorfield Road, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7BN. Alternatively, digital copies of the posters and photos can be sent by email to serco@teachingzone.org.

Please include the name of your Pack and the name and contact details (telephone number, postal or email address) of the Cub Scout Leader. NB: Entries cannot be returned to the sender.

The closing date for entries is Friday 17 July 2009. Five winning

posters will then be chosen by the British Transport Police, Network Rail and Serco Integrated Transport, and winners will be notified by the end of July 2009.

Please note that Serco retains the right to digitally enhance any of the winning poster designs and to include photos of the Cub Scout Pack that created them in the finished artwork.

The winning posters will then be uploaded on to both the Serco Teaching Zone (www.teachingzone.org/serco) and the British Transport Police Teaching Zone (www.teachingzone.org/btp) websites, which can be accessed by teachers throughout the UK. The winning posters could also be used at railway stations and public areas in British Transport Police and Serco Integrated Transport offices.

Please note that participating Cub Scouts must have parental consent for their photos to be used in the way stated above.

Individuals will not be identified but the Cub Scout Pack will be.

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Competition

Serco is totally committed to helping local communities tackle major issues that affect the local environment and wider world in which we live.

Here’s how you can play your part – and win a great day out

Recycle W e all have a duty and responsibility to care for and protect the environment for the benefit of future generations.

That’s why Serco has sponsored the Environment Partnership Award, initially for Scout Troops only.

This has two key themes: Your Neighbourhood and Your World.

By ordering the Serco-sponsored resource pack to support this badge, you will be taking the first step in helping your Troop learn more about environmental issues.

It will also enable Scouts to play an active role in keeping their local environment clean and tidy.

Order your pack today You’ll need to act quickly as over a third of the free packs have

&

already flown off the shelves. To apply for a pack for your area, log on to www.scouts.org.uk/serco and submit the application today.

Pass it on

We would also like to ask you to do one more thing which will help us Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – please return the pack to your Assistant District Commissioner or District Commissioner once you have finished your project. This will allow them to recycle the kit and enable the next Troop to reuse it for their planned project. If you do this you will help us to reduce the carbon footprint it takes to distribute the pack by holding it centrally.

We are also offering one lucky Troop the chance

win! to win a tailor-made activity day at a Scout Activity Centre of their choice.

The prize will be awarded to the most original clean-up project that is judged to have made the biggest difference to the local environment or to local people.

To register and for a chance to win you need to send us the details of your project to scouts@serco.com

Please remember to include: • your before and after photos (and in-between photos too!)

• a description of what you did • where, when, how much rubbish you collected versus how much you recycled • your name and contact details.

Please also tell us of the steps you have taken to reduce the rubbish your Troop regularly produces and any novel ways you have found to reuse any of the items you collect. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 75

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WIN books for your Group! £200 of

Thrilling. Exciting. Action-packed. Brilliant.

Daring. BLOCKBUSTER. Just a few of the words used to describe Puffin’s bravest action titles. So, it’s only right that Puffin Books is sponsoring the Scout Adventure Challenge

Worlds of

adventure Young Bond, Hurricane Gold and Eye Logo are trademarks of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd. Artemis Fowl illustrations © Kev Walker | Young Samurai illustrations © Paul Young | Percy Jackson illustrations © McGrath

I

f your Scouts crave action and adventure, then look no further than taking part in the Puffin Adventure Challenge Badge. Five of the biggest adventure brands in children’s literature are standing by to help: Artemis Fowl, Young Bond, Percy Jackson, Danger Zone and Young Samurai.

Whether you want to test your Scouts’ sailing, climbing or even caving skills, the Puffin Adventure Challenge Pack will set you on the right course. The activity cards show you what you need to do and take you on extreme adventures that will test your skills to the very limits with Puffin’s most popular book characters.

You can also win a Puffin library up to the value of £200 for your Scout Group in our fabulous competition.

Introducing Puffin’s action heroes:

Young Bond by Charlie Higson This gripping series brings to life the teenage years of the world-famous iconic spy. Thrilling and full of twists and turns, Young Bond’s adventures will have the hair standing up on the back of your neck. Visit the official Young Bond website at www.youngbond.com for all the latest news and exclusives.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. And modest with it! Always with a daring plan up his sleeve, brace yourselves for wickedly brilliant, funny and very exciting adventures of the dastardly kind.

Check out the Fowl archive at www.artemisfowl.co.uk Young Samurai by Chris Bradford It’s August 1611. Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan; his beloved father and the rest of his crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates. Rescued by a

legendary swordmaster, Jack’s only hope is to become a samurai warrior. And so his training begins… The path of a warrior is never easy but let your training commence at www.youngsamurai.com Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan Imagine this… you’re 12 years old, you live in modernday New York – and you’ve just found out that not only are the Greek gods still alive and kicking, but your dad is one of them! Welcome to Percy’s world. Now he fights with swords, battles monsters and tries to stay alive.

Go to www.percyjackson.co.uk to see for yourself.

The Danger Zone by David Gilman Meet Max Gordon, an adventure hero who makes Alex Rider look like one of the Secret Seven. Rather than use gadgets, ecological crusader and X-treme snowboarder Max relies on adrenaline, physical prowess and wits as he goes from one hair-raising adventure to another. Get in on the action with Max at www.thedangerzone.co.uk

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Competition

essential reading Take a walk on the wild side with Puffin’s essential adventure reading list. You can find these titles at any bookshop or online bookseller: Artemis Fowl Artemis Fowl and the Arctic Incident Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code Artemis Fowl and the Opal Deception Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel Young Bond: Silverfin Young Bond: Blood Fever Young Bond: Double or Die Young Bond: Hurricane Gold Young Bond: By Royal Command Young Bond: The Graphic Novel Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth Danger Zone: The Devil’s Breath Danger Zone: Ice Claw Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior

Win adventure fiction worth £200

A bounty of action-packed adventure books could be yours if you can answer the question below. The winning entry will be randomly selected on 1 July and will see one lucky Scout Group receive £200 worth of Puffin books, including some of the titles mentioned above.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer:

Q In which century are the Young Samurai adventures set?

www.puffin.co.uk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This competition is open to UK and Eire residents aged eight and over. Entries must be received by 30 June 2009.

In the event that more than one entry is made for the same Scout Group, the first entry received will be accepted into the competition. To enter, send your answer along with personal details, including name, age, address, email address and Scout Group, to: Scouting magazine Puffin competition, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW or email scouting.magazine@scout. org.uk. The winner will be notified via email or post by 15 July 2009. The winner must claim their prize within 14 working days of the Promoter sending notification.

For full terms and conditions visit www.scouts.org.uk/puffin

Send your entry to: Scouting magazine Puffin competition, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW or by email to scouting. magazine@scout.org.uk. Closing date is 30 June 2009.

Congratulations to the winners of the British Computer Society (BCS) competition. Beavers Section: Winner – Lewis Grover; Highly commended – Harry Bridges. Cubs Section: Two winners – Nathan Turner and James Thompson; Highly commended – Emma Kent. Scouts section : Winner – Matthew Hornsbury. Network/Adventurer: Winner – Ash Chambers

more info Get inside the action at www.puffin.co.uk and order your Adventure Challenge Pack at www.scouts.org.uk/puffin

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classified Appropriate Scout Association authorisation is required by leaders and adults running activities and events, even when using products and equipment supplied by commercial companies. Inclusion in this listing does not imply endorsement by The Scout Association.

suppliers

To advertise here, please contact Richard on 020 8962 1250 or email richard.ellacott@thinkpublishing.co.uk

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activities

camping directory Rosanne is

a purpose-built 13 berth narrowboat based on the Grand Union Canal at Leighton Buzzard and available only to youth organisations. Skippers training provided.

For further details and availability phone Bromley Youth Trust on 020 8325 0187 or email byt@dobbsfam.demon.co.uk

KESWICK SCOUTS’ CAMPING HUT 12 bunk basic camping hut with tent area. 3 miles from Keswick. £30/night. Information from Jean Gilbert 017687 72590 Keswickvets@aol.com

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Rough Close Scout Campsite & Activity Centre Rough Close Scout Campsite, Tanners Lane, Berkswell, CV7 7DD www.roughclose.org.uk • roughclose@btconnect.com 07946 516 891 • 024 7646 4310 •

• •

• •

• • •

43 acre woodland campsite and activity centre close to Coventry 2 large camping fields 22 bedded building, fully equipped, toilets, showers, adjacent field 3 small cabins & adjacent fields Activities, archery, crate climbing, air rifle, traverse wall, pedal cars, orienteering and pioneering Indoor activity hall The Retreat bar & café Trading Post, tuck shop, uniforms & badges

Free Campsite available to Scouting and Guiding Groups

• • • •

camping directory Association Scout&&Guide Guide Centres Association of of Scout Centres

'Campsites away' 'Campsitesjust justaa click click away'

www.asgc.org.uk www.asgc.org.uk

Toilet blocks, shower facilities Easy access to NEC Open all year ASGC Member

uniforms

Manor Farm, North Repps, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9LD Contact Major Gurney 01263 512 077

Open all Year, Dolygaer Scout Mountain Centre, Brecon Beacons Near Merthyr Tydfil. Indoor accommodation for 20, grounds suitable for light weight camping.

Location Terrain 0, Terrain 1 nearby, Terrain 2 accessible.

Enquiries to 01656 862767 or www.dolygaer-scouts.co.uk

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SUPPLIERS

Low cost embroidery services Embroidery for Scouts by Scouts

Scouting is our speciality Tel.

01772 463811

Tolley

WOVEN, EMBROIDERED & METAL BADGES, GROUP NECKERCHIEFS, SHIRTS AND LEATHER ITEMS, INCLUDING WOGGLES. World Jamboree Unit, District, County, Group, Anniversary and Event badges manufactured to your requirements. GROUP NECKERCHIEFS and embroidered polo and sweatshirts also available.

Send your design for an instant quotation to: Manor Marketplace, 3 Beacon Court, Birmingham Rd, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 6NN Phone: 0121 358 7771 Fax: 0121 358 1105 www.scoutbadges.org.uk

For entry/group control and organisation:

sales@scoutbadges.org.uk

Professional Embroiderer to Scout Groups, Districts, Counties and Camps.

SHIRTS, CAPS and BADGES Quotation by email john@cyberstitch.co.uk Check out the website

The LUMONECKER has arrived

• Wristbands – inexpensive, highly visible, numbered and waterproof • Lanyards – your artwork – used as badge holders and for souvenirs • Hospitality Exchange Vouchers – for monitoring food and drink/parking etc. Minimise cash handling.

Ring: 01824 702214 or email: sales@orakel.co.uk Web: www.orakel.co.uk

SUMMER CAMP ABROAD

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ACTIVITIES & ACTIVITY CENTRES RIDING/TREKKING/CAMPING in the wild mountains of wales.

Beautiful back to basics campsite, with treelined, clear-water stream. Exhilarating riding on kind responsive horses.

Join in grooming and tacking up, demonstrations and advice always given.

W.T.R.A. Approved. A.A.L.A. Registered. W.T.B. Accredited. Est over 50 years.

GRANGE TREKKING, Capel-y-ffin, Abergavenny, Mon, NP7 7NP Wales www.grangetrekking.co.uk 01873 890 215

01403 734424 adrian@southwatersports.co.uk www.southwatersports.co.uk

Kayaking Kayak Coaching Windsurfing Sailing Raft Building for groups & individuals Children’s Summer Courses

• Group tuition • Campsite, Cafe, Bar • Sailing, Windsurfing, Canoeing, Raft building, Archery, Katakanuing !

Canal Boat Scouting Holidays Willow Wren, Rugby Wharf, Consul Rd, Rugby, CV21 1PB Phone 01788 562183 narrowboats@ willowwren.co.uk www.willowwren.co.uk Hire one or more of our purpose-built 12 berth boats from our RUGBY base in the Heart of England. All tuition given free or RYA Helmsman courses are available from Willow Wren Training Full RYA certification available wwren@btconnect.com

SOUTH EAST Haringey District Scout Park Gordon Road, London N11 2PB Eight-acre site near underground for exploring Central London. Ideal for Pack/Troop/Unit Camping. Patrol camp.

Beaver Fun Days. Indoor Accommodation for 36 with hall kitchen.

Good toilets and shower facilities plus special need toilet. Climbing Wall/ Archery/Rifle Range/Pioneering/Canoes – Nature Watch centre. Large Hall and kitchen for events. Meeting Rooms and IT suite. For details send A5 sae to Shirley Fort, 95 Sydney Road, London N10 2ND or telephone 020 8883 4375 scouting.shirval@tiscali.co.uk

Email: tom@croftfarmleisure.co.uk Web: www.croftfarmleisure.co.uk

COMPETITIVE PRICES Croft Farm Leisure and Water Park Bredon’s Hardwick, Tewkesbury Glos. GL20 7EE

Tel: 01684 772321

BEAUDESERT PARK 124 acres of parkland adjoining Cannock Chase Country Park, Staffordshire. Camping for 1000 people, 37 different woodland sites.

Modern toilet facilities with hot water and free showers.

6 accommodation buildings catering from 12 to 24, fully equipped and heated.

Activities include Hiking, Archery, Climbing Wall, Orienteering, Pioneering, Rafting, Low Ropes, Abseiling, Zip Wire, Crate stacking, Tree Climbing, Jacobs Ladder, Go Karts, Indoor Games Room, Crafts.

Many nearby offsite attractions.

Ideal for D of E Expeditions.

Chck Availability and Book On-line @ www.beaudesert.org

Brochure: info@beaudesert.org Telephone: 01543 682278 Fax: 01543 682623

WEB DIRECTORY MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk Make your own gear. Specialist outdoor fabrics and fleece, buckles, webbing and zips plus all the patterns you will need to make or repair your own gear www.completeoutdoors.co.uk For all you outdoor gear & uniform visit our on line store.

For Group purchases contact ian@completeoutdoors.co.uk for the best prices. Tel 01296 663848 www.glasgowscoutshop.com Equipping you for your Scouting adventures!

HOLIDAYS www.jeka-groupholidays.co.uk Widest range of Summer Camps available to 10 different European destinations by coach or air.

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Last laugh by Ian West

I assume you had other reasons to be a leader other than ‘liking the uniform’?

Scout Leader? But I volunteered to be the Cub Leader!

Your father is quietly reflecting on his first night as Assistant Scout Leader

Isn’t it exciting? Your dad is going to be the new Beaver Leader…

And then I realised that the only better thing I had to do on Monday evenings was to watch EastEnders

When it comes to finding new leaders, he certainly knows how to work the audience 82 Scouting April/May 2009

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