scouting

Scouting FEBRUARY/MARCH 2009

g n i t u o c S arch 2009 February/M

THE BIG ADVENTURE SCOUTS.ORG.UK/MAGAZINE

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THIS SUMMER’S BIGGEST ADVENTURE How to turn parents into volunteers

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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 © 2008 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 and Marion Thompson Design: Sally Laver and Domnall Starkie ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive: Tom Fountain tom@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258 Head of Advertising: Tamzin Freeman ABC application approved – November 2008 Printed and distributed by: Headley Brothers Ltd. Printed on 100% recycled paper

CONTRIBUTORS David Sturdee is the UK Specialist Adviser for Sea Scouting, and a retired school teacher from Norfolk. Turn to page 56 to learn more about the centenary of Sea Scouting.

Martin Owen volunteers at Great Ormond Street Scout and Guide Group, which offers Scouting to children while they are receiving treatment at the hospital.

See his article on page 44.

Cover photo: Karan Kapoor

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!

PAPER

Getting parents on the team One day last summer our next-door neighbours were packing up their car for what I assumed was their annual holiday. ‘We’re off to Cub camp,’ said Alan, shaking his head as his nine-year-old triplets grinned from the back seat. He and his wife Eleanor had agreed to be parent helpers for the first time and had little idea what to expect. A week later I asked them how it went. ‘Fantastic,’ said Alan. ‘The kids were great but the adults were even better – really welcoming and they made sure we knew exactly what we were doing. I’m one of life’s natural-born cynics, but after taking some kids on a round robin of activities from go-karting to a climbing tower, I had one of my rare life-affirming moments.’

Stories like this are what The Big Adventure (and this issue) is all about – getting parents involved in the life of the Group by making them part of the camp’s leadership team. On page 18 we’ve got a special report on how leaders have already run outdoor events successfully involving parents, plus tips for you to give it a go too.

Following December/January’s youth-edited issue (thanks guys!), we’re keeping up our commitment to listening to and engaging with young people.

Read the feedback on page 10 as well as our report on Insight 08 on page 48. You can also find out how young people are fronting a brand-new TV series on Scouting that’s broadcasting now. Sounds like another busy year!

Yours in Scouting,

Chris James

PS Don’t miss your step-by-step guide to recruiting more adult volunteers this summer: free with this issue!

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Contents

18 REGULARS 10 CORRESPONDENCE 12 EVERYDAY ADVENTURES | Young people share their stories 14 SCOUTING PLUS 16 UPDATES 27 SCOUTING SKILLS Using parents at camp 30 GROUP IN FOCUS | How a development plan revived a Group’s fortunes 32 GO INTERNATIONAL | Activities with a global outlook 64 HEALTH & WELLBEING | Find out what you need to know about special needs 66 FAITHS & BELIEFS Making a difference in the community 68 PROMOS & RESOURCES 82 LAST LAUGH

FEATURES 18 THE BIG ADVENTURE | How to make parents part of your summer camp leadership team 28 EXTENDED FAMILY | How Scouting and fostering are changing lives 34 SHOW OF SUPPORT | West Lancashire make a song and dance for charity 36 THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED | Exciting trips worldwide 41 FREEZE! | Winter Camp 2009 at Gilwell Park 42 WELCOME TO SCOUT TV | The big adventure on the Community Channel 44 THE BEST MEDICINE | Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital takes the Promise

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CONTENTS OPINION

ADULT SUPPORT

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46 JAM ROLL | The history of B-P’s Rolls-Royce 48 NET GAIN FOR SCOUTING | A new online marketing campaign 50 ‘I’D NEVER EVEN THOUGHT OF IT’ | Leaving money to Scouting in your will 56 OCEAN SPRAY | A century of Sea Scouts 58 COMEDY CIRCUIT | The Scotsman who joined the circus 62 HOW TO SKILLS | Get to grips with knots and ropes

52 WHAT IS THE WOOD BADGE? | The training award for adult leaders 54 STIR CRAZY | There’s more to Fellowships than just tea and cakes

7 FROM THE CHIEF | Peter Duncan on following in the family footsteps 9 YOUR BLOGS | More from our bloggers

COMPETITION 77 WIN! | 15 head torches up for grabs

IN THE SUPPLEMENTS BEAVER SCOUTS Helping Beaver Scouts be helpful, plus getting families involved at meetings | CUB SCOUTS The future of Cub Scouting, plus crafting a chess set | SCOUTS Have a go at pop lacrosse and open your own Scout school! | EXPLORER SCOUTS Fantastic fundraising ideas for your Unit | NETWORK Exam advice, gap year possibilities, Network at university and more | FOCUS How to attract the next generation of volunteers

All available at scouts.org.uk/magazine

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From the Chief

‘Scouting families always surprise me’ Young people usually reject their parents’ viewpoints, says Peter Duncan, but somehow, when it comes to Scouts, they often follow mum and dad’s example. And what about adults new to Scouting – do our family habits sometimes put them off?

I

have never been entirely at ease with the way we approach parents and prospective volunteers, and I can speak from experience.

Those who simply want to contribute to Scouting’s good work can soon be put off by things like how and when to wear a uniform. They are often baffled by the solemnity of the Promise and rituals such as the handshake or the right or wrong way to tie your necker.

A relaxed approach Of course, after a while anxiety about these traditions is easily overcome by the sheer adventure and camaraderie that goes on.

But to a non-Scout it can all seem a bit strange. So I would ask leaders not to overwhelm any prospective volunteer families or individuals with your favourite Scouting custom – at least not at first! I have put a lot of time and energy in trying to bring a more natural and relaxed approach into Scouting and I think it works.

Why it’s a good time to volunteer

A lot of families are rethinking their futures because of the economic downturn, which suggests they are less able to give up their time for free. However, I think it may be a good time to consider becoming a volunteer in Scouting. The sense of wellbeing that can come from helping at a camp or even occasionally joining in can help keep people’s minds off other problems. There can be a lot of positives to come out of downsizing and readjusting lifestyles.

I would like to offer my personal congratulations to eight-year-old Gareth for winning Blue Peter’s ‘Postcard to Beijing’ competition and attending the Paralympics.

For me the panto season is over, but watch Gareth, winner of Blue Peter ’s out for some surprise ‘Postcards to Beijing’ competition, appearances on some attended the Closing Ceremony of the well-known TV Paralympic Games along with 92,000 people in the Bird’s Nest Stadium. ‘The programmes. And in world is an exciting place with lots of the meantime, let’s all make 2009 opportunities,’ he wrote to Peter. ‘For me this is what Scouting is all about’ another Scouting year to remember.

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 www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 7

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Leaders’ blogs

YOUR BLOGS

Christina is trying to climb a mountain while Danny is geocaching minus the GPS system. Our bloggers hop on their computers to share how it went…

Christina

Danny

It was an unusual week last week. We’d planned to go on a night hike with the Cubs on Thursday, but Thursday morning dawned wet and very windy, so we called it off, and given the time of year and the number of bugs going around, decided to cancel Cubs for the evening. This gave us a welcome chance to catch up with some paperwork.

Scouts on Friday was led by the Patrol Leaders, with activities ranging from eating Smarties with chopsticks through Pictionary to knotting. The Scouts seemed to enjoy the variety of activities on offer.

Tonight we have the Mountain Rescue coming to talk to the Cubs, and tomorrow is the camp. I think everything is now in place, but time will tell...

We’d been on about geocaching for quite a while, but none of us had a GPS set, until now. On our first-ever geocaching session, the GPS failed to work most of the time, so we ended up using a map. It still worked though and it was really good fun – as well as quite a good test of our navigation skills. The first cache we went to was near Rowsley in the Peak District – a little film capsule with a logbook. The next two were at the nearby Hermit’s Cave and Robin Hood’s Stride – the latter was quite a difficult one to find, until Andy stuck his foot down the hole the container was hidden in!

We swapped some interesting stuff – we found a couple of DVDs, a tape of bird sounds, a small plastic lizard and a book entitled How to Fossilize your Hamster. In return, we left behind a few Scout badges, a Peak 2005 necker and some other bits and pieces.

We also picked up a travel bug, which we now have to log on the internet and move to another geocache.

All in all, pretty good fun. We’ll be doing it again soon, hopefully with GPS. We might have an interNetwork challenge night and compete to see who can visit the greatest number of caches in a set time... something for the next programme.

Assistant Scout Leader and Assistant Cub Scout Leader, Aberdeenshire

Scouts on Friday was led by the Patrol Leaders, with activities ranging from eating Smarties with chopsticks through Pictionary to knotting

Lynx Scout Network and Assistant Explorer Scout Leader, Derbyshire

Follow Christina and Danny’s Scouting adventures and read more blogs at www.scouts.org.uk/blogs

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We knew the youth-edited issue would generate an interesting response – and here is just some of what we received. Please write to us on any Scouting subject at Scouting, The Scout Association, Chingford, London E4 7OW or scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk \

correspondence STAR LETTER

Youth-edited issue – your verdict Although I firmly believe our magazine is always excellent in content, this particular issue (December/January), written by our young Members, hits every right note.

Hearing what these young people have to say, I do feel I need to change some of my thinking if my contribution is to be of any value for present and future generations. Hopefully, this will not be the last time you ask them for their contributions!

Don Charlton Chairman, Tynemouth District Scout Council

I’ve just finished reading my copy of Scouting and it’s one of the best I’ve ever read. I found the article on alcohol (Dec/Jan, ‘Our world’) very helpful, as well as the article on Explorer Scouts (Dec/Jan, ‘A youth movement’). As an Explorer Scout Leader, I sometimes wonder whether I’m actually getting through to Members. This article has given me the confidence to try and communicate better and help them get involved with the running of the Unit and Programme.

Pasha Explorer Scout Leader, Meadows Explorer Scout Unit

A truly inspirational, informative and modern edition. Well done.

Alex Minajew County Scout Network Commissioner

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed hearing the views of our young people in the latest issue of Scouting (Dec/Jan). Yes, our programmes should reflect what they want, and not just what we think they want! Perhaps this could be repeated every so often, so we leaders don’t get complacent.

Keith Malcolm Scout Leader

It seems to me that the magazine is going downhill fast. I can’t remember when I last saw a more messy magazine. You need to remember that the magazine is aimed at adults. Trying to read it is like trying to find a scrap of paper in a sack of scraps. It is also getting difficult to identify which are the advert pages. And where are the cartoons?

Graham Haw District Commissioner

Editor’s response: Thanks for all of your feedback – good and bad. It’s been fantastic to share ideas with so many leaders and to receive your thoughts and comments on the topics we explored. It’s especially welcome to hear that leaders have been implementing some of the ideas in their local Scouting. I am assured there will be opportunities for young people to get involved in the future!

Alec, Youth Editor, December/January issue

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Feedback

Service with a smile I read the letter ‘Getting blitzed’ from Bob Beaumont of Hampshire in the December/ January issue of Scouting. It reminded me that I was a Scout Police Messenger from September 1939 to 1942. We had to report to East Ham Police Station in our Scout uniforms with no helmets and with a white arm band bearing the word ‘Messenger’. We had to take messages, cycling between police stations during air raids. No grumbles, we just enjoyed it – not realising the perils. Keep up the good work everybody!

Jack Petchey OBE Greater London North East

aspect of life, outside Scouting, has not been forgotten but left to be dealt with through other means.

Name supplied Assistant Beaver Scout Leader

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)

Response from Emma Saunders, Programme and Development Adviser (Scout Network): Thanks for sharing this with us. The Scout Network is a growing section and we now have Network provision in the majority of Counties across the UK. The section is there at the same time as volunteering so that you can let your hair down and still participate in adventurous activities and the Balanced Programme. It is very flexible in that once you have joined Scout Network you can attend any Network meetings or events across the County – as long as you let them know you’re coming!

Goodbye JAD

Scouts helping to salvage belongings from bomb-damaged buildings during the Blitz

Are we supporting our young adults?

I am 20 years old and joined as a Beaver at six. I am now an Assistant Beaver Leader.

Some people of my generation, considering today’s economic climate, are finding the search for employment hard. In times of need, my Group and the Association have always been understanding and helpful.

Camps and week-night activities have always been a welcome release and a break from home life. However, as I have got older, I feel the understanding, the help and even the opportunity to take part in activities has become less and less available. My Network is almost non-existent and I’m not sure if advice or help is out there. I feel that this

For many years, I have looked forward each December to see if I could answer at least three questions from JAD’s Christmas Quiz, usually without success. I was therefore deeply saddened to learn that JAD, aka John Deft, had passed away and I extend my sympathy to his family. I hope that his legacy will not die with him and that another genius will pick up his fallen torch – even if the next quizmaster is not the maestro.

Ray Steel Group Scout Leader Editor’s response: Thanks to Ray and all who sent in their condolences to John’s family. The search is now on for a worthy successor, so please send your credentials to The Scout Association at the address above left. In the meantime, answers to the Christmas Ouiz are available at www. \ scouts.org.uk/magazine www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 11

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Explorers in Eindhoven

I had joined the Explorers about two months before as I enjoyed the activities they did and because I had been a Beaver, Cub and Scout as well.

I thought being invested at a national Jamboree was a very rare experience, as there are not that many of them. It was all very exciting for me as we prepared in front of our sub-camp called Jupiter after returning from a Scouts’ Own-type service.

After saying my Promise, I ran around the circle giving high fives to the other Explorers with as much energy as I could. It was very enjoyable and helped make the Dutch Jamboree memorable.

Alex, 1st Harwell Explorers

EVERYDAY Scouts share their stories and adventures

Network awards spurred on by wild west theme

Network Members from all over Essex, in checked shirts and cowboy boots, strutted their stuff

The annual Netcar Awards Ceremony weekend took on a wild west theme this year.

After a delicious dinner cooked

by Chelmsford Fellowship, Network Members from all over Essex, in checked shirts and cowboy boots, strutted their stuff.

After some do-si-do-ing, the awards were given out and thank yous said. Earlier in the day, workshops and a skills challenge were held followed by a session run on Moving in – Moving On Explorer Recruitment. The weekend ended with a presentation by Stuart Wilson, looking at the path along which Network is moving.

Mary Pasquale

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Everyday adventures

The Wiltshire County Scout Push Cart event

We were well prepared and very excited having worked on two carts for the event. In total we had five races, coming first twice and second three times. We look forward to repeating the experience next year.

Jack, 2nd Bulford Scout Troop We pulled our go-kart into the competitors’ bay and could feel the excitement in the air. During the circuit races we got really tired. It got harder every lap but we won the race. The final was exhausting and after four laps we were ready to drop. All in all it was a great event.

Robbie, 1st Hilperton Scout Group We were probably a little over confident, having won the District heats, but that feeling waned after seeing some of the other carts as they had been built to a very high standard. Although our team was not the overall winner, we received a trophy. We’ll be back next year!

Laurie, 1st Hilperton Scout Group

Y ADVENTURES An entertaining way to gain a Creative Badge

We visited The Entertainer shop when it was closed. It was wicked! First we explored the art materials. We made door hangers and decorated them with stickers. They looked fabulous.

Then we made patterns with beads and the shop assistants ironed them for us. It was magical because the patterns stayed stuck together.

My favourite bit was when we went to see where the toys are stored.

They were in big heavy boxes and kept in a storeroom. We saw the underground car park and the strong lift that carried the toys. Finally, we saw the staff room where they have their lunch and also their pet alien who lived in a jar filled with water. We had the best time ever and gained our Creative Badge.

Callum, 5th Morden Beaver Colony

Cub Scout Tyler writes about just what it feels like to be a Cub

Cubs is fun. Cubs is cool We do anything here.

What’s nice, there’s nothing to be frightened of.

Cubs, we are not mean but very good.

We like each other all the time.

It’s really, really good.

I like it here.

Tyler, 7th Fulwood (St Anthony’s) Cub Scouts

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/ OUAY POSITION FOR NEW SCULPTURE

Gazing across to where it all started, a sculpture of Robert Baden-Powell sits on the Quay in Poole, looking towards Brownsea Island. The life-sized bronze sculpture, created by David Annand, was made possible by Brian Woolgar, Chairman of Poole District Scout Council, and donations from individuals, businesses, Dorset County Scout Council and Poole District Scout Council.

SCOUTING+

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

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT SERVICE

Monthly rate after deduction of Management Commission.

October 2008 3.750% 4.250% November 2008 2.225% 2.725% Interest at the higher rate applies to deposits of £5,000 and above. Contact Frances on 020 8433 7252 (Mon-Fri, 9am3pm) for more information.

There’s more to sea The seas around the English coast have the greatest diversity of marine life in Europe. Natural England’s undersea landscapes campaign has a series of five regional maps highlighting these amazing creatures and the topography they live in, complete with illustrated descriptions. Things to make, free publications and maps to colour in can be downloaded from www. naturalengland.org.uk/campaigns/marine

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News slug

Free the pineapple!

Sell Jali Organic Fairtrade Dried Pineapple as part of Fairtrade Fortnight (23 Feb to 8 Mar) and raise money for both your Group and the people of the island of Jali. For information and samples please visit www.jaliorganic.com

BAG-PACKING TO SWAZILAND

Helping shoppers pack their bags, holding a bazaar and running a stall were some of the ways Bishop’s Stortford and District’s Conquest Explorer Scout Unit raised funds for a trip to the Thirst for Life Scout Centre in Bhalekane, Swaziland, later this year. The Explorers will be laying drinking-water pipes to a recently built school for the orphanage. Spurred on by their success so far, the Unit is planning a Spanish night, cooking traditional fare. They have now raised over £3,000 (their target is £15,000).

LEADER OF THE PACK

The theme of the National Pet Month for 2009 is ‘Healthy Pets Make Happy Pets’.

From 4 April to 4 May, National Pet Month will encourage pet owners to order a free pack and plan unusual events locally. A photographic competition is being held for owners to enter snaps of their favourite pet moments, and dog owners can take part in a Wet Nose Day walk-athon. For further information and to order your free pack, visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk

HANDY BOOK

The new Scout Handbook has arrived. Packed with ideas and activities, the book is aimed at taking Scouts through the Chief Scout’s Gold Award with a series of nine Challenge Awards. Priced at £8, visit www.scouts.org.uk/shop to purchase your copy.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Taking place on 5 March, World Book Day is an annual celebration of books with the focus on encouraging everyone to take up and enjoy reading. A new series of World Book Day flipbooks is being produced aimed at younger people, and exciting book-related events are taking place all over the UK. Visit www.worldbookday.com for games, competitions and news of events in your area.

Aye Write!, the Bank of Scotland Book Festival, comes to Glasgow later in the month. Events include a musical adaptation of The Wind in the Willows and a cartoon workshop. Visit www.ayewrite.com for up-to-date information.

RIGHT ON COURSE

Two courses take place at Gilwell in April.

Section Leader Training (covering modules 5-9 and 11-19 of the Adult Training Scheme) gives information and support for running your section and the opportunity to try out new ideas and learn new skills. British Red Cross Trainer Training provides participants with a BRC Practical First Aid Certificate and BRC Trainer and Assessor Award, which will enable you to run British Red Cross courses for Scouting Members. To take part in this course, you will need to have a current first aid certificate of First Response level or equivalent and have or be working towards your Presenting and Facilitating modules.

For details and to download an application form for either course, visit www.scouts.org. uk/gilwelltraining or call 0845 300 1818.

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News

UPDATES

You said you would like to see all Scout Association updates in one place in the magazine. From now on, changes to factsheets, publications and guidelines will be listed here Factsheets FS120620 Swimming updated Dec 08 FS200202 The 6–25 Programme updated Nov 08 FS250063 Migraine in Children and Young People NEW Dec 08 FS310027 Substance Use and Misuse: A Resource List updated Dec 08 FS320008 Tree Safety Guidelines updated Sep 08 FS320009 Falls from Height updated Sep 08 FS320010 Managing a Safe Scout Premises updated Sep 08 FS321003 Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) Factsheet

updated Jan 09 FS500014 Introduction to the Adult Training Scheme

updated Dec 08

Resources A new edition of the No-Nonsense Parents’ Guide to Scouting is available from the Scout Information Centre. This now comes in two parts: one aimed at parents and the other for Leaders. See page 25 for more information.

Scout Network: Taking the Lead is a new resource for Network members to develop their skills.

It is free to download from

www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead.

Taking the Lead resources for the Scout and Explorer Scout sections are also available.

You can now download Word document templates for printing names directly onto Chief Scout’s Award certificates. These print in Arial font.

Visit www.scoutbase.org.uk/6to25 and click on the resources area for your section.

22nd World Scout Jamboree – UK Contingent update Preparations for the UK Contingent to the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden have entered their initial planning phase. Those with a specific role in the early planning have been contacted. Further information (including details of the contingent size and fee) will be available in the near future on www.scouts. org.uk/wsj2011.

Campaign update The Public Affairs and Campaigns Team has, with your help, been making progress in the campaign to prevent the introduction of new rainwater disposal charges.

See www.scouts.org. uk/water for details.

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 /pol online programme planning /news daily Scouting news stories /scoutbase resources galore /thebigadventure resources, 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, that will deliver content specific to your role.

Updates will be published in the next issue of Scouting.

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Special Scouts Rates: 1st - 4th January 2009 HK$720.00 nett per room per night 5th - 8th January 2009 HK$820.00 nett per room per night 9th - 11th January 2009 HK$720.00 nett per room per night 12th - 15th January 2009 HK$820.00 nett per room per night 16th - 31st January 2009 HK$720.00 nett per room per night 1st - 28th February 2009 HK$680.00 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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Get ready for

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So, eir children are Scouts. th d an em th of 00 0,0 eers?

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re ver the last two years, mo e hav r eve young people than ellent Exc g. utin Sco wanted to join r the ano g brin s doe news, but it s? der lea re mo find we challenge – where will ir the e com ple peo ng Thankfully, with you t and most likely parents! They are the bes le, yet most parents source of support availab rtage of volunteers are unaware of the sho ny leaders are unsure within Scouting and ma how to ask for help.

venture comes This is where The Big Ad existing summer r in. It’s all about using you parents to age our camp or event to enc g as an active utin Sco of experience the fun m. It could be just part of the leadership tea king for. the challenge they are loo know is in your Everything you need to Big Adventure, step-by-step guide to The uting team Sco free with this issue. The already switched e hav meet the leaders who on to parent power.

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The Big Adventure

e r u t n e v Ad IN A NUTSHELL What?

The Big Adventure – a new way to help you recruit more adults into Scouting through your residential experiences and outdoor events.

Why? Research has shown that the most effective way of turning adults on the periphery of the Scout Group into volunteers is to give them an active role in the planning and running of a camp or event.

When?

This summer (between 1 May and 31 August). If you are holding a camp or other event during that time then you can take part – there’s no need to plan something extra. By planning your camp in the normal way but thinking differently about the adults involved, you can be part of The Big Adventure.

How do I take part?

We’ve produced a step-by-step guide for you to convert parents into volunteers, from encouraging them to help at your event, to finding them a more established role. And it’s free with this issue!

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A camp with a cause Theming camps can be a great way to stir up enthusiasm. Clare Riley had 130 people at her annual family camp.

‘Our most recent one was themed “Native Americans”. This easily gave us inspiration for activities: we made headdresses, axes, followed trails, cooked on fires, plus many more crafts.

We also had some birds of prey visit and ran educational workshops. We had an excellent campfire, with each section performing a number of sketches, and sang songs that fitted with our theme, along with some traditional campfire songs. This year’s camp brought us many successes: one Scout didn’t have any siblings so he brought a friend who joined the Troop the following week; one of the dads offered us his outbuildings while our new store was in the process of being built (alleviating the pressure being placed on leaders); the parents suggested setting up a fundraising group; and one mother expressed an interest in starting an additional

Beaver Colony (five months later it is up and running with 19 Beaver Scouts!). We charge £10 per person for the weekend and the total cost of the camp is then subsidised from Group funds, but we believe the benefits we reap are well worth the cost.’

But Beavers can’t camp!

They can as long as their parents are with them, so it’s an added incentive to encourage parents along.

Beaver Scout Leader Caroline Coopey holds an annual camp for her Beavers and their families.

‘I invite all the parents and we normally get about 60 people, including children. We always leave with more helpers than we’d hoped for. My main aim is always to get the parents involved and let people take a bit of responsibility. Often I won’t do a huge amount myself. I have the parents cooking, cleaning and taking part in the activities together with their children.

‘When we return from camp I make sure we welcome the interested parents into the leadership team. Every Thursday without fail we go to the pub

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The Big Adventure k/ ts.org.u u o c ate s . ww p-to-d u r o f Visit w e tur ies adven rtunit o p p o thebig and offers , s w e n

and hold meetings there. We invite parents along to meetings and have a drink, which lets them get to know everyone. At the weekly meetings I ask people to do things instead of doing it all myself. I never say no to anyone if they want to help.

‘A lot of our Cub Scout Leaders began as helpers. We lost all our Cub Leaders two summers ago, but within a month a group of parents nominated themselves.’

A day of adventure

Far left: Claire Riley; left: Caroline Coopey; below: Jo Cockcroft

18 The Big Advet.indd 21

It doesn’t need to be an overnight to qualify as a Big Adventure event – it can be a day of adventure.

Arlesey Scout Group recruited 11 new adult volunteers during an event that lasted just a few hours. ’That’s one every ten minutes,’ said Jo Cockcroft, Bedfordshire’s Local Development Officer responsible for adult recruitment in the County. ’Our groundbreaking secret was really quite simple.

We set up a brilliant series of science experiments for the Beaver Scouts and invited parents to take part.

It was that easy. ’We had an erupting volcano experiment using baking soda and vinegar, with vegetable colours for the lava. Then Scout Leader Sharon Betts showed them how to generate electricity from fresh lemons.

Finally, the parents and Beaver Scouts launched hot-air balloons using hairdryers. The parents don’t normally get to see what happens at a meeting and they were clearly impressed.’

Jo gathered a group of enthusiastic and persuasive local and regional Scout Leaders to convince parents that they would get just as much fun and enjoyment as their offspring by being a volunteer. One key factor was that the volunteers could be flexible with their time as helpers. ’I was thrilled when we signed up 11 volunteers at the end of the meeting. And three of them have now said they want to become leaders.’

23/1/09 11:56:13

s t n e r a p h it w g in m m a r Prog It’s all very well attracting parents to your camp, but what do you do with them once they arrive?

Experienced parent recruiter Dave Wood shares his well-tested programme: ‘When planning your event, keep it simple, especially if it’s the first one. If you know most of the parents already, consider what roles would be suitable for them. Make sure you’ve done all your preparation work (see page eight of your Big Adventure booklet) in the weeks running up to the event.

‘Invite all leaders and any particularly enthusiastic parents to arrive on the Friday night, in order to prepare the activities and get to know everyone. Invite everyone else to join you on Saturday (say, 10.30am), with departure planned for 2.30pm on the Sunday.‘

Welcome • H ave refreshment available for the arrival of everyone on the Saturday (put someone in charge of this!).

• Task someone with providing games equipment to keep younger campers occupied while parents are setting up their camping areas.

• Make sure any borrowed equipment is available (remember to pre-book it!).

• Allocate camping areas and ensure someone is tasked with making everyone aware of the facilities.

Lunch • I nvite everyone to eat in a large, central area (and give different parents specific roles, such as cooking, chopping, serving etc).

• Remember to consider marquees/gazebos and so on for shelter in case it is wet.

Activity bases These are suitable for all ages, and will need one or two people to lead each one: • Biscuit/sweet making • Backwoods cooking • Trail through the woods • Polystyrene gliders • Obstacle course • Driving course with radio-controlled cars • T-shirt decorating

• Water pistol/spud gun shooting • Coconut shy

Evening meal • P arents can supervise Patrols cooking for themselves or, if you have the facilities and support, arrange central cooking. A barbecue, chilli cookout or even takeaway fish and chips are always relatively easy and good fun.

• Each parent can be asked to organise the food to ease the burden, and take a role in the cooking.

Evening activities • • • • •

Campfire Film show Quiz Wide games Parents’ social after younger members are in bed

Breakfast • C ommunal breakfast – cereal, croissants and bacon rolls are all that is needed.

Morning activities You could run two or three of the following, for everyone to participate in at the same time, possibly in teams. Have refreshments available at regular intervals.

• Treasure hunt • Scouts’ Own • Four-goal football match • Wide game • Adventurous activities (depending on availability of activities/instructors at chosen site).

Why not ask the local Scout Fellowship for help in running bases? They can help provide practical support to the new parent helpers, allowing you time to ensure everyone is enjoying themselves.

Continued on pa ge 25

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From the parents ‘Last year was my first camp and I was put in charge of first aid, as my background is with St John Ambulance. It was an absolute blast. It’s great to put something back into my local community.’

Michelle, parent helper ‘My son’s a Scout. He’s about to leave, but I’m staying! Scouting is a great outlet for all my ideas and energy.’

Robin, parent helper

a Don’ t take it from us. At bled recent camp, we stum converts across dozens of recent ‘I’m a Scout mum and I’m always happy to be called in at camps.

I normally do the money, the cooking and the shopping! I love coming to these big outdoor events – I think really that’s what Scouting is all about.’

Michelle, parent helper ‘My daughter was actually the first girl in Beaver Scouting, so I suppose I had to get involved. I’m good at the practical stuff – setting

IDES THE NEW PARENT GU Parents are a very important audience, and we have been looking at ways to better communicate with them.

One of these is a revised parent guide.

We produced a parent pack in 2006, which was incredibly well received and over 200,000 copies were handed out.

This time round, every Beaver, Cub and Scout Leader received five of these at the end of January and more can be ordered through the Scout Information Centre when needed. The difference from last time is that these resources are now FREE (you just need to pay for postage and packaging).

The guides are in a handy A5 format, with a pocket at the back following feedback that people find it useful to include local information

From left to right: Michelle, Robin, Michelle, Gary and Trevor

when you hand them out to new parents.

As well as the pack, parents can log on to www.scouts.org. uk/parents for further information about Scouting in general, such as the A-Z of Scouting terms. They can also read our FAQs on becoming a volunteer and inspiring case studies from leaders.

Parents are also encouraged to sign up to Adventure News, a monthly e-newsletter containing Scouting stories and information.

They will receive stories about flexible volunteering, information about Scouting and offers from Scout Shops relevant to them.

Order your free packs from the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.

up the camp and that sort of thing. I’d say to other parents, get stuck in and join in the fun!’

Gary, parent helper ‘I started out as a parent helper at a camp. I had such a good time, I decided to join as a leader and haven’t looked back since. If it wasn’t such good fun, I wouldn’t keep coming back!’

Trevor, Cub Scout Leader

Helping support The Big Adventure

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more info Visit www.scouts.org.uk/ thebigadventure for news, offers and opportunities.

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21/1/09 10:34:30

Scouting skills

‘Next time I’ll do the cooking, Mum!’

Having parents on the leadership team can make a good camp a great one – but planning is essential and be wary of some common pitfalls, says James Taylor

P

arents are a great asset at camps, particularly if they are given a specific role. ‘I’ve been to two camps where parents were invited,’ says Caroline, the mum of one of our Cubs. ‘At the first I had absolutely nothing to do.

At the second I was on the cooking team and had a much better time. There’s nothing worse than being a spare part.’

There are a few things you will need to watch out for. For a start, be careful that there is not a breakdown in order. Young people nearly always behave differently in their parents’ company. For some, of course, their behaviour improves; others may feel inhibited by their presence.

For parents too there can be some difficult dilemmas. Can they leave certain behaviour

unchallenged when there are disagreements within Packs and Patrols? Sometimes young people’s comments towards each other cause little animosity among themselves but can be hurtful to the parents.

Establish ground rules Rules for any camp need to be made clear to both young people and their parents. As leaders, we are responsible for the young people in our charge and I have seen this established status unbalanced when a parent has intervened in a disciplinary matter.

We also need to take into account how parents conduct themselves. Is it right

that a dad lights up a cigarette around the campfire, or a mum has a cold beer in the evening?

Agree a code of conduct before you start.

Think differently Why not have a camp where each Patrol or Six teaches skills to parents? Firelighting and backwoods cooking are good subjects, as are demonstrations of pioneering or first aid.

Finally, remember to ask about other family members’ talents and skills. Many will have a career or interest which can be shared with the Scouts. We have had wonderful evenings cycling, watching wildlife… all courtesy of mums and dads. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 27

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ld An 11-year-old who wou the not walk to the end of street and a 13-year-old ht who wouldn’ t be caug t anywhere near a Scou o of tw e ar uniform – these se the foster children who by lives were transformed eets m Scouting. Chris James m a remarkable couple fro ve Huddersfield who belie ting that fostering and Scou go hand in hand

y l i m a f d Extende

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‘F

ostering is a bit like volunteering for Scouting,’ says Ruth Stainsbury, a Beaver rsfield.

Scout Leader from Hudde do it. to nt wa lly ‘You have to rea fhal in ng goi nt There’s no poi the g, utin Sco like But heartedly. rewards are enormous.’ tly a In the UK there is curren ers. car shortfall of 5,000 foster , an vid Da d Ruth and her husban been e hav , der Assistant Scout Lea for s ent par ter registered as fos Ruth has the last three years, and -time job full her up en recently giv full time ing car on te tra to concen from for young people – often y both The troubled backgrounds. tastic fan a is believe that Scouting ng you se way of helping the ir new people integrate into the their er cov dis and surroundings . nts hidden tale

A transforming effect

en though families who foster. ‘Ev ed join t firs he hen ‘W : for many impressed I have been in Scouting the to lk wa ely bar by uld sed us, he wo years, I am still impres six thin Wi et. ng stre you the the of end the impact it has on t in a par en tak e had don he s, has It nth mo people we foster. raising nce major walking challenge, so much for their confide money for charity.’ m.’ tee and self-es uting tered For Ruth and David, Sco The couple recently fos have three a h wit runs in the family. ‘We girl ld r-o yea a 13involved e children of our own, all troubled background. ‘Sh d ‘an s, lain exp h Rut a g,’ to in Scoutin reluctantly came along ter fos ee thr azed had nt am s poi wa at one Scout meeting and ’ ed. olv inv y,’ pla also dis n s ldre art l chi to find a martia t that the You would have though says Ruth. ‘She enjoyed would have I think and e her Scouting commitments osp relaxed atm but in fact the sed nes wit e added to the pressure, tim t firs for the It was the g din tan ers und the opposite was true. , tion ina determ g kin loo s wa ne se ryo tho by eve t break tha and commitment shown se, hou the in ny ny ma ma in so d An ith for. ‘W involved in Scouting. the children for d goo is it’s ing es ter etim fos som ways, that’s what rganised, to go off and do well-o about too.’

Ruth. outdoor activities,’ says formed Our leadership team also rk. wo net t por sup a something of ess acc can we t tha is ‘What we find of the the skills and experience to caring es com it en wh – s leader y few for children, there are ver they ons situations and conditi .’ oss have not come acr

h looked Last year, David and Rut life ose after an 11-year-old wh g. utin Sco by was turned around he us, h wit d ‘When he arrive unable was very self-focused and says m,’ tea a of t par to work as to get him d age our enc e David. ‘W riot racing involved in a Scout cha was team and the difference the extraordinary. He helped er aft win team to its first-ever years of trying.’ no Since then, there’s been a Fire on nt we ‘He . stopping him and ry rua Feb in p cam and Ice e ride in completed an 80-mile bik was equally the Lake District.’ Ruth

more info

port total sup

A positive influence

tandably Some adults are unders of ct spe pro the daunted by er it a sid con y ma and fostering er all, responsibility too far. Aft go in Scouting the children meeting home at the end of the is in no h Rut , or camp. However effect e itiv pos doubt about the ily fam her h bot on of fostering . iety soc and wider about She is equally convinced to gs the benefits Scouting brin

website ut fostering, visit the To find out more abo ephone on fre FCA m or cal l the ww w.iwanttofoster.co lcomes applications we s ate oci Ass e Car 0800 085 2225. Foster d or single people. from par tnered, marrie

(FC A) Foster Ca re Assoc iates attrac t is always looking to Foster new carers. Central to ach is Ca re Assoc iates’ appro ren ild ch the of re the welfa carers. and that of its foster ly Eac h placement is ful hour supported with a 24e ‘w rap around’ ser vic ert wh ich draws on the exp nce ida gu d an knowledge na ls of a tea m of professio soc ial ted ica ded a inc lud ing cation worker, therapist, edu port lia ison off icer and sup A worker. In addition, FC ing -go on ers car offers its cussion tra ini ng, reg ula r dis ula r reg lds ho d for ums an s. carer group meeti ng

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 29

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21/1/09 16:36:53

3rd Brampton (St Thomas’) Scout Group had 100 youth members in the 1980s.

By 2004, it was down to 30. Hilary Galloway looks at how a development plan revived the Group’s fortunes

‘I

n my Troop we do lots of activities and camping, I think that’s why we have a lot of Scouts. When we do knots, we learn them for a purpose. We are off climbing in the Peak District next week, so that will test our skills!’ says Ryan Draycott, a Young Leader who has been with 3rd Brampton since the late 1990s. Ryan was one of the Scouts to stick around during the Group’s ‘quiet’ period.

Scout Leader at the time, Ben Widdowson, remembers exactly when critical point hit. ‘By 2004, many of our leaders had moved away. We had no Group Scout Leader or Group Chairman and so we offered the best programmes we could given our resources. The Beaver Scout Leaders had just announced their intention to step down in October, and the Group barely had enough Cub Scouts to make a Six, which was having a knock-on effect on numbers into the Scout Troop.’

Action all areas The Trustees realised dramatic action was needed. ‘An emergency meeting was called and we decided to enlist the help of what used to be called the Field Development Service. Our local Field Development Officer arranged a meeting with our leaders and committee members.’

At the meeting, he encouraged everyone to draw up a wish list of what they wanted for the Group.

All agreed they needed more leaders, more young people and to be fully co-educational. Then the Group adopted a development action plan. ‘We highlighted the difficulties, proposed outcome after development, methods to achieve the outcome, and estimated the time of completion. We were very careful that before we embarked upon a recruitment drive, firm foundations had been laid because, if not, the Group’s reputation would take a long time to be re-established.’

All aboard Their first challenge was to find potential leaders and a family camp proved to be a fruitful event. ‘Over the

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Group in focus

weekend, families enjoyed site activities including archery, rafting and crate stacking. As leaders were not responsible for delivery of the programme, they were able to mingle among parents and discuss the vacant positions we had in the Group. By the end of the weekend they had appointed a new Scout Leader and an Assistant Beaver Scout Leader.’

For the new Scout Leader, Carl Walters, it was an exciting challenge. ‘I am a police officer and photographer and have a lot of interest in the outdoors, but it was only when my son Brad joined Scouts that I even knew Scouting existed in my area. I realised that this was an opportunity and a rewarding thing to get involved in and maybe learn a few skills along the way.’

Technically savvy, Carl doesn’t just run weekly meetings. ‘In the short period I’ve been Scout Leader, I have created a website, a blog and I’m working on a forum. I have seen Scouts move up to Explorers, along with the extra responsibilities that has, and it makes me feel proud that I have played a small part in developing that individual. I have also seen the growth in Brad. He is no longer as shy in a group when asked to do something. His confidence has grown along with his respect for others. He has now learnt to work together as part of a team.’

Rousing the community By 2007 the team were ready to recruit young people, confident that they could cope! So ‘bring a friend’ nights for all sections were introduced, adverts proved successful and, because the training programme was attractive, the word got around.

By the 2008 census they’d recorded a 19 per cent increase in total membership compared with 2007 and a 59 per cent increase in adult volunteers.

This continues to grow through the year.

‘The Group development action plan is ongoing and regularly reviewed and amended to maintain momentum,’ says Ben. ‘I firmly believe that without it we could not have achieved half of what we have. So contact your Regional Development Officer for inspiration!’

more info

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Rafting at the Family Day at Walesby Forest in September, and Ben Widdowson (above), now Group Scout Leader

The Regional Development Service has replaced the Field Development Service. It gives support to Groups, Districts and Counties in England.

Contact 0845 300 1818 to find your local Regional Development Officer. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, contact the relevant headquarters.

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he following are all activities or events that I have done with my own Scout Group. We are one of three Groups based in a small town in Cumbria and have been going from strength to strength through the involvement of our Members’ families. We have 12 leaders, but due to work and family commitments, half of these are part time. However, we run three Beaver Scout Colonies, two Cub Scout Packs and a Scout Troop, which all meet each week.

A 14-strong Executive Committee and additional fundraising team support the activities of the Group.

When a young person joins our Group, we make it clear to the parents that they too are becoming Members and, as a minimum, they must help on the all-important parent rota. On top of this they are asked to carry out other tasks throughout the year, such as wrap Christmas presents, organise events and prepare materials for crafts.

They are also invited to many events as we have learned that people have limited free time and like to spend it with their families.

By opening up our activities to the whole family, we meet everyone’s needs. Giving Group events an international flavour

has been found to add to the interest of parents and encourage participation.

Fairtrade coffee night We organised a coffee-and-games evening for Beavers and their parents and held it at our normal meeting time one week in March during Fairtrade Fortnight.

Each person paid 50p to help cover the cost of the evening. We had tea, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit juice (all Fairtrade of course).

We also offered many different types of Fairtrade fruit, biscuits, chocolate and cakes. We played a runaround quiz based on the chocolate quiz from the GAPP resources, but our Beaver Leader modified it and added questions to make it more appropriate for the Beaver age range. We then talked about why buying Fairtrade goods is important. Everybody enjoyed themselves and all the parents mucked in making drinks and cutting up fruit and cake.

International evening The international evening involved the whole Group. The Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and each Scout Patrol chose a country to do a project on. This included making traditional dishes, wearing national

dress and finding out other points of interest about their chosen country. The results of the research were then displayed (and tasted) at an evening that the parents were invited to. We also played games from the various countries with siblings joining in.

Jamboree-on-the-Trail Jamboree-on-the-Trail (JOTT) is held in May and it is a day when Scouts from all over the world go

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Go international

THE

global family Involving the parents and families of Members helps to grow and strengthen Scout Groups. So, if you’re looking for inspiration in planning a family event why not go global? By Claire Riley

for a walk or hike. We have found holding a walk that is suitable for the whole family really popular.

The only charge is the JOTT badge which the parents can choose to purchase or not.

Our favourite route starts at a local visitor attraction and within five or ten minutes we pass a large supermarket, which provides a handy toilet stop and an opportunity for those who have forgotten to buy provisions. We

then join the old wagon way and walk to a nearby village.

In close proximity is a beach, playground and playing field.

We stop here and eat our packed lunches. We then play games either on the beach or playing field, depending on the tide. We have had excellent games of French cricket, with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts playing together. Then parents and Scouts have the option to join in a big football match or

play between the playground and some ruins. Many parents join in the football whether or not their children do.

The whole day is an ideal opportunity to build links between the Group and the parents and to help foster and strengthen our community atmosphere. Last year there were 115 JOTTers in our Group, joining over 20,000 worldwide!

Register now at www.jott.org www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 33

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23/1/09 11:57:58

t r o p p u s Show of D

What does a Gang Show, a medieval social night and a plastercast signing have in common?

They are all activities West Yorkshire Scouts came up with to help transform vulnerable children’s lives. Amelia Austin finds out more

eveloping social awareness among young people has always been a key part of Scouting. It’s also something the County Commissioner for the West Yorkshire Scouts, Neil Leatherland, feels very passionately about.

‘As Scout leaders, we have a responsibility to help young people achieve their full potential,’ he says.

‘When I heard about Hope and Homes for Children I realised that its work mirrors a lot of what Scouting is about. The charity helps vulnerable children develop by making sure they grow up in a caring family environment. As Scouts, we are also like a family, from six-year-old Beaver Scouts right up to adult volunteers of every age.’

A lifeline for families The charity Neil chose to support works across Central and Eastern Europe and moves children out of bleak, state-run institutions and into caring families. Hope and Homes for Children also works in Africa, where it provides a vital lifeline for families at risk of breakdown because of poverty, disease and war.

Building support Neil was impressed with the charity’s work but wanted to make sure the West Yorkshire Scouts felt the same way. With this in mind, he showed a short film about Hope and Homes for Children to each of the 15 Districts within the County, with the idea of leaving it up to the Scouts to decide if this was

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something they wanted to get involved with.

‘I will never forget the response I got from the 14-18-year-olds I first showed the film to,’ says Neil.

‘I warned them that the film might be upsetting, but they surprised me with their resilience and were really inspired by what they saw. Hearing a 17-year-old Rwandan girl say she had never even owned a pair of shoes really struck a chord with all the groups and they immediately took action.’

What happened next surpassed even Neil’s expectations. ‘The Scouts really got behind the cause and used their initiative, skills and talents to show their support.’

The young people and their leaders organised a range of fundraising activities, including Jordan Pullen, an entrepreneurial

Beaver Scout who, having broken his arm, charged people to sign his plastercast. There was also a medieval-themed social night for adults and a collection at their annual St George’s Day event.

Putting on a show The fundraising activities culminated in a spectacular Gang Show. The 130-strong cast and crew was made up of Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts while the backstage helpers included leaders, parents and supporters. It took months of rehearsals but it all paid off during the show’s three-night run when the Scouts played to

packed houses and a total audience of more than 7,000.

The Scouts decided to include a moving sketch about the work of Hope and Homes for Children.

Seventeen-year-old Simon Gregson, of the Heavy Woollen Explorers and one of the main actors in the show, added: ‘The whole thing was an amazing experience and I had great fun. I think that including a piece about Hope and Homes for Children gave the show a real sense of purpose and it felt really good to be giving something back.’

In total, the West Yorkshire Scouts raised over £5,000. ‘Initially, I thought they might raise £1,000,’ says Neil, ‘but they went far beyond that. I am so proud of them.’

more info To find out how you can unleash the potential of your Scout Group, Unit or Network, or to order a free copy of Hope and Homes for Children’s short film, visit www.hopeandhomes.org/scouts

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21/1/09 16:42:29

The road less

travelled

International expeditions take Scouting to a whole new level. In this feature, Elis Matthews relives some memorable moments and meets the Scouts who have flown the flag abroad

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here can be fewer adventures bigger than undertaking an expedition overseas.

First, the challenges of planning, packing and travelling on unknown terrain multiply when the journey is in another country, far from home.

Popping back to collect a forgotten sleeping bag is simply not an option. Next, there’s the test of adapting to your temporary home, which can involve a new language, not to mention the differences in culture that you need to negotiate.

But, in spite of all this, exotic, overseas expeditions bring with them once-in-a-lifetime memories, some picture-perfect scenery and the opportunity to strengthen teams and live out the Scout Promise and Law. There are many types of expedition on offer. The most popular involves walking or hiking over long distances, carrying your belongings (including your camp for the night) on your shoulders. Throw in a variety of modes of transport, local and universal, and you’ve got the average Scout version of a Charley Boorman documentary.

Scouts are also known to have tried their hand at expeditions on the water and in extreme temperatures. Here is a flavour of some expeditions past, and a taste of what’s to come this summer.

Feel the love Central Windsor Scout Troop took their summer camp to Slovenia: the only European nation with ‘love’ in its name.

Joining forces with the local Scouts and a

THE VERDICT: ‘We couldn’t have hoped for better weather, particularly after many days of heavy rain across Slovenia just before we embarked. The trip was also made perfect thanks to the activity provider, Maya, which we can’t recommend enough.’

Visit www.maya.si Word of warning: ‘If using a “no-frills” airline, share out a few items of essential equipment (eg waterproofs, swimwear, bedding) among all the baggage in case someone’s kit fails to arrive. We were a bag short at Klagenfurt airport and it was never recovered, despite many emails to the carrier.’

commercial activity provider called Maya, close cooperation ensured that a memorable programme was drawn up. A preparatory look-see visit to the peaceful town of Tolmin helped the expedition leaders assess safety and accommodation, and cement the relationship with the tour operator.

The first night was spent in a picturesque mountain hut belonging to the Tolmin Scouts, who gave their time and enthusiasm to ensure the Berkshire adventurers had a great experience.

There followed an overload of adventurous activities amid the idyllic backdrop of the Soca Valley.

The river is described as the most beautiful in Europe, and justifiably so. Activity highlights were undoubtedly rafting in three-seater inflatable rafts and canyoning in icy water. During the rafting, the river was in full flow and three Scouts flipped over and ended up breathing the air inside the

Central Windsor Scouts, above and left, enjoyed a variety of adventurous activities in Slovenia

capsized raft. Katie said afterwards: ‘I thought I was going to die, it was brilliant!’

To describe canyoning, Scout Leader Peter Archibald takes up the story: ‘After a tough hike to the start of our descent, wearing wetsuits, it was great to scramble into the icy water. With all our padding in place, we learned two techniques for sliding down the waterfalls. Each descent became trickier and some of the jumps were downright terrifying. After a thrilling hour we reached the climax of the activity; a 27-metre waterfall named Slap Prjsak. The adrenaline was pumping as we were strapped into climbing harnesses. Fear was etched on the Scouts’ faces as they gathered up their courage and stepped into position to begin their descent. In the pool below, whoops of joy convinced those above that their bravery would be rewarded. It was unforgettable.

‘This only scratches the surface of what was a deeply memorable expedition. We felt as though we had happened upon our own personal Rivendell, and after the Patrol Leaders had cooked up a culinary masterpiece on our final night, we winged our way home.

As leaders, we felt a surge of relief to see the mums and dads waiting for their tired boys and girls.’ www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 37

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The gap year When Explorer Scout Dave Brett attended the World Scout Jamboree in 2007, his eyes were opened to the enormity of planet Earth. Little did he know, this was only the start of his international journey of self-discovery. Having fought off the competition on the social networking site Bebo, Dave was selected to represent the UK on The Gap Year, an internet TV series following six young travellers on the ultimate globetrotting experience. Dave’s ‘expedition’ lasted 173 days, included nine countries and was jam-packed with the sorts of activities you might expect on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: camel riding, zorbing, sky-walking, canyoning – even eating crocodile testicles!

This trip was not for the squeamish (or vegetarian) but Dave returned unscathed, having learnt so much (‘In Australia, flip-flops are called thongs, but in New Zealand they’re called jandals’) and itching to plan his next adventure. Says Dave: ‘Scouting gave me the travel bug and the skills to survive. Now I’m keen to continue exploring and have my heart set on Japan, perhaps as a member of the Service Team at the 2015 Jamboree.’

Next stop Nepal

16-day expedition to Everest Base Camp, some 5,500 metres above sea level. The boys and girls under 16 trekked to Annapurna Base Camp, still no mean feat at 4,500 metres.

Along the way they took part in a jungle safari on elephants and two days’ white-water rafting while camping out on the banks of the River Seti.

Having completed their challenges, the Scouts returned to Kathmandu and worked on an amazing community project designed to help improve the lives of local children. The Scouts also handed over a large selection of children’s books, courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The books will be used to stock the Kathmandu children’s library. Their final gift was to donate children’s clothes to a local Nepalese charity.

Explorer Scout Thriza Legg, 17, said: ‘This was a huge adventure. Being a Scout has given me this opportunity of going to the other side of the world to have a great time and help children less fortunate than myself.’

Scouts from Lewisham in south London embarked on the adventure of a lifetime to Nepal. They combined a three-week expedition with a community project to enhance the living conditions of Nepalese children.

A party of 36 Scouts and leaders flew to Kathmandu and split into two groups.

Scouts aged 17 and older undertook a

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The never-ending story Ian and Jennifer Chalmers have long been involved with Scouting and Guiding, and over the years met Scouts from all over the world. Upon retirement, it seemed like a good idea to journey to some of the places they’d heard about, so off they went.

It may not technically qualify as an expedition, but visiting the home countries of a lifetime of Scouting friends is certainly a journey with a purpose. The pair ticked off Western Europe and Scandinavia, and after some planning, Canada, the US, South Africa and Australia. On their most recent jaunt to New Zealand, the adventurous pensioners were persuaded to stop off in Hong Kong, and having seen the advertisement for the B-P International Hotel in Scouting, booked their stay. They were more than impressed: ‘The hotel is a first-class international hotel overlooking Kowloon Park, very near the fabulous shopping area of Nathan Road,’ says Ian. ‘There is great pride in its Scouting heritage, with a giant portrait of B-P in the foyer and the Scout Badge on all accessories. The 11th floor houses a Scout shop, training centre and museum.

During our stay we were entertained by hundreds of Grasshoppers (the Hong Kong equivalent of Beaver Scouts) who were having a rally in the park.’

Below, Jennifer with the Grasshoppers

Other expeditions These are just a few examples of Scouts blazing a global trail in recent times. Countless other expeditions take place each year, including: Explorer Scouts from Chandlers Ford in Hampshire travelled to Egypt, completing environmental projects and meeting with the El Shams Scouts in Cairo along the way.

Knowle Sea Scouts canoed their way through the wilderness of Northwest Ontario, covering over 150 miles in ten days (pictured above). As part of their extensive training the six teenagers learned how to respond to encounters with bears.

6th Ashford Scout Group in Kent took 16 Members to Alaska and Chicago. After spotting moose and visiting the North Pole, their flight onward was delayed by volcanic eruptions in the Aleutian Islands.

Magellan Explorers from the New Forest ushered in the New Year in The Gambia, travelling 155 miles in old jeeps and joining a maintenance project at the Kairo Kongo Scout Hostel with Gambian Scouts.

1st Crowborough Scouts plan to celebrate the Group’s centenary by taking 40 Members to the Far East.

Their trip will include meeting with Scouts in Macau and Hong Kong, as well as visiting the Great Wall of China.

Explorer Scouts and leaders in Hertfordshire are planning an expedition to Swaziland, renewing a friendship with Swazi Scouts made over ten years ago. The trip will focus on service projects at an orphanage and school in Bhalekane, before a day trip to the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Explorer Scout Dave Brett, far left, had the ultimate globetrotting experience.

Scouts from Lewisham, south London, left, trekked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

Meanwhile, Knowle Sea Scouts, above, set off on a canoeing adventure in Northwest Ontario

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Winter Camp

Freeze!

ended le and 600 adults desc When 1,800 young peop them. ith peratures dropped w on Gilwell Park, the tem from to put off these Scouts But -4˚C wasn’ t enough tion en d sphereing, not to m go-karting, climbing an Winter Camp dancing, at this year’s more info

es Winter Camp nex t tak place on 8-10 January 2010 and is open to adult Scouts, Explorers and r place volunteers. Book you rg.uk at ww w.wintercamp.o

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Welcome to

!

V T T U O SC

ision shown on national telev be to s rie se on isi lev te the first-ever in the picture Everyday Adventure is ura Spafford puts you La er uc od pr s rie Se ts.

Scou produced by Scouts for

E

veryday Adventure is a series of six programmes showing on the Community Channel (on digital and freeview) over six months. Each programme has a different focus and aims to celebrate what Scouting is and what it does.

How did the project come about?

During the World Scout Jamboree in 2007, the Community Channel showed World Scout Jamboree LIVE every morning of the event.

THE SIX EPISODES EVERYDAY ADVENTURE Episode 1: What Scouting means today Episode 2: How Scouting fits around you Episode 3: Why people join Scouting and what makes them stay Episode 4: Young people helping young people Episode 5: Celebrating diversity Episode 6: New opportunities in Scouting

more info

Tune in to the Community Channel at Sky 539, Virgin TV 233 and Freeview 87.

The Sunrise Ceremony LIVE was also shown on 1 August. These programmes were a success, significantly increasing the channel’s viewing figures.

Programmes shown on the Community Channel are produced by community organisations such as The Scout Association.

They were very impressed by the professionalism of the programmes shown during the World Scout Jamboree and how little they had to edit them.

As a result, Everyday Adventure was born at the start of 2008.

What is it trying to achieve?

Everyday Adventure aims to inspire and inform members with new ideas and up-to-date information.

We hope it will also generate enthusiasm about Scouting among people outside the Movement, increasing enquiries about joining. It also aims to be a true representation of Scouting’s work in our communities.

Who’s involved?

Across the UK we have interviewed scores of adults and young people.

During production I have turned my hand to almost every role, including directing, scriptwriting, lighting, costumes, set designing, production managing and microphone boom/grip operator.

I have been working with Explorer Scout Leader Tony Richardson, who also runs film production company Fluid. He has done all the camera work, sound and editing. The series is presented by seven young people who all talk passionately about Scouting.

When will it be shown?

The first episode of Everyday Adventure was shown on 19 January on the Community Channel. Each episode will be shown six times a week or 24 times a month – a total of 144 showings. It will be hard to miss!

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The

best

e n i c i d e m Cubs Janie, Murray and Chloe heading for the hills

When Martin Owen was made redundant last year and found himself working freelance 200 miles from his native Merseyside he needed something to focus his mind. That something was the Great Ormond Street Hospital Scout and Guide Group – and it reawakened his passion for Scouting

I

t was autumn 2007 and I found myself working in a very cold and dark central London. I had never lived in a big city before and needed something to use my time positively instead of staring at another hotel room wall. My job was with Camden Council and I spotted that Great Ormond Street was just around the corner. It brought back a dim memory of a Scout Group operating inside the hospital and I wondered if it was still there…

Making contact After a quick online search I found a contact email and sent one off.

I’d been a Cub Scout, Venture and then a Scout Leader back home, although I’d been out of Scouting for a while, bringing up my family.

Within days, Andrew, the Group Scout Leader, got back to me and we arranged to meet. What followed was the absolute high point of my time in London.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Scout and Guide Group meets every

Tuesday evening. There is no summer or Christmas break. They meet to provide a Scouting and Guiding Programme to any child within the hospital from the age of six, including brothers and sisters of the patients.

Previous experience is not necessary, but for existing members this is a great way of continuing Scouting or Guiding even if they are too ill to be at home with their own Group. For many, this is their first taste of Scouting and many get involved back home after their recovery.

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From the leader Group Scout Leader Andrew Rush says: ‘I got involved in the Group because my younger brother had a series of operations at the hospital. I was visiting him after one in 1985 when I saw the leaders going round the wards.

After a while thinking about it, I volunteered to join the team and have never looked back since.

Photos by Tim Anderson

A flexible Programme The evening starts with gathering the members. As it’s a hospital, children are arriving and leaving on a daily basis. The leaders and helpers go out in pairs around the hospital to collect any children who want to join in. In some cases, drips have to be lengthened or treatment times adjusted to help the children to take part.

When everyone is together, there can be anything from one to a dozen children of every age and ability at the meeting. Children come from all over the UK and world for treatment at Great Ormond Street and at one meeting we had six children, none of whom could speak English. To allow for this, our Programme has to be adaptable enough to meet their needs.

What’s great about volunteering for a Group with an ever-changing membership is that everyone lives in the moment. No one asks if I am a new leader, or why I wasn’t there the week before.

Pitching tents Meetings start with a horseshoe and flag break. A drip is used as a

‘Apart from being an extra pair of hands, Martin has brought great enthusiasm to the Group. He is cheerful and relates well to the young people and leaders. Like all of us he has to cope with lastminute changes and complications, but he is always lively and positive.’

flag pole (why not?) and everyone is taught about the Scout and Guide Promise. Leaders take it in turns to plan and run the Programme which is based on the formal Scouting and Guiding Programme. We may be flexible, but we still use Programme Zones!

After a warm-up game of skittles or basketball, we follow up with a more formal activity such as knotting, mini-pioneering or even pitching a tent. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a full Icelandic Patrol tent pitched in a hospital!

At one meeting we had a treasure hunt all around the hospital looking for hidden coloured tickets. There is always something for the children to make and take back with them.

Thinking time is also included,

Far left and above: The Group has a flexible Programme to suit the range of age, language and ability; Left: Scouting has a long association with the famous hospital

where the activities are linked into a topical theme and discussion is encouraged. A final game is followed by flag down and a short reflection and thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff.

I found myself working away from friends and family for some time and the welcome I got from the leaders and helpers at Great Ormond Street was brilliant. It made volunteering a pleasure.

They, like so many other leaders, are completely dedicated to the work they do and made me feel truly part of a worldwide family of Scouts.

more info If you would like to get involved or are thinking about starting a hospital Group yourself, download the Hospital Scouting pack from the How Do I section at www. scouts.org.uk/specialneeds.

You can also contact special. needs@scout.org.uk for help and advice. If you would like to make a donation to Hospital Scouting and Guiding, please send c/o Scouting, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7OW. \

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We read a lot about B-P’s adventures but what about his car? Tony Harvey gives us a quick tour of Jam Roll on the road

Illustrations by Ian West

T

Jam Roll

o commemorate the 21st birthday of the Scout Movement in 1929, Scouts from all over the world were invited to contribute one penny towards a gift for the Founder and Chief Scout, Robert Baden-Powell. At the World Scout Jamboree B-P was presented with a Rolls-Royce, which he nicknamed ‘Jam Roll’ (from Jamboree and Rolls-Royce), and a caravan he named ‘Eccles’. B-P used Jam Roll and Eccles on Scouting journeys until his retirement to Kenya in 1938.

Olave, Lady Baden-Powell returned to the UK after the Founder’s death in 1941 and gave Eccles to the then Boy Scouts Association. Jam Roll was sold to a private owner.

From 1945 until 2008, the car had eight different owners. During this time it became a taxi in Hull and took pride of place at weddings. It was painted black and later restored to Scout green with gold trim. Eccles and Jam Roll were reunited at the 1957 Jamboree and again for the 2007 World Scout Jamboree. Eccles, which has remained at Gilwell since 1941, was restored using funds donated by the Kindred Lodge Association.

A charitable company was formed by four Scouters, including Michael Baden-Powell, to buy and conserve Jam Roll and make it available for major Scouting events. A Friends of Jam Roll network is being set up to create an activity pack for use at these events.

more info Visit www.jamroll.org or email enquiries@jamroll.org to offer suggestions for an activity pack, make a donation or to find out how to book Jam Roll for an event.

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BRAGGERS WOOD

Camping & Activity Centre The ideal site for your Summer & Weekend Camp  Within the New Forest National Park  Good access to motorways, main roads, local attractions and coast  Easy reach of Brownsea Island FACILITIES INCLUDE

• Fully equipped heated building sleeping 36, ideal for winter camps • Smaller self-contained unit sleeping 14 • 8½-acre site with additional farm fields • Modern toilet block with free hot showers • Well-stocked Providore • Activities include Climbing/Abseiling, Archery, Minefield & Spiders Web SAE FOR DETAILS TO:

The Warden, Braggers Wood Camping & Activity Centre, Braggers Lane, Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 8EF Email: braggers@christchurchscouts.org.uk Web: www.braggerswood.org.uk

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r o f n i a g Net With more teens and twenty-somethings than ever doing their social networking online, The Scout Association’s Head of Marketing, Natalie Tomlinson, has news of an exciting new marketing initiative

A

s part of an ongoing relationship with Sainsbury’s and youth volunteering charity v, we are launching The Scout Association’s first ever external online marketing campaign.

The reason for involving v is that it is specifically interested in helping charities recruit 16-25-yearolds as volunteers. Over the last three years, together with Sainsbury’s (which match-funded the money given to us by v), we have been successful in both raising funds and recruiting volunteers through initiatives such as the popular Sainsbury’s Community Days.

For 2009, we will be focusing our efforts online as this was felt to be the most effective way to engage with our target audience. The Scout Association nationally has never done any external marketing for adult recruitment so the results of this will be extremely interesting.

Wants and needs There are two audiences we are targeting – those who specifically want to work with young people and those who are looking for volunteering experience for their own personal development.

Dedicated information for both types of audience

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Recruitment

Illustrations by Domnall Starkie

g n i t u o c S will be created online, reflecting their reason for wanting to join or enquiring about joining.

The ‘want to’ audience will be people that we ask our existing members to target on social networking sites such as Facebook. They will want to volunteer as they enjoy working with young people and benefit from doing so.

The second audience will be people who ‘need to’ gain experience of working with young people as part of their vocational needs. A large number of youth work degrees will have a practical element to them where people need to gain relevant experience. Working within a Scout Group would therefore be one way of gaining this. We will target these through specific Facebook groups such as PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) groups, of which there are over 500.

Look out in future editions of Scouting to see how successful the campaign is and for other marketing initiatives.

t Sharing an insigh

The annual Insight event took place in November, bringing together over 30 18-25-year-olds from around the UK. The participants were asked their views on a range of subjects, from Programme Zones to perceptions of young people, all of which provided an invaluable insight to the ongoing work of UK Headquarters. At the end of the event (which included a taxing quiz) the focus groups presented their findings to an audience that included Chief and UK Commissioners.

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Legacy giving

’ it f o t h g u o h t n e v e ‘I’d never When you think of leaving a legacy to Scouting, you may think of the wealth of time you spend volunteering, or a gift in your will. Lynn Brushwood reports on some focus groups that suggest interesting ways for Scouting to attract more legacy giving In 2008, £1.6 billion was left to charities in wills. The Scout Association receives roughly £200,000 per year – a poor return when you consider some charities receive tens of millions of pounds. With these statistics in mind, and appreciating the sensitivity of the subject, the Fundraising Team at Gilwell Park asked members of the Movement for their opinions on legacy giving and received the following feedback.

The results Generally, everyone agreed that Headquarters’ communications are improving but some older members felt that HQ was ‘remote’ and ‘not really on the ball about local activities and pressures’.

50

Many leaders liked the email newsletter, Scouting Plus, and supplements.

There was a feeling that there are gaps in relationships within the Movement. Parents are often not engaged with, resulting in missed opportunities to receive legacies.

They tend to drop and collect their children rather than become involved, and it may be many years before they really feel grateful for what Scouting has contributed.

Where there’s a will…

We asked for views on special offers, for example a will paid for

by The Scout Association in return for a donation, or one drafted by a solicitor and then a donation of £25 made by that solicitor to The Scout Association (or a local Scout Group).

There was a mixed response to these proposals, and it was pointed out that the diverse membership of Scouting would have a range of will-making traditions, so whatever offer is made would need to accommodate this. However, with the right tone, communicating that legacies could benefit local Groups would make almost everyone happy.

Members were asked for their views on several ideas for boosting legacy giving

How should we advertise legacy giving?

The favoured methods were: • In issues of Scouting • A legacy area on the website • A toolkit for use at local events, including posters and factsheets.

90 per cent of participants were happy to be contacted by direct mail, with about half of these content to receive a letter asking for money. The other half preferred to receive information that could plant the seed for later donations.

A fund for the future Almost everyone we asked wanted legacies to go directly to Scout Groups, but there was enthusiasm for a Legacy Fund, which could be fed back to local Scouting. The most frequently asked question was: ‘If I left a legacy to Scouting, what would the Association do with the money?’

Future action This year we’ll be testing various legacy messages with attendees of the focus groups. This will set the tone for future campaigns focusing on members and former members of the Movement.

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Wood Badge recipients now number more than 100,000 and can be found in all corners of the world

O

n the morning of 8 September 1919, some 19 men assembled for the first-ever Scoutmasters’ training camp at Gilwell Park. The camp was designed and guided by Baden-Powell.

When finished, he gave each man a simple wooden bead from a necklace he had found in the deserted hut of a Zulu chieftain, when on campaign in South Africa in 1888. A great success, thousands of leaders have continued to receive this year after year, and the training still continues today. More than 100,000 Wood Badge recipients can now be found in all corners of the world.

The Wood Badge is a Scouting programme and award for adults in all Scout Associations around the world. The Wood Badge course is designed so that adult leaders can learn, in as practical a way as possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. On completion, participants are awarded the beads to recognise their significant achievement in leadership and direct service to young people.

They also automatically become members of the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group – a global family of thousands of adults in Scouting.

Although the programme has changed over the years, its essence remains. Adults use their new, and old, knowledge and skills to complete training which is designed to strengthen the individual and the Scouting they are providing to young people.

what is the Wood Badge?

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Adult support

What the Wood Badge means For today’s leaders, gaining it is a personal achievement and something to be proud of: ‘When I was a Cub I was fascinated by my leader’s Wood Badges and promised that I’d return as an adult when I had kids. I kept in contact with my old leader via Christmas cards and wrote to tell him I was doing my Wood Badge course. He was thrilled. A fortnight later he passed away. It felt like fate, which makes my Wood Badge more special to me. It’s a thank you to my old leader for all that he did.’

Austin, Assistant Scout Leader ‘I got my beads at 22. In getting them, apart from the usual, I got frozen on Ben Nevis in the snow; half drowned canoeing in the River Tees and broke five toes at Gilwell when someone dropped a pioneering pole. The beads were hard earned and I wear them with pride.’

Jonathan Rhodes, Scout Leader ‘I am exceedingly proud of mine, awarded one month after my 18th birthday! I started training when I took out my helper’s warrant at 16.’

Katy, Cub Scout Leader Taken from Escouts, one of the UK’s online Scout communities, on the meaning of the Wood Badge. Thanks to everyone who took part.

more info If you want to find out more about getting your Wood Badge, contact your training team, or call the National Adult Training Team on 0845 300 1818.

d Badge?

Do you have a Woo As a Wood Badge holder you are automatically part of the world’s biggest Scout Group – 1st Gilwell Park. A new website has been created and includes all the latest information about Gilwell Park, including future plans and building work, an array of Gilwell photos, a message board for members, webcams and many other things. www.1stgilwellpark.org

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Adult support

The Fellowship helps ensure events like Poacher go without a hitch

Stir crazy

Stuart Card discovers that there is more to one Scout Fellowship than just tea and cakes

Photos courtesy of Ian Cashmore and the Poacher PR Team www.lincsscout.org.uk

S

ome people associate Fellowships with simply making tea, but at times this can be a crucial job at camp.

Times like when the Chesterfield District Fellowship brewed up 1,500 cups (or 500 litres) of tea and coffee that powered the volunteers at Poacher 2008 Lincolnshire Scouts and Guides International Camp.

The team churned out about 25 cups of hot stuff per person per day – no mean feat over a week of wild and occasionally stormy weather!

They even provided hot chocolate and tea to those young people at the event who were flooded out, and worked into the small hours of the night.

A team of two halves I spoke to Chesterfield’s District Commissioner Martin Platts and Fellowship Chairperson Marge Thorne. Martin summed up the importance of the Fellowship: ‘I would be lost without them, they are a group of people you can ask to do just about anything!’

Marge explained that it was not just about big events for the Fellowship, they also help out at District Camps, award ceremonies and

fun days and also with Groups. ‘The Fellowship is known for crafts as well as its catering,’ Marge explained. ‘We go round to the Groups and run activities for them, such as encaustic art (wax art) and gold leafing (card making).

We also have lots of giant games that we hire to Groups for evening programmes or camps.’

Good times While the Fellowship has an ‘I would be lost active programme of activities without them, they for the members, they will help are a group of people in any way they can, and they you can ask to do just also have an active social about anything!’ programme. Members (whose ages range from 23 to 83) enjoy a wide variety of social activities. They have had speakers on topics from reflexology to amateur radio, and they compete in walking rallies and camps away.

What’s most inspiring is that the Fellowship is out there proactively saying ‘use us, we can help’. There is nothing better than knowing there is always somebody there to help, and in Chesterfield District, the Fellowship is always there, whatever the need.

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Oceanspray g key part of the Scoutin a or ts, ha d an les st hi w d Sturdee Is it all funny jumpers, eir 100th birthday, Davi th te ra leb ce ts ou Sc a g about in boats adventure? As Se more than just messin is g tin ou Sc a Se hy w explains

O

n the face of it, Sea Scouts are no different from any other Scouts.

They use the same Promise and Law, they run the same Balanced Programme and wear the same badges. Sea Scout Groups are found all over the UK, many far from the sea.

The most visible difference is the uniform, which has a clear naval association and includes a navy jersey or blue shirt and an optional hat. While not rigidly followed, the usual ceremony at the start and finish of meetings is also slightly different: a red ensign is hoisted to a gaff, rather than the Union Flag being broken at the masthead. This is usually accompanied by piping a bosun’s call, a traditional naval whistle.

Scouts tackle a huge range of water activities from kayaking to surfing

Outdoor and adventure The three Nautical Skills Activity Badges appeal to many Sea Scouts, as they cover a variety of water activities and nautical skills. Most Sea Scout Groups put a strong emphasis on water activities in their regular Programmes, and they fit very comfortably in the Outdoor and Adventure Zone.

Kayaking, open canoeing and sailing are popular activities in many Troops, but Sea Scouts are much more likely to include a wide variety of water activities in their Programmes, and also regularly add rowing, stern sculling and gig pulling. Many Sea Scout Groups partner themselves with an Explorer Scout Unit and some Sea Scouts keep their blue uniforms when moving into District Units.

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History – the early days

F

ollowing the Brownsea Island camp in 1907, Baden-Powell held another important camp between 7 and 21 August 1909. This was on two sites – one at Buckler’s Hard near the Beaulieu River, and a ship-board site on The Mercury.

Two Troops of Scouts took part, spending a week at each site.

In October 1910, a decision was made that a special uniform for ‘Coastguard Troops’ should be the same as that for Boy Scouts, but with a naval cap. The Headquarters Gazette for 1912 laid down the first policy and gave authority for a ‘special uniform’ for Sea Scouts.

In June 1911, Admiral Lord Charles Beresford consented to be the Chief Sea Scout and in 1912 the handbook Sea Scouting and Seamanship for Boys was published.

Today there are some 350 Sea Scout Groups in the UK and many others throughout the world.

By Roy Masini

Royal Naval Recognition Scheme After the support that Sea Scouts gave to the Royal Navy (RN) throughout World War I – 25,000 took part in coast watching, mine watching, being messengers and crewing boats – the Admiralty agreed to support Sea Scouting, and the RN Recognition scheme began in 1919. A lucky 101 Sea Scout Groups enjoy the privilege of RN Recognition. They fly a defaced Red Ensign and a special pennant, and wear the RN Recognition badge.

Centenary and Jamboree A national event is being held at Holme Pierrepont (National Watersports Centre, Nottingham) from 1-8 August 2009 to celebrate 100 years of Sea Scouting.

A huge programme of water and landbased activities is planned. Find out more at www.seascout100.net

L HEAVE, HITCH & HAU Why not have a go at a Sea Scouting relay game? Each Patrol needs an old car tyre and a heaving line or rope, about eight metres in length. One Scout from each Patrol waits with the rope at one end of the hall, opposite the rest of their Patrol members, who have a tyre. The lone Scout heaves the line to their team and, one by one, they have to tie it to the tyre, usually with a specific knot, then perch on the tyre, hold the end of the rope for safety, and be pulled across the hall. Untie the rope, roll the tyre back to the main group, and repeat the process until the whole Patrol has crossed.

more info

The new Scout Handbook contains a chapter on Sea Scouting, or search for Sea Scouts online at www.scouts.org.uk

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ts a Hilary Galloway mee ran ly al Scotsman who liter cus away and joined the cir

‘B

COMEDYT CIRCUI

art’s the one with the red nose and sparkly trainers,’ says Anne Aspeslagh, the nervous mother of the clown who bursts through Zippo Circus’ big top curtains.

Amid the glitter, leotards, somersaults and wide smiles, a yellow-dungaree-clad clown falls off his chair, to the delight of the audience. Anne heaves a sigh of relief. ‘There is a real skill to being funny,’ she says.

I am with Anne at Bart’s Academy of Circus Arts graduation ceremony, an unusual affair by anyone’s standards. It involves 12 graduates demonstrating their skills in front of an audience of family, friends and industry talent spotters.

Anne, while nervous, is also extremely proud and can’t believe the transformation in her son. ‘A year ago he used to just sit in his room, playing computer games. He wasn’t interested in anything except Scouting.’ And it was Scouting that led Bart down this jovial career path. ‘I was at the World Scout Jamboree as an International Service Team member, helping out in the circus skills area, which was run by

The Academy of Circus Arts,’ says Bart. ‘The academy director obviously thought I had a natural talent for clowning and invited me to apply for their six-month course.’ Eight months later he packed his bag and embarked on a life on the road.

Finding his way

Bart (above centre and right) graduated in clowning at The Academy of Circus Arts.

Some students specialised in trapeze (above left)

Dyslexic, Bart had trouble paying attention at school and left halfway through the fifth year.

Naturally bright at science, he attempted college twice – once for chemical engineering and the second time to study computing. He lasted barely a year at either. ‘Education just wasn’t that important to me. It could be due to my dyslexia, but also partly that I wasn’t all that interested.’ The only thing that held his interest was Scouting. ‘Before I left for the circus I helped my sister Sofie set up a Network,’ he says.

Following the college attempts, Bart floated from job to job, until the World Scout Jamboree. ‘This circus course has completely changed the direction of my life,’ he says.

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Erecting the tent alone takes the whole team of 15 four to six hours.

Bart’s Scouting skills came in useful on tour.

‘I was the only one with navigation skills, so I was always directing us to the next location.’

Bart sleeps in a trailer with Tam Baker, one of the few other Brits on the course; like a Jamboree, the students are from as far and wide as the USA, Mongolia and Australia.

‘Living conditions are cramped. It’s a bit like being on camp, but I prefer sleeping in tents – at least they keep you dry,’ he says pointing to the leaky roof of his trailer.

First outing

It also suits his work style.

‘I don’t like having the same job day in day out. I like to have a bit of adventure.

And the circus is a really big adventure. It was a complete career change for me – every day was brilliant.’

Life on the road Circus life is notoriously tough, even if you’re a student. Training involves more than 45 hours of skills practice every week, ranging from trapeze and stilts to clowning and tightwire.

Plus the students run 118 performances across the UK. ‘We’d never spend longer than about a week in one place,’ explains Bart. ‘We’d move Monday, set up the tent on Tuesday, train for the rest of week, then perform the show at the weekend. On Monday we’d pack up and move again. We’d also do performances and workshops at schools and various events. Every spare hour is spent training.’

In the six months, Bart had just two days off. ‘We’ve had hardly any contact with the outside world, as it’s so intense,’ he says.

All the students specialise in particular circus skills. Bart did clowning. ‘It’s what I’m naturally good at,’ he says. ‘Most of the time a clown’s job is to cover for something, such as the trapeze going up. It could also be if someone has fallen, then a clown’s job is to entertain the crowd.’ And did he have to do this during the six months? ‘There weren’t many injuries while performing, most happened during set-up and even then they were pretty minor.’

The job prospects for the graduates are as varied as the skills they learn. Unfortunately, because of a back condition, Bart is unable to join a professional circus. ‘The academy was very understanding, but if I stayed in a professional circus I would be expected to lift stuff. I also don’t think I could stay away from my relatives for the rest of my life. Six months was hard enough.’

Bart now lives in London and is planning to hold performances and workshops at schools, Scout events and birthday parties. ‘In the long term, I want to set up a summer camp with my girlfriend. For the first time in my life I have a goal. And it’s all thanks to the Jamboree!’

Contact Bart on elbarto_6664@hotmail.com for performances.

OM YOU WE WANT TO HEAR FR Do you know someone with a creative talent who used it to gain the Creative Challenge? Do you have an Explorer Scout who edits their own magazine, or a Scout in a rock band? Let us know by emailing scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk

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Red Nose Day

R

ed Nose Day 2009 is about three things: having a laugh, raising money and changing lives for the better. Do whatever you like – just make sure you end up raising a smile and stacks of cash at the same time. The money you raise will transform someone else’s life for ever.

Funds for local Scouting There are loads of activities your Scouts can organise this Red Nose Day such as making, singing or wearing Something Funny for Money. As well as raising funds for fantastic projects to help people in the UK and Africa, 25 per cent of the cash you raise goes to your Scout Group.

Remember, there’s still time to organise a Red Nose Day event, so why not check out www.scouts. org.uk/rednoseday for some brand-new Red Nose activity ideas? And, of course, you can also get yourself sponsored for doing something creative.

with no parents or support network, he was trapped by poverty and it seemed no one could show him a way out. That was until he found the Comic Relief-funded HOVIC Centre, where he was shown love, compassion and a chance to shine.

Helping people in need

Big achievements

Whatever you choose to do, the money you raise will help people in the UK and Africa who are in unfortunate circumstances. You’ll help people like ten-year-old Fred: Every day, Fred went through dustbins for food and watched as other children went to school.

Every night, as he huddled in a sack under a railway bridge, he dreamed of a better life. But as a street child,

Comic Relief was launched on Christmas Day in 1985 in response to the famine in Ethiopia. To date, 11 Red Nose Days have raised more than £420m to support people and communities in both the UK and Africa. Red Nose Day 2007, The Big One, really did live up to its name when Scouts and others helped to raise the record-breaking sum of £67,726,409 to change lives.

y p p a h T E G Put Friday 13 March in your diary now – it’s Red Nose Day 2009 and Scout Groups and Units across the UK will be doing something funny for money. What have you got planned?

Are you the UK’s funniest Group?

Win a prize at www.scouts.org.uk/ rednoseday

more info Visit the Scouting and Comic Relief web pages at www.scouts.org.uk/ rednoseday for links to Programmes Online and information on how you can keep 25 per cent of the money you raise. Plus, fundraising activities can be linked into your Creative Challenge Badge.

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GET

D E T T O N K Opening the Scout Handbook for inspiration, Elis Matthews gets to grips with some stunning Scouting skills. Rope not included!

E

very day’s a school day’ is a cliché much bandied about, but in Scouting you’re soon used to the notion that there’s plenty you don’t know, but always someone that does and is willing to share. When we were putting together the Scout Handbook, I lost count of the number of times I said ‘wow’ or marvelled at yet another skill I had no idea about. These three knots may be old hat

1.

2.

3.

to some readers, but are graded beginner, medium and advanced, and are hopefully of interest. If you’re learning the skill for the first time, teach yourself with wool and bamboo canes, then pass it on to young people in your section in a future Programme activity. All of these skills can be standalone activities, or combined as part of a pioneering project, incident hike or team challenge.

4.

1. Highwayman’s Hitch A clue to what this knot does is in its name.

It’s a perfect knot for tying your horse to a gatepost and making a quick getaway when needed. A more relevant use in this day and age would be to help get down from a tree or to secure a boat to a post.

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How to

3. Camp gateway With the ability to do different kinds of lashings, you can have a go at some quite ambitious pioneering.

These gateways can add some individuality, be it for a Beaver Fun Day, Scout Summer Camp or your own Big Adventure event. You could get parents involved in making a gateway for the kids, or have a contest to construct the most creative gateway.

It’s never been a better time to ‘make an entrance’.

2. Diagonal lashing • Begin with a timber hitch to draw the spars together.

• Pull the knot at right angles and wrap the rope three times around the spars, keeping the rope tight all the time.

• Wrap three more turns, this time over the timber hitch.

• Apply two frapping turns to pull tight the rope turns.

• Finish off with a clove hitch.

more info For more skills and projects (tailored to the Scout section Programme) see the Scout Handbook from www.scouts. org.uk/shop (price £8). For basic instructions on Scouting Skills (including clove and timber hitches), you can find a series of factsheets in the Information Centre catalogue at www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre

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How to find

d e e n u o y t Wha to know When it comes to fact-finding for special needs you need to know what questions to ask and what information is relevant. This may mean going online, asking within your Group or going further afield, says Sue Burton

ER ASPERGOME SYNDR dation.org.uk

n ergerfou www.asp sm.net ti u a h rc a tism www.rese .co.uk /au nethealth g y .c w w w February/March 2009 64 Scouting

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ASTHMATIC www.lunguk.org www.noattacks.org www.asthma.org.uk

WHEELCHAIR USER

www.apparelyzed.com www.bcodp.org.uk www.motability.co.uk

21/1/09 17:27:02

Health & wellbeing

W

hen I’m on the internet, I appreciate what it must be like to be new to Scouting. There is a lot of information out there and all sorts of people to help you, but unless you have a helpful search engine (such as another leader), it’s easy to get lost. Here are some useful phrases to use when researching special needs online: What is...?

First of all you need to know what you are dealing with. You probably don’t need lots of medical jargon or a detailed list of medication.

If a Cub Scout comes to your meeting with asthma, you need to know what it is and what to do in the event of an attack.

Living with...

Whatever disability the individual has, it is the daily effect that is of immediate concern. Should any activities be adapted or avoided?

Practical tips...

In dealing with the specific needs of any individual, there will be a number of simple ideas and suggestions that will make activities easier for them.

Which organisations...?

There are many support organisations out there. Lots have useful websites, but the phone numbers and people to contact for these are often best found locally.

How much are you expected to know?

A little knowledge, they say, is a dangerous thing. If you are

WELL PREPARED ‘We have a Cub with Asperger Syndrome – although this didn’t become apparent until he went away on a camp. He was particular about some routines and had some very fussy eating habits. His mum had put on a form that he didn’t eat certain things but didn’t go into any more detail. The next time we went, after we had done our homework online and had a meeting with the mum, we were much better prepared.’

Julie, Cub Scout Leader

dealing with a Beaver Scout with particular needs which only arise in certain circumstances, then all you may need is an emergency contact number. On the other hand, if you are going abroad with a Scout on specifically timed medication, you will need a lot of information, preparation and training.

Weigh up whether you need to have an in-depth knowledge of a particular condition or just learn how to help with an asthma pump. Knowing where to stop is often as important as knowing where to start.

Ask questions within your Group If the individual is moving from section to section there will be some basic information and advice that can be passed on. Obviously needs change and develop, but building on what’s gone before is a helpful first step.

Some of the best information is found incidentally. You meet someone who’s had the same question and answered it, or bump into a Beaver Scout Leader who knows what to do in a situation, or you pick up a magazine with a profile of the condition.

more info The internet is no substitute for first-hand knowledge. You need to discuss a particular individual’s needs with them and/or their parents or carers. Within Scouting itself, there may be other leaders with relevant experience or knowledge – ask around at meetings and gatherings. Your District Team should be the next call, then onto the County/Area. If you are still in any doubt, try the Special Needs Team at Gilwell Park. There’s lots of special needs information on our website – www.scouts. org.uk/specialneeds

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Sharing values Daisy Charlton has ideas aplenty for delivering beliefs and attitudes in your community

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Faiths & beliefs

1

Develop an inner discipline and training

Help the section recognise that as they grow older, they must start to take responsibility for their actions.

By doing this they help themselves to belong to a community of people who respect each other. Give each group a dice and a counter. On paper, ask them to draw a ladder with 25 steps. At the bottom of the ladder they should draw a crocodile swamp, and at the top a safe platform. Take turns to roll the dice and if they can answer yes to a question (eg ‘Do you offer to help others?’), they climb steps according to their roll. If they answer no, they remain where they are until their next go.

Provide those who answer no with the opportunity to give an example of how they can take on more responsibility in future.

can get involved with, such as gardening days or litter picks. If nothing has been organised already, see if you can do something in the place the young people said they used most with their friends during a meeting.

4

Help to create a more tolerant and caring society

Ask the young people how they feel when someone new joins the section. If they are a bit different, do we sometimes treat them differently or not go out of our way to be friends with them? Separate the section into two groups – one group for people with blue eyes and one for people with brown eyes. Ask if they can work out why they are in different groups; then explain why they have been separated and ask if they thought it was a fair way of dividing them. Talk about the different types of people you have in your community and how everyone fits together. Point out how treating everyone the same is an important part of Scouting: we promise to help other people and be friendly and considerate. This means that everyone can be part of the Scouting community, whoever they are.

‘Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you’

2

Be involved in corporate activities with others

If you think about all the different types of people living in your local community, you probably don’t realise that many are elderly. They often don’t hold visible positions in our communities, ie they don’t work in shops and schools. Being older can be lonely – living alone and unable to get out of the house easily. The organisation Contact the Elderly organises tea parties once a month.

Volunteers collect elderly people from their homes and take them to meet other people to have a chat over tea and cake. Perhaps you could hold a coffee morning in your meeting place? Get in touch with Contact the Elderly at www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk or 0800 716543. If there isn’t a tea party in your area already, why not set one up?

3

Understand the world around them

Communities are often centred on a particular place or building. For example, Scouts have their membership of the worldwide Movement in common, but local Scout Groups know each other better for more local reasons, for example sharing the same meeting place. It is important to value the things that make up our communities, and the environment in which we live is one of them. Have this discussion with your section and ask them which places they use most when they meet their friends. Make a rota system so each Patrol is responsible for leaving the Scout meeting place clean and tidy at the end of each week. See if there are any community events happening that you

5

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

How do you become a member of a community?

Sometimes people are born into the community, and sometimes people choose to be a member. In order to be a loved and respected member of your community, you have to be nice to the people in it. All world religions recognise this and have a common rule. In Confucianism it is: Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you (Analects 15:23).

There are activities associated with this on Programmes Online (www.scouts.org.uk/pol). Search for ‘golden rule’. Include one of these activities in a future meeting and at the end ask the young people to pray to God (in their own words) for their friends, family and community.

next issue…

Don’t miss the final instalment in this series, with a look at the Global Programme Zone.

You can catch up with the whole series at www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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RESOURCES Owen Ward digs out invaluable resources from the Scout Information Centre

Nights away Now is a good time to start thinking of training for your Nights Away Permit, in preparation for summer camp. For info about what it is, see factsheet Nights Away Permit Scheme (FS120800) or Applicants Guide (FS120801). These and more are available online at www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre

Baby Borrowers

Yellow cards

This great BBC resource is perfect for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network.

Tying in with the controversial BBC3 TV programme, it is designed to develop peer learning through shared experiences, to promote positive relationships and informed choices, and encourage discussion about teenage pregnancy and other topical subjects.

The book is divided into four sections, all with various learning activities and DVDs, which would easily fit into a Balanced Programme for the older sections. To order your free copy, visit www.scouts.org.uk/ babyborrowers

Do you have enough Young People First ‘yellow cards’ (catalogue no. PSYC)? If not, order yours online or contact us. There’s also an ‘orange card’ for Explorer Scout Young Leaders (catalogue no. PSOC). Order at www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre

For the full list of resources available from the Scout Information Centre, visit www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre.

For help with any Scouting issues, call the team on 0845 300 1818 or email info.centre@scout.org.uk

Appointment forms Are you recruiting new adults into the Movement? Confused about what forms they need? If this is the case then we can help you.

To order new forms, visit www.scouts.org.uk/ infocentre and search ‘AANEW’, ‘OHF’ or ‘CRB’ (‘DSAPP’ for Scotland). Alternatively, email or call us and we can advise you.

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Promos & resources

Regatta

– the family brand with its heart in the great outdoors

I

n this current economic climate, more and more families are turning to the ‘Great Outdoors’ for their recreational activities. A walk in the countryside, a trip to the park or a visit to the local farm – these are cheap, enjoyable and healthy ways for families to spend quality time together.

Making sure you are warm and dry when you are out and about is essential to the enjoyment of the day, and

with the great range of Regatta clothing, you can kit out the whole family in outdoor wear without breaking the bank.

With waterproof jackets ranging from £25-£110 for adults and £10-£38 for children, and softshell/fleeces priced at £15-£75 for adults and £12.50-£26 for children, Regatta has something for every family’s style and budget, plus a quality and value-for-money guarantee.

more info For further details or to find your local stockist, visit www.regatta.com or call 0161 749 1313.

DATES FOR THE DIARY 27-29 March

The Outdoors Show, NEC, Birmingham www.outdoorsshowextra.co.uk This is the outdoors indoors. With lots of things to do and see and even more bargains to be had. This is a one-stop shop for the outdoor enthusiast.

Scouting readers get 20 per cent off the ticket price – turn to page 76 for details.

7 June: Open Farm Sunday, nationwide www.openfarmsunday.org.

This is a great day out for all the family – visiting a farm to find out where your food comes from. Check out the website to see if your local farm is involved.

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Visit www.scouts.org.uk/shop for other great savings

GREAT OFFERS FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS Scout Shops’ huge winter sale offers great savings on some essential outdoor gear. All net profits go to Scouting

Men’s and Women’s Berghaus Explorer Leather Goretex Boot

Men’s and Women’s Regatta Rockfold Trail Shoes RRP £50

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Winter sale

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now £11

Great savings While stocks last

Screamer Tundra Helmet Ref: 1025781R RRP £25

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Men’s and Women’s Lifa Crew Neck Tops and Fly Pants

Trekmates Soft-Shell Windstopper Gloves

now £19

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Shopping

.

3

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OFFERS Save 20 per cent on the Zennox Negative Scanner Digitise your cherished family memories with the superb Zennox Negative Scanner for only £79.99 (RRP £99.99). Digital images can be safely stored on your PC or CD-Rom, edited and reprinted. Ideal for use with 35mm negatives and slide collections.

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>> To receive this offer: To order two travel bags for just £39.99 and/or the Twin combination lock for £4.99 plus £3.95 p&p per order, call 0871 911 7011 quoting offer code ‘14760 Travel Bag’, plus the specific colour code(s), or write enclosing a cheque made payable to BVG Airflo to: The Scouting Offer, 14760 Travel Bag, PO Box 266, Skelmersdale WN8 9NQ. Please write your name and address on the back of the cheque. Please do not send cash.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. Offers subject to availability. 2. Prices apply to mainland UK only (including Northern Ireland). 3. Calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline and may be monitored for training purposes. 4. Please note we do not refund return postage on unsuitable items or cancelled orders. 5. If you are not happy for any reason we will accept return of faulty/unused goods in sealed original packaging for refund replacement within 10 days. 6. This order does not affect your statutory rights. 7. We aim to dispatch orders promptly, however allow up to 10 days for delivery. 8. A signature will be required upon delivery.

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Promos & resources

K

ids TV channel Jetix, sponsor of the Beaver Scout Imagination Activity Badge, has recently launched a brand new activity pack that encourages Beavers to do their bit for Planet Earth in a fun and imaginative way.

Joined by a raft of fresh and favourite characters, the pack looks set to spark Colony creativity and imagination across the UK. The D-Team from Dinosaur King and the Monster Buster Club crew will be asking Beaver Scouts to use their imagination to complete a series of eco-themed tasks, including creating a dinosaur-themed draught excluder. The activities are intended to demonstrate that small but simple actions could help reduce our impact on the planet and protect it for the future.

The shows featured in the pack are some of Jetix’s most popular on the channel. With loads of exciting adventures and madcap tales, they are firm family favourites among viewers.

About the badge The Jetix Imagination Activity Badge aims to inspire Beaver Scouts by encouraging them to think about the environment and the world around them.

Beavers can get plenty of inspiration by visiting www.jetix.co.uk – in addition, all Colonies that work towards the Imagination Activity Badge will be in with a chance of winning some exclusive prizes by logging on to the dedicated Beaver Scout site at www.jetix.co.uk/beavers

Eco Beavers A new activity pack encourages Beavers to save Planet Earth

JETIX CHARACTERS Dinosaur King follows the story of a young boy Max and his two best friends Rex and Zoe as they travel the world hunting for dinosaurs.

FR ACTIVEIE PACKTY To receive your FREE Jetix Imagination Activity Badge pack, visit www.scouts.org.uk/jetix

Monster Buster Club is another adventurous programme featured in the pack. The show features the top-secret missions of five youngsters on their quest to protect their town from alien invasion. Perfectly suited to the Beaver Scout age group, Monster Buster Club is a colourful and cheeky animation.

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Promos & resources

Digital mastery Tapping into podcasting can offer invaluable digital media experience to your Scouts

P

odcasts are becoming incredibly popular and now have a wide variety of uses. From information such as news and interviews to music to study notes for students, there’s a multitude of podcasts out there. The BCS podcasts, oddITs, are downloaded between 1,000 and 3,000 times per episode.

There are also many ways you and your Scouts could get involved with podcasting, which could bring a whole new dimension to your Scout Group.

With relatively little equipment you could establish your own one-off or regular podcasts to deliver information about your Scout Group to the community at large. For example, if you have an interesting visitor talking to the Group one evening and they are happy to either record an interview or have their presentation recorded, you could create a podcast so that Scouts elsewhere in the world can listen in.

Podcasts can also be used to provide information about badges, call for volunteers from the community or keep parents informed about your Group’s activities. Of course, Scouts could also make their own recordings to share with other Scout Groups.

Digital dimensions Encouraging young people to understand and learn how to develop digital media skills such as how to make podcasts will stand them in good stead as digital media is introduced in schools up and down the country.

Mastering the technology is relatively easy; all you need is a microphone, a computer and access to one of the many freely available editing software packages which you can use to create an MP3 file. Audacity is one of the most popular free-to-download packages and is often used by beginners.

The quality does not have to be BBC standard. One of the great appeals about podcasts is that they are, on the whole, made by individuals using the equipment they have to hand, from mobile phones to iPods.

more info BCS is the sponsor of the Information Technology Staged Activity Badge.

For resources and to find out more about the badge, visit www.scouts.org.uk/bcs

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New support

for local Scouting

G

rants to Scouting are always welcome, not least in difficult economic conditions.

This one from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity, in particular, paid over five years, will make sure young people get the chance to do more outdoor activities.

The Grand Charity is a registered charity that donates money to support the work of other charities in the areas of youth opportunities, medical research, vulnerable people and hospices. All monies donated by The Grand Charity come from the 330,000 Freemasons who are members of over 8,600 Lodges in towns and cities across England and Wales.

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has recently confirmed a grant of £500,000 to The Scout Association.

Tony Harvey explains why this is good news for local development

Shared aims Both Scouting and Freemasonry aim to help people develop a sense of purpose, personal responsibility, care and service.

Many Freemasons were formerly Scouts and some still are. The Grand Charity recognises that Scouting does good work in helping young people to develop, and it wants to help The Scout Association to achieve more.

‘The money will help support the drive to get more young people to take part in outdoor activities,’ says The Scout Association’s Head of Fundraising, Alan Bolchover. ‘It will also help Scouting to reach more young people, including the 30,000 currently on waiting lists. The funds will be available through small grants made to local Groups, and applications for these grants can be made through the Development Grants Board.’

Grants could be made to help organise local events, to publicise activities, to recruit new leadership teams, to start a new Scout Group, to support adventurous activities or anything else that you think will help to get more outdoor activities up and running.

Freemasons Rodney Pitham and John Webb with Scouts at Winter Camp, Gilwell Park, January 2009

What other support is there?

In addition to the new funding, local Freemasons may be able to offer additional help and support, such as providing premises for team meetings, offering advice, helping to get organising committees and group executives off the ground and advising on fundraising.

You can contact Lodges through the local Provincial Office (similar to a Scout County or Area). A list can be found at www.ugle.org.uk/provinces/lodges/hlodges. htm. Some Lodges are specifically for people with an interest in Scouting and other forms of youth work.

They are part of the Kindred Lodges Association and can be found at www.kindredlodges.org.uk

more info See also the factsheet Funding Local Development Projects by the Development Grants Board (FS185080) at www.scouts.org. uk/factsheets

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 7575

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27-29 MARCH 2009 NEC BIRMINGHAM

National media partner

27-29 MARCH 2009 NEC BIRMINGHAM

Competition

Get geared up for

The Big Adventure with Millets

Win 1 of 15 LED head torches N RESULTS i.SCOUT COMPETITIO Why do you Scout? We asked you the question in the October/November issue and your replies flooded in. With over 200 entries, it’s been our most popular competition yet. So popular, and tough to judge, that we rewarded two runners-up with T-shirts as well.

What does The Big Adventure mean to you?

Entries should either be emailed to carmen.attard@scout.org.uk or posted to Carmen Attard, Millets Competition, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, London E4 7QW. Please include your name, address, Group and email.

The winner i.SCOUT because Scouting gives me adventure, knowledge, laughter, faith, understanding, friendship, physical exercise, pride, humility, honesty, hope, goals, challenges, kindness, strength, a sense of belonging and the opportunity to share it all.

Catriona Burton Catriona wins 50 of the new i.SCOUT T-shirts

Runners-up i.SCOUT because It keeps me young, it’s fantastic fun, from the great outdoors to friends galore. There is so much to do and my Cubs love it too.

Chris Charlton

Millets is delighted to support The Big Adventure. To help get your Big Adventure off to a flying start, we have 15 head torches to give away, each worth £15.

For a chance to win one, please answer the following question in 20 words or fewer:

i.SCOUT because I’m accepted for who I am and not just seen as a kid in a wheelchair. In Scouts it’s my ability that counts, not my disability. Oscar Myers Oscar and Chris each win two of the i.SCOUT T-shirts.

Thanks for all the humorous, heartfelt and passionate responses. We are hoping to publish the top 20 online. i.SCOUT T-shirts and hoodies are available exclusively from www.scouts.org.uk/shop

For more information on your nearest Millets store or to shop online, visit www.millets.co.uk.

Millets – proud to sponsor The Big Adventure in 2009.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This competition is open to all Scout Members, leaders and their families. The competition is not open to employees of Blacks Leisure Group plc. Closing date is 30 April 2009. No cash alternative. Results will be published in June/July magazine.

The judge’s decision is final. Winners will be notified by email.

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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.

cycle hire

for hire

MOUNTAIN BIKE HIRE

Cumbria- Keswick Scout Group Hall for Hire

• Quality Trek Mountain Bikes & accessories • • Routes for all abilities & ages • • Guiding and Skills Courses available • • Delivery throughout Lancashire (inc. Waddecar Scout Camp) •

07518 373 007 www.cycle-adventure.co.uk summer camp abroad

Do you want to visit Keswick with your young people or as Leaders?

Keswick Scout Group Hall is in the centre of Keswick and is available for hire.

Fully equipped new kitchen, new toilets and shower.

The price is £6:00 per person per night. You will be given a very warm welcome For further details contact: Claudia Walker 1st Keswick Scout Group GSL (claudia.walker@uk.fujitsu.com) Phone: 07867 830092

ACTIVITIES

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

insurance

uniforms Uniforms & Camping ONLINE Try Walkalotonline, from our walking and camping shop in Dorset to the whole world.

Scouting uniforms (beavers, cubs and scouts), camping and walking equipment. www.walkalotonline.co.uk call us 01308 456117

training activities

BE PREPARED! FOR LOW-COST QUALITY INSURANCE

HIGHLY COMPETITIVE COVER FOR MINI BUSES

Plus The Endeavour Scout Policy for •Equipment •Premises/Scout Huts •Scout Centres •Campsites Contact us now: Tel: 020 8345 5500 Fax: 020 8482 2000 Email: scout@stevenikessler.co.uk Quotations also available for Northern Ireland www.scoutinsurance.co.uk - for a complete range of insurance products designed for Scouts

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SUPPLIERS

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 SALE

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

www.scouts.co.uk/shop - for all your Scouting needs www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 79

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camping directory Burton upon Trent Scout Council

Needwood Forest Scout Campsite Centrally heated, fully equipped, 36 bed building, plus 2 acres woodland & 2 acres field.

Central to Peak District National Park.

Cannock Chase, Alton Towers, Waterworld, American Adventure, Drayton Manor Park, Museum of Brewing and Twycross Zoo. For full details telephone

Brian Reeves 01283 546536

lst BRAMHALL SCOUT GROUP Calling all former members and friends of the Group to join our

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS For further details contact: ANDREW CORRIE on 0844 4142 894 or c/o GSL on 0161 439 1496

WALTON FIRS ACTIVITY CENTRE

Looking for a base to explore Snowdonia?

Look no further!

Activities include: Climbing, Archery, Crate Climbing, Air Rifle Shooting, Maze, Assault Course & Orienteering.

Camping & Indoor Accommodation also available.

For further details please contact: Sue & Dave McIntosh at Walton Firs Activity Centre, Convent Lane, Cobham.

Surrey KT11 1HB 01932 863243 thewarden@waltonfirsactivitycentre.org.uk www. waltonfirsactivitycentre.org.uk

Visit ‘The Old School Lodge’ - Deiniolen Four miles from Llanberis and the foot of Snowdon this Scout owned and managed lodge is suitable for all ages. The centre can accommodate up to 38 people in 8 en-suite bunk rooms and 2 twin bedded rooms. Resident warden.

For details on prices and a booking form visit out site: www.oldschoollodge.org.uk or contact the booking secretary on 0151 677 5703

www.scouts.co.uk/shop - for all your Scouting needs

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CAMPING DIRECTORY

Broadstone Warren

Scout Site & Activity Centre www.broadstonewarren.org.uk

Broad2x2 12/22/04 2:48 Page 11 Broad2x2 12/22/04 2:48 PMPM Page

Association of of Scout Centres Association Scout&&Guide Guide Centres

'Campsites away' 'Campsitesjust justaa click click away'

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

‘RUNWAYS END’

LES MAINGYS, GUERNSEY

Scout Activity Centre

Best campsite in the Channel Islands, full range of activities. Enjoy the Islands history and Blue Flag beaches. Camping for 500, hostel for 32, Sports Hall and Indoor Climbing Wall, Archery etc.

Phone: 01481256 796 Email: scouts@cwgsy.net Website: www.scouts.org.gg

Camping Pack holidays, brick building with showers/disabled facilities, on-site activities, climbing/ abseiling, shooting, archery, cave experience, camping circle, chapel, canoeing on canal nearby, Scout shop, pedal carts.

‘EXTRA FIVE ACRES OF CAMPING, CAN FACILITATE GROUPS FROM 200-300 PERSONS.

Also a new Modular Building available (sleeps 30-40 people)’ Many local attractions.

Contact: Mrs Ann Hall Blackwater Valley, Booking Secretary 19, Guildford Road West, Farnborough, Hants GU14 6PS Tel: (01252) 515767 Email: hall.scout@tesco.net

ACTIVITIES Canal Boat Scouting Holidays

RIDING/TREKKING/CAMPING

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

Kayaking

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.

Kayak Coaching

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

£50

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

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

WEB DIRECTORY MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS 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! www.h2okayaks.com Importers & Distributors of The Mackinaw Canoe Discounts available for Scouts .

Isle of Man Adventure Holidays All package holidays in association with Travel Services (Isle of Man) Ltd. Wide range of land and water based activities. Fully catered or self catering Bunkhouses.

Contact Simon Read, The Venture Centre, Maughold, Isle of Man, IM7 1AW Phone 01624 814240 Fax 01624 815615 www.adventure-centre.co.uk e-mail contact@adventure-centre.co.uk

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

www.scouts.co.uk/shop - for all your Scouting needs

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Last laugh by Ian West

It’s a ‘family camp’ so that’s all of us – including your sister

And don’t come out until you’ve tidied your bedroom!

The Big Adventure was terrific. When can we go again?

How embarrassing…

My dad’s brought his carpet slippers

But I always clean my car on a Sunday morning!

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