scouting

g n i t u Sco vember 2010 October/No

Scouting OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

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PISTE OF THE ACTION Take to the slopes for winter sports WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THAT BADGE? 15 celebrities wear them with pride THE CHANGING FACE OF SCOUTING SCOUTS.ORG.UK/MAGAZINE

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WINNER ! o

photofgorur competiaphy ti 2010 on

WIGHT NOISE Recruiting at a music festival

T L U S E R A T A H W r year e p m u b a n ko We look bac

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SCOUTING Scouting Editors: Chris James, Hilary Galloway, Elis Matthews, Dave O’Carroll and Rose Wells The national magazine of The Scout Association ISSN 0036 – 9489 © 2010 The Scout Association Registered Charity Numbers 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland) Published by: The Scout Association Gilwell House, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW Tel: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8433 7103 Email: scouting.magazine@scouts.org.uk Website: www.scouts.org.uk/magazine Contributions to: scouting.magazine@scouts.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: Rica Dearman and Marion Thompson Art Director: Ian Hart ADVERTISING Sales Executive: Richard Ellacott richard.ellacott@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1250 Printed and distributed by: Headley Brothers Ltd Printed on 100% recycled paper

CONTRIBUTORS AMY 17, has just returned AMY, from the Dominican Republic, but not from a holiday. She relives her adventure on page 38.

JULIA BRADBURY BRADBURY, Countryfile presenter, rambler and charity supporter, is on page 43.

Cover photo: Gemma Gollop, our photography winner

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!

90,571 average circulation from 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2009

FRIENDS FOR ALL SEASONS OK, moving on! And from my wacky way of remembering the seven Scouting principles (Ten Little Fat Fingers Caught The Rat), we’re on to Fat, and the F stands for friendly and considerate.

As Scouts, we are beacons that people all around the world look up to. People admire Scouts because of what we do and how we act – and our day-to-day attitudes are fundamental to whether people come away from meeting us with a good or bad impression. Make a good impression and it can last a lifetime – ditto the other way!

Being friendly and considerate means listening to people properly; it means looking them in the eye and saying our pleases and thank yous.

A smile lights up our faces and has been medically proven to make you feel better.

I like that!

So let’s all help keep Scouting great and be the best ambassadors we can for our Movement.

I like the quote: ‘People don’t care how much you know, they just want to know how much you care.’ Oh, and remember, a real friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

Let’s live like that.

Next issue we are on to the second F. Any ideas?

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Contents

40

FEATURES REGULARS 9 IN BRIEF 11 MAILBOX 12 NEWS | Events, campaigns and updates 49 FOR/AGAINST | Should Scouting follow the academic year?

53 CAMP COOKING | Try this spicy recipe made with home-grown ingredients 54 FAITHS & BELIEFS | Simon Morley takes a look at spiritual development 58 HEALTH & WELLBEING | Scouts with haemophilia can join in the adventure 67 COUNTRY DIARY | James Taylor on making candles 76 COMPETITION | Win driving lessons for your Scouts 81 ROUND OUR PLACE | 8th Marylebone’s headquarters enjoys its makeover 82 FIVE MILES WITH… | Team Arch to Arc

20 BADGES OF HONOUR | Special badges commemorate Scouting’s birthday 23 THE CHANGING FACE OF SCOUTING | How our Movement is evolving with the times 32 IN THE SUMMERTIME | A round-up of summer Scouting events 35 ISLAND ADVENTURE | Eight Scouts enjoy a 24-hour Survival Camp with Bear Grylls 36 DRAGONS, QUEENS AND JAMBOREE DREAMS | Two Units prepare for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree 38 THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL | One Scout shares her Dominican Republic adventures

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40 THE ULTIMATE EXPEDITION | Ed Stafford’s epic Amazonian trek 43 THE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE | Julia Bradbury on receiving the Communicator Badge 44 THE WIGHT ALBUM | Scouting rocks at the summer festivals 57 TRANSITION TOWN | How one Scout Active DON’T MISS! Support Unit retained its Join-in Fellowship Members Jamboree 60 2010: ONE BIG YEAR | booklets for every A review of this year’s section Big Adventure 62 SNOW PATROL | Get your Scouts involved in snowsports

CONTENTS OPINION

7 LASTING IMPRESSIONS | UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt on the cost of adventure during the current economic climate

32

PARTNERSHIPS 69 PROMOS & RESOURCES

IN THE SUPPLEMENTS BEAVERS Starting a new Colony and linking with international Scouts | CUBS How

camps can help Cubs into Scouts and Serbian Scouts | SCOUTS How to teach saw and axe to Scouts, plus planning with Patrol Leaders | EXPLORERS An international special with stories from some awe-inspiring trips abroad | NETWORK A souvenir supplement commemorating the World Scout Moot in Kenya | FOCUS How managers can help make Scouting more inclusive; some tips for recruitment events and a look ahead to changes in the 2011 Census

All available at scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Opinion

from the blog

GET CONNECTED

Tim Kidd, Chief Commissioner of England, hijacked Wayne’s blog while Wayne was on holiday in August.

Tim shared what he has learned in Scouting and why it is important, including how he feels ‘somehow connected to the 28 million Scouts in the world through some invisible thread, something that you can’t see or touch, but you can see the result of in the way that people act or treat one another’.

THE COST OF ADVENTURE

Helping ensure Scouting is available to all is especially important in a difficult economic climate, says UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt

I

was struck recently by a report published by Save the Children regarding the cost of afterschool clubs. It suggested that in the current economic climate, as many as two-thirds of parents find the costs too high. But this meant that children were suffering.

The Head of UK policy for Save the Children is quoted as saying, ‘Children who do after-school activities have more confidence, see the world in different ways, have a stronger sense of identity – and this

PASS IT ON

‘I feel Scouting has given me a life I would have missed out on if I hadn’t joined 24 years ago – I am now, along with hundreds of other people, passing on my skills to others.’

Anna Weekes ‘I believe Scouting is about community; it’s all about facilitating personal development in our future adults; about fun and exploration.’

Matt

ultimately translates into doing better in exams and getting a better job.’ If you read the feature article about the impact of Scouting on page 23, you’ll understand why.

Keeping Scouting affordable So what does this mean for us?

When you are looking at your programme, attending more meetings and generally juggling those balls, look around your section or Group. Ask yourself if there is

anything more you can do to ensure that those children in your community missing out on Scouting get the same opportunity, or indeed are there some Members missing out because they cannot afford things and are too proud to say so. You might organise help with uniform, perhaps have a uniform exchange box in the corner. Ensure that the cost of activities and camps is not a hurdle, or that there are ways to raise funds for them. Share some of your examples with me on my blog.

get in touch Wayne Bulpitt is UK Chief Commissioner. Email him at ukcc@scouts.org.uk or write to him at The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Catch up with his blog at www.scouts.org.uk/ccblog

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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How far should my Scout Group stand from our firework display?

Firework displays are a great fundraising opportunity and lots of fun, but they do have to be run properly.

The Health and Safety Executive recommends a minimum of 25m away from the firing area.

For more firework-related Scouting enquiries, talk to an Information Centre Adviser on 0845 300 1818 or info.centre@scouts.org.uk

Coming soon… Regular readers will know that the December/January issue of Scouting will be our annual youth-edited issue. This year’s team has already been into the Gilwell offices to be sure that everything meets their needs. We’d love to provide more information about what to expect but your faithful editorial team was sent packing from this ‘young person only’ zone.

So just who are these people who are taking over? What have they got in store for us? All will be revealed in the next issue.

Too busy to show their faces… for now

Sound familiar?

We’ve received a number of insights into camp life which we thought we we’d share. No doubt they will produce a knowing sigh ‘Of course I’ve looked for it!’

The furious riposte of a Cub who has definitely lost his sleeping bag, after taking it out to air. Following much foot stomping, a leader found the sleeping bag on the Cub’s own roll mat in his own pod of the tent.

‘Not just any dolphin…’

How does a Cub, participating in a storybuilding activity, try to communicate the grace and majesty of a particular cetacean? Much to the amusement of every leader present, the answer was to say: ‘It was not just any dolphin, this was an M&S dolphin.’

…and it’s not just the young people Of all the things to forget

You’ve just finished volunteering at a national event. You’ve finally sat down, cup of tea in hand, your feet up, when the phone goes. It’s your mother, who was also there. ‘Have you seen my walking stick? I think I left it there and now I’m halfway home.’ You start to wonder why you bother.*

*Walking stick and mother were safely reunited. **Unperturbed, said parent has since agreed to be a regular helper.

Ask the Info centre

In brief

Up in flames

It’s your Big Adventure event. To demonstrate your outdoor skills you have brought along some char cloth. You leave it aside to cool for two minutes, when a parent** walks by, wonders who left the burnt tea towel lying around and decides to dispose of it by burning it to a crisp.

We want to hear your yarns, however random. Send your anecdotes to in.brief@scouts.org.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Mailbox Email us at scouting.magazine@scouts.org.uk or write to Scouting magazine, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW

STAR LETTER

Belated thank you On a recent outing to the local park, a gentleman stopped me and thanked me for what I was doing for the Cubs and Scouts.

He was evacuated during the war when he was eight and if it hadn’t been for Cubs, he would have found it really hard as he missed his home. He never had the chance to say thank you to Scouting before.

Lynne Lowman Gt London North East

Bottom to top The article on ‘What to pack in your rucksack’ suggested heavier items should be at the bottom (August/September, page 45).

I have always been taught to place lighter items on the bottom and heavier on top, close to your back.

Andrew Thompson Editor’s response: Our mistake. The article should have read ‘this means lighter items at the bottom, heavier ones in the middle and upper part, near your back.’ The error was Scouting’s, not Neil Wills’.

Summer fun

The writer of the star letter will receive a copy of A Complete Guide to Scouting Skills, also available from www.scouts.org.uk/shop

Although an obvious theme for an August/ September issue of Scouting magazine, I was frustrated by references to ‘Back to Scouting’ and ‘the new term’. Like many others, my own Troop meets throughout the year. Working around our leaders’ holidays, we continue to provide a programme through the summer months. Adventure holidays and summer activity camps can entice some young people away, while others have little to do in school holidays.

Parents can bring Beavers and Cubs back, but the older Scouts can drift away. Perhaps it’s time to rethink that the Scouting year mirrors the academic year and challenge ourselves to do more with young people to help them occupy their time.

David Stokes Assistant Scout Leader – 1st Winlaton Editor’s response: David puts his side of the debate in our For/against feature on page 49. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Events, updates and news from around the UK

news Rock or samba?

Rock Republik wanted to thank the 1st Houghton (Holy Trinity) Scouts in Lancashire for letting them rehearse in their building. The band, which includes two former Scouts – lead guitarist and vocalist Sam, who is 13, and bassist George, 15 – held a charity gig, raising £900.

Meanwhile, the Tameside South District Scouts took an old piano from Manchester to Llandudno and pushed it 25 miles along the Welsh coastal path. They were raising money to purchase instruments for their newly formed, and expanding, samba band, known as the Scout Active Support Samba Scouts.

The National Trust has a whole host of events, walks and talks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to tempt all ages and interests.

Find out which mushrooms are edible on a fungi foray or toadstool trail. Follow this with a Halloween workshop, pumpkin carving and spooky stories. If this is too scary, tiptoe along a red squirrel walk and try to catch a glimpse of these rare creatures. For ideas, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Photography by National Trust

Fungi, squirrels and pumpkins

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News

Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news

WINDSOR

The National Scout Service and Parade will take place at Windsor Castle on Sunday 1 May 2011.

This is an event which celebrates and recognises the achievement of both adults and young people within the Movement. We are recruiting now for young people to take on roles in the Colour Party and Service Planning Team for the event. For further information about the Parade and details of how to apply for a role, visit www.scouts.org.uk/windsor

Juice spills into town

This year’s Juice, NewcastleGateshead’s festival for children and young people, runs from 20-31 October. The family-friendly event will take place at various venues and open-air locations and is a showcase for the creative work of young people in the area. There will also be performances of parkour (the art of forward movement) by Urban Playground and Gravity Style and a programme of Halloween events. Visit www.juicefestival.co.uk for details.

A GUIDE TO SCOUTS.ORG.UK

/brand a template system to support your communications /ccblog keep up to date with the UK Chief Commissioner /impact The Scout Association’s Annual Report and Accounts /insurance specialist insurance /por Policy, Organisation and Rules

Formula 1 cycles into Blackpool

Racing legend Nigel Mansell was met by local Scouts on the fifth day of his challenge to cycle 1,200 miles in 13 days. Nigel undertook the ride to raise awareness of the Positive About Youth Campaign, of which he is President. The 45th Blackpool Scout Troop cycled alongside their famous visitor, who signed autographs in the Cycle Blackpool Café, which he officially opened.

For one Scout, Aaron, aged 11, it was a very special day. ‘It was really exciting meeting Nigel Mansell.

He’s one of my heroes. I’ve read his autobiography and now he’s signed it for me.’

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Events, updates and news from around the UK

photographic competition Flash, bang, what a response

So many of our readers snapped up the offer to enter our photographic competition that we added another three categories. These are just a selection of the amazing images received, showing people, the outdoors, your Big Adventure, action, fun and landscapes. The entry from our overall winner, Gemma Gollop, was so good we made it our front cover.

Gemma also wins a selection of Scouting goodies.

14 Scouting October/November 2010

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News

Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news

A step in the right direction

WE’VE BEEN MOOTED

Kenya hosted the first World Youth event to be held in Africa. The 13th World Scout Moot welcomed over 1,500 visitors from 67 countries, including 123 participants from the UK. The group engaged in learning local crafts, getting to know their hosts and meeting Scouts from all over the world in a very special atmosphere and environment. The next World Scout Moot will be in Canada in 2013.

Gilwell Park has linked its faith buildings and areas with a recently unveiled Faith Walk.

Five faiths are represented at the UK Headquarters of Scouting and these are now enhanced with information boards and an audio tour.

TALL SHIPS

More than 70 Scouts took part in the Tall Ships Races 2010 sailing from Kristiansand in Norway to Hartlepool Harbour. They joined seven ships from the UK Sail Training Fleet. The Scouts, all from the North East of England, included Explorers and Sea Scouts, young people from the Scout base Lookwide Project and adult leaders in support.

The Scouts trained for the event, receiving Royal Yachting Association (RYA) awards and completing the RYA Sea Survival Course. However, it wasn’t just about the sailing. Visitors on board were treated to cream teas and Northumbrian pipers and the Scouts received a very warm welcome from the Norwegian Scouts.

MEMBERSHIP SUBS

The annual membership subscription for 2011 will be £20.25. There will be a reduction of 50p for early payment.

The increase will go towards ensuring The Scout Association can continue to provide the current level of Member services and benefits. This fee is the amount paid by local Scouting nationally for every member.

Groups, Districts and Counties set their own subscriptions to reflect their needs.

ECO COLUMN Ngaire Takano Environmental Consultant

Share and share alike

With summer behind us, memories of camping in warm weather are becoming more distant. Yet even though equipment is being kept in the stores, there is still wear and tear to consider – whether it’s tents, poles, mallets or saws.

Investment in new equipment or even repairs can be costly for Groups at the best of times, and it can eat into finances that may otherwise be used for activities.

I have heard of some Scouts who have set up co-operative sharing schemes where items are shared among Groups. These generally share equipment (and also skills) in return for a small hire fee, with a refundable deposit if equipment is returned in the same condition. Where these are running successfully, the co-operatives even build up a kitty from which new equipment can be bought.

Groups working together and pooling resources provide benefits for leaders, Groups and Scouts alike.

As some camping equipment isn’t used on a regular basis, operating a scheme such as this could be done without meaning a reduction in availability. In time, Groups can also benefit from increased availability of equipment and spend less on maintaining their own stocks. Why not start a similar scheme where you are?

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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News

Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news

Big bugs in Hertfordshire

The Natural History Museum at Tring has brought together some of the world’s largest insects in a special exhibition. The longest, widest and heaviest bugs are on display, such as the giant stick insect (right). Visitors can learn about bug body parts in the bug bodybuilding game and younger visitors can hunt for bugs throughout the museum on a gallery trail. Admission is free and the exhibition runs until 21 November.

Visit www.nhm.ac.uk/tring for opening times.

B-P’s footprint

Where would you visit woods?

A new website, launched at the end of October, will help you search for woods by features such as whether they have outdoor pursuits facilities or ancient trees. You can find ideas for things to do, free downloads, walking guides and seasonal activities.

In partnership with the Woodland Trust, the VisitWoods project team has volunteers who have visited woods to include on the website. If you have already visited your local woods and know what features are there, they would like to hear from you.

Discover your local woodland at www.visitwoods.org.uk

The last Last Laugh

It had to happen one day. Our longest-running regular item is coming to an end. This is our last Last Laugh.

For almost a quarter of a century, generations of Scouters have laughed, giggled – and groaned – at Ian West’s Last Laugh cartoons. Reflecting Scouts and leaders at work and play, Ian captured the sense of adventure

That was fantastic… nearly as good as doing it on the Wii

and dedication with humorous drawings and witty lines. The changing faces of Scouting, uniforms, mobile phones and GPS have all been given the Last Laugh twist.

The good news is that Ian will still be penning his famous drawings to illustrate articles in Scouting. Thank you, Ian, and take a bow, Last Laugh.

Remember, it’s not a problem… just an opportunity for continuous improvement

Steven Harris decided to trace Baden-Powell’s impact in Britain by visiting places with a Scouting or BadenPowell connection. His fascinating journey can now be read in his book, BadenPowell’s Footprint Across Britain. Contact publishers Lewarne Publishing at www. lewarnepublishing. co.uk for details of the price for Members.

I hardly think two cans of fizzy drink and three bars of fruit and nut chocolate can be part of your ‘5 a day’ www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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News

UPDATES

Keep up to speed with the latest changes to factsheets, new resources and policy news

Updated

FS260002 | International Links FS120707 | RAF Recognition Scheme FS120081 | Activity Information Form FS120083 | Family Camps FS120082 | Nights Away Information Form AR | Appointment Review Form

New

FS103958 | The Scout Association’s Copyright and Trade Marks FS103965 | Young Leaders – Information for Beaver, Cub and Scout Leaders FS103966 | Working with Young Leaders in your Section

Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news

DISCOUNT FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

Learning basic driving skills well before being able to take to the road is a great opportunity for people aged 11-16. Young Driver is now offering a 15 per cent discount for Scouts at various venues around the UK. Lessons take place in the latest dual-control SEAT Ibizas in a safe environment with approved instructors. For more details, visit www.youngdriver.eu and turn to page 76 to have a go at winning a prize in the Young Driver quiz.

Deleted

FS155060 | Working with Young Leaders in your Colony FS170059 | Young Leaders – Information for Cub Scout Leaders FS315092 | Young Leaders – Information for Scout Leaders FS315093 | Working with Young Leaders in your Troop

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT SERVICE

Monthly rate after deduction of Management Commission: July and August 2010 0.020%

0.520%

Interest at the higher rate applies to deposits of £5,000 and above. Contact Frances on 020 8433 7252 (Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm) for further information.

Great places to volunteer

‘I volunteer to give back to young people some of the great experiences I had when I was young,’ says Andy Morris, who is self-employed and works in IT and electronics. You can also find him working behind the scenes at one of our Scout Activity Centres. Based around the UK, the Centres offer great opportunities for volunteering. Whether it is just for a weekend on site to help support an event or a three to twelve month placement.

Full training Volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are welcome. Roles are varied – from helping in shops, receptions and events to using your day job to help with all types of tasks. All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and help. You will receive full training and valuable experience, and an opportunity to gain external qualifications which will look good on your CV. After graduating, Dave Pullen moved on from being a volunteer to a full member of staff, improving his teaching, teamwork and communication skills on the way. James Baker is an instructor at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre. ‘I’ve met lots of great people by volunteering and learnt lots of new things,’ he says. ‘It makes me feel good about myself to use my free time to help young people get the most out of Scouting,’ adding, ‘and it’s fun!’

Find out how you can join in, even if it’s just for a weekend, at www.scouts.org.uk/sac T: 0845 3002549.

eDofE update

By January 2011, any young person registering on a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme or entering a new level should be given access to a new system launched to manage their programme.

The Scout Association is in the process of rolling out the eDofE system. Counties are working to ensure that leaders are given access to it, along with briefings.

Young people with the old record books will not have access and will be processed as usual. Young people with welcome packs who are already working on their programme may be given access depending on the structures within their County. For further information, contact your County DofE representative or your County office.

Dave Pullen

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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‘

SCIENTIST: Richard Hammond ‘I’m delighted to receive the Scientist Badge in person from Scouts. As a former Scout myself, I look back very fondly on my days making periscopes and pinhole cameras. Young people should always be adventurous and inquisitive and Scouting offers a huge amount of opportunities to foster this.’

BADGES OF HONOUR d birthday on 1 August, an Scouting celebrated its es dg ecial Birthday Ba to mark the occasion, sp tional public figures were awarded to inspira Those shortlisted in each of the 15 categories have encouraged others to try new activities and learn new skills. The shortlist was chosen by young people, and a nationwide online poll decided who would win the coveted badges this year.

Chief Scout message

‘Scouting is proud to recognise those who have inspired

young people during the past year. Across the UK, young people have voted for those who have demonstrated the skills that are required to attain an honorary Scout badge.

Inspiring young people is vitally important and the people receiving these awards join the thousands of ordinary adults across the UK who inspire young people week in week out in their normal leadership roles. Heroes – one and all.

‘

’

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Happy birthday

MUSICIAN: Roy Stride, Scouting For Girls ‘I met Pete [Ellard – drummer] when we were both starting out as Cubs, so Scouting holds a very special place in our hearts. It’s great that Scouting encourages young people to take up musical instruments – record labels everywhere take note.’

ers Birthday Badge winn

NATURALIST: Sir David Attenborough ‘I was a Cub and a Scout, it was a terrific Group and we had great times. I remember vividly some of the camps I went on. It’s only when you get to my age that you realise how these experiences stay with you for ever.

There’s a fashionable view that the youth of today is obsessed with computers and video games, but I don’t actually believe that – they are just as interested in watching a dragonfly come out of its pupa as I am.’

CANOEIST: Helen Skelton

‘I had a great time kayaking down the

Amazon for Sport Relief, but you don’t have to travel all the way to South America to do it! Scouts up and down the country take part in canoeing on their local rivers, and experience the same thrills I did. It’s a great organisation and I’m happy to offer my support.’

Ath lete – Eddie Izzard n Canoeist – Helen Skelto Bradbu ry ia Jul – r ato nic mu Com ms Cyclist – David Wa llia den Cor es Jam – er Entertain York of p sho hbi Arc – th Fai sley Harriott Healthy Eating – Ain for Girls ng uti Sco – ian Music Attenborough vid Naturalist – Sir Da und lbo Spe – s Art Performing Matthew k Nic – rts Spo t que Rac mmond Scientist – Richard Ha y Wi lliams Am – st sia hu Sports Ent art y Fog Sw im ming – Shelagh lt ou Pic Wr iter – Jodi

How do I nominate someone next year?

If you would like to nominate someone for a Birthday Badge next year, then email your nomination to info.centre@scouts.org.uk with Birthday Badges 2011 in the subject line.

PERFORMING ARTS: Alex Uttley, Spelbound

‘

‘It is an absolute pleasure to receive our badge from the Scouts. It was fantastic to meet them and find out about the activities and expeditions they’re doing.

We wish you all the best of luck for the year ahead.’

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Please note that while we welcome Scouts, this centre is neither owned nor run by The Scout Association

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15/09/2010 13:36

THE CHANGING FACE OF SCOUTING ting is changing.

Look around you – Scou es we’re Whether it’s the activiti unities that are doing, the new comm ent, or what we embracing the Movem easingly reflects look like, Scouting incr the society we live in

at ways we can p24 Chris James looks out Scouting change perceptions ab Black History p27 Get involved with ch Month, says Claire Wel n’s Chief p28 The Scout Associatio e, brings you Executive, Derek Twin al Report highlights of our Annu and Accounts duces our p31 Wayne Bulpitt intro Vision Towards 2018 www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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G N I G N A H C S N O I T P E PERC

wider public r all, but what does the fo e ur nt ve ad ay yd er g is an ev ink differently We know that Scoutin s for helping people th tip al tic ac pr e m so es think? Chris James shar Here’s some food for thought. At the end of 2009, we asked you to tell us what Scouting meant to you.

We asked for the top three words that best sum up our Movement. Here’s what you told us:

What Scouts think

So what does this tell us? Well it’s clear that while our Members have a good understanding of what Scouting stands for, in the wider public the picture is much more mixed and outdated. So what can we do about it? Fortunately, quite a bit if we focus on the following two messages: Scouting is available to all young people of all backgrounds.

Scouting offers a huge range of activities from abseiling to Zorbing, and not just camping.

This year, as part of a separate survey of the general public, a different picture emerged:

What the public thinks

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5

Impact of Scouting

ways you can help change minds about Scouting 4. Use girls and young women in your PR campaigns and recruitment material

1. Bring Everyday Adventure to life We’ve come up with a new range of templates for banners and posters to help bring Scouting’s Everyday Adventure to life – be sure to use these to help make your local communications as positive and inspirational as possible. You can personalise the materials with your own details on the print centre at www.scouts.org.uk/brand

While we’re used to the idea, it’s clear the message about co-education is still not getting through. Make sure that girls and female leaders feature in your campaigns and local media stories.

5. Share the video – Think you know Scouting? Think again

2. Promote your events As well as general promotional materials, new templates are now available to support quiz nights, swimming galas and recruitment and activity days.

Explore them for yourself at www.scouts.org.uk/brand

The two-metre penguin banners cost £85 and can be ordered from www.scouts.org. uk/brand

3. Wear the T-shirt or display a car sticker Encourage your Scouts to wear the i.Scout T-shirts outside of Scouting. They’re a great way to show that we’re a vibrant Movement, there are lots of us and we’re proud of what we do. If you’re a car driver, there are two car stickers to choose from to help project a positive, adventurous image of Scouting. All items are available to purchase from www.scouts.org.uk/shop

We’ve come up with a new zippy video that helps debunk some myths about Scouting, while promoting flexible volunteering and the wide range of activities we offer. View and download it at www.scouts.org.uk/brand

CASE STUDY: CARLISLE SCOUT DAY

Eddie Ward, a Cumbrian Explorer Scout Leader, used the new template system to promote Scouting ‘Following their training as Young Spokespeople, Explorer Scouts from Ayers were keen to dispel outdated views of Scouting and promote modern, vibrant Scouting.

We came up with the idea of a Carlisle Scout Day to try and recruit more adults and young people. I found the template system to be a really useful resource; enabling me to very quickly and easily produce eye-catching documents. The brand guidelines have enabled us to produce a consistent brand image across our documentation, making them instantly recognisable as Scouting. I believe the new branding reinforces us as a modern and dynamic Movement. The young people like it, so we must be getting it right! The day was a great success.’

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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15/09/2010 10:46

CHANGING IES COMMUNIT Get involved with Black History Month

Impact of Scouting

u to join in a cultural Claire Welch invites yo in Black History Month celebration by engaging Black History Month has its origins in 1926 in the United States, but in the last few years it has really grown in the UK. Although many events are concentrated in October, you will find activities happening throughout the year.

There are three aims:

To promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage.

To disseminate information on positive black contributions to British society.

To heighten the confidence and awareness of black people to their cultural heritage.

Black history is British history, says Tony Warner from www.blackhistorywalks.co.uk. There were black Roman emperors who invaded Britain, African sailors in Nelson’s Navy, African people in Queen Victoria’s court and black fighter pilots in World Wars I and II. Without African labour and invention, Britain would be without sugar, coffee, cocoa, tea, chocolate, rum, gold and any number of raw materials which helped it become one of the richest countries in the world. It is a known fact that Baden-Powell spent a great deal of time in Africa, and his experiences there influenced him in setting up the Movement.

Bring Black History Month to life

This month on Programmes Online you will find activities you can use in your section meeting. The programmes are engaging and enjoyable for young people and they also serve to promote a positive and relevant education for all.

All young people benefit from learning about their own cultural heritage. It helps inform their identity, increases their self-esteem and raises their aspirations by building positive images and knowledge. Learning about black history is also an engaging and positive activity for young people of any background. It extends their historical knowledge, allows them to enjoy another cultural heritage and promotes a positive image of people from different backgrounds to themselves.

‘This is a positive step for Scouting,’ says Sheridan Allman, UK Adviser for Diversity. ‘We are becoming an increasingly inclusive organisation; one that recognises and celebrates the cultural heritage of all the communities we serve.‘

What’s going on?

It is likely that your local museum, library or school will be engaging in Black History Month. Make sure you’ve done your research and use the opportunities around you.

Relevant exhibitions can also be found at the following venues: Museum of London Docklands National Maritime Museum International Slavery Museum – Liverpool Lancaster Maritime Museum Wilberforce House – Hull Wisbech & Fenland Museum – Cambridgeshire Find out more www.black-history-month.co.uk www.museumindocklands.org.uk www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism/about www.sandsoftimeconsultancy.com

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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G N I G N A H C LIVES

Chief Executive, The Scout Association’s e ces highlights from th Derek Twine, introdu and Accounts and 2009/10 Annual Report re g is headed in the futu looks at where Scoutin

I’m delighted to report another exceptional year with increased membership. It is thanks to your commitment and enthusiasm that more young people than ever are benefiting from the adventure of Scouting.

1. Growing

We will increase youth and adult membership on an annual basis by at least three per cent – aiming for five – and improve the quality of our youth programme.

How we did: More than 900 Scout Groups used The Big Adventure to recruit volunteers.

Counties and the Regional Development Service piloted projects to address joining lists.

The result highlighted the need for a dedicated Joining Co-ordinator in each District. In the South West, many Districts have appointed Joining Co-ordinators with success.

We produced a range of resources

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for managers based on Member feedback.

Led and delivered by volunteers, the quality of our Adult Training Scheme was recognised when we won a National Training Award in early 2010.

The result: With 16,568 (3.6 per cent) more adults and young people in Scouting, this year has seen our biggest growth for more than 38 years.

The challenge ahead: There are still 33,000 young people waiting to join. We will work to reduce this number.

2. Youth

We will enhance the culture and participation of young people.

How we did: We enjoyed success with the Parliamentary Stop the Rain Tax Campaign, thanks to much local engagement including by youth members. Also, more than 100 young people are now Scout Young Campaigners. To further support them we produced a toolkit for those interested in lobbying at a local level.

We also piloted two Active Citizens events for 80 Scouts and set up a website to encourage first-time voters to participate in the General Election. Active Citizens: Virgin Voters launched in the weeks running up to the election, and in just three weeks the website received 7,000 visits.

More Active Citizens events are planned for 2010/11.

The result: A record number of teenagers signed up to the adventure, with 5.4 per cent more than last year. There are now 66,299 teenagers in Scouting – a 26 per cent

increase on the number for 2001.

The challenge ahead: We still have work to do on directly engaging with Scouts aged 11-25. The biggest issue is how we support and train adults to facilitate youth involvement. We need to place our emphasis on helping adults.

3. Focused

We will strengthen the volunteer leadership and management of the organisation and the positive public perception of Scouting.

How we did: When Bear Grylls became the tenth Chief Scout of the UK in July 2009, we recognised the need for flexible volunteering at the highest level, so created a new partnership. Wayne Bulpitt, our first UK Chief Commissioner, is working with Bear to build on Scouting’s success by supporting those

16/09/2010 17:01

Impact of Scouting

already involved and encouraging more adults to volunteer.

For those volunteers, we have enhanced support for management and leadership and worked to encourage employers to value the skills their employees gain through being a volunteer in Scouting.

We launched an online template system, so Groups can now create posters and stationery.

The result: We proved that when we pull together we can make a big impact.

The challenge ahead: To improve the perception of Scouting to more accurately reflect modern Scouting.

4. Sound We will develop sound management of finances, assets and business systems and

grow income at a national level.

profile and develop better product ranges through Scout Shops and Unity.

How we did: Grants have been awarded for a pilot project to help refurbish local Scout buildings, and for supporting Local Development Officers to help recruit leaders and improve opportunities.

We launched a new partnership with a sixth Scout Activity Centre, Ferny Crofts.

Seventy-five Scout Fellows have pledged their support to Scouting, and we have increased the number of our corporate partners.

5. Diverse

The result: Scouting is one of the most affordable extra curricular activities for young people today.

The challenge ahead: We will aim to improve our fundraising performance, raise our

TURE ritable G ADVEN VALUIN r Ou spend on cha r money Where ou ) comes from (£24m

We will reflect and celebrate the diversity and communities in which Scouting operates.

How we did: We have continued to develop Scouting in new communities, including a growing number of faith and ethnic groups. The Muslim Scout Fellowship applied for and won external funding to recruit a National Development Officer.

More people than ever are taking part in Cultural Awareness Training (CAT). CAT supports local Scouting to be more reflective of its community. These actions helped our Black, Minority and Ethnic membership to increase to 4.7 per cent. We have targeted and provided specific support to encourage all Groups to accept girls. Girls now

make up 15 per cent of our total membership.

The result: Scouting is open to all and we are becoming more reflective of our local communities.

The challenge ahead: Further increase the percentage of female youth members, the diversity of our membership and public awareness of this diversity through targeting areas that are underrepresented.

HOW WE’VE GROWN Total youth membership 405,110 Leadership 77,680 Support 17,099 Total membership 498,331

activities (£17.9m)

m Charitable activities £5.5 Investment income £1m funds £7.3m Activities for generating similar Donations, legacies and income £1.9m subs £8.3m National membership

Support and services to the Scouting Movement Youth programme and activities ning Adult support and trai g Development of Scoutin

Read the full report at www.scouts.org.uk/ impact or order the complete Annual Report and Accounts or Impact Report from www.scouts. org.uk/infocentre

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Room for Single or Double Occupancy

Valid On

Scout Members * (nett per room per night)

Scout Members’ Referral Bookings (nett per room per night)

1-13 Sep 2010 14-19 Sep 2010 20-30 Sep 2010 1-3 Oct 2010 4-11 Oct 2010 12-15 Oct 2010 16–18 Oct 2010 19-22 Oct 2010 23-25 Oct 2010 26-29 Oct 2010 30-31 Oct 2010 1-13 Nov 2010 14-30 Nov 2010

HK$600 HK$800 HK$650 HK$800 HK$700 HK$950 HK$800 HK$950 HK$800 HK$950 HK$800 HK$700 HK$600

HK$650 HK$850 HK$700 HK$850 HK$750 HK$1,000 HK$850 HK$1,000 HK$850 HK$1,000 HK$850 HK$750 HK$650

* Scout Members are requested to present Scout Identity Card upon check-in.

For information & reservation, please contact Administration Branch of Scout Association of Hong Kong.

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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Impact of Scouting

R O F D E R A P E R P THE FUTURE n Scouting’s Visio Towards 2018 s, says h over the last ten year We’ve achieved so muc a Wayne Bulpitt. We have er ion iss m m Co ief Ch UK shed dated training and refre revised programme, up work to do image, but there is still The next few years will be an exciting time for Scouting. With our recent increase in numbers, both in terms of young people and adult volunteers, together with our everimproving public image, there is every reason to be optimistic for the future of Scouting.

In order to make the most of the enormous potential to continue to grow the Movement and offer better Scouting, we need to think about what the future might look like.

A changing world

Over the past two years, we have been carrying out consultations throughout the UK to ask what you, as adult leaders and young people, want to see Scouting looking like in 2018. In addition, we have: commissioned expert analysis on how changes in society would affect Scouting

carried out generational research showing different needs of different age ranges and how they work together received input from volunteer managers at regional workshops received input from young people and other adults in Scouting.

Vision Towards 2018

All of this information, analysis and feedback from the Movement has contributed to a vision for Scouting in the future. Over the next few months, a series of workshops will be held around the UK for District Commissioners (DCs) and Group Scout Leaders (GSLs) to hear more about this vision for the Movement, and discuss what this might look like locally in Groups and Districts.

Following each workshop, DCs and GSLs will be encouraged to discuss with all adults and Members in their Districts and Groups how we can make the vision a reality.

Once all the workshops are complete, there will be more information on www.scouts.org.uk and in Scouting on the vision and how different Groups and Districts are engaging with it.

So, make sure you ask your DC or GSL about the workshop in your area and ensure that you are able to play your part in the future of Scouting in your community.

The 2018 Vision was developed in close consultation with Members

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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WAYNE AND THE DUKE Batala drummers, fireworks and 6,000 balloons got the Peak 2010 International Scout and Guide Camp off to a flying start. The grounds of Chatsworth Park and the Peak District countryside of Derbyshire was the perfect venue for the variety of activities and sub-camp competitions.

Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner, arrived just as the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire,

whose Estate is Chatsworth, paid a visit. The Duke was very interested to find out more about Scouting and Wayne was happy to oblige.

Stuart Groom, DCC Derbyshire and Peak 2010 organiser, says,

‘The camp was all that we wanted it to be and more. We had a terrific team of managers, an enthusiastic group of staff and many others who worked for weeks building the camp.

m u s e h t In – and medieval knights ng ki al w ltsti , ds ar bo Wobble

24 HOURS AT GILWELL Brush boarding and the flying trapeze were among the new activities on offer at Gilwell24 this year. Both proved to be hits with the Explorers who filled a whole day with non-stop action. The outdoor pool drew a scubadiving crowd and there were queues for old favourites climbing, Zorbing and quad biking. Add bumper cars and an evening rave, and there was something for everyone.

32 Scouting October/November 2010

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Summer camp

Taking a gander at Goose 2010 More than 1,700 Scouts settled on Buddens Farm along the Jurassic Coast for Goose Camp 2010.

Organised by Dorset Scouts, the camp attracted visitors from across the UK. Activities ranged from climbing to kayaking, gliding and caving.

‘This is the reason that I love Scouting,’ Scout Evan says, ‘it’s the most fun I’ve had in ages.’ This was echoed by the young people who spent the week trying different activities and making new friends. Dan, a local Scout from Weymouth added, ‘The thing I’ve enjoyed most about Goose is meeting someone from Wales – and going gliding.’

e m i t r e u mm d-up p. Rose Wells has a roun it must be summer cam

from across the UK

Norfolk’s best ‘Thanks and well done, Norjam,’ say the 1st Godstone Scouts.

Fourteen of them joined Norjam 2010 in Norfolk and say they had a fantastic time.

Getting to know Scouts from many other countries, they soon made friends and enjoyed the activities and events on offer.

Participants came from all corners of the world, including Egypt, Uganda, Nigeria and Holland. Scouts were dry-slope skiing, scuba diving, abseiling and stilt-walking their way to a week of fun, friendship and fond memories.

New Forest fun Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre was the destination for one particular bus. With their names on the front, the 2nd Guildford and 1st Rydes Hill (St Mary’s) Scout Troops pulled up for their summer camp. A trip on Leader Richard Kirwin’s restored red bus was the first stage in a week of activities, which included meeting a very friendly deer at an owl and otter centre. It was the first summer camp for some of the Scouts and four were invested during the week. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Summer camp

Cornish diary Les Pugh’s Own Explorer Scout Unit from Wales like to do things differently for their summer camp. Loading their bikes onto the Cornish Bodmin & Wenford steam train, the Scouts disembarked at Boscarne and it was full steam ahead as they cycled 18 miles to Padstow. The next day the Explorers willingly leapt into the icy waters at Lusty Glaze to try coasteering. Attaching purpose-built trailers to their bikes which carried their camping kits, the Eden Project was next on the list.

A slight problem as some of the trailers tipped over going downhill did not distract from their mission. After reaching camp, two new members were invested. Before returning home they managed to fit in more cycling, a ferry trip, canoeing, high ropes, climbing and a variety of other activities.

International Rose DIY dining was the order of the day at the 11th Red Rose International Camp, where Groups could have groceries delivered to their tents. More than 1,400 Scouts and Guides from the UK, Scandinavia, Ghana and Spain descended on Great Tower campsite in the Lake District for a week of challenges and adventure.

Dividing into five sub-camps gave the visitors small communities to work alongside each other and make friends.

Joust a wobble or two Cheshire’s international camp welcomed visitors from Africa, Scandinavia, Ireland and the USA for a week of activities and friendship at Chamboree 2010. Lucy, a Scout from Ellesmere Port, says, ‘My favourite part of the camp was meeting new people.’

A new world record for mass wobble board playing was set when 2,811 boards were wobbled to the sound of ‘Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport’. This was recorded for Guinness World Records and made it to the local press and on BBC’s North West Tonight for some of the Scouts from 4th Frodsham. Activities such as sailing, BMX riding and climbing were held alongside an X Factor-style talent show and a fancy-dress film night. A medieval jousting display team and motorcycle stunt rider Jez Hardy provided the entertainment.

County Commissioner Graham Phillips praised the team of organisers and volunteers, saying, ‘To see how much fun everyone is having makes all the hard work worthwhile.’

34 Scouting October/November 2010

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16/09/2010 17:15

ISLAND RE ADVENTU

Survival camp

Scout, but for is a fantastic feat for a d ar Aw ld Go t’s ou Sc ned the Achieving the Chief ing journey as they joi az am e or m en ev an to 24-hour Survival Camp a r eight in particular it led fo d an isl n ow s hi ar Grylls, on Chief Scout himself, Be up nicely: ‘It’s not

H

across the UK undreds of Scouts from s special thi applied for a place on re chosen we s ner adventure. The win ies on on tim tes al based on person ndations me om rec and , ard completing the Gold Aw

from leaders. style as the eight were The weekend began in rboat, inland by Bear in a powe collected from the ma the off nd isla escorted to the upon which they were d she pu y the nex t 24 hours Welsh coast. Over the truly and got the chance to it lim the to themselves skills. test those Gold Award

URES LIVING THEIR ADVENTlike this is it reminds

ekend ‘What I love about a we s Bear. e about Scouting,’ say lov I t me of everything tha their ng livi re, getting out the ‘It’s about young people lots is re the – er g after each oth adventures and lookin er nev uld wo y the t ing stuff tha of camaraderie, and do life.’ normally do in everyday eed that meeting the agr t par ing tak se All tho ure highlight of the advent Chief Scout was a major to as d , opinion was divide although, unsurprisingly g, bin clim k best; abseiling, roc which activit y was the or n sio mis ting, the rescue skinning rabbits, fire ligh the campfire.

35 Case studyV2.indd 35

d, summed it Charlie, from Knutsfor eat a le a cliff face and then every day you get to sca g my tin yourself. Apart from get rabbit you’ve skinned t bes nd was definitely my Gold Award, this weeke .’ experience in Scouting

LEADERS’ TRIBUTE

hlight nd, Bear was keen to hig Reflecting on the weeke o wh UK the d un leaders aro the contribution of the h suc e hav to ple peo young selflessly work to enable ders lea s. ‘I pay tribute to those life -changing experience e iev ach e to help these Scouts who gave up their tim their goals.’ ut doubt that the Chief Sco However, there was no cky plu the re of the show we thought the real stars for them. just full of admiration am ‘I es: Scouts themselv y all the me ho nt we y and as the They’ve worked hard, little bit a and d mu in d ere e, cov had a smile on their fac to them.’ should be. Well done it w ho t’s tha t bu tired –

ar t to the ‘It was great! What a st d really ke summer holidays. I wor d and this hard for my Gold Awar d’ was an excellent rewar Steffi, Milton Keynes

35

16/09/2010 17:18

, s Dragon d n a s n e Oue e e r o b Jam Dreams As preparations for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree gather pace, members of the Contingent Support Team report on how two Units are getting ready

36 Scouting August/September 2010

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International

KARL LEVENE’S VISIT TO ESSEX HAD AN INTERNATIONAL FLAVOUR On arriving at the accommodation point to meet the Essex – Dancing Queens Unit, I was surprised to see two Unit Leaders sitting behind a table looking very official. Standing in front of them was a line of Explorer Scouts.

As I got closer, I realised I was standing in line behind the Dancing Queens ‘airline check-in desk’. Everyone was presented with a weekend passport, travel ticket and boarding card. It became apparent that this approach to the training weekend was to prepare the young people for their journey over the next 12 months.

Boarding card in hand, I proceeded through the ‘security scanners’ and noticed the chairs had been set up to look like the interior of a plane. Once boarding cards had been checked, there followed the all-important baggage weigh-in.

The heaviest bag was not far short of the normal baggage allowance used by most airlines – clearly far too much for an indoor weekend. And, considering next summer everyone will be in tents for three weeks, this provided a necessary pointer to what training will be needed to differentiate between essential and luxury items.

Getting involved Over the course of the visit I was able to participate in workshops. Some were designed for fun to get the Unit to work together, while others had a more serious theme, such as code of

conduct and safety procedures. It was great to see everyone getting involved in all the discussions and giving their opinions, ideas and thoughts.

Over the coming months, I will watch with interest as a group of young strangers develop both individually and as an inseparable team, as they continue their journey towards what one described to me as ‘the adventure of a lifetime’.

The Units have been spending time getting to know each other at team-building days and social evenings NICK STECIUK ENJOYS A DAY BY THE RIVER IN CHESHIRE It was a lovely summer morning, when the peace of the River Dee was disturbed by the beating of a strange drum and the rhythmic chanting of young voices – the Cheshire Jamboree Units were out on their dragon boats!

Dragon boat racing has been popular with Cheshire Scouts for some time. But, while a few of the Unit members had already experienced the thrill of rushing through the water while paddling to the beat of a Chinese drum, there were plenty of novices spread across the teams.

After donning buoyancy aids and receiving safety instructions, each team took to the water. The crews are made up of one drummer, one helmsman and 18 paddlers – although

one member suggested that there was one paddler (him) and 17 passengers!

Races were competitive and noisy, with non-participating teams and spectators cheering from the banks.

Team-building It wasn’t just on the water where the spirit of co-operation was on show.

The arduous task of lifting the boats out of the water was made to look easy with everyone working together.

As well as the racing, the Units have been spending time getting to know each other at team-building days and social evenings. Three weekend camps are planned for between now and next March. Everyone is really looking forward to the Jamboree. Fundraising has started in earnest and the Unit has unveiled its T-shirts – the lime green and bright pink combo should make Cheshire easy to spot in Sweden!

These Units are showing that with planning, teamwork, hard work and enthusiasm, the UK Contingent to the 22nd World Scout Jamboree will not only have a great time in Sweden, they’ll have the time of their lives during the preparation too.

Our Join-in-Jamboree resource, free with this issue, will help you to join in with all the fun leading up to the 2011 World Scout Jamboree, even if you’re not going.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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A warm welcome was received by the visitors, who were greeted with friendly smiles from everyone they met

the discove r International expeditions play a large role in Scouting. The spirit of adventure means that no matter how great the journey, Scouts rise to the challenge and spread ideals of friendship. Sampson Explorer Scouts found this out on a trip to the Dominican Republic, as 17-year-old Amy reports

C

ourtesy of a delayed flight home, nine Explorer Scouts and five leaders from Wiltshire ended their Caribbean expedition relaxing in an all-inclusive luxury resort. There are worse places in the world to be, it has to be said. Yet our last night in the Dominican Republic couldn’t have felt further removed from where we had spent the previous 14 days of our international Scouting journey.

Sat amidst the sheltered holidaymakers, we knew our two weeks among normal Dominicans had been far more worthwhile.

The Sampson Explorer Scout Unit from Cricklade was given the incredible opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic and work on a building project with the charity Community Partners Association (COPA), which supports communities on the island.

The fundraising for the trip, which included a duck race on the River Thames and a bingo night, seemed endless.

However, with a lot of hard work and the support of sponsors, family and friends, we were able to raise £14,000, and were soon on a flight across the Atlantic.

The culture shock was huge from the moment we stepped off the plane in Puerto Plata. Gone was the concrete of Gatwick, and health and safety rules of the UK. On our seven-hour bus journey from the airport to the small village of Bombita, language barriers and a coach mix-up resulted in 14 of us (plus luggage) wedged into three small taxis. The lack of seat belts was the least of our worries.

Warm welcome On our first day in the village, all the photographs we’d seen and stories we’d heard came to life in a blur of tin-roofed houses, dirt roads and deprivation.

We had expected this, but nothing had prepared us for the warmth of the welcome. This became the defining feature of the trip; from every doorway came smiles, and shouts of ‘hola, hola’. Children would flock around us, wanting to hold hands, play games and be picked up. The whole village had next to nothing in the world, and yet its residents were some of the friendliest, most joyful people we had ever met. It was

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Expeditions

The group wasn’t afraid to get its hands dirty

Wheelbarrows and buckets were used to transport cement

e ry channel a world apart from even the closest of communities in the UK. While in the Dominican Republic, our main task was to help build concrete seating around the village basketball court. We dug foundations, formed steelwork, assisted with block work, mixed what felt like hundreds of loads of concrete, cement and mortar, and then shifted it to and fro in wheelbarrows and buckets.

Each day local people of all ages would join us at the worksite, and each Explorer Scout was paired up with a friend from the village. While most spoke very little English (and we knew no Spanish), songs, games, and rough translations meant we all got along really well.

It wasn’t all hard work either; the weekend trips to the beautiful beaches and the passionate Sunday church services filled with singing and clapping won’t be forgotten quickly.

Exotic investitures The seating project was completed on our last day in the village, and we were able to use it for the investiture

the ideas We hope to have spread ement ov M and philosophy of the to those we met

us for the Nothing had prepared e warmth of the welcom

of one of our newest Explorer Scouts. We also invested Rev Connie DiLeo, COPA Project Director, translator and general inspiration, as an honorary member of the Cricklade Scout Group. It’s fair to say these are the most exotic investitures we’ve had yet.

Scouting in the Dominican Republic has fewer than 9,000 members, with not many in the village having even heard of it. We hope to have spread the ideas and philosophy of the Movement to those we met.

The lasting memories of the trip will always be the friendship shown to us by both the COPA personnel and the people of Bombita (along with a lost passport, mosquitoes and very cold showers). It was a lifechanging experience. We continue to support COPA and suspect it won’t be the last time we visit that idyllic spot in the Caribbean.

go online For more about the great work that COPA is doing in the Dominican Republic, visit www.copa.org.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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15/09/2010 12:06

The Amazon is not a place for the faint-hearted

The ultimate expedition Ed’s Scouting skills were put to the test

There are expeditions and then there are expeditions. Former Scout Ed Stafford took the concept to impossible lengths recently when he became the first person ever to walk the length of the River Amazon. A journey which took over two years to complete

S

urviving in one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet, Ed pulled on wet boots and walked every day along the banks of the longest river in the world. Along the way he dodged pit vipers, electric eels, anacondas and scorpions, lived off piranhas, rice and beans and withstood 50,000 mosquito bites.

‘My intention was to raise money for five charities (Cancer Research UK, The ME Association, Project Peru, Action for Brazilian Children and Rainforest Concern) and also to increase awareness of the Amazon and

highlight the issue of deforestation to the rest of the world, as it is something that affects everyone.’

Call of the wild Not surprisingly, Ed’s adventurous nature was nurtured through Scouting. ‘My love for the outdoors came from

too bold ‘It’s better to be a little Go for s. than a little too cautiou excites you…’ something that really

40 Scouting October/November 2010

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16/09/2010 17:32

Expeditions By the time the self-timer on the camera was working, the snow had melted

The Amazon is the longest river in the world

ppor t have ‘A ll the messages of su the desire d kept me going – that an on to the az Am e th to bring life in wider world ’

my experiences in the Scouts. I was a member of 1st Fleckney Troop and we used to go on camps each summer and I was never happier.’

Love of the outdoors is one thing, but 859 days in the South American jungle is quite another. ‘My biggest struggle has been mental. The daily grind in basic conditions when you are completely shattered for two years is testing, but the interest in the expedition has been mind-blowing. All the messages of support have kept me going – that and the desire to bring life in the Amazon to the wider world.’

Adventure seeker Ed has another incredible adventure up his sleeve for next year (which he’s not revealing yet), but in the meantime he offered advice to any Scout Group considering its own adventurous expedition: ‘It’s better to be a little too bold than a little too cautious. Go for something that really excites you and don’t let negative people persuade you that you will fail. If you want to do it enough, you will.’

Travel tips

George Devine, Global Adviser (Africa), offers some tips for planning an expedition…

Decide what sort of expedition you want. Will it be adventure-based or something with a community theme? We have had Scouts on Everest, whitewater rafting in Africa and building community halls in Ghana and Mongolia. You may want a bit of both.

Choose your country. Obvious, but very important.

You may want to try somewhere fairly easy to go to, depending on your experience.

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Fundraising for an expedition can take up to two years.

Familiarise yourself with your destination, including cultural differences. What is the cost of food? Will you need to ship equipment? Are you camping? Whereabouts?

As a leader, visit the country. Before you do, make contact with local Scouts. A week or two there will give you a good level of local knowledge and make you more confident for when you arrive for the main trip.

Make sure the equipment you take is fit for purpose. If you are camping for an extended period of time you need to ensure your tents are up to the job.

Make sure you budget for quality and reliability.

Train your team. Ensure your Scouts are aware of the climate, terrain and culture they are going into. Do you need any visas or vaccinations for your destination?

There are opportunities available through the ‘International Opportunities’ newsletter. Visit www.scouts.org.uk/international to see the latest issue. More advice, local support and information is available from your Assistant County Commissioner (International) as well as the Thinking of Going Abroad? factsheet (FS260018).

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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www.extreme-adventure.co.uk

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One of the biggest Scouting events to hit the North East of England Celebrate the best of Scouting in the North East by showcasing what we do, why we do it and the fantastic opportunities that we give to young people, everyone can experience Northern Lights!

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Weekend packages are available so why not make it into a big adventure!

Get involved and your tickets at : www.northernlights2011.org.uk

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Profile

Television presenter, charity ambassador, rambler and role model; Julia Bradbury is equally comfortable in a variety of guises and the perfect choice of recipient for this year’s Communicator Badge award

The outdoor type

outdoors are well documented and to me, these are the best places to do that. Having said that, I also love walking around South Africa and Iceland.

I have always had a sense of adventure I think exploration is a vital part of selfdevelopment. It’s important to incorporate physical activity into your life. On Countryfile we do our best to encourage people to experience the great outdoors as often as possible. Scouting offers young people and adults so much scope to do just that.

Discovering I’d won the Scout Communicator Badge was a proud moment for me I think that Scouting is a fantastic way to learn about important human skills, intuition and communication among other things. It was a great honour to be presented with the award, not least because I was following in Joanna Lumley’s footsteps, which is a massive privilege.

There are many great places to go hiking in the UK My favourite spots are the Peak District and the Lake District. The emotional and physiological benefits of spending time with nature and in the

Chocolate and water are essential elements of my backpack I also always make sure I have lots of clothes because I really feel the cold. Keeping space for an OS map to prevent me from getting lost is usually advisable. My favourite campfire meal is baked beans and crispy lamb chops.

I’ve been interested in the outdoors since I was a little girl I loved being outside gardening with my mum and walking with my dad, that’s where it all began, really.

I feel happiest With my friends and family, it’s as simple as that.

If I could change one thing about myself I’d have more patience.

get out more If you’re on the lookout for a new outdoor challenge, try the BBC’s ThrillSeeker website at www.bbc.co.uk/thrillseeker

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Crowds at the Isle of Wight Festival

A prize raffle was available at the Scouting corner

The Scout team with promotional fluffy bees

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In focus

Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Biffy Clyro, The Strokes and Scouts. This year’s Isle of Wight Festival had something to offer everyone. Dave O’Carroll was on hand to witness a festival crowd tap into the spirit of adventure

I

t’s a great British summer tradition involving camping, outdoor activities and having fun. No, not Scouting, I’m talking about music festivals.

Given those similarities, though, it is perhaps surprising that more Groups don’t take the opportunity to spend a weekend at a music festival to recruit, fundraise and showcase the Movement in this arena.

Malcolm Cox, Scout Active Support Project Unit Co-ordinator on the Isle of Wight, is one person who does just that. He organises a regular presence at the island’s two biggest music festivals – Bestival and the legendary Isle of Wight Music Festival, which is where I paid him a visit.

‘My wife Julie, who is a member of the Trefoil Guild, and I have been going to these festivals for years and we found that as we walked around the site with our scarves on, lots of people would approach us saying they used to be Scouts and they loved it,’ he explains.

‘It struck me that if those people had a good time when they were younger, maybe they would come back as volunteers to help other young people, and that’s when we decided to try and recruit at the festival.’

But what about those who think that Scouting has no place at a rock festival? ‘Some may say that, but we’re having a good time. To us, Scouting is rock ’n’ roll.’

Photography Rex Features

Fundraising This year the Isle of Wight team was working on three fronts over the course of the festival: fundraising, recruitment and tent salvage.

‘Our main concern is to raise money for an eco-project at a nearby Scout camp – Corf Campsite,’ informs Deputy County Commissioner Geoff Brown. ‘We are putting in photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity, which would not only cover the campsite, but we’d actually make some profit by selling it back to the electricity companies.

More importantly, that will then be translated down to what we charge each Scout Group to camp there, so we can lower the costs of Scouting for them.’

This green initiative met with the approval of Isle of Wight Festival organiser and ex-Scout John Giddings,

‘It’s my first time here and it’s great to see Scouts in the middle of this big party. I’m now thinking seriously about getting involved again’

an enthusiastic advocate of his festivals having a Scout presence. In order to boost this year’s efforts, he provided on-site space free of charge and donated two pairs of tickets for the 2011 event for the Scouts to raffle.

Unsurprisingly, festival-goers flocked to their corner of the site to buy raffle tickets.

New recruits With The Scout Association’s Mobile Display Unit (MDU) present, the Group was also able to directly input the details of potential new volunteers into the system, regardless of where in the UK they were from.

One such recruit was festival security man Drew Greaney: ‘I decided to join after having a conversation with one of the Scout team,’ he says. ‘It brought back memories of the happy times I had when I was younger. I think I have a lot to offer. Obviously I am an experienced security officer, but also a qualified lifeguard and scuba-diving trainer.

Most of all, I just want to bring enjoyment to young people’s lives.’

‘It struck me that if those people had a good time when they were younger, maybe they would come back as volunteers to help other young people, and that’s when we decided to try and recruit at the festival’ www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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15/09/2010 12:49

Festival-goers who had been in Scouting were encouraged to ring a bell

Another punter who was moved to consider coming back to Scouting was Domenico, a Sicilian living in London.

‘I was a Scout Leader in Italy up until two years ago. I left because I moved to London. It’s amazing to see Scouts at a festival. It’s my first time here and it’s great to see Scouts in the middle of this big party. I’m now thinking seriously about getting involved again.’

The bells, the bells

Scout uniforms are all the rage at festivals

Above all, though, Scouting is about activities and it wasn’t long before a steady stream of festival-goers were trying their hand at the climbing wall. Whether it was young lads, or older dads, everyone was soon showing off their talents, with varying degrees of success. More than one dad was forced to sheepishly watch their child scoot across the wall which had just bested them – much to Mum’s delight.

Among the other features on display was a bell with a sign saying ‘If you were ever a Scout – ring the bell’. Such was the constant refrain of bell-ringing over the weekend that even Quasimodo would have had to go for a long lie-down.

‘We’re getting people here from all over,’ states Malcolm proudly. ‘Even if they are from abroad, we don’t care. We’ll try and get them into Scouting to help out with the shortage of leaders and have a lot of fun in the process. This is a weekend well spent.’

Trendsetters Malcolm believes that with festivals taking place around the UK over the summer, it is something of an untapped It wasn’t just market for Scouting. ‘Since we started doing this, other the bands Scout Groups have been to V and Reading festivals. There that drew the crowds are plenty more, though, which Scout Groups should be thinking of attending.’

Daniel Swan, an Assistant Cub Leader and student, echoes those sentiments: ‘I think it’s intrinsically quite The climbing different for us to be at a festival, but it’s becoming wall was more acceptable. The image of Scouting has changed particularly popular and it’s great that we’re here.’

Daniel’s sister Mary-Anne is an occasional helper who was in no doubt that having a festival presence would appeal to younger volunteers.

‘You just wouldn’t expect to see Scouts at a music festival. It’s good, though. It makes people aware of all the activities and they can get involved and be part of the community. Add in that we are fundraising for an eco-project and you get a strong combination of what young people like me are interested in.’

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In focus

Local Scouts celebrate the upgrade at Corf Campsite

Abandoned tents are salvaged and sent to agencies or other Groups around the globe

Salvage experts

Scouts who may want to try out the festival experience for themselves will find it much easier to do so from Tent salvage now on, thanks to a new initiative.

As the sun set on the final day and ex-Scout Sir Paul Former Scout Leader, Matt Gilbert, the man behind the Scouting McCartney rocked long into the night, the Isle of Wight presence at Reading Festival, has team prepared for the final task: the Monday morning launched a social enterprise which tent salvage. will do all the hard work for you ‘After the festival, a lot of people will leave their tents ‘Around 20,000 or so tents are left and other camping equipment behind,’ explains Malcolm. behind each year at Reading along ‘We started this about four years ago and we went in and with cans, bottles, chairs and all sorts collected around 100 tents for our own use. That’s really of stuff,’ says Matt. ‘Obviously that has to be cleared, but a lot of it is where all this began.’ reusable or recyclable and so we As well as for personal use, the Isle of Wight team has partner with a lot of similar passed on many of the recovered tents to agencies or other organisations on site. From next year, Groups across the world. Tents from 2009 are currently we are spreading out to other being enjoyed by Scouts and Guides in Antigua. festivals as both a sustainability ‘It’s difficult to quantify a lot of what we do here partner and a charity partner.’

Matt is passionate about because we are looking at a bigger picture,’ ponders the opportunities available Geoff. ‘We are promoting Scouting, generating to Scout Groups through good publicity and planting that volunteering salvage at music seed in people’s heads. However, the tent festivals. ‘It is an ‘It makes people salvage is something where we can quantify invaluable source. aware of all the what we have done and physically see how Some Groups turn up activities and they our work can help others.’ and replenish their can get involved entire stock for the year. Others take Festival potential and be part of the tents to sell for The team’s exploits generated a huge amount community’ fundraising and make of local media coverage both before and lots of money. after the festival, particularly when the solar ‘The idea of our social panels were subsequently fitted at Corf Campsite enterprise business is that a Scout Group, Guide Unit or (see picture, above). Reflecting on the achievement, community charity doesn’t have Malcolm was understandably proud. ‘It’s been a lot of to work out who runs their nearest effort for everyone. It takes Members and leaders from festival. They come to us and we can all over the island, District and County staff, all working get them in. We are the buffer and together to raise money, raise publicity and recruit Scouts we have the contacts. It’s easier for and Scout leaders.’ the Scout Group and the festival With tackling waiting lists a high priority for Scouting at organisers prefer it, too. In addition, it’s a non-profit organisation so it fits the moment, it may well be that there are potential adult with the Scouting ethos.’ volunteers attending the many summer music festivals on ‘north island’ (as they say on the Isle If Malcolm or Matt’s efforts have of Wight). Glastonbury, T in the inspired you to try festival Would you like to book the Park, Latitude, Download and the salvage next year, check out MDU for your event? Contact rest might just be the right place to www.festivalclearance.com or the Information Centre on look in 2011. One thing’s for sure, email info@festivalclearance.com 0845 300 1818 to find out how. we’ve got the Isle of Wight covered. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Fordell Firs

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We offer a wide range of activities including: Abseiling, climbing, zip line, caving, low ropes, adventure play area, challenge course, mountain bikes, soft play area, archery, circus skills, nature trail, orienteering, wet weather games, pedal go-carts, bungee trampoline, Jacobs ladder and more!

Address: Fordell Firs National Activity Centre, Hillend, Dunfermline KY11 7HQ Telephone/fax: 01383 412704 email: warden@fordellfirs.org.uk website: www.fordellfirs.org.uk

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For/against Expedition

w o l l o f g n i t u o Should Sc ? r a e y c i m e d a the ac

yes✔

Liz Craig, District Commissioner I think following the academic year does work for Scouting. It makes sense for the young people, who often go away with their families and are in need of a rest, just like the adults.

The summer break is also an opportunity for adults to recharge and get re-enthused about Scouting. Lots of volunteers I know use the summer to do different things in Scouting. For example, I went up to the West Lancashire Jamboree at Great Tower and helped by delivering a low ropes activity. It was a great opportunity to meet young people in an informal environment as well as other leaders and managers to exchange ideas.

It also makes sense in terms of moving on. Young people are in peer groups academically and it makes sense that Scouting follows this in terms of moving up from Beavers to Cubs and so forth. September is also the start of a new season and it feels like the natural time to start things afresh – school, work and Scouting.

stick your oar in Add The Scout Association to your Facebook friends and join in the debate, or start your own. www.scouts.org.uk/facebook

✘

no

David Stokes, Assistant Scout Leader and District Explorer Scout Commissioner The problem isn’t the academic year, but the mentality that Scouting stops when school stops. Thirteen weeks of school holidays is a quarter of the year when we could be running an exciting and active programme.

Our Troop breaks for two weeks at Christmas to give leaders a rest and there’s also no Troop meeting when we’re on summer camp. Our year is based around Scouting milestones with an extra ten weeks of Scouting activities. We still manage to take family holidays and compensate for lower numbers during the summer. We make the best use of outdoor activities, running less formal, but more exciting outdoor programmes such as river crossing, orienteering and so on.

Continuing to meet during school holidays also helps with retention. You can usually rely on parents to bring Beaver and Cub Scouts back after the holidays, but most Scouts and Explorer Scouts come through choice.

It’s useful that our older sections get a taste of the real world – where most of us don’t get 13 weeks’ holiday.

We should be looking to provide all the Scouting that we possibly can – and not arbitrarily accept a calendar imposed from outside. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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15/09/2010 12:11

The North Face Resolve waterproof men’s and women’s jacket Ref Men’s 1026723R; Women’s 1027348R £68 RRP £79 Mesh-lined, seam-sealed, waterproof and breathable Standard fit Adjustable hood stows in collar Collar front zip and Velcro® closure Two hand pockets Weight: 470g Various colours Men’s sizes: S-XL Women’s sizes: S-L

Berghaus Long Cornice 1A Gore-Tex® jacket Ref 1025630R £153 RRP £170 A lengthened version of the classic walking jacket Waterproof, two-layer Gore-Tex® shell Gore Extreme Wet Weather guarantee Lining: Dry mesh and nylon Weight: 710g Sizes: S-XXL

Regatta Chandler walking overtrousers Ref 1016273M £25 RRP £30 Isotex-coated soft-touch polyester with waterrepellent polyamide liner, men’s walking trouser Taped seams and adjustable Velcro® ankle tabs Elasticated and drawcord waist Length: 31” inside leg Colour: Black Sizes: S-XXL

The North Face M Upland jacket Ref 1027615R £98 RRP £109.99 Waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed Reflective piping on back and arms Adjustable cuffs and hood Performance fit Weight: 680g Colour: Black Men’s sizes: S-XL

Comfort Trekker Socks Ref 1004809R £12 RRP £12.99 Sizes: S-XL, 3.5-12+ Designed for any season Superior next to skin comfort Unique construction to ensure comfort Colour: Navy

COOL STYLES

Just because the cold’s closing in doesn’t mean that out-of-doors is out of the question. Suit up and stay active with the Scout Shops winter wardrobe

Regatta Men’s Cross Stones X-LT Walking Boot Ref 1027044R £55 RRP £70 With cushioning and support For long-distance hill walking and trekking Sizes: UK 7-12; European 41-47 Colour: Seal grey/Thunder

Regatta Women’s Riverbed X-LT Trail Shoe Ref 1027404R £50 RRP £65 Hard-wearing and durable Waterproof membrane Breathable and waterproof Sizes: UK 3-8; European 36-42 Colour: Nutmeg/Herb

Grangers G-Max Universal Footwear Waterproofer Ref 1027798 £3.50 RRP £4 An essential product for ensuring boots and shoes are in good condition Sponge application Size: 100ml bottle

50 Scouting October/November 2010

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Berghaus Spectrum scarf set Ref 1020643R £27 RRP £30 Retains warmth when wet Double cuff fit on gloves The hat covers ears and forehead Sizes: S-XL

Trekmates Soft Shell windstopper glove Ref 1025720R £18 RRP 19.99 Durable, water repellent and wind protection finish Pre-curved comfort fit Colour: Black

Berghaus Plain Beanie Ref 1020647 £13.50 RRP £15 Fleece-lined and lightweight, this unisex beanie offers excellent warmth Protect ears and forehead Helly Hansen Lifa fly pant Ref 1020463R £24.50 RRP £27 Helly Hansen’s dry base layer technology Lifa is more effective at taking moisture away from the skin and faster drying than polyester used in other base layers Colour: Black

The North Face Etip Glove Ref 1026802 £22 RRP £25 Four-way stretch Can use your iPhone, MP3 player or laptop mouse pad with gloves on Can be worn as liners Silicon grips Warm and comfortable to wear

The North Face men’s Denali glove Ref 1026804R £16 RRP £18 All-round highperformance gloves Nylon Tasian over knuckles and fingers Elastic wrists and pairing clip Fabric on palms: synthetic gripper Colour: Black

Helly Hansen Lifa l/s crew neck top Ref 1016026R £24.50 RRP £27 Comfortable fit Helly Hansen’s dry base layer technology Lifa is fast drying and takes moisture away from the skin

Berghaus LS zip Tech T Ref 1025661R £23.50 RRP £28 Multi-activity base layer with Berghaus lightweight, odour protection Fabric: Tech T – Argentium Colour: Ash/ Mazarine blue Sizes: S-XXL

Find more online at www.scouts.org.uk/shop or call 01903 766 921

Petzl Tikkina Plus 2 head LED torch Ref 1027686 £17.95 RRP £20 Easy to use, with two lighting levels Latest LED technology Available in three colours Batteries included

Al l Scout Shops prof its are retu rned to The Scout Association

Vango Nitestar 450 sleeping bag Ref 1027525 £40 RRP £50 Great value for money Practical combination of durable exterior, luxurious lining and easy wash hollow fibre insulation Performance: 3-4 season Max user height: 195cm Dimensions: 220cm x 80cm x 50cm Total weight: 2,250g (bag only 2,050g) Fill weight: 2 x 225g top/2 x 225g base g/m2 Colour: Ensign/black www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Camp cooking

Joanne Smallman, a Brownie Leader in London, has been growing BBC Dig In’s five vegetables in her urban garden, and shares this spicy recipe for you to try This recipe is cheap, tasty and quick, and uses all the things you’ve been growing at home or at Scouts. Even when buying all the ingredients it’s only 65p per portion – and you’ll save money by using your own produce.

It can easily be multiplied to feed a crowd and it gets better with age – so the leftovers would be great for lunch.

e r a f n w o r g Home Mexican bean hotpot (with home-grown veggies) Serves 6, Preparation 20 mins, Cooking 30 mins

Ingredients 2 tsp oil for frying 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped or crushed 100-150g grated carrot (5 or more, depending on how big yours grew) 3 heaped tsp paprika (normal strength) 1/2 tsp chilli powder (or more if you like it hot) 1 heaped tsp cumin 1 tin chopped tomatoes 500ml vegetable stock 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 200g courgette, cubed (1-2, depending on how big yours grew)

100g French beans, cut into 2cm long pieces (two handfuls) 1 tin kidney beans, drained 2 tins other beans (cannellini, flageolet, chickpeas, borlotti, mixed – you choose), drained 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce to taste Method Heat the oil in a big pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Fry for a few minutes, without colouring.

Add the carrot to the pan and then the spices. Stir and fry for a further minute.

Add the tomatoes, stock and ketchup and reduce the heat to a simmer. (This can be difficult on a campfire – just keep adding small

amounts of water if it’s hot and evaporating quickly.)

Add the courgette, French beans and tinned beans.

Give it a good stir and leave to simmer for about 20 minutes, until the French beans are tender.

Enjoy with rice or tortilla wraps, a splodge of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese. Make a side salad from mixed leaves and maybe some of your home-grown basil for a twist.

Want more?

Download an online recipe booklet from www.bbc.co.uk/ digin which features Nigel Slater’s recipes specifically created for Dig In veg. There’s plenty more to help novice growers – www.bbc.co.uk/ gardening is a great place to start.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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S

piritual development and religious education are two different things. In Scouting, we seek to help young people fulfil their spiritual potential. This doesn’t mean teaching them about a specific religion or faith. It is our duty, as Scouts, to build a better, more understanding and co-operative environment in which to live.

We do have a duty to help our Members to develop spiritually while they are a Member of the Movement. But why is this important? Well, in the report, Education for Adult Life, spirituality is seen as ‘enriching individuals in their understanding of and ability to relate to, others and of society as a whole’.

A balanced approach We know it can sometimes feel daunting to tackle spiritual development – especially in this multi-faith age. We can start by trying not to solely immerse the children in our care in one faith or solely Christian denominations.

Help them to see the bigger picture and try to keep away from stereotypes about faith, religion and spirituality.

If you hold a Scouts’ Own or say prayers at meetings, consider whether a faith-specific prayer is relevant or appropriate. Would a short time of reflection be better?

We are not talking about generalising or standardising our general approach to development within different

religions. Each faith or religion appeals to different people for a variety of reasons. They all have unique characteristics and could easily be explored within your programme, helping young people to explore their own faith and beliefs. Listen to what they have to say. You never know what you might learn!

Personal beliefs Be careful not to push your personal beliefs onto young people. It is better to allow them to make their own mind up regarding faith and religion and what direction they wish to take.

We as leaders should regard ourselves as facilitators. We should provide young people

H T I A F E TH 54 Scouting October/November 2010

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Faiths & beliefs

with good information about faith so they can make their own decisions when they feel ready.

Keep an open mind I always find it very informative and rewarding to visit other places of worship. I love to be able to get an insight into what other people within my community believe and how they live out their faith.

Visits can easily be arranged to local churches, mosques and synagogues, for example. They will welcome you with open arms and in my experience have always been willing to give an insight into their unique buildings and beliefs.

What support is available?

Remember, the Scout Information Centre is only a phone call away.

Specific faith factsheets are also available to download from www.scouts.org.uk Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Have a chat with your local faith leaders; invite them around to your meeting night to talk with your Members.

The most important thing is not to feel pressured or railroaded into preaching for a specific religion. Open up and embrace other cultures. This approach in turn has not only strengthened my own personal beliefs, but has also granted me a better understanding of other people’s faith.

ACTIVITY: Faith match

A simple game for the Group could be to match religious symbols with the name of the religion. You could make this harder by also including the name of a key figure from that religion.

Simon Morely is a member of the Faiths and Beliefs Project Team. The new resource: Rise to the Challenge: Exploring Spiritual Development in Scouting is available at www.scouts.org.uk/faith

E G N E L L H CHA The United Kingdom is becoming increasingly multicultural, says Simon Morley.

Single-faith classes in schools for many are becoming a distant memory. But how can we, as leaders, help young people develop spiritually in this multi-faith age?

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Scout Active Support

n o i t i s n a tr town

rts on a Laura McManus repo it whose Scout Active Support Un ing rewards pioneering style is reap

With an extremely broad base of experience and skills, Social mix Jo feels it is important to ensure a mix of social, as the Scout Active Support Unit in Northampton has well as support, activities and has structured things found a number of ways to support Scouting in the accordingly: ‘Northampton District Scout Active District. In doing so, the Unit has easily managed the Support Unit is classed as one Unit, and within transition from Fellowship. this there are satellite Units operating.

‘When we switched to Scout Active Members can attend any of the satellite Support, we were keen to retain Units – just like the Explorer Scout Fellowship members,’ explains District system. We have social Units within Scout Active Support Manager Jo this structure, with active programmes Claydon. ‘We recognised that there of wide-ranging activities. Members of were already a number of adult groups these are expected to give service either actively supporting the District, including Jo Claydon through other Units, or as a leader/helper Gang Show costume makers, local Scout in a Scout Group or Explorer Scout Unit.’

Shops volunteers and maintenance and This approach has paid dividends with young management crew at our campsite and hostel. adults in the Scout Network age range joining Active We wanted to acknowledge the great work they Support Units and offering their own skills, do by including them.’ experience and enthusiasm.

Take the pledge ‘Scout Active Support helps me as The Unit encourages adults to volunteer a District Commissioner by offering a time by asking members to pledge a greater pool of human resources to minimum of ten hours a year. A form assist at District and Group events,’ is sent to volunteers asking how they Lee concludes. ‘By having a diverse plan on supporting the District and range of skills and abilities that offering suggestions. ‘The pledge forms leadership teams may not have, they Lee Jones allow the Scout Active Support Manager offer more support and variety to our to identify members with appropriate skills youth membership – which can only be and commitment when, as a District Team, we are a good thing.’ looking at District events or are asked to help at Group level,’ says District Commissioner Lee Jones.

‘The attraction of Scout Active Support is that it offers a flexible approach, allowing people to give what time they can when they can,’ Lee continues.

‘Members feel like they are giving something to Scouting and the local community and, in return, they get to network and socialise with like-minded people.’

The Scout Active Support Service Agreement ‘We have members aged from 18 to 80, with (FS330096) is available from the Scout Information a wide variety of skills and experience,’ adds Jo. Centre on 0845 300 1818.

‘Everyone is pleased to offer help and support in whichever way they can.’

out Active ‘The attraction of Sc offers a Support is that it oa flexible appr ch’

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Active n o i t i d n co

Haemophilia is a complex disorder which is more common than people think. Do you know what to do if you have a Scout in your Group with the condition? Sue Burton and Rebecca O’Mahoney outline the best ways to avoid a drama

T

here are many misconceptions about haemophilia, but one thing for certain is that with more than 8,000 sufferers in the UK, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that someone in your Scout Group could be affected.

Haemophilia is an inherited blood disorder where an essential clotting factor (a chemical within the blood) is partly or completely missing.

This means that someone with haemophilia will bleed for a longer period than others – not that they bleed more.

Symptoms and treatment Generally, it is found in males with females able to pass on the disorder without experiencing it themselves, but there are instances where females have inherited a mild case.

Bleeding can be either internal or external. Internal bleeding is more common and can occur with no identifiable cause. This could happen around joints such as the knee or elbow – leading to swelling

and pain. There may be more obvious bruising, swelling, pain and numbness around muscles.

As with most conditions, symptoms range in severity and frequency. Although there is no cure, there are treatments. Preventative treatment (prophylaxis) is usually by regular injections replacing the missing clotting factor.

Debra Pollard, a Cub Leader who is the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Haemophilia at the Royal Free Hospital in London, says: ‘From a first aid point of view, normal rules apply and then the most important thing is that they receive their clotting factor injection as soon as possible after any injury. Most boys are treated by a parent or carer at home and should carry supplies of factor at all times. They tend to learn to treat themselves from about eight years old, although, of course, there are always exceptions.’

Scouting activities It is essential that symptoms are recognised quickly and treatment is obtained. Leaders will need to

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Health & wellbeing

be fully informed and prepared before undertaking any activities. An emergency contact number should always be readily available. Everyone involved should know exactly what to do in case of a serious bleed and either the individual or their parent/ carer must advise you of this.

‘The take-home message for Section leaders and other adults in Scouting is that they should ask the parents or carers to put them in touch with the Haemophilia Centre where the young person is managed,’ continues Debra. ‘They will be able to give up-to-date advice as to what activities can be undertaken and what should happen in the event of an emergency.’

Everyone involved tly should know exacse what to do in ca of a serious bleed al’s and the individu parent must advise you of this

Exercise is still important, but rough contact sports might not be sensible.

Knowledge, as usual, is the key to best practice for the person concerned.

You will also need to consider what other Members need to know.

Out and about If you’re undertaking an activity away from your regular meeting place, ensure that you can still summon medical help if required. There are local haemophilia centres and the name, address and telephone number of one nearest the activity should be available during the event.

Ensure everyone knows who to look out for and the accompanying adult/leader is fully aware of what to keep an eye on and what action must be taken in the event of a bleed.

However, Debra is keen to stress that, thanks to modern treatments, ‘we have boys with severe haemophilia competing at county level in various sports as well as going for Chief Scout’s Gold Award and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. It doesn’t have to be an obstacle to adventure.’

Six points to remember

1

A small cut can be treated in the usual way by applying pressure. Deeper cuts require medical attention.

Someone with haemophilia may describe the effects of internal bleeding as a ‘funny feeling’, tingling or stiffness.

Whenever internal bleeding is suspected, the area should be supported or rested and medical attention sought.

Avoid giving painkillers (unless specifically advised) as some of these will prolong bleeding times.

Knocks or blows to the head should be treated seriously. Seek help immediately.

Don’t ignore warning signs such as drowsiness, difficulty in staying awake or vomiting.

2 3 4 5 6

Further information

Young Bloods is a website for young people with the condition – www.youngbloods.org.uk The Haemophilia Society is the only national and independent organisation for all people affected by bleeding disorders – www.haemophilia.org.uk

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ONE BIG YEAR

10 draws to a As The Big Adventure 20 to reflect on the close, it’s an opportunity d opportunities successes, challenges an portantly, to presented – and, most im how it all went reveal your thoughts on

T

hank you to all those who took part in The Big Adventure this year and helped make it such a huge success. More than 1,300 of you were good enough to fill in our questionnaire about this year’s events. The feedback we received provides a valuable insight into what’s happening across the UK and will help us make The Big Adventure even better next year.

Is it a clear enough concept?

While more than half of you were aware that the main objective of The Big Adventure was to encourage parents to become volunteers, some 29 per cent thought the key purpose was to enable young people to experience the outdoors. While, strictly speaking, it is an adult recruitment initiative, the end outcome is about helping more young people enjoy Most popular : Scouting – so this isn’t far nts re pa roles for off the mark.

Catering, general help, running a base But this does tell us, or activity, providing however, that we need to rt po ns tra or t equipmen be clearer and simpler with our messages for next year.

In terms of finding out about The Big Adventure, overwhelmingly, most people got their information from the magazine, ScoutingPlus or website compared with only 11 per cent who heard by word of mouth. If you had a great Big

Adventure experience, share your success with others in your District and County, especially if it helped recruit adult volunteers.

What stopped your adventure?

Just as important were reasons why Big Adventures didn’t happen. Looking at responses from those who didn’t take part, the main reasons cited were: ‘didn’t hear about it in time’ and ‘didn’t have a suitable event planned’. Again, this comes back to better communications and sending the message locally that The Big Adventure really works. Other reasons included: ‘waiting to see if our Group was doing something’, ‘lots of events already planned’ and ‘not clear about what it is’.

Remember, The Big Adventure Average is simply about inviting parents to planning time: play an active part in the leadership team of a camp or other event. It can be something that your Group or District is already running and not necessarily something new.

Encouragingly, more than a third of you thought it was ‘easier’ or ‘much easier’ to get involved with The Big Adventure in 2010 (perhaps because there were more events running and you were more impressed by this year’s supporting resources). With more than 90 per cent thinking about getting involved in next year’s Big Adventure, the signs are that this initiative will continue to help support the recruitment of adult volunteers. And that’s got to be a good thing.

6 months

venture is Remember, The Big Ad parents to simply about inviting the leadership play an active part in r event team of a camp or othe

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The Big Adventure

Wall’s – supporting The Big Adventure

Most popular month for a Big Adventure: (41%)

May

the beach Our Big Adventure on ‘Over the early May Bank Holiday, the 5th Carmarthen Scout Group held its Big Adventure at St Bride’s Green near Little Haven. In keeping with the Big Adventure theme, parents helped organise the camp, supporting the kit transport, catering, campsite service and activities. We were blessed with a gloriously sunny weekend and nearly 80 people attended.

‘Activities during the weekend included campfires, beach activities and even our Group AGM. On Saturday afternoon, there were three hikes at appropriate levels for a Beaver, Cub or Scout, while Sunday morning was spent pioneering.

The Cubs and Beavers worked on various camp gadgets, while the Scouts built a 4.5m tower! The afternoon saw families getting involved with various beach competitions – best sandcastle, best sand mosaic and most interesting rock pool find. It was a very tired, but happy bunch of people who left St Bride’s with several first-time campers now fully converted!’

Siriol Butterworth, Assistant Scout Leader, 5th Carmarthen Scouts

Average number of ed: young people involv Average number of parents involved:

30

6

felt parents enjoyed their Big Adventure was a good thought Sainsbury’s venture Ad Big e partner for Th taking will, or will consider ture 2011 part in The Big Adven

82% 81% 92%

For information and ideas, please visit www.scouts.org.uk/ thebigadventure

Bear Grylls

Chief Scout

Wayne Bulpitt UK Chief Commissioner

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Skills & activities

snow l o r t a p , says our outdoor adventures Winter shouldn’ t limit ities tiv ac s when the exciting Chris James – in fact it’ m g to snowboarding; fro really begin. From skiin s to ay w , we share the best Scotland to Switzerland the slopes help your Scouts take to

Fran Georgel is the UK Technical Adviser for skiing.

More than that, she is passionate about all things on two blades. It’s that feeling of being ‘out of control but in control’ she says, ‘and the good news is that it’s easy to get started.’

Learning to ski is a passport to a whole new world of freedom and adventure. Once you have the skills, you have access to the most amazing scenery and terrain. In fact, that’s what skiing was originally invented for – to cross snowbound areas you can’t get to on foot. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone and letting yourself go.

The best way for Scouts to try skiing is for the leader to book a taster session at a local artificial ski slope. You just need to find out when these take place. The sessions normally last for an hour, which is long enough for young

people to decide whether they like it or not.

Finding your feet To ski independently, it normally takes around five hours of tuition.

This is usually made up of the one-hour taster session, followed by two two-hour sessions.

If the Scout can make a controlled descent down the slope and know how to use the lift, then they are ready for independent skiing. Of course, this is the bare minimum and training will vary from person to person. The equipment used today is much easier to use than it used to be and consequently, it’s easier to learn the basics. In some cases, this can lead to overconfidence. Of course, at all ski centres, it’s always safety first.

Equipped for adventure Here’s the thing – skiing need not be an expensive activity. Scouts

learning to ski don’t need to invest in too much gear. Most dry slopes will just specify tracksuit bottoms, a long-sleeve top (tucked into the bottoms to avoid friction burns if you fall over) and a pair of gloves.

Some slopes insist on helmets being worn, although if they do, they will provide these.

One word of warning, though – skiing on an indoor snow slope can feel a bit like skiing in a refrigerator, but warm layers with a waterproof over the top should keep you comfortable.

If your taster session is a success, then why not think about doing some fundraising to help meet the costs of getting your Scouts up to a competent level? Once they’ve learned to ski, it’s a skill for life.

Skiing is all about variety – not just in terms of the amazing and beautiful places you can go. Every ski-run is different. Your senses are constantly stimulated. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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700

Explorer Scouts earned their Skiing Activity Badge last year Chemmy Allcott earns her Snowsports Badge Chemmy Allcott is Britain’s no. 1 Alpine skier, having competed in three Winter Olympic Games and six World Championships. Last year, Scouting awarded her a giant Snowsports Badge in our birthday honours list.

Her response? ‘Very cool!’

Skiing is a skill that will stay with a Scout for life – and it’s great fun!

Getting started Most Groups are not far from a ski slope – so why not book a taster session for your Scouts? For a map and a full list of slopes, please visit www.skiclub.co.uk If you would like to try first, your leadership team could try a teambuilding session at a ski-slope first.

Find out if there’s an adult in Scouting who can already ski – they could act as your organiser and guide. They can gain a skiing permit and help lead an expedition.

Encourage your Scouts to gain their Snowsports Badge and your Explorer Scouts to get their Skiing and Snowboarding Activity Badges.

Cubs and Beavers can earn their Hobbies Activities Badge with their skiing activities.

SCOTLAND BY SKI

Scotland is one of Europe’s top ski destinations. Andrew Aldous from Scottish Scout Headquarters suggests the best skiing north of the border In the Pentland Hills, there is a dry ski-slope at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, which is one of the biggest in Europe – and it’s open all year round.

Meanwhile, in Glasgow, they have Xscape, home to a fantastic indoor facility called SNO!ZONE with 1,700 tonnes of fresh snow and two lifts. Heading north, there’s Glenshee, which is our first brush with real snow. Last year, it had one of its best seasons ever as Scotland had more than its fair share of snow. The only

slight drawback is it can be quite windswept so can lose snow quite easily. We then move up to Aviemore and the Cairngorns, successful because they’re relatively high up – it’s colder and they hold on to their snow later into the year.

There’s also Ski Glencoe, which has a world-class vertical slope, not surprising given its proximity to Scotland’s biggest mountains. Find out more at www.visitscotland.com

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Fran Georgel in the Swiss Alps, with its unforgettable and highly dramatic scenery

2,140 Scouts earned their Snowsports Activity Badge last year MOUNTAINS, SNOW, SCOUTING AND FUN!

Scouts at Kandersteg International Scout Centre

HAVE YOU TRIED… Snowboarding Snowboarding is a cool alternative to skiing. Unlike skiing, where stiff boots are fastened to one ski on each foot, snowboarders wear soft boots, secured sideways on a cross between a surfboard and a skateboard.

Alpine skiing This is the most familiar form of the sport and involves sliding downhill on skis with fixed heel bindings. This takes in the competitive disciplines of Downhill, Super Giant Slalom, Giant Slalom and Slalom.

Nordic skiing In Nordic skiing, the heel of the boot is not fixed to the ski, allowing greater freedom of movement. One of the most popular forms is cross-country skiing, which is essentially hiking on skis. Lengthy expeditions can involve camping and nights away.

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PROFILE: MY WINTER AT KANDERSTEG By ski guide Karo

Winter season at I am not sure there is a word Kandersteg International to describe my winter at Scout Centre is best Kandersteg. It was a mix of enjoyed during one of amazing ski days in breathtaking our activity or ski weeks, surroundings, evenings full of says Luisa Fontanazza laughs while building igloos, and Kandersteg International Scout Scouts and Guides from all over Centre in the Swiss Alps is the world making friends. visited by thousands of Scouts I worked at the Scout Centre each year. You can do the same for three months as a volunteer during a pre-booked activity or ‘Pinkie’ and it is one of the best ski week; it’s an easy way to try jobs I have ever had. Winter a bit of everything. weeks are full of snowsports, Of course, you can just come action and fun. I was lucky to here for a week or weekend, be one of the guides five days a stay and enjoy the Alpine week, skiing with a group scenery with a cup of hot at the Oeschinensee, chocolate and a good Lauchernalp or book. Others will Adelboden want to use the resorts. experience to There is meet up with something for people from everybody, all over the and it doesn’t world and matter whether soak up Karo relaxing you’re a beginner some of that at Kandersteg or more advanced. international You will have the Scout atmosphere. time of your life. Though I Kandersteg is a real guarantee that you will fall over wonderland for winter activities. and there will be times that you We have 6km of sled run with think ‘I just can’t do this’, the breathtaking scenery, winter beauty of skiing is to push your hiking routes, 50km of prepared own boundaries. Those who are cross-country skiing tracks and not so keen on skiing can lots of ski resorts close by. We snowshoe unbeaten tracks, sled have an expert team of ski, down to the valley or visit the snowboard and activity guides curling rink. At the end of the ready to support you. week, all staff and guests gather The easiest way of booking together to enjoy cheese fondue a stay with us is by sending while sharing their stories. in a booking request on our This is what Scouting is website. We will then contact about: having unforgettable you to arrange your catering experiences, outdoing yourself, and programme.

Visit www.kisc.ch or call enjoying nature and forging on +41 33 675 82 82 lifelong friendships.

their Explorer Scouts earnedy Badge last year Snowboarding Activit

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slug

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Country diary

Candle in the wild A glowing light in the dark can take the edge off autumn chills.

James Taylor waxes lyrically about sources of light

A

s we move into autumn and the hours of daylight decrease, it is the darkness which has the most effect on our activities. Lighting up our camps has never been easier or more efficient. Torches are small, light and easy to carry, but in case this is all too easy, or someone forgot the spare batteries, I thought I would give an idea or two for some backwoods light sources.

Light my fire The most primitive source of night light is the flame of a fire. To produce decent light from a campfire we need to supply it with plenty of dry, seasoned softwood, give it plenty of oxygen and feed it constantly.

But what about something more subtle, to wash up by or maybe scrawl a few notes by? Candles are a great source of light. If you take candles on camp they are likely to be made of paraffin wax. These are unbeatable value, burn slowly and give out a great light, but I like to try to use things that Scouts can make themselves. An easy project would

be to make beeswax candles. These are made simply by adding a wick to one side of a sheet of beeswax foundation and rolling the sheet up so that the wick ends up in the middle. If the wax is warmed up slightly, it is more easily rolled.

Wicks and tallow You also can make candles out of animal fat, which is known as tallow.

They are fun to make and a good exercise in ingenuity. The basic ingredients are mutton fat, a suitable wick such as cotton, string, rush pith or even cardboard, and a container.

The most successful I have made were by placing a wick in one half of a swan mussel shell and filling it with melted tallow. Based on a medieval design, it worked well, although the flame produced lots of smoke. I recently made another type of candle with our local Explorer Unit.

These were moulded in hollowed-out logs and burned very well.

Autumn nights at camp may be chilly, but it’s nice to sit back in the glow of your home-made candles.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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s p i h s r e n t par ort Scouting, come on board to supp ve ha es ni pa m co of r initiative A numbe g a badge, an event or an whether it’s by sponsorin Sainsbury’s Wall’s

Sponsors: Active Kids and The Big Adventure.

Resources and equipment available. www.scouts.org.uk/sainsburys

Worcester Bosch Group

Sponsors: Cub Scout Global Challenge Award. www.scouts.org.uk/bosch

Chubb Fire & Security

Sponsors: Scout Fire Safety Activity Badge. Activity packs available. www.scouts.org.uk/chubb

Original Dutch Edam

Sponsors: Cub Scout Chef Activity Badge. Activity packs available. www.scouts.org.uk/edam

Sponsors: The Big Adventure and the Scout Camp Cook Badge.

Resources coming soon. www.scouts.org.uk/walls

The Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative Sponsors: Cub Scout Global Conservation Badge.

Resources coming soon. www.scouts.org.uk/omsco

Ordnance Survey

Sponsors: Cub Scout and Scout Navigator Badges.

Resources available. www.scouts.org.uk/ ordnancesurvey

Eat in Colour Pets at Home

Sponsors: Beaver Scout Healthy Eating Badge. Resources available. www.scouts.org.uk/healthyeating

Environment Agency

Sponsors: Scouting Angling Activity Badge www.scouts.org.uk

Mattel

Sponsors: Beaver Scout Creative Activity Badge.

Resources available. www.scouts.org.uk/hotwheels

Merlin Entertainments

Offers available to UK attractions. www.scouts.org.uk/merlin

Microsoft

Sponsors: Staged IT Badge.

Resources available. www.scouts.org.uk/microsoft

Sponsors: Beaver Scout Animal Friend and Cub Scout Animal Carer Badges.

Resources available. www.scouts.org.uk/ petsathome

Police

Sponsors: Community Challenge Awards. www.scouts.org.uk/police)

Puffin

Sponsors: Scout Adventure Challenge Award. Posters and skills cards available. www.scouts.org.uk/puffin

Rolls-Royce

Sponsors: Cub Scout Scientist Activity Badge. Activity packs available. www.scouts.org.uk/rollsroyce

National Grid Venture Abroad

Sponsors: Cub Scout Home Safety Badge. Activity packs available. www.scouts.org.uk/nationalgrid

Natural England

Sponsors: Cub and Scout Naturalist Activity Badge. Resources available. www.scouts.org.uknaturalengland

Adventure holidays for Scouts. www.scouts.org.uk/ventureabroad

WD40

Sponsors: Scout DIY Activity Badge. Online resources available. www.scouts.org.uk/wd40

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Partnerships

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From ghostly night-time walks to the weird and wonderful world of fungi, discover Natural England’s superb Let’s Go Wild events during the October half term Taking place at one of Natural England’s wild National Nature Reserves (NNR), you can just turn up for a few hours with family and friends, or make a day of it with your whole Troop.

After all, NNRs are the perfect place to carry out the wildlife investigation that’s part of your Naturalist Badge.

And with reserves up and down the country, there’s bound to be one close to you.

For a selection of resources, visit www.scouts.org.uk/ naturalengland and www.naturalengland.org.uk/ millionchildren, where you’ll find some great activities to download.

Half-term horrors

What’s on?

Are you brave enough to take part in Spookfest on East Dartmoor NNR? Or join in with a fungal foray through the woods, as well as learning new outdoor survival skills on Skipwith Common NNR – one of our newest.

So this half term, kick the telly into touch and go wild outside instead!

Air heads

It’s all good for people to talk a lot of ‘hot air’ about saving energy, but it is the actions you take in your daily life which can make all the difference, say Global Challenge Badge sponsors, Worcester

It is this ‘doing’ part that is crucial in changing minds and opinions, and is why Worcester wanted to get involved with the Scouts. By backing the Cub Scout Global Challenge Badge they felt they could really bring home how even little steps can have an impact in improving energy efficiency and protect the world we live in. With a pack to accompany the badge, there will be experiments, word searches, internet tasks and plenty more to put Cubs through their paces.

Keen Scouts can put their skills to the test with Worcester’s Global Challenge Badge and, using the badge

resource pack which is now available, learn all about how to be more energy efficient in their own home and, of course, be rewarded for their efforts.

Download the pack at www.scouts.org.uk/bosch To find out more about Worcester Bosch Group, visit: www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

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Partnerships

Make a pact for safer communities

Who better to partner with for the Community Challenge than the police? Police Superintendent with West Mercia Police Gary Higgins has been involved in the project from the beginning ‘We think this is a really exciting new opportunity for you to get to know and work with your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and for them to get to know and work with you.

‘I am excited to be working on behalf of 23 forces in England and Wales with The Scout Association to develop an activity pack that will help Scout Troops work on the Community Challenge with their local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

‘Our aim is to make sure that young people feel safe and have the confidence to talk to the police. We also want to promote a sense of community among younger residents and encourage them to take ownership of their local area. This partnership provides an opportunity for young people and local Neighbourhood Policing Teams to work together and learn more about each other.’

Tackling local issues The activity packs will encourage Troops to find out more about the police in their area and relevant crime prevention advice, while the Community Challenge encourages them to take action to tackle local issues.

‘West Mercia and many other forces are involved in PACT, which stands for Partners and Communities Together,’ explains Gary. ‘PACT provides residents with the opportunity to tell their local Neighbourhood Policing Team and other partner agencies about the issues causing concern within their neighbourhood, and which ones they want dealt with as a priority.’

Developing solutions ‘To do the Challenge with the police, Troops will need to use PACT to identify local issues, before working with their Neighbourhood Team and partner agencies to develop solutions.

‘All local communities have problems that affect different people in different ways. We think by working together we can make our local neighbourhoods safer, cleaner and friendlier places to live, work and play.

‘I look forward to working with you over the coming years and to seeing this partnership evolve into something that positively benefits communities across the country.

Good luck.’

Free activity pack Order your pack from www.scouts.org.uk/police

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Book your free workshop

PETS COME FIRST Take advantage of the free Pets at Home workshop Animal Care Badge sponsor, Pets at Home, is offering free pet workshops to Beaver and Cub Scouts. Trained in-store advisers will give them advice on how to care for pets responsibly to help them gain their badge.

The free workshops will help Beavers and Cubs find out all they need to know, teaching them

everything that’s involved in looking after pets.

About Pets at Home Pets at Home offers great products, tips and advice on keeping your pet happy and healthy. From specialist pet food to toys and training aids, there is everything a pet owner could wish for and more.

For further information on booking a free workshop, please contact your local store. There are more than 260 Pets at Home stores across the UK. Log on to www.petsathome.com to find your nearest.

Activity packs are available to download (www. scouts.org.uk/ petsathome) and contain all your Beavers or Cubs need to gain their badges.

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Partnerships

(NOT SO) WEIRD SCIENCE When Rolls-Royce sponsored the Scientist Badge three years ago, the company had one clear ambition: to help young people and leaders alike to enjoy taking part in science The engineering company created easy-to-follow instructions for some simple science investigations to help inspire Cubs to take a greater interest in science and make it easier for leaders to ensure their success.

The company hoped to encourage more leaders to try out the badge, particularly those with no experience of these kinds of activities.

The badge activity pack flew off the shelves and quickly became one of the most successful Cub resources.

Leaders said it was simple to use and build a programme around, with a range of relevant activities which made the badge easier – ‘We found the Scientist pack brilliant and Cubs loved doing it,’ said one leader.

New and improved This year, armed with your feedback, the pack has been refreshed to include some new

New activities have been added to the pack

Save the date National Science & Engineering Week, 11-20 March 2011 A great opportunity to explore the world around us through some science experiments and investigations.

go online

activities and has a bright new look and feel. The new format is also easier to download.

For Rolls-Royce, working with The Scout Association is a great opportunity to encourage young people to have fun with science.

The relationship also provides an opportunity for the company to support the interests of its employees and their families, since many are involved in Scouting as parents or leaders.

When you are next programme planning, take a look at www.scouts.org.uk/rollsroyce.

There is a broad range of activities, some of which work really well with Cubs and others can be adapted for older Scouts.

The Scientist pack has a bright new look and feel

Global partnerships The global engineering company is also able to share the Scouting link with employees beyond the UK. The company’s site in Indianapolis, USA, also supports its local Scout District with the Aviation Merit Badge, sharing knowledge in subjects such as aerodynamics, engine design and instrumentation.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Competition

Win! s n o s s e l g n i driv from SEAT r e v i r D g n You SEAT Young Driver is giving away FREE lessons to eagleeyed Scouting readers! Simply spot the differences between the two pictures below and you could be in with a chance of winning the top prize: five one-hour Young Driver lessons, valued at £275.

Young Driver lessons give 11-16-year-olds the chance to get behind the wheel of a brand-new SEAT Ibiza and learn how to drive. It’s great fun and it could save your life – research in Sweden shows gaining driving experience early can reduce your chance of having an accident by

40 per cent. Lessons are given by government-approved, CRB-checked instructors at Birmingham, Kent, Manchester, London and Bristol.

If you don’t scoop the top prize you needn’t worry, second prize comes in the form of two one-hour lessons, and five more lucky runners-up get a one-hour lesson each.

So, get your brain in gear and email your answers, name and address to scouting.magazine@scouts.org.uk For more details, visit www.youngdriver.eu or call 0844 371 9010.

rence?

Can you spot the diffe

ween the two pic Spot six differences bet

tures for the chance of

sons! winning free driving les

Terms and conditions: One winner will receive five one-hour lessons; one runner-up will receive two one-hour lessons; and five runners-up will receive one hour lesson each. Prizes will be in the form of vouchers, which will be sent to the winners, and will expire in nine months’ time. The vouchers can be used at any of the five SEAT Young Driver venues. Closing date: 30 November 2010. Send answers to scouting.magazine@scouts.org.uk. Please include your name, address and email address. The Scout Association’s own privacy policy prevents your details being forwarded to third parties. The Scout Association is merely a contact point for entrants and will only pass the contact details of the winners on to the promoter.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SPLASHDOWN COMPETITION WINNERS!

Answer is Splashdown Poole. The winner of 20 tickets is Suzanne Peat, 25th Itchen North Scouts.

Five runners-up each receive a pair of tickets: Jeanette Elven, Nicola Greening, Michelle Millidge, Helen Renouf and Andrew Watson.

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

suppliers

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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SUPPLIERS

MIDLANDS

GRADBACH SCOUT CAMP

Farmhouse, Cottage & Camping New Shower Block Now Open Located in the beautiful Peak District Ideal for Walking, Climbing, Caving & Alton Towers See our website at: www.gradbachscoutcamp.org.uk

Burton upon Trent Needwood Forest Scout Campsite Centrally heated, fully equipped, 28 bed building, plus 2 acres woodland & 2 acres field.

Central to Peak District National Park. Cannock Chase, Alton Towers, Waterworld, Drayton Manor Park, Snowdome and Twycross Zoo.

For full details telephone

Brian Reeves 01283 546536 Email: needwoodforest@talktalk.net

NORTH WEST

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ACTIVITIES & ACTIVITY CENTRES LES MAINGYS, GUERNSEY Best campsite in the Channel Islands, full range of activities.

Enjoy the Island’s history and Blue Flag beaches. Camping for 500, hostel for 32, Sports Hall and Indoor Climbing Wall, Archery etc.

Tel: 01481 256 796 or www.scouts.org.gg

“Runways End” Scout Activity Centre

Braunston Northants

soon (sleeps 30-40 people). Camping pack holidays brick building with showers/disabled

circle, chapel, canoeing on canal nearby, scout shop. Many local attractions. Some activities affected by ongoing campsite improvements .Contact: Becky Riley Booking

Secretary

Runways End Scout Activity Centre Phone; 01252 676849

Visit the Isle of Man in 2011 • Multi Activity Adventure Course • Full board • Fantastic Island location • Full adventure activity programme All courses are run in association with Isle of Man Event Services.

Phone 01624 814240 contact@adventure-centre.co.uk www.adventure-centre.co.uk

Email; bookings-runwaysend@02.co.uk

Canal Boat Scouting Holidays • Group tuition • Windsurfing, Canoeing, Sailing, Archery, Raft Building • Camping, Café, Bar, Disco, Games room • 1st aid courses Croft Farm Leisure & Water Park Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 7EE 01684 772321 Email tom@croftfarmleisure.co.uk

• Archery • Obstacle course • Climbing Wall • Canoeing • Crate Climb etc.

The Centre’s activities are staffed by qualified and experienced instructors. All safety equipment is provided and regularly tested to national standards.

4 acres of Camping for 200-300 Campers.

facilities on site activities climbing/abseil,

• Zip Wire

8-12 berth self steer narrowboats fully fitted for all year round cruising.

Plus day boat hire, 12 seater.

Tel: 01788 890 784 Visit: www.unioncanalcarriers.co.uk

Also, a new Modular Building coming on line

shooting, archery, cave experience, campfire

Activities include:

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

Tel:0114 246 7912 Email: warden@syscouts.org.uk White Lane, Chapeltown, Sheffield S35 2YH

Providers of the fun activity equipment for WINGS 2009 From Zorb Balls to Robotsoccer From Inflatables to Bungee Trampolines We have something for all budget sizes

Call NOW on 0800 334 5815 www.leisurematters.com Also view our YouTube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJUR1Nz6xdI to see the WINGS event

Looking for a base to explore Snowdonia?

Look no further!

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

To advertise here, please contact September on 020 8962 2952 or email september.withers@thinkpublishing.co.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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FOR HIRE

HOLIDAYS ABROAD

CUMBRIA- KESWICK SCOUT GROUP HALL FOR HIRE 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 £6.50 per person per night. You will be given a very warm welcome For further details contact: Gill Reader 1st Keswick Scout Group Treasurer bobandgill44@btinternet.com Phone: 017687 72073

CAMPING DIRECTORY

Broadstone Warren

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

ACTIVITIES & CAMPING The new name in Global Adventure for Scouting GLOBAL ADVENTURE ASSOCIATES Travel, Adventure & Community Projects in North East Greenland, Norway, Europe, Nepal, Peru, Ecuador, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kenya, Morocco, Iceland…anywhere!

Thriftwood Scout Campsite Brentwood Essex

Individual Woodland sites Over 25 onsite 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.

Contact details: email enquiries@thriftwood.org.uk Tel: 01277 212784 www.thriftwood.org.uk

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

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

TRAVEL THE WORLD…. MAKE A DIFFERENCE We have an extensive background in providing global adventure for Scouts over many years Consultancy to fully led Expeditions “Making your dream a reality” Email or call to share your dream

+44 (0) 1772 813 048 welcome@globaladventure.org.uk www.globaladventure.org.uk

MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS Scouting August/September 2010 www.glasgowscoutshop.com Equipping you for your Scouting adventures!

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

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Round our place

It’s not every day that a Scout Group has a free million-pound makeover, but that’s exactly what happened to 8th Marylebone when they decided their facilities needed an upgrade.

John Larkin tells their extraordinary story

MILLIONPOUND MAKEOVER

T

here’s a placard near the entrance of our meeting place that reads: ‘It’s dogged as does it.’ Although inherited from another organisation, the slogan says everything about the determination of the team behind the transformation that took place here. In the early 1990s, we were based in the Mansergh building – an imposing Victorian construction in Hill Road, St John’s Wood. It was a great location, but the hall was too big, cold and outdated, and we couldn’t afford the repairs.

Ambitious plans Pooling the talents of the Group’s supporters, we hatched an ambitious plan. The idea was to hand the building over to a developer free of charge for them to convert into commercial property. In return, they would build a state-of-the-art facility for the Group in the basement and on part of the ground floor.

Planning permission was granted in 1996 for this to go ahead and in 2005, the Group reopened in its new buildings.

Now with a built-in climbing wall, office and large, open spaces, we have a truly inspirational place to do our Scouting. Our Group Scout Leader, Cliff Jordan, however, is keen to keep

things in perspective: ‘Ultimately, it’s not about the premises, it’s about the young people.’

Improving lives The Group has a thriving Beaver Colony and Cub Pack, and is actively recruiting volunteers for a new Scout Troop. ‘Scouting is about improving the lives of young people, and that’s what we try and do here. We had some autistic Scouts in the Group, and the changes I saw in those young people were phenomenal.

While they were with us, they grew so much in themselves – joining in all the activities and taking on leadership responsibilities.’

In the 1960s, 1st and 8th Marylebone formed a joint Cub Pack that visited Buckingham Palace so the young Prince Andrew could join in.

Today, 8th Marylebone, like other Groups across the country, opens its doors to everyone who wants to take part in the adventure of Scouting.

want to join?

If you know someone who may be interested in joining the leadership team at 8th Marylebone, please call 0844 4145459 or email groupscoutleader@diehardia.com

Tell us

If you’d like us to come round your place, drop us a line at scouting. magazine@ scouts.org.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Interview

Five miles with…

Team Arch to Arc

‘Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun’, goes the song.

And so it is that Scouting editor Elis Matthews finds himself in London on 2 July, about to set off on a run with six Scout fundraisers from Kent

The team’s aim is to run, swim and cycle from Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. They hope to do the 282.6 miles in relay format in 60 hours, beating the current record.

The challenge, known as Arch to Arc, is one of the sternest tests of physical fitness and team spirit, not only requiring stamina to stay the distance, but resilience and mental strength to withstand heat, cold water and the added elements of jellyfish and the busiest stretch of water traffic in all of Europe.

Big dreams

I ask Assistant Leader (and only female runner) Sue Hart where the idea came from.

‘We are in desperate need of a new building for the 16th Sevenoaks Scout Group, so a group of parents and leaders thought, “why don’t we do

something big to raise a lot of money?”. Then our Scout Leader Rob had a serious mountain-biking accident and broke his neck. The Spinal Injuries Association was excellent in helping the family through it, and we wanted to do something for them, too.

A few of us did a Channel swim a while ago, so the Arch to Arc became the next big thing to do after that.’

A sharp start

The run gets going at 11am, and the team of six cross into Hyde Park. Running the first leg is Kevan Sharp, who tells me what Scouting means to him. ‘The cause of Scouting is great. Far too often people grumble about young people not having anything to do, and we have a great facility in Scouting, because it gives our children something constructive to do, so they

Scouting magazine only made it as far as Buckingham Palace, but Team Arch to Arc made it to Paris by 2.01pm on Sunday 4 July.

Congratulations to the Ide Hill Billies team!

don’t lose their life in front of a television.’ And what better way to demonstrate the active nature of Scouting than a demanding physical challenge that will span two countries. ‘This is less about personal gain now and more about community gain for everyone… and it’s a fantastic way to raise money,’ Kevan adds.

offer your support Support the Scouting triathletes by logging on to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ArchtoArc

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g n i t u Sco vember 2010 October/No

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PISTE OF THE ACTION Take to the slopes for winter sports WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THAT BADGE? 15 celebrities wear them with pride THE CHANGING FACE OF SCOUTING SCOUTS.ORG.UK/MAGAZINE

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WIGHT NOISE Recruiting at a music festival

T L U S E R A T A H W r year e p m u b a n ko We look bac

15/09/2010 10:40