scouts

Lands of Adventure Have you booked your trip?

ders r Scout Lea fo e in z a g a The m 009 June/July 2

Radio Scouting

Tune into a worldwide community

D L R O W E H T E R O EXPL E V I L U O WHERE Y ent goes global pplem u s t u o c S e Th

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Your Scout Support Team Alasdair McBay – UK Adviser (Scout Section), Ed Wilson – Programme & Development Adviser Contact them at: programme@scout.org.uk Scout Support Team The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW; Tel. 0845 300 1818 Advertising Tom Fountain tom@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258

WELCOME INTRO

From strength to strength Alasdair McBay applauds some terrific growth news, recommends the Scout Handbook and looks ahead to a summer of adventure

Front cover photo by Allan Baxter shows Carissa a Scout from 64th Birmingham Scout Group. ‘It’s a fun place to learn new activities’, she says. She is accompanied by Vicky, an Explorer Scout - ‘For me Scouting is about meeting new people and having fun!’

BE PART OF IT!

First off, the census figures for the year are in and once more we have had an outstanding year of growth. More than 5,000 members have joined – that’s a total growth of over 10% in two years. Congratulations to every Troop who has contributed to this stunning achievement.

Practical support Thanks also for your positive feedback on the Scout Handbook, which was launched earlier this year. However, it is clear the there are still some leaders and Scouts who have not yet seen a copy. If you haven’t yet got your hands on one, ask to borrow one or order one from www.scouts.org.uk/shop I am sure you will recognise its practical value in helping each of your Scouts as they Go for Gold.

Dust off your Patrol tents . . .

Good luck with your Big Adventure – don’t forget to tell us about your event at big.adventure@scout.org.uk Check www.scouts.org.uk/ thebigadventure to find out what others are doing.

We are now building up to the climax of the Scouting year - the summer camp or expedition. You will see that this issue of the supplement is concentrating on the Global Challenge and good luck to you if you are taking Scouts overseas this summer. There are also a number of large international camps going on this summer and I wish all the organisers of these the best of luck. Sea Scout 100 – a camp celebrating the Centenary of Sea Scouting in August – also looks as if it will be a fantastic event. Find out more at www.seascout100.net Whatever adventure you are planning for this summer, I wish you all good weather and happy Scouting.

Contents 4 Welcome to the world Get your Global Challenge off to the right start with these tips, contacts and ideas

6 Lands of Adventure Give your programme a European dimension with this innovative scheme for 11-16 year olds

8 Programmes on a plate This issue’s theme is summer adventure

10 The easy guide to visits abroad Taking Scouts abroad is easier than you think say Richard Neville and Colin Simpson

12 Meeting sparklers Another wacky selection of five minute fillers

16 Radio Scouting How your Troop can take part in Jamboree-on-the-Air and continue a 50 year tradition

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Welcome The Global Challenge is one of the most exciting things you can do in the Scout Troop – you only had to see the coverage of events in 2007 to witness the truly global nature of Scouting. Ed Wilson gives you the practical guide to travelling the world – from a plane seat or just inside your meeting place

L

et’s face it, leaders can often find it difficult to implement the Global Challenge. Since the balanced programme updates in 2008 however, the challenge has become much easier to put into practice. It gives leaders the opportunity to run it by making international contact or by running a global programme, in which Scouts can explore issues that face the world today.

Flexible criteria Before starting to plan for the challenge, it is useful to know the criteria. If you want to run it as an international experience this can be done as follows: • Make contact with Scouts from another country outside the United Kingdom.

• Then take part in a Troop or Patrol activity with these Scouts. Or

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• Take part in a Patrol or Troop activity based on things found out during the international contact.

• This can be done a number of ways, for example through Nights Away in the UK or overseas, the Internet, pen pals, Jamboree on the-Air (JOTA), Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI), or Lands of Adventure.

However, if you want to run the Global Challenge as an opportunity for Scouts to explore a global issue that they feel strongly about, they need to: • choose and investigate an international issue • then complete the following: a. Show an understanding of the issues involved. b. Take some action as a result of research c. Compare how the issues affect the UK and countries overseas.

This gives three options for completing the Global Challenge and of course take Scouts one step closer to achieving the Chief Scout’s Gold Award.

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The Global Challenge

me to the world Putting it into practice

Do it yourself

So once you have chosen an area to cover there are a number of ways of completing the criteria. The simplest way to make contact with Scouts from around the world is to get your Scouts to go to the International Programme Support web pages and follow the link to the International Links scheme. By completing the simple form on the page you can make contact with Scouts from all over the world.

You can also get involved in the Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) or Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) where you will be able to make contact (see pages 16-17 for more on this).

If you want to run the Global Challenge but want to put the programme together yourself you can get lots of ideas from the GAPP Pack, available from the Scout Information Centre.

Programmes Online There are also plenty of places to find resources to help complete the Global Challenge. Activities on www.scouts. org.uk/pol provide step-by-step programmes to complete the Global Challenge. For example:

more info Despite being one of the more difficult Challenge Awards to complete there are a huge number of resources available to help you and your Scouts complete it.

You can find out details about this by going to the International web pages at www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/inter For more information just get in touch with us on 0845 300 1818 or by email at programme@scout.org.uk

Issue

Fair Trade

Poverty

Criteria A

Fairtrade – Double Fairtrade Chocolate – Bean 2 Bar

Red Nose Day 2009 – Do Something Funny for Money - What is it all about?

Criteria B

Fairtrade survey

Comic Relief ‘09 – Make Something Funny for Money – Make a funny photo exhibition

Criteria C

Fairtrade – Double Fairtrade Chocolate – Stock the Choc

Red Nose Day 2009 – Do Something Funny for Money – What is it all about?

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Lands of Adventure No it’s not a theme park, says Ed Wilson; it’s an innovative European programme for Scouts and Explorer Scouts aged 11 to 16.

If you’re looking to give your programme a European dimension then look no further

L

ands of Adventure is a challenge open to Scouts from all over the European Scout Region, which includes the United Kingdom as well as all the countries from Ireland to Greece, Portugal to Finland, and Turkey to Israel. The best bit is that the scheme integrates well into the balanced programme, giving support to such areas as the Global Challenge, the Creative Challenge or the International Partnership Award.

It could also be a good linking activity between Scouts and Explorer Scouts. There are three youth challenges within the Lands of Adventure:

Express EURself Express EURself is a project planned and undertaken by Patrols in their own programme, based on the theme of ‘Discovery’. Patrols produce their project in any media format of their choice - such as video, music, sculpture, art, dance or mural.

Express EURself will enhance young people’s awareness of belonging to a worldwide movement; it provides Scouts and leaders with ideas and suggestions for future activities and projects.

EUR Hopping The aim of EUR Hopping is to encourage Scouts from different countries to make contact and design a common project which involves • establishing contact • regular communication • joint decision on a common project • agreeing a project implemented in co-operation between the Scout Patrols/groups which involves common preparation of the project, implementation of the project and common evaluation and follow-up The Patrols can meet ‘really’ or ‘virtually’.

Europe@EUR door Europe@EUR door encourages Scouts to learn more about Scouting and explore the culture of other European countries. Scouts from all over Europe are invited to plan and implement a project that is specific to the chosen host country (or if they wish, any other country of their choice).

Europe@EUR.door invites young people to explore deeper the realities of a country and Scout Association by trying activities and projects relating to the host country.

more info To find out more about Lands of Adventure you can get details from www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/inter/programme/ world/loa/ or by going to www.landsofadventure.eu

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ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

This summer has adventure written all over it!

Scouting’s partnership with Puffin is hotting up and now you and your Scouts can benefit from some great practical resources to help them gain the Puffin Adventure Challenge

PUFFIN’S AMAZING ADVENTURE FACTS

puffin.co.uk

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hris Bradford is the author of Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior and a former Cub, Scout and Explorer. ‘I grew up in Scouting, he says. ‘The challenges, excitement and friendships I forged there made me into who I am today.

I’m not afraid to take risks, I still love hiking and have a passion for exploring new countries and cultures. Thanks to Scouting, adventure is a way of life.’

Why not get your Scouts to follow Chris’s lead and embark on the adventure of their lifetimes with the Puffin Adventure Challenge? The Scouts can choose activities from 25 cards, which include powered aircrafting with Max Gordon of the Danger Zone book series, hot air ballooning with the mastermind criminal Artemis Fowl, stunt kiting with the Young

Did you know... ...Darth Vader’s costume in Star Wars is inspired by samurai armour ...James Bond’s zodiac sign is Scorpio. ...Snowboarding was invented

by Sherman Poppen in 1965

but no less brave James Bond, surfing with a demi-god, Percy Jackson, and dragon boating with Jack Fletcher – he is Young Samurai.

Once each Scout has completed three different activities, ideally on separate occasions, it’s time to congratulate them. They have become adventurers with the very best and bravest of them all – Puffin’s own action heroes!

Order your free pack now at www.scouts.org.uk/sponsors. Just click on the Puffin logo and you’ll also find quizzes, activity sheets, words searches and lots more!

Competition Who is the author of the Young Samurai adventures? Email sally.hilton@scout.org.uk and you could WIN £200 to spend at www.scouts.org.uk/shop scouts.org.uk/pol

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Activity name

Activity

Time

Zon

43738

Hire a mobile planetarium

Flag break

5 mins

N/

39393

Human dominoes

28815

Get the prisoner

39091

Defend your area

Non-stop cricket

15 mins

Fit Ga

Stick dance

60 mins

Cre Ex De cre

Make a film

60 mins

Cre Ex De cre

Orienteering

60 mins

Sco an Ad Ac ou

Pay the ransom

60 mins

Fit Ga Ac ou

Climb or float

90 mins

Sco an Ad Ac ou

Top 5 programmes (April) from Programmes Online

Ref

4873

Landmine clearance

nture, This issue’s theme is summer adve written by Tony Taylor

POP Programmes on a plate

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Zone/Method

Instructions

N/a

The summer months lend themselves to activities outdoors. These will often last for a whole evening, so the programme ideas below should provide for several weeks. However a wet weather alternative is always prudent with the British climate!

Fit for Life Games

This all-action game is best played in an enclosed space. Set up a cricket wicket for the batsman and a marker for the bowler. Additionally, have a post about five metres away from the batsman’s wicket, but off the one side of the pitch. The bowler delivers a tennis ball underarm to the wicket. The batsman can be out in all the usual ways. If the batsman hits the ball, they must run round the post and back to their crease. In the meantime the fielders get the ball back to the bowler who delivers it as soon as it is received. The game is for one batsman and bowler at a time with the rest of the Troop fielding.

Creative Expression Design and creativity

The Scouts learn to perform a Morris stick dance. They will need to make their own sticks and costumes and find a suitable piece of music for their performance. The steps are relatively simple, but the accuracy of the stick hitting is important. Seek help from a knowledgeable parent or local Morris group to ensure this is done safely.

Creative Expression Design and creativity

Plan and produce a storyboard and script for a short film. Using the Scouts as actors and filmmakers, allocate roles and rehearse the scenes. Finally produce the film using a video camera. Completing this activity may take the Scouts several weeks depending on how ambitious their storyboard turns out.

Outdoor and Adventure Activities outdoors

Ensure that the Scouts are proficient in using a map and compass. Set up an orienteering course that can be completed in 45 minutes. Let the Scouts complete the course, either individually, in pairs or small groups according to their ability. Stress that all participants must be back at a specified time.

Fit for Life Games Activities outdoors

Organise a wide game for the Scouts based on the scenario of having to pay a ransom to retrieve a stolen item. The Scouts should be directed to two or three locations using cryptic clues or phone calls, deliver a ransom and then collect a package from a final location. Alternatively, they should observe the ransom’s collection and exchange from a hidden viewpoint. There should be sufficient clues in the choice of locations to let the Scouts guess who stole the package.

Outdoor and Adventure Activities outdoors

Take the Scouts to a local climbing wall. These are often located at sports centres and may be indoors or outdoors. Or, take the Scouts to a local canoe club. Some Scout Groups will have their own boats.

In each case, the use of qualified staff is essential. The equipment required is also specialised and may need to be hired for an evening. Check how many Scouts can be accommodated at a time and limit numbers accordingly.

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

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The easy guide to visits abroad With over 45,000 Scouts going overseas every year, it is important that the correct processes are followed says Richard Neville. However, this is not as difficult or time consuming as you might think!

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he first step is to contact your Assistant County Commissioner (International) or country equivalent and request a Visits Abroad pack.

This contains all you need to know about organising a trip or expedition, including a factsheet talking you through the process and the all-important Travel Abroad authorisation form.

Early planning It is important to start planning your visit abroad as early as possible and to include 10% contingency in your budgeting. You will also need to remember that the Nights Away procedures still need to be followed.

Both your Assistant County Commissioner (International) or country equivalent and the International Office at Headquarters will be able to answer questions that you may have. A visit overseas can be a great experience for your Troop and it’s a big world out there. Get exploring!

more info To get your planning underway, request a Visits Abroad folder, and fly over to www.scouts.org.uk/international

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VISITS ABROAD

‘Why we go international’ If I had to choose one highlight of the Scouting year, it would be our summer camps abroad, says Scout Leader, Colin Simpson

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ost of the Scouts in my Troop have only really been abroad with their families, so the opportunity of exploring a new country with their friends and finding out about a different way of life is hugely exciting for them.

When camping in the UK, the success of the camp largely relies on the activities laid on. However when camping abroad the excitement begins from the minute your journey starts. For example some Scouts may not have travelled on a plane before, never handled foreign currency and even public transport can be an adventure in itself. The whole experience of exploring a different culture makes them realise, often for the first time the world they live in exists beyond the community they live in.

Easy to organise International trips appear to be something some Troops ‘do’ and some Troops ‘don’t’.

Much of this appears to be due to the perception of difficulty and risk in providing Scouting in foreign countries. However I would argue international summer camps are no more onerous to organise than UK based camps, especially when you become familiar with the procedure and are perfectly within the reach of most Scout Troops. When visiting a Scout centre such as Kandersteg in Switzerland, it requires even less effort, as they will organise and run much of the programme on your behalf.

The good thing about trips abroad is that there is a wealth of experience around the movement to advise and support you. It would also be a good idea for your first trip abroad to join up with another Troop to learn from them.

Remember to try and make contact with some local Scouts as well – the Internet is ideal for this and locals are an excellent source of information for finding areas away from traditional tourist destinations which will add real quality to the camp.

Talk it over Finally, remember to speak with your Scouts to find the kinds of places they would like to go. A Scout Troop recently visited Auschwitz during a camp in Poland - they had been learning about it in school and it was somewhere they would like to go. There really is no limit to the opportunities available.

more info See www.kisc.ch for information about Kandersteg International Scout Centre.

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e l k r a p s g n i Meet ddle? Then your meeting is sagging in the mi Need a five minute filler? Feel like Lane to give things a lift, says Frances as ide ght bri se the try – r the fur look no

Clock face

Clear the deck

Give parts of your meeting place numbers, as if it were a clock face. Call out a 24 hour time and see who goes to right part of the hall, relative to the ‘12’ which can change from time to time.

All the players walk round the hall. On the signal, they must all get off the floor. The last player gets a point.

Least points wins!

Cliff hanger Each team is given several lengths of rope and string, of various lengths and a plastic beaker. The objective is to attach the beaker in such as way as it can be lifted across a chasm (marked on the floor, width depending on age and ability; or the whole length of the floor for older players. Put a table on each side of the chasm for each team’s start and finish points. After the beaker has been attached and before it’s lifted, it’s filled with water.

This is easier to play if your meeting place has beams, but it’s not impossible without them. At some point at least the beaker must be lifted above head height. The players will need some time and paper and pencil to work out how they’re going to do it.

Chair carry Put the players into three. Two of them make a ‘seat’ with their arms and carry the third person to the end of the meeting place.

Snowballs Each team has an equal number of snowballs (scrunched up pieces of paper) and an equal area of the hall. The idea is to get rid of your own snowballs and to keep the other teams out of your area. Stop every now and then to count up and redistribute.

Number ball The players stand in a large circle. In the middle is a leader with a large ball. She throws it to each player in turn, counting the catch and return as ‘one’ ‘two’ etc. The idea is to see how high a score the players can reach without the ball being dropped. If the ball is dropped, the count starts again at ‘one.’ Nobody wins or loses; each player is trying hard for the team.

Knot race This game is useful for testing knot knowledge – make sure Scouts are confident with two or three knots before trying it. Ask the Scouts to form up into teams. One player from each team then races to the end of the hall and are told by a leader which knot to tie. They must then race

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Games and Activities

lers

back to their team and tag the next player, who then carries on.

Number ball The players stand in a large circle. In the middle is a leader with a large ball. She throws it to each player in turn, counting the catch and return as ‘one’ ‘two’ etc. The idea is to see how high a score the players can reach without the ball being dropped. If the ball is dropped, the count starts again at ‘one.’ Nobody wins or loses; each player is trying hard for the team.

Catch the thief One player is blindfolded and must try and catch the others, who are only allowed to take three steps for the whole game. Once they have taken them, they can duck and dodge, but they must keep their feet still. Anyone caught becomes the new ‘policeman.’

Thanks to Printforce for permission to reprint these games. A selection of games books are available from the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 or www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre

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S

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Kick it, stomp it, crush it and the Really Big Oball bounces right back to a perfectly formed sphere. Great fun and amazingly durable, it can be used in a meeting place, garden, campsite or on the beach.

This 65 litre Karrimor Bobcat 65 rucksack has lots of great features for a few days’ trek. Features include: • Supercool back system • Grab handle • Side compression straps • Two compartments • Removable sit mat • Key clip • Pocket in lid for additional storage • Front map pocket • Two mesh wand pockets • Lid shock cord carrying system • Ice axe/walking pole attachment Weight: 1480g, Colour: Cobalt/Cinder

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).

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Recycling in action In spring 2009, 34 Scouts and their leaders met up at the Materials Recycling Facility in Milton Keynes to officially launch the Serco sponsored Environment Partnership Award. Find out why they’re making some noise about the environment

P

icture the scene: a group of excitable Scouts are crowded onto a viewing platform while machines bang and whirr beneath them, separating recyclable items from rubbish.

Some items are separated by being shaken, while paper and card has to be hand sorted to prevent contamination from small pieces of plastic. Other machines use magnets to either pick up the steel cans or repel aluminium cans and foil.

Elsewhere there is a machine that scans all plastic items to check whether they can be recycled or not. By the end of the journey all of the items are sorted into separate skips where they are compressed into bales ready to be sent off to be recycled into something new

Serious about the environment A fun filled and noisy evening was had by all but the key message of the Serco sponsored badge was loud and clear: if we’re serious about the environment, we need to drastically reduce the amount of refuse we send to landfill.

The following day, to reinforce the point, some of the Scouts met up with the Secretary of State for the

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at Defra headquarters in London where they were awarded their badges and made their views known.

Order your free pack Why not follow suit and get your Scouts recycling by ordering a free resource pack from www.scouts.org.uk/ sponsor? You could even organise a trip to your local Materials Recycling Facility. You will need to be quick if you want a resource pack they are flying off the shelves and we only have 88 left in stock.

Finally don’t forget to send us a description of your project, your results and lots of before and after pictures to scouts@serco.com You’ll be entered into our prize draw to win a tailor made activity day for your Troop.

Happy recycling!

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PROMOTION

Get sorted for your

Big Adventure If your big camp is just around the corner, then it’s not too late to get expert advice on the right kit to take. Millets has teamed up with The Scout Association as your recommended exclusive High Street outdoor retailer and major sponsor of The Big Adventure

for the big adventure

A

ll Scout Groups and parents will be invited to a special exclusive Big Adventure Open Evenings at their local Millets store. Staff will be on hand to provide an overview of products so that you may make informed choices as well as get advice on any aspect of the outdoors.

These may include: • introduction to camping for newcomers • exclusive previews of new product ranges • preferential discounts and special deals • Hints and tips for hiking and camping • boot fitting services

✁

Contact your local Millets Store Manager by logging onto their Storefinder at www.millets.co.uk or to arrange your Big Adventure evening with Millets. They look forward to welcoming you!

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Scouts taking part in the first Jamboree-on-the-Air in 1958.

Radio Scouting Has your Troop ever taken to the airwaves? Chris James speaks to Richard Gaskell about why amateur radio is still a relevant activity for Scouts, not to mention how Jamboree-on-the-Air is a brilliant way to complete the international element of the balanced programme

I

n 1957 some Scouts were sitting together in a coffee bar in the afterglow of the historic Jamboree-Indaba-Moot at Sutton Park, Birmingham. They had just celebrated the Centenary of B-P’s birth and were wondering what to do next. These Scouts were also radio buffs and the Jamboree had helped run an amateur radio station which had brought them together. They struck upon one of the most enduring ideas the Movement has ever seen – a way to bring the Scouts of the world together more cheaply than getting them to travel to the same field.

So began Jamboree-on-the Air or JOTA as it is more commonly known (it rhymes with ROTA in case you were wondering). By international agreement the third full weekend in October was adopted for the event.

International at home Remarkably, 51 such annual JOTAs have taken place, all in the same weekend each October. Over this time, tens of millions of Scouts have taken part, often without leaving their own town.

‘Quite simply, it’s an opportunity to do international

activities at home,’ says Richard Gaskell, JOTA Coordinator. ‘Scouts can speak to Scouts in the next town, in the next County, country and if you’re lucky, the next continent.‘

Getting started Anyone in Scouting can get involved in the event. ‘The best way to get started is to ask whether any Scout leaders or parents hold an amateur radio transmitting licence. If not, then get in touch with the local amateur radio club,’ says Richard. ‘It’s quite likely that they will have helped Scouts in the past. Once you have decided to take What: Jamboree-on-the-Air 2009 When: Midnight on Friday 16 October to Midnight on 18 October How to get involved: Contact the UK JOTA Team at Gilwell Park or email richard.neville@scout.org.uk Factsheet: Jamboree On the Air (FS120521) Websites: www.scouting-radio.org.uk and www.scouts.org.uk/jota

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g

Troop Activity

part, it is also important that you inform certain people. As well as advertising the event to the members of your Group, you should also inform your District Commissioner, County Adviser (Amateur Radio) if there is one, and ACC (Activities). You should also register you interest with the UK JOTA Team at Gilwell Park.

Richard’s advice is to plan your participation in JOTA as part of a day of activities. ‘Because only one or two Scouts can go on air at the same time, it’s best to have some other activities on offer so everyone is occupied. That way no one gets bored or impatient.’

But why in an age of mobile phones should Scouts still bother with radio? ‘I liken it to going to a club or even the pub,’ says Richard, You pop down there and just fall into conversation. I always encourage Scouts to think about what they are going to say in advance,’ Richard recommends. ‘They can talk about anything they like of course, but Scouting activities are always a popular subject – what skills they’ve been learning, what they’re cooking for lunch, what badges they are going for and so on.’

Overcoming language barriers Of course Scouting is an international language, but what about the practicalities of speaking to Scouts from another country? ‘Fortunately for us, English is the world language of amateur radio,’ says Richard. There are also some universally recognised abbreviations: for example QTH means ‘My location is . . . ‘ Today Jamboree-on-the-Air goes hand in hand with Jamboree-on-the-Internet which takes place over the same weekend (again, contact Richard Neville at Gilwell or visit www.joti.org) However there is something about the thrill of the crackling airwaves, that means it still has a certain magic for Scouts of all ages.

Did you know?

• Scouts could earn a Radio Wireless Badge as early as 1923 (Baden-Powell was an early radio enthusiast!)

• As part of Jamboree-on-the-Air, some lucky Scouts from Cawston, Norfolk made radio contact with the International Space Station.

Crew Commander Frank Culbertson wore his Scouting t-shirt while he chatted to them!

Guidelines for leaders

• This is a chance for all Scouts to take part in an international Jamboree.

• Do make contact with leaders, parents or local amateur radio clubs well in advance.

Many are willing to put their knowledge and equipment to work for the Scouts during JOTA. • Do build up to the event with some international programme activities.

• Remember that Jamboree on the Air is a Scout event and as such you are in charge.

• Remember that radio equipment is expensive so keep a firm control of those attending.

• Do return the Jamboree-on-the-Air report form after the event.

• Don’t assume that all radio amateurs are expert communicators with young people.

• Do thank the radio amateurs for their help.

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All fired up Chubb Fire is once again calling on Scout Troops nationwide to put their creative skills into action and spread the message of fire safety for its annual competition

C

hristmas may seem like a long way off, but we need your attention now. This year’s competition challenges Troops to design a Christmas card on the theme of ‘Keeping safe from fire around Christmas and New Year’. The winning design is to be used as Chubb Fire’s Christmas e-card, sent to its customers and contacts over the 2009 Christmas period.

The competition is open to all Scout Troops in the UK. As well as the chance to see your Troop’s design reproduced as an e-card, winning entrants will receive prize money of £300 to be put towards an outdoor activity. The two runners up will win prizes of £100 each.

The closing date for entries is Thursday 1 October, with the winning design to be announced on Friday 30 October.

Spark of creativity ‘Previous entries to the annual competition have been of a very high standard,’ says Jane Garland, Chubb Fire’s Marketing and Communications Manager. ‘It is always great to see so many Scouts getting into the festive spirit early to enter the competition.’

The competition comes as part of Chubb Fire’s ongoing support for The Scout Association and its commitment to

tition

Compe

Win £300!

spreading the fire safety message. Chubb is the long running sponsor of the Fire Safety Activity Badge, which offers the Scouts invaluable advice on fire prevention, detection and escape routes should a fire break out. Since its introduction in November 2003 more than 65,000 Scouts have received the badge, making it one of the most popular of all.

Live demonstrations As part of the badge requirements, Scouts need to be able to recognise which fire extinguisher puts out which type of fire. Chubb Fire also offers live fire demonstrations, giving Scouts the opportunity, within a safe controlled environment, to use fire extinguishers and fire blankets on a live fire. These hands-on events always prove extremely popular, and after a successful series of demonstrations earlier in the year, there is one more planned in Sunburyon-Thames on the Thursday 29 October 2009.

more info For further details about the competition and the Fire Safety Badge, visit www.chubb.co.uk/scouts

18 Scouts June/July 2009

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