Warwickshire Scouts
www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk
Issue 92 - November 2011
Swedish Adventure
After 2 years of preparation, 4 training camps, and many hours of fundraising UK Contingent Unit 79 - British Bearways have now completed their Jamboree adventure… and what an adventure! Of course nobody really knew what to expect. I mean yes, we had an idea of the programme and I had done my best to bore the unit with stories of past Jamborees, but every Jamboree is different. Now I would love to write here page upon page of mad ramblings about what we did and who we met, but I think for that I would need the entire WISPA! So I’ll do my best to keep it brief and give you a flavour…
Our experience started in Copenhagen, Denmark, for a preevent gathering of the entire 4,000 strong UK Contingent. The streets were awash with woggles! We were the last UK Unit to arrive, but of course we knew the party couldn’t start until Warwickshire were in town! The next couple of days were ram packed with adventure – the highlights being a powerboat ride along the river, and a party for all 4,000 Scouts! The Unit Leaders did their best to join in the dancing, but I fear that has only led to many embarrassing pictures…
World Jamboree | Beavers at Camp | DofE update | Scouting for all
And a massive welcome from me to the next Scouting term!
I hope you all had amazing summers, but now its time to get back to doing what we do best; and with Halloween, Bonfire Night and a run in to Christmas it’s quite simply the most wonderful time of the Scouting year for our programme! I wonder what adventures are in store for all our members… as Bear Grylls has been known to say – Stay Safe, Go Wild! Personally I would like to thank all of you who turned out for our Warwickshire AGM. We were thinking differently this year, with the business side of things kept short and the focus of the evening on celebrating our successes it was a fantastic night. There are so many things to be proud of, but let’s not rest up. Over the next year I’ll be turning my attention to answering the questions of how do we keep up the pace of our growth, how do we make sure that our programme is the best it can be, and how do we make sure that we really are working in partnership with our younger members? Now I bet you all have your own ideas, which is great – so let’s act on them. Don’t be afraid to try something new, especially if you think it can benefit Scouting. You can make the difference, you already do! So go for it! I want to thank everybody for their hard work, and I’ve been really impressed with the various events I’ve had opportunity to attend – 1st Alcester’s Centenary celebration springs to mind, well done Richard (GSL) and the team! As does Explor11 – once again setting the bar high for offering our young people a chance to be all they can be; well done Jo-ann (Programme and Activities Manager) and the team! Warwickshire really is setting the standard for all to follow; you’re fantastic people, and I am one happy CC. BRAVO! Andy
County Chairman Firstly, thank you to everyone who took the time to attend this year’s AGM. Your interest in the way the County is progressing was demonstrated by the numbers of delegates and variety of groups represented. The main business of the evening is necessary to the running of the County and, by its nature, can be a ‘dry’ affair. This was kept as short as possible in order to provide time for people to look at the presentations in the Atrium which lightened the formalities and, at the same time, provided the opportunity for the various groups who attended to showcase what they had been participating in during the year. It was a very positive atmosphere and, I would hope, reassured all that the County is in good hands with Andy at the helm. Those of you who could not make the meeting will find the annual report gives an excellent insight into what we achieved over the last year and what we aim to achieve over the next twelve months. Finally, on behalf of the members of the Executive Committee, I should like to thank all members of Scouting in Warwickshire for their support and enthusiastic commitment. We look forward to working closely with you over the next year. Sid Russell | County Chairman
Faster… Stronger… Bigger… Better Are you inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games? With your recent Scouting magazine, you will have received a special ‘Our Sporting Adventure’ supplement full of ideas and activities to help you get inspired.
Managers & Supporters Training Weekend 28-29 January 2012
Beaver Scouts have only been allowed to camp since April 2011 and this was the first opportunity that the busy Shipston Colony had found to set up the tents, having already participated in two indoor sleepovers this year.
Beaver Scout Camp – a First for Shipston! Nights Away Badges were awarded to 12 Shipston Beaver Scouts, who took part in their first ever Beaver Scout Camp recently. The excited campers set up their site on Hardiman’s Field and spent the evening exploring, designing and building cane gadgets and playing games. The Beavers were joined by 18 Shipston Cubs. The Cubs completed a four mile hike to get to the site, each earning a Hikes and Nights Away Badge for their fantastic effort. All of the youngsters joined together for supper, followed by a very noisy singing session around the campfire which ended with everyone devouring melted marshmallows and hot chocolate. Angie Dexter, ADC Beaver Scouts said: ‘It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved and planning for the next camp is already underway. Being a leader offers a great social life with the chance to gain new skill and have fun while helping others.’ Cameron a Beaver Scout said: ‘It was awesome I can’t wait to go camping again.’
Beaver Leaders Weekend 23-25 March 12
Rugby Beaver Camp July On the wettest weekend in July, Stretton 14 Beavers went to camp for their first time ever! And it was great! Our lovely Scouts and Leaders got up in thunderstorms to put up the tents. The aim was to introduce the Beavers to basic camping skills, i.e. why don’t you wear your shoes in a tent, how do you lay your bedding out, why do you not play tig around the tent, etc. After the initial talk about keeping things together and laying out bedding, they set off for the first challenge. The girls managed quite well - the tent did look fairly well organised, the boys, well, they needed a bit of help! The Beavers helped to make lunch, loved washing up and had a great time going on a bear hunt round Rough Close. We built fires, toasted marshmallows, played parachute games, did a bit of pioneering and had free time and joined in a campfire, run by a local school. After a ‘put up a pop up tent competition’ and wide game they were all in but by 10 bet needless to say the last girls voice was heard at 1.30am and the first boy woke at 5am!! At 12 noon they were all picked up, wet, tired, filthy, but with beams and smiles which made it all worthwhile. We loved our first camp, and are already thinking about next year! Kerry Perks The photo of the boys in their tent was their first attempt at setting out their beds (bearing in mind I had spent 20 mins in the tent demonstrating what it should look like!!)
Beavers Birthday Bash To celebrate 25 years of Beaver Scouting, West Wa r w i c k s h i r e District decided to visit West Midland Safari Park. Two coaches descended on the park, delivering Beavers from Alcester, Wilmcote, Studley, Henley and Tanworth. It was a boiling hot day but the trip round the animal park was great. Having seen the animals we all had a picnic, including a slice of cake especially made for our birthday by Angie Beaver (yes that really is her surname). Pam Sturdy made a suggestion that for our birthday present we could adopt-a-buddy – a white tiger. We put all the Beavers names in a hat and picked Henry Clifton who took home a package of posters, crayons etc. After lunch we went around the rides, the log flume was much needed on this hot day. We all had ice creams (thanks Wendy) and we left the park at 5 pm exhausted but happy. Thank you to all the adults who made the day so easy.
Nuneaton Beaver Sleepover As part of their Outdoor Challenge, a group of 12 Beavers from the 11th Nuneaton Woodland Colony took part in a sleepover at group HQ. Firstly, the Beavers got to learn some fundamental Scouting skills such as how to pack a rucksack and knotting. Our intrepid adventurers then put up their own tents and gathered round the campfire for a sing-song. Next the Beavers settled down to watch a 3D movie with hot chocolate and sweeties. By the time this was over everyone was pretty tired but we still managed to enjoy an impromptu pillow fight before it was time for lights out! Victoria Stapleton (Beaver Leader)
Top Awards for Stratford Explorer Scouts A collective 200 years worth of Scouting including over 800 ‘nights away’ and 150 days worth of hiking was recognised at the Annual Presentation Night of Stratford District Explorer Scouts (TRED Unit) recently. The 14 to 18 year olds all take an active role in planning the unit programme which enables them to have a great time whilst achieving the Awards on offer.
Queen Scout Dan performing in his 10th consecutive gang show in 2011
Ten members of the Unit clocked up a fantastic eleven top Awards including Daniel Hayward (18) who was presented with The Queen’s Scout Award by CC Andy Shorter.
R h i a n n o n Hawthorn, Aimee Dyos and Ross McIntosh achieved their Chief Scout Platinum Award and Freya Shutleworth, Sarah Ives, Ollie Simpson, Rhiannon Hawthorn, Will Gough, Dan Walsh and George Hayward completed the Chief Scout Diamond Award. Congratulations to them all.
Safeguarding training- did you know? More than 800 adults in the County have received Safeguarding training in the last three years. This is a really positive message and highlights our commitment to providing the best possible protection to the children in our care. However, there are over 200 adults with an appointment in Scouting who have not undertaken this training in the last three years - or ever! It is now a requirement under POR, for anyone holding an appointment needing to have completed safeguarding training before a review can take place. Why wait? Please ask your training manager to book me in to deliver the training to you locally! Mike Hayward | Safeguarding Awareness Coordinator
Cub Leaders Weekend 13-14 October 2012
Scouting for All Have you seen the links in Scouting+ for the Black History Month programme? Have a look at Programmes Online for African Masks & Famous British Black People. Scouting+ also featured a link (http://scouts. org.uk/news/440/special-scouts) a programme featuring a very positive Beaver Colony, naturally including a girl with Special Needs, using Makaton (sign language) with Mr. Tumble. Available on BBC iplayer at the time of writing. Difficult behaviour? Try diversion and de-fusing, rather than confrontation. Coming alongside the young person often works wonders. Looking for ways of giving service? Explorers undertake 3 months service for the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award and 6 months for Platinum. There is a Pack or Colony near you with a youngster with Special Needs who needs 1:1 support. Ask me or your District Special Needs Adviser. Training available. And lastly … why not celebrate Diwali in good Scouting style with fire and food (but no beef). Don’t forget to reflect for a moment that the story is about the triumph of good over evil and the part we can play in making that happen! Ann Howe | Special Needs Advisor
New ACC’s in post Kim Marston has taken up the reins as ACC Beaver Scouts. Steve Bennett has been appointed ACC Explorer Scouts. Kim Marston - ACC Beaver Scouts
Both Steve and Kim have had long and varied Scouting careers and are looking forward to the challenges their respective roles present. Contact details for all members of the County Team can be found on the back page.
Steve Bennett - ACC Explorer Scouts
Swedish Adventure, cont’d The day after the party saw the long journey to the Jamboree, near the town of Rinkaby, Sweden. For those of you unfamiliar with a World Scout Jamboree it’s a bit like the Olympics of Scouting; it occurs every four years and brings together representatives from around the world… 40,000 of them. Actually in other words… like Glastonbury but a lot more polite… During the time at the Jamboree the programme is designed to get participants talking to as many different people as possible, so that they can make new friends, experience new cultures, and most importantly understand what it truly means to be a Scout. For British Bearways it was 10 days of incredibly random experiences… not least my morning briefings which mainly consisted of making sure everybody used the anti-bacterial hand cleaner; hygiene is key you know! So what did happen? Well firstly we met Bear. Oh yes. Paying a special visit to our Unit Bear branded us Champion Scouts (of course!) before going on to open the entire Jamboree by abseiling in from the roof of the stage! We then went on to experience our senses in a night activity called dream, flooded model villages by mistake in an activity called Earth, and became the HAPPIEST CITY IN THE WORLD!!! at an activity called People. But it was Quest where the real action was at; here we threw axes, got lost in mazes and raced around an assault course; real Scouting! In between all this we had a culture day where the Unit served high tea including cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off, as well as donned full on St Georges Cross capes, socks, wigs and face-paint for a mass party. We had opportunity to experience the Swedish Countryside… and ticks… in a specially arranged hike-in-camp. Not to mention visit the various food houses serving traditional dishes from around the world (The UK House was shaped like a castle! I love Castles…).
Network Winter Camp 10-11 December 2011
County News: > Ken Collingwood, former DC of Rugby and member of Scout Active Support, passed away over the summer. Ken’s service to Scouting spanned 59 years as an adult. > Warwick & Leamington District Cubs joined together over the summer to enjoy a sports day. Great fun was had by all with Warwick lifting the inter-district ‘tug of war’ trophy! Sandra Broom
Swedish Adventure, cont’d
UK Commissioner presents Gold Awards During the
summer, 1st Heathcote Scouts were lucky enough to have Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner, present four Chief Scout Gold awards at CamJam2011.
Will, Tom, Dan and Colm have been members since they were all Beavers together and have progressed through the sections together. As part of the Gold award they completed a major expedition by cycling 36 miles between Stratford and their base in Warwick Gates. Phil Houghton (Scout Leader) said ‘It was great to see Wayne out and about meeting the Scouts and for someone with such a high profile to be able to present these awards.’
Talk to me Warwickshire! My name is Jon Ellard and I am your County’s Media Development Manager looking after relations with all media and press outlets. It is my job to ‘shout about Scouting’ in Warwickshire! Please do get in contact with me before your event and if I can I’ll come along to take snaps and get the details. 1st Hampton Magna has just celebrated their 40th anniversary with an activity day for their members, one of the media team went along and they were featured in Warwick news outlets. Large or small, every event has a story to be told. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing your Scouting in action. Jon Ellard | 07590460146 | Jonellard@googlemail.com
Of course all good things must come to an end, and to the sounds of the Final Countdown, played LIVE by Europe, with rain lashing down and fireworks exploding all around us, the closing ceremony marked the end of the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. It wasn’t straight home – the final part of our adventure was home hospitality in Drensteinfurt, Germany. Our hosts, Sebastian and Anke, of the DPSG Scout Group in Drenstienfurt were amazing, and the families so welcoming. We had BBQs, went on possibly the craziest water slide at a water park ever, played swing golf, shopped, climbed, and above all else cycled more than I think I’ve ever cycled before! Still walking funny now… Alas though it really was then time to come home, and on 12 August 2011 our British Airways flight landed into Heathrow and our coach bought us home to Warwickshire. As I was leaving the plane the captain pulled me to one side and told me that the Unit were the best group of youngsters he had ever had on a plane, and his cabin staff had reported that they were incredibly polite, pleasant and fun young people. I couldn’t have put it better myself. It has been 2 years worth of adventure ending in an experience of a lifetime; but it wasn’t what we did that made it so, it’s who we went with. The 36 young people of Unit 79 were fantastic, and a real honour to lead. Above all else, however, this wouldn’t have been possible without Tony Marsella, Will Addison and Jane Newbould – brilliant leaders who have kept me sane, and remained dedicated to ensuring the young people got everything they could out of the adventure. True Scouts, thank you. Here’s to Japan 2015! Andy Shorter | Unit Leader – British Bearways
Explorer Leader Training Weekend - 26th-27th November
Duke of Edinburgh Award Up-date My time in Kandersteg 2011 My wife and I spent 2 weeks as Chaplains to the Scouts at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in Switzerland, permanent miniJamboree. The centre is in a beautiful area being as high as Snowdon with lots of huge peaks around. A large range of activities are offered by its well led and committed team of helpers, ‘the Pinkies’, who make a Scouting tour in Kandersteg an unforgettable experience! My personal highlights are the huge international camp fire, an international evening where we tried each others’ foods, going on challenging hikes and hearing back about the rock climbing adventures from younger Scouts. Along with the various styles of accommodation, great food at KISC and opportunity to link up internationally this is a must for Scout groups looking to do a tour overseas. Roger Horsley | Chaplain to 1st Heathcote Scouts, Warwick.
Congratulations to Steven Haynes, Andrew Boffin and Neal Dodd (Nuneaton Central) Explorers on completing their Silver awards. Good luck to them all as they embark on their Gold Award work. Lots of individuals and Groups are registering to participate in the scheme each month. This summer saw the first DofE leader training course held in Warwickshire for nearly 18 months. More courses are being planned for early in the new year, covering Intro to the Award, Expedition Supervisors Training Course and the Expedition Assessor Accreditation Scheme. I will update the County Website and WISPA once dates are confirmed. For more information on DofE, whether participant or leader, please read the relevant sections on the county website which will answer a few basic questions. For specific advice please do not hesitate to contact me, either by telephone or email. If I can’t answer your question directly then I certainly know who can. Helen Heenan | County DofE Advisor
Haarlem Jamborette
2nd Southam Scout Group had a fantastic time at the 11th Haarlem Jamborette in the Netherlands and this summer. There were 2,500 Scouts representing a total of 16 countries, from as a far afield as Australia and America. After a year of fund raising events and sponsorship from local businesses, a contingent of 42 Scouts, Explorers and Leaders travelled by coach and ferry overnight to the Jamboree 20 miles west of Amsterdam. Ten action packed days followed with a full programme of activities including; hikes, scuba diving, sports, boat trips, crafts, a visit to a theme park, rafting and pioneering. The fun continued into the evenings each day, with camp fires, parties and raves! The camp was divided into four sub-camps with Scouts from each earning points for participation and the enthusiasm they put in to the activities. A varied and plentiful supply of food was provided and a rota meant everyone had a turn as head chef and dish washer. The Explorers made an effort to meet and greet every other Explorer unit attending. Many friendships were forged and numerous memories made on what was a truly unforgettable experience. A weary bunch climbed on board the coach after the closing ceremony and several hours the travellers met by a large crowd of family and friends. Southam Scout Group enjoyed the Jamborette so much; they have already registered for the camp in 2015! Andrew Steel
Cub General Knowledge Quiz 20 November 2011
County useful numbers:
Dairy Dates:
Use contact information on website.
2011 19 November - Scouts Bear Trek 20 November - Cub General Knowledge Quiz 26-27 November - Explorer Leader weekend 10-11 December - Network Winter Weekend 2012 23-25 March - Beaver Leader Weekend 16 June - Beaver Fun Day 13-14 October - Cub Leader weekend For more information & specific training details please consult the County website calendar.
BearTrek 11 2011
An 8km Incident Hike Saturday 19th November 8.30am to 7.00pm | £7.50 pp
Groups 4-6 scouts – average age 13yrs or less. Includes participation in Event, Chill Out & BBQ after event to 7:00pm | All scouts welcome. Bear Trek - Weekend Camping Package
Warwickshire Managers & Supporters Training Weekend 28-29 January 2012 at Blaby Scout Centre, Winchester Road, Blaby, Leicester. LE8 4HN Open to all Managers and Supporters, e.g. GSLs, DCs, ADCs, ACCs The content will include aspects from modules 20-26 delivered in a fun and different way. It’s free and you can stay over for the weekend and get to know others in a similar role from around the county. To book speak to your LTM who will supply further information.
18th to 20th Nov | £25pp (inc. BT fee) Includes: Friday night supper & entertainment, Saturday Breakfast, participation in Event, Chill Out & BBQ, Saturday evening Disco from 8pm, Sunday Breakfast Sunday morning Air Rifle tournament Venue: 5 Ways Lakes|Wolvey|Nuneaton District more info/forms: Phil e: beartrek2011@loopyphil.co.uk|m: 07714 438783
Local Training Manager needed for the Warwick District. Are you enthusiastic, want to pass on your skills or perhaps you want to step back from front line Scouting to develop our leaders? Contact: Sam Marshall (CTM) to discuss the role requirements and an informal chat on 02476 743885
7th January 2012 - all articles & adverts. Contact: Alan Peedle 5 Broomybank, Kenilworth CV8 2SF | 01926 851195 | alan@acstededesign.co.uk