NO. 4•FEBRUARY - 2011
When we buy a sound equipment we look for the high fidelity. That means that the sound from the equipment is the same as the source that generates the original sound. If we play a song from a CD, the high fidelity makes that we can heard this song from the equipment as the singer and the orchesta are side by us. The same means when we talk about the Fidelity or the Loyality of a person. A loyal person is who is the same all the time and he or she can keep his or her commitments and his or her ideals. A scout is loyal. Loyality in Scouting is the same for our leaders and for the people who follow us. A scout is loyal with his parents, with God and specially with him/herself. We are loyal to them being trustworthy and coherent. We have to act in the same way all the time. More even when anybody are watching us. We know well the bad habit of talking bad about someone who is not present. It is like a game. We enjoy the meetings talking about who is absent. We are not loyal when we play this game. We have to avoid this bad habit, we have to talk only fine about the others and avoid to talking bad when they are not present. Loyality to ourselves is very important, we can fool others but no to ourselves. Our convictions and our values have to be the same all the time. If we keep the promises done to ourselves we can keep the promises done to others. Let us to start being loyal with ourselves. Let us to demostrate that we can be the same person all the time acting according our thoughts and values allways. If we can do this we can see that we can be loyal with others and then get their trust. Yours in Scouting Raúl Sánchez Vaca Regional Director World Scout Bureau Interamerican Region
O. SUB . UMBRA . FLORE
SCOUTING FOR EVERYTHING Scouting for everything and everybody is one of the aims our founder hoped for the world. Though we are on the point of covering the globe, there is still much to do as it is not just a matter of crossing geographic frontiers but cultural, religious and linguistic differences as well. Many of us can share stories giving clear examples of how our movement has grown.
I want to take the
opportunity
a
to
recall
for
you
very
interesting
experience on a visit to an important Coptic church in Cairo.
Truthfully, the emotion of meeting these Scouts was very great as even in Jamborees it would be difficult to
This Greek Coptic Christian Church has over a million
meet them. I felt they were brother Scouts fighting for
followers and is one of the most visited churches by
the cause and working for their religion aware of the
tourists because of its magnificent architecture and its
religious pressures. They are committed to working in
importance to its worshippers.
the church with children and the young to teach them about our founder and at the same time convey to them
In addition, to this singular feature, the Christian Coptic
the joy of being a Scout and a Christian Coptic.
religion came into being as a result of a break with the Orthodox Church. The word “Coptic” means Egypt in
Once again seeing the portrait of BP while the Scouts
the Coptic language, which is an ancient form of
paraded “IM de POSIBLE” (??) made me aware that
Egyptian. Christian Egypt is not widespread, as it
these brothers deserve our admiration and support. It
specific to Egypt. However, there are followers all round
is difficult to describe to the world but I am certain there
the world who are as to be expected other Egyptians.
are many such anonymous heroes around the world working for the benefit of their country.
The interesting fact is that Friday is the holy day when the faithful go to Mass and it is the equivalent to Sunday in the West. There is a group of Scouts who serve at the altar during mass and act as the priest’s right hand. They then join up together afterwards. What attracted me was not the Scouts assisting, but that they were Christian Coptic Scouts in an Egyptian Islamic world knowing they represent only 8% of a population of some 80 million.
Meeting Christian Coptic Scouts was
like “encountering a flower in the desert.”
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SCOUT ADVENTURE IN THE SWISS ALPS sharing experiences. As organizers we collaborated in the running the centre; the campsite, the chalets and the activities. I spent the summer on the campsite as part of a team. My colleagues also became my family for the summer. The great attraction of working on the campsite was the contact with Scout groups from across the world. This made the Kandersteg experience really special. On our free days we went mountain hiking, visited different Swiss towns or simply stayed at the campsite enjoying the company of colleagues.
Hi, my name is Rene and I want to tell you about a recent adventure. It all began in the summer of 2006 when I spent a week at the International Scout Centre in Kandersteg accompanied by two Rovers. The experience made such an impact that this summer I decided to apply for a staff position at the centre. In due course, I was accepted and as a result I had one of the most memorable experiences of my life. KISC is located in the centre of the Swiss Alps, about 60 Km south of Berne and is open all the year round with facilities and activities prepared by Scouts from all over the world.
This experience taught me many things: a different view of the world, an appreciation of the mountains which are really impressive and new skills from the tasks I had to undertake. But without doubt the greatest benefit was getting to know Scouts from many different regions and especially the bonding with my work colleagues with whom over a period of three months I shared my daily life working, playing and learning new languages, appreciating different cultures and living as a family. Visiting the International Scout Centre at Kandersteg was a great experience and is to be recommended to any Scout group looking for an unforgettable adventure.
This year the organizers numbered 70 with 32 different nationalities. Many, like me, arrived on 12th June and we spent three months
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EYE-CARE, MYTHS AN REALITIES Vision is the perfect and most highly developed of the human senses. Have you ever thought how such a complex miracle as sight evolved? The images that go from the eyes to the brain create three dimensional vision (tri-dimensional) with depth and perspective. It is important to understand that we “see� through the brain but in order to see the brain is stimulated through nerves. It is for this reason we need to have eyes. This explains why blind people after an accident, for example, can still have eyes but not see because of damaged optical nerves in the brain. On the other hand, a person blinded with a cornea that becomes opaque following an accident can have sight restored through a cornea implant. For people who are in contact with children and adolescents, it is easy to realize that when they have difficulty seeing it is necessary to make regular check-ups with pediatrician and to keep medical records. Periodic check-ups are particularly recommended for those suffering from diabetes, hypertension or some visual problem. Accidents and eye damage require special care particularly when participating in outdoor activities such as camping, excursions and expeditions in the sun which can cause cornea burn, cancer of the eyelids, cataracts and other eye problems.
Children are especially vulnerable as the crystalline in their eyes does not block UV rays as effectively as with adults. Children usually spend more time outdoors than their parents, frequently in places where there is sun, such as in camps, mountains, beaches, swimming pools and amusement parks. Damage to the eyes caused by the sun is cumulative. In a work environment such as an office, it is necessary to have a policy of care based on the design of the work area given that we spend so much time in these places. This policy needs to take into account the positioning of the equipment, the computers, chemical products, machinery, technical equipment etc. in addition to the training of the staff.
MYTHS AND REALITIES: Myth: Reading in bad light or too much can be harmful. Reality: Reading in bad light or too much is tiring for the eyes but not damaging. Myth: Using a computer is harmful to the eyes Reality: Using a computer is associated with tiredness but does not damage the eyes. Myth: Sitting close to the television is harmful to the eyes Reality: There is no scientific proof that sitting very close to a television is harmful to the eyes Myth: If you need glasses your eyes are not healthy Reality: The need to wear glasses has nothing to do with the health of your eyes but with the size and shape of your eyes and changes due to age. Myth: Eye tests are not necessary before the age of 40 to 50 years of age. Reality: Eye problems can occur at any time. As one gets older, eye problems increase. Myth: Eating a lot of carrots is good for the eyes. Reality: A good diet is important for health including the eyes. The origin of this myth is that carrots contain Vitamin A which is necessary in small quantities for the health of the eyes but a balanced diet which includes Vitamin A is all that is required. Account needs to be taken that an excess of Vitamin A can be harmful.
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WORLD SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY, 20TH FEBRUARY
When talking about social justice many factors have to be taken into account, such as political orientation, religious beliefs, social and political philosophy. A general definition of social justice is difficult to understand and still more difficult to implement. In essence social justice means equality before the law, not just in courts and criminal justice but in all aspects of society. This requires acceptance by all in equal measure of the principles of equal rights and opportunities for everyone from the very poor to the rich and powerful. According to a unanimous resolution by adopted in the General Assembly of the UN on 19th November 2007, the initiative coincides with efforts by the same organization to confront the problems of poverty, marginalization and unemployment. The participants at this meeting called for the eradication of poverty, the promotion of fullemployment and social integration as their development objectives.
The resolution recognized the need to consolidate the efforts of the international community to eradicate poverty, generate full-employment and jobs, gender equality, social welfare and justice for all. These objectives established the commitment to promote national and international economic systems based on the principles of justice, democracy, participation, transparency, open accounting and inclusion. The LCC is an independent and permanent court of justice for persons accused of the most serious international and world crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. But how? And who defines “justice” and “equality”? Who should be in charge for establishing a just and fair location? How to put into practice matters relating to social justice?...Until now these questions have not been resulted in concrete solutions and still less precise answers. However, none of these reasons should be allowed to override the need to aspire to a just society.
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CANIF 2011 The Association des Scouts du Canada (ASC) will be hosting a national and international training camp, entitled CANIF (penknife), in the summer of 2011. During a period of nine days, i.e. from August 13 to 21, 2011, eleven training courses and seminars will be offered simultaneously. National training courses intended primarily for ASC members, plus two international training courses, which are open to all members of a National Scouting Organization (NSO), will be held at the same time in one single location. The international content consists of two training courses as follows:
We wish to reiterate that the above course and workshop will be taught in French only. In order to benefit the most from the training, it is important that participants have at least a rudimentary understanding of the French language, in other words be able to read and speak French. To learn more about this major training event or to register, we invite you to consult the attached promotional flyers (in English, French and Spanish) and to visit our web site at : http://www.scoutsducanada.ca/canif.html With less than three years remaining before hosting the world at our MOOT 2013, the ASC invites you to come and discover the wonders of our country and the hospitality of our members.
• International Training Workshop (STIF) • Training on Communication and Branding (OMMS)
We are already very anxious to receive you, so we hope you will come in large numbers.
Please note that the above training courses will be offered in French for the first time in the Americas.
The CANIF 2011 organizing team canif@scoutsducanada.ca
The STIF will be led by a team of trainers from different National Scouting Organizations and will be joined by the World Bureau’s Director of Adult Resources, Mr. Saad Zian. The training course will be prepared and given by representatives of the World Scouting Bureau. We anticipate that over 300 persons will take part in one or more of the 11 sessions. We have allocated a number of places to foreign delegations for the STIF and for the international training course so as to ensure a greater diversity of participants, thereby adding more breadth to the discussions.
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THE SCOUT SALUTE Among the world brotherhood of Scouts, there is a special salute that is recognized by all wherever they may be. The salute affirms the good faith among its members as illustrated by the following story: An American soldier lay on the ground wounded on a small island in the South Seas during the Second World War. When a Japanese soldier approached with his bayonet drawn, he thought he would die and that would be the end. Then quite spontaneously he gave the Scout salute. Hours later he regained consciousness. He remained on the ground but realized with surprise that his wounds had been bandaged and a note was attached which said: “I am a Japanese soldier that meant to kill you but your Scout salute reminded me that in my youth I too was a Scout. How could I possibly murder you? I have given you first aid to the best of my ability. Good luck.”
this deprives them of their shield which is their main protection.” Scouts all over the world shake with the left hand which is nearest to the heart. Traditionally, the salute was reserved for those who have taken the Scout promise but is now used as a greeting. All these signs should be used appropriately lest others misunderstand or misuse our greeting. The significance of the Scout salute is that the three fingers represent the three petals of the “Fleur de Lis” which recall the three promises. The index finger against the second finger symbolizes the petals joined together in union as Brother Scouts and the third joined finger symbolizes protection of the weak.
The salute distinguishes the Scout as does the simultaneous shaking with the left hand. To make a Scout salute, raise the three first index fingers of the right hand with the thumb touching the tip of the little finger and raise the right hand to shoulder height. Normally, when saluting the Scout extends his left hand to the other scout. This greeting also has a story: During the campaign against the Prempeh, the King of the Ashantis, Baden-Powell captured one of the Chiefs. On capturing him, our Founder extended his right hand explaining that only the bravest of the brave shake with the left hand as
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GREEN PLANET
AND CLIMATE CHANGE You will have surely noted in your country or when
resources.
seated in front of the television watching the news or a program how climate changes appear as
Concerning the impact on humans, there is the
though from a science fiction film.
probability
of
increased
illnesses,
tropical
infections, partial and severe flooding of coastal The realty, however, is that in recent times
regions and cities, more intense and prolonged
dramatic climate changes are taking place in
storms and greater snowfalls that will result in the
different regions. Nevertheless, in many countries
extinction of innumerable plants and animals,
the inhabitants do not understand the wide
disastrous harvests in vulnerable areas, increased
consensus
droughts, etc.
of
scientific
opinion
that
climate
changes will have a significant impact during the These conclusions have aroused the concern of
course of the century.
governments worldwide and have resulted in These changes are coming about as a result of
numerous
increases in the concentration of greenhouse
treaties aimed at finding a solution to the crisis.
gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrate
This work is examining the problem of global
oxide and carbon chloride. These gases are
climate change, the basic theories, possible future
trapping increasing amounts of infra-red and are
effects, the measures taken and recommended for
expected
appropriate resolution of the problem.
to
increase
planet
temperatures
studies
and
conferences,
including
between 1.5 and 4.5 degrees centigrade. So as to understand global climate change and Simultaneously, it is estimated global precipitation
global warming, it is necessary to first understand
will also change. Although there is general
the global climate. The climate is a consequence of
agreement
the link that exists between the atmosphere, the
over
these
conclusions,
there
is
considerable uncertainty as to the magnitude and the rate of change regionally. Scientific studies indicate that a range of species of trees could significantly alter, resulting from climatic changes. This being the case, there is great uncertainty as to the implications and as to how the ecosystem will
respond
disequilibrium.
which This
could
lead
subject
is
to
economic of
crucial
importance to countries dependent on natural
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GREEN PLANET
AND CLIMATE CHANGE oceans, the ice-caps, living organisms, the earth, sediments, rocks and gases that surround the earth which divide successively into layers of concentration. These elements respond to the different layers in the inner spheres of space. World climate change, a change attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere is compiled from comparisons observed of similar periods over time. The IPCC (The International Panel for Climate Change), a panel of 2,500 top ranking scientists, agrees that “a discernible change of climate as a result of human activity can be observed from the many variables in nature�. According to the panel the surface temperature of the earth has increased approximately 0.6 degrees centigrade in the last century. Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels increased by 6.25 thousand million tons in 1966 to a new record. On the other hand, 1996 was one of the warmest years since records began in 1866. While,
scientists,
ministers,
ambassadors,
presidents and authorities from each country are developing concrete actions and measures against climate change, we know the time to help improve the environment is now and not to sit at home for the scientists or someone else to do it for us. My friend start today from your home and soon your local community, your country and every continent will take note. Now is the moment to preserve our home, our land, our life and our well-being.
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THE WORLD ORGANIZATION OF SCOUT MOVEMENT PRESENT IN COP16/CMP6 CANCUN Q. ROO Have you ever wondered about the meaning of the acronyms COP16 and CMP6 that have appeared in many newscasts in radio, television and newspapers, which began on 27 November and ended on 12 December? Well, it's easy to explain: The acronym “COP” refers, in English, to the meetings of the numerous international treaty parties ("Conference of the Parties"). However, for the relevance of the topic within the international meetings, the name COP is related to climate change. These conferences are held each year between November
t and
December. In 2010, it was held in Cancun in
Quintana Roo.
the WOSM
position on the world stage of organizations concerned with climate change, their work with such organizations, and youth delegations around the world. Promotion of WOSM in Cancun Messe: We set up a booth and informed the delegates of the countries and organizations about activities and projects by the Scout Environment Programme,
Scout
Environmental
Networks,
non-formal
environmental education, etc. Future Generation Youth Day. Youth Day focused on the
The COP16/CMP6 is the 16th edition of Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 6th Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The term “Parties” refers to all the national states that signed and ratified both of the international treaties, committing to observe and comply with its terms regarding international cooperation
high level meetings, with the objective being
against
climate
change.
The
Framework
Convention has 194 countries and its Kyoto Protocol with 184 countries, including Mexico.
actions against climate change in the city of Cancun Messe, an area designated for intergovernmental organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, governments and academic institutions, along with Young's authorized peaceful actions and to give the position and vision we had in the youth event for high-level negotiations of international delegates in the COP16/CMP6 countries. Article 6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. One of the most active subjects with the youth was the amendment to Article 6 of the Framework Convention
The Scout Association of Mexico, A.C. represented the World Organization of Scout Movement (WOSM) in this important event in distinct ways.
document, with the basis on the implementation of non-formal education programs for the adaptation and mitigation for climate
change,
young
Scouts
participated
in
various
workshops and rounds of negotiations to bring the proposal to
Climate Change Villa: WOSM placed a booth and provided information to visitors about the work and projects that Scouts
the General Assembly, the proposal led by WAGGGS and ICYM paid off by being established as one of the priorities.
do to combat the effects of climate change. Visitors
were
informed
about
the
activities
of
Scouts
Environmental Network (SAN), the support of non-formal environmental
education
programs,
and
international
programs such as "Plant for the Planet" and "Clean Planet" – two campaigns of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). They also talked about the launch of the World Scout Environment Badge and the Scouts of the World Award, both developed to recognize the Scouts who work on environmental issues and who "Leave the world a little better than you found it" as mentioned by our Founder, BP. Concurrently, 12 Rovers of WOSM participated as observers in
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During 5 days of arduous meetings, debates, resolutions, voting, sharing ideas and Scout fellowship was the 39th World Scout Conference (WSC). The Conference is held once every three years and this year it was held in Curitiba, Brazil. Additionally, the 11th World Scout Youth Forum was held just prior to the WSC. The WSC brought together over 952 participants from National Scout Organizations representing Scouting in 119 different countries. The World Scout Committee is the executive organ of the World Organization of the Scout Movement WOSM). There are 12 elected members of the committee that serve for six years. So, six new members were elected at this WSC. A new World Scout Committee chairman was also inducted during this conference. Mr. Simon Rhee from Korea, who was previously serving as first vice chairman of the committee, started his new term as chairman at the close of the WSC. Simon will serve until the next World Scout Conference in 2014. The 39th World Scout Conference will be remembered for having come to a consensus on the definition of the cause of Scouting which is: Education for life. As an educational movement, Scouting aims to educate young people by teaching them life skills through experiential and pedagogical tools. Satisfaction of an extraordinarily productive WSC is shared by our hosts from Brazil. volunteers that made us feel so welcome in Curitiba!
Many thanks to all the
We hope to see you at the next WSC to be held in Slovenia 2014.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Visit: www.lacvox.net
This newsletter was made by the contribution and the efford of: • • • • • • • • •
Luis F. Bethancourt Ramón Guerra Scott Teare Gabriela Calderón René Franco Carolina Aguayo Gustavo A Herrera Lara Daniel Nisttahuz Kandersteg International Scout Center
IN MEMORIAM Alberto Sparrowe Molgora, who was Chief Scout of Association of Scouts of Mexico, also founder and president of the National Association of Former Scouts of Mexico.
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