Far and Wide - Scouts.org.uk

Far and Wide
Information for British Groups Abroad
March 06
Issue 70
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Editorial:
As I haven’t had any feedback about the new format I am
assuming you all approved! It would be good to get some
more contributions from the Groups.
As you will see we have lost our ACC Scouts Mark John,
who has given up for personal reasons. We now only have
two ACC’s, Astrid Roberts who will take care of the Beaver
and Cub Sections and Tony Dunn who will look after the
upper age group of Scouts, Explorers and Network.
Obviously this is a mammoth task for them both, so if any
of you have any really good programme ideas that you
could let them have, we can then reproduce them as
Programmes on a Plate. We also hope to get some
programmes from Scout Leaders in the UK to help that
Section.
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Hill walking and off road cycling (in Terrain 1 and
2)
Climbing and abseiling (except bouldering)
Caving
Snow sports (in terrain 1 and 2) (except artificial
slopes and nursery slopes)
Water activities (except swimming and those that
take place on Class C waters)
Permits in BGAs will be granted by the County
Commissioner. Every application for a Permit must be on
the recommendation of an Approved Assessor – this can
be a suitably qualified local person, not necessarily already
in Scouting but they must be qualified to the required
standard of the National Governing Body for the activity in
question. If you want a Permit and use an external
assessor, the County Commissioner will want to be
satisfied that that person has the required standing to
assess skills in the activity.
Adventurous Activities – The New Permit Scheme
The system of authorising adventurous activities in
Scouting is changing and the new approach will be
implemented in British Groups Abroad as and from 1 July
2006. People who already have authorisations will still
have them until they are renewable in five years when the
new approach will be used. All new Permit applications
from 1 July will be done under the new system.
The Permit Scheme is designed to show that all those
leading adventurous activities for young people in Scouting
have the skills, experience and personal suitability to do
so.
Everyone who leads an adventurous activity for young
people within Scouting is required to hold an activity
permit. The list of adventurous activities is set out in POR
and includes:
As well as the assessment of technical competence from
the assessor, the County Commissioner will consider:
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Awareness of the Scout Association’s activity rules
and how they affect the particular activity
Child Protection – a check that the necessary
personal checks and training on child protection
have been done
The personal suitability of the applicant in terms of
their attitude to leading an adventurous activity for
young people
Perhaps your Cubs or Scouts might like to write an article,
or contribute some photos. This could work towards the
Creative Challenge, or the Photographer or Writer Activity
Badge.
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International Office Gilwell Park Chingford London E4 7QW
Tel +44 (0)20 8433 7100 Fax +44 (0)20 8433 7103 Email [email protected]
Websites http://www.scouts.org.uk www.scoutbase.org.uk
You can look at all the guidance on:
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/assessment/per
mit.htm
You will also find an on line application form there and a
link to an A to Z of activities.
When you decide that you are ready to apply for your
Permit, print off the form, fill it in and take it to your
selected assessor, together with the Assessment Checklist
for the activity (from the A to Z). The Assessment Checklist
is used by the assessor to record recommendations to the
County Commissioner.
When both documents are completed, send them to:
County Commissioner
British Groups Abroad
The Scout Association
International Office
Gilwell Park
Chingford
LONDON E4 7QW
Or email: [email protected]
Or fax: +44 20 7691 9364
If the assessor has not been previously approved by the
Scout Association, we may need to carry out checks,
usually by phone. It may also be necessary to talk to you
but applications will be dealt with quickly, we promise!
The new scheme is more flexible than before and we hope
that it will help more people to do activities in BGA – but
still safely. If you have any questions which are not
answered by the material on the web site (see above),
drop us an email.
SKYPE
Increasingly in World Scouting, adult leaders are using
internet telephony. This involves installing a program on
your computer – we tend to use Skype
(http://www.skype.com/), which has millions of users
worldwide. The program is free and downloadable from
their web site. It works on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Download, register, install, plug in your headset, speakers
or USB phone and you can start calling. You don’t need to
configure your firewall or router or any other networking
gear.
Calls between Skype users are free but if you want to you
can also make calls to regular phone numbers all around
the world, using SkypeOut – this is not free.
The County Commissioner, David Bull, is on Skype
(davidbull2005) and is happy to take calls through Skype
from BGA members! If you decide to use this system, don’t
forget to tell us so that we can add you to our list. This will
help us to improve communications among BGA’s
BOAT AND CANOE REGISTRATION
The Registration and Inspection Scheme for boats and
canoes was last updated in April 2003 in order to keep up
with government legislation and to increase the overall
efficiency and ease of operation of craft.
All water borne craft owned or operated by the Scout
Movement are required to be registered. This includes the
following craft and their derivatives:
1. Canoes and Kayaks
2. Dragon Boats and Bell Boats
3. All Rowing and Pulling craft
4. Sailing Dinghies and Cruisers
5. Power Boats, inboard and outboard engined and Motor
Cruisers
Registration also extends to personally owned craft that
are used as part of a Scouting activity.
All craft owned or operated by the Scout Movement,
whether at Group, District or County/Area level, are
required to be inspected at least every three years, by an
appointed, independent County/Area Boat Inspector.
Inspection also extends to personally owned craft that are
used as part of a Scouting activity.
In the intervening years, a self-assessment of the craft
should be carried out. This should be duly recorded and
reported to the County/Area Boat Registrar (in the case of
BGA, this is the County Secretary). This self-assessment
should include all necessary and associated equipment.
The fact that an examination has taken place does not
absolve the person in charge of an activity, using water
borne craft, from ensuring that the craft and equipment are
in good condition and suitable to be used in the area of
activity concerned, on each occasion of use. The
inspection may, where necessary, limit the number of
persons to be carried and indicate the area of operation,
according to The Scout Association Classification of
Waters. Craft registered must not be used beyond the
limits set at the time of the most recent inspection.
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Any craft with a safety certificate, from a recognised
issuing authority, deemed to be to the same level or
greater than The Scout Inspection Scheme are exempt
from being inspected on production of a copy of that report
or annual update. Where this exemption is valid, craft must
still be registered with the County/Area Boat Registrar
(BGA County Secretary).
It may be that there is no need for any appointment for one
or more County Boat Inspectors to be made, however the
County has no records of any craft owned or operated by
any Group within the County. If you, or your Group, own or
operate any boats or canoes (etc) for Scouting activities,
please contact the BGA County Secretary as soon as
possible so that the craft can be registered and a
procedure identified for ensuring that they comply with The
Scout Inspection Scheme.
The BGA County Secretary can be contacted via email
([email protected]) or by post to 44 Arrancourt,
Gilligan Close, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1UA.
The three I’s of programme planning are: Do NOTHING
that is:
ILLEGAL IMMORAL IRRESPONSIBLE
DOING! This can be the most difficult stage containing the
most pitfalls. Consider what you intend to achieve and
decide on the steps required to achieve it. What is needed
is a series of decisions on who does what and when.
Remember the Leaders are there to help. They are a
valuable source information and advice. They may know
an instructor for that activity or where to find one. They
may be able to make transport arrangements or provide
any equipment.
12 PRACTICAL PROGRAMME PLANNING TIPS
1.
The programme should be discussed by the
Explorer Unit and decided by the leaders and
Unit committee who then should ensure it is
carried out.
The Unit should have regular opportunities to
discuss the programme both past and future.
2.
The Explorer Scout Year runs from September
to August.
It consists of three sessions:
September-December; January-April;
May- August.
The general plan for the whole year should be
decided before the beginning of the Explorer
Scout Year and then developed session by
session. Check at this stage that all eight
programme zones are covered.
3.
The programme for each session and the
programme for the Explorer Scout Year should
lead to and culminate in a special activity.
This means three special activities per year –
one at Christmas/New Year, one at Easter and
a really special activity in the summer. If your
summer activity is sufficiently exciting and
demanding it could well influence your
programme for the whole year.
4.
The Committee and Leaders should meet at
the end of June to decide a general
programme for the whole Explorer Scout Year
and it should meet towards the end of each
session (late July, late November, and late
February/early March)
to
decide
the
programme for the next session.
Further information is available, on the web, within fact
sheet FS120627 (Edition 2: April 2003).
MARTIN PAYNE
[email protected]
PROGRAMME PLANNING FOR ESUs
First form a small Committee consisting of Explorer Scouts
and perhaps the Leaders
The three D’s of programme planning are:
DISCUSSING
DECIDING DOING!
DISCUSSING. All the Unit takes part and input ideas. Give
warning the week before so that they can think about what
they want including in the programme. Copies of the
Awards scheme and Activity badges should be available
for consultation and inclusion and any other information of
forthcoming activities in the community and Scout District.
The Committee takes notes.
DECIDING. The Leaders and Committee meet afterwards
to decide what is realistic and practical. Financial
constraints also need to be considered. Decision should
be based on the wishes on the Unit and not that of the
Leaders and Committee. The Unit and its programme is
ultimately the Leaders responsibility, but the Committee
should help run the Unit as much as their experience
allows.
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Its pointless meeting at the beginning of the
session to plan that session as the session will
be part-way through by the time you have
arranged things, resulting in disorganisation
and cancelled events. Start early to avoid the
stress.
4.
Unit meeting should be held before these
Committee meetings to discuss the general
and detailed programmes.
These need not be held on a special evening.
The nearest normal meeting Unit meeting
before the committee meets (as in rule 4) is
the best time and then comments will be fresh
in the minds of the committee when they make
decisions.
5.
The Unit should meet regularly as a Unit once
a week or once a fortnight.
Weekly meeting tend to be the tradition,
although if you have a number of weekly
special interest meetings or activities, then
once a fortnight may be better. You can meet
on any night, not just Fridays and even
Saturday or Sunday afternoons if it fits in with
members commitments, its up to you.
6.
Unit meetings should have some indication
that marks the beginning and end of the
meeting, but otherwise there should be no set
pattern. At least a third of meetings should be
held away from the Unit headquarters.
This indication need not be elaborate; a simple
flagbreak, prayer or forming a circle for
information. Obviously meetings away from
the HQ will open and close in a different way.
Activities should be held at the most suitable
place not just at the HQ. Car mechanics is
better at a garage, hold cooking in someone’s
kitchen etc.
7.
Weekend sessions should be held regularly at least once a session but preferably once a
month.
Many activities need a special venue, a crag,
campsite, mountain, lake, river, skating rink
etc. This usually means travelling which takes
time, so it is better to do it on a weekend. The
Unit will benefit in living together while
partaking in activities away. Camping and
various forms of expeditions are a cornerstone
of Explorer Scouting.
8.
The programme should be designed to suit the
religious and other obligations of the Unit.
Religious obligations should be considered
when programme planning to ensure
members have an opportunity to fulfil them,
such attending church at camp or timing
activities after religious services. Care should
be taken at exam time not to have attractive
items that will tempt members to neglect their
studies. Likewise don’t arrange events for a
time when half the Explorer Scout Unit are at
football training etc.
9.
The most suitable clothing should be worn for
each activity. A full uniform event should
occur every 4 to 6 weeks.
The committee should decide the dress for
each event and notify members beforehand. It
is useful to include this on the programme.
The uniformed event can be attendance at a
Remembrance Service, District event, or visit
to another section. We are part of a uniformed
organisation and visiting speakers expect to
see Scouts in uniform. Plus as an active Unit,
members will have armfuls of hard earned
badges that they will be proud to display!
10.
Issue every Unit member a copy of the
programme before the session commences.
No programme however good will work unless
the Unit knows about it in good time. Every
member should have their own copy (sent by
post or email) with another copy on the wall of
the headquarters. Send copies to the Scout
section and other interested parties as well.
11.
A review of the previous session should be
held with the Unit.
This is to discuss what went well, what was
enjoyed, what had been learnt, and what
could be improved. Discussion should be kept
positive and upbeat without criticism of
individuals.
Tony Dunn
ACC(ES) BGA
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Cubs Corner January 06
I hope you have all passed a good Christmas break and
have made stirring resolutions for the new year!
This is the Chinese year of the dog. I tried to make a
paper compass trail of a dog but failed miserably as it
came out an elephant. So, I’ve gone with the flow and
made a programme on the theme of elephants. I hope you
enjoy it.
To make a hanger, take a matchstick and break the head
off. Take some cotton thread and tie the two ends
together. With the tied end tie the thread around the
centre of the match. A clove hitch works well. Then pop
the match into the egg and you can hang it on a branch.
Easy!
I have found that thick poster paint works, acrylic paint
works and some felt tip pens work on the eggs. It is best
to check before the Beavers have a go.
The time it takes to complete this programme depends on
the number of Cub Scouts in your pack. You may find that
there is enough material for two programmes.
The eggs can be kept from year to year just like Christmas
decorations. So keep some egg boxes for storage.
As always, please let me know how you get on with any of
the ideas you use.
If you have time, please let me know how you got on with
the programme and if the Beavers enjoyed it.
Astrid Roberts ACC (Cubs)
[email protected]
Astrid Roberts ACC
[email protected]
Beaver Bites March 06
Training
We are approaching Easter and I’m sure all the Beavers’
minds are turning to eggs. This ‘Programme on a Plate’ is,
therefore, based on eggs
Just before Christmas I had some problems with my
computer and unfortunately lost a lot of emails etc, so I
apologise if you are waiting to hear from me. I have also
been away and time goes by so fast. However, I will try to
contact all of you fairly soon as I know quite a few of you
are still on Provisional Appointments and we need to
complete Getting Started so that your appointment can be
confirmed and a warrant issued.
Over the last couple of years I have sent out various
resources (CD’s) to Leaders undergoing training. These
intended to be kept at Group level for all Leaders to use
but I do know that with people moving on some of these
have been mislaid. I would like to compile a
comprehensive list of what each Group has so that I can
fill any gaps. So one of the questions I shall be asking
Groups to reply to is “What module CD’s do you have in
your group?” I would appreciate an answer to this
question.
Some of you are still using my old email address, so
please could you send all emails to my new address
[email protected] .
I am hoping that I will be able to make some more training
visits this year but it all depends on budget, obviously
some Groups are going to cost more in air fares to visit
than others. In the meantime Headquarters are continuing
with the production of resources such as e-learning CD’s
and workbooks for some of the modules.
If you are keen to try to blow eggs let me explain how to do
it. First put the blunt end of a darning needle into a cork.
Use a pair of pliers for this. A sherry cork is best as you
have a good base to stand the needle up on.
Next you take your egg. Poke one hole into the sharp end
of the egg. Then poke another hole into the blunt end of
the egg and then pick out some more shell so that you
have a larger hole. It should be at least large enough for a
matchstick to fit through.
This next bit is the secret to blowing eggs. Put the darning
needle into the egg so you break the yolk. If you do not
break the yolk it will not come out and you will end up with
a double hernia!
Turn the egg so the small hole is towards you and over a
clean bowl. Now blow. The egg should come out of the
larger hole and you can have scrambled egg or bake a
cake.
Next let water dribble into the larger hole, shake the egg
and blow the water out. Do this a second time. Wash the
egg on the outside to take any paint resistant film off. A bit
of washing-up liquid does the job. Now stand the egg to
dry.
There are quite a few Leaders who have been in Scouting
for a number of years and have not done any training at
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all. In the next issue of Far and wide we will be publishing
details of the warrant review process and training will be a
part of this. As I have mentioned before if you have a lot of
experience it will largely be a case of validating your
knowledge in order to complete your training and gain a
Wood Badge. Please contact me to find out what is
necessary for you to do.
Heather Elliott
County Training Manager
News from the Groups
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3 . Dubai
It was our last meeting for 2005 and we Leaders always
give the Scouts a ‘treat’, in other words pay for an outing
and since the Dubai Ski Park had just opened up, that
HAD to be the place to go! We went to view it in advance
with the purpose of doing a ‘risk assessment’ and were
very impressed with the expected standard of safety the
organisers had in place. Needless to say it was a ‘full
house’ regards the turnout! We were given ski outfits
complete with helmets for the 12 and under age group,
gloves and hats had to be bought or brought by the
individuals, Since very few had EVER seen snow, the first
realisation that it was actually VERY COLD shocked them
into wonderment for a ‘few seconds’! It was curious to see
how they took it in and then quickly adapted to ‘snow
balling’! The Park had tobogganing on three variation
slopes, a snowballing area with ‘targets ‘, hit a lit snowball
on a light board and the light went out, an igloo, which
caused amazement, and a look out tower to view the steep
ski slope and equally steep sledge slope, only those who
could ski well were allowed on these two. It was well
organised with ‘marshals’ to ensure no one ran on the
slippery snow, which was hard especially trying to run
away from snowballs flying your way! We had intended to
stay for two hours but by the time you got ‘kitted up’ there
was only an hour left, which actually was enough in the
end as the cold (- 4!) was just starting to get through the
gloves. Everyone agreed it was the best outing we had
had and I am sure they will be talking about it over
Christmas, which here in the hot desert country is normally
around 27c! A far cry from the Snow Park!
We wish everyone a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND
PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR whether in the hot or cold
rd
countries, from the 3 Dubai Group.
Gil Salway
Hola
Fuengirola 1st calling !
Hi this is CJ in Fuengirola bringing you all the news from
sunny Spain from the last 3 months.
As this is my first report for the Far and Wide I should let
you all know a little about who we are!
We have at present around 14 scouts and about 10 cubs
that run from the hall (the Ark Christian Fellowship) here
so as you can imagine we are a cheeky bunch that get on
great with just about everyone !!!!
We are privileged to have some fantastic leaders and
helpers, Scouts are Alfonso Sanchez alias Fonz, Ilsa
Wyngaard, Steve Lippe alias Baloo, Nigel Baldwin alias
The Bear, James Yeadon, Ruben Bargas, and for the
Cubs we have Robert ...... alias Akela and Reagan
Baldwin alias Rackshaw, Teagan Brown alias Chill ,
Donnie........ alias Kaa and of course ME Connor
Zimmermann or rather as CJ as I prefer alias Baghera.
Just before Christmas a mini bus left Fuengirola to collect
the Bethlehem light from the Gibraltarian Scouts, I can say
that all Scouts managed to make it there and back in one
piece as I hear that a game was played on the way where
they had to hold their breaths when in the tunnels !!! and
as I have done this run a few times I know there are some
very long tunnels on the way !! It also doesn' t help when
Steve who was the driver that evening kept taking his foot
off the gas pedal!! All present were treated to a hot
chocolate on the square in Gibraltar and the kids were
really proud and privileged to be collecting such a great gift
from just over the border. All that were present now have
been given the Scouts Abroad badge and can now wear
not only the Spanish flag but the English flag as well. Well
done guys! After a sneaky Macdonalds on the way home
(thanks Steve and Nigel) the trip home with the gift of light
which was brought back to the Ark Christian fellowship
(the Ark as we all call it) where members of the Ark and
the general public were invited to come and take the light
with lamps or candles back to their homes giving thought
to the real meaning of Christmas and peace.
After the holidays we once again came together and we
have been gazing the stars with Steve Lippe looking at
numerous constellations working towards our Astronomy
badge so far so good will keep you updated with any
awards.
The first few weeks of this new year have been helping the
new Scouts that have moved up from Cubs integrate in
their new group, lots of team games and bonding has
taken place, we have been working on our smart and tidy
appearance learning how to iron without burning, at least
this way we don t burn any of our mums best clobber!!!!
and practicing the drills on parade.
First Aid courses have taken place just prior to the
holidays and as some of the Scouts managed to gain
certificates, some were unable to finish the course and I
am led to believe that there will be another chance
sometime later this year.
There is a fund raising event on the 24th of Feb with a
murder mystery evening.
Preparations are taking place for the up and coming
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camps and hikes and I am hearing that the Explorers and
Scouts are to undertake a 30km bike ride between Porto
Serrano ( NE Cadiz) and Olver (NE Ronda) with a camp in
between, I believe there are at least 4 viaducts and 30
tunnels to get through, good luck to all those who take
part .
This Sunday 19th Feb all relevant groups will be parading
in the Ark in honor of Badon- Powell, so lets hope the drills
have paid off!!!
Well folks that’s hasta luego for now, will catch up with you
all next time with more from Fuengirola first really soon
and bring you all the updates and hopefully some pictures
of us all from here Adios!!!!!!!!.
and also to Cynthia Williams who came along as Camp
Cook.
Jan and Tim Miller
st
1 . Falkland Islands Cub Scout Camp
Last week the Cub Scouts spent 3 days camping at
th
Fitzroy. As this year is the 90 . Anniversary of when Cub
Scouts first began, we decided to run a traditional Scouting
Skills Camp.
The boys were divided into Patrols and were given a Duty
Rota, where they had to help with the cooking or washing
up.
The boys managed to put up their tents on the first day
despite the gale force northerly winds, and took part in
such activities as hiking, tracking, and pebble skimming in
the Creek.
We also paid a visit to the Memorials to the Welsh guards
and RFA Sir Galahad and the boys planted daffodil bulbs
around the Welsh Guards new bench.
On the second day, we were “blessed” with gale force
winds from the south, but with lots of rain! But thanks to
Farm Manager Alan Eagle allowing us the use of the
Galley, we were able to do lots of indoor activities. The
Cubs learnt their names in Morse, Semaphore, Phonetic
and Manual Alphabet for the Deaf. The boys also made
wash stands out of canes and string, cooked outdoors
under the shelter of the Creek bank and played a Treasure
hunt wide game in the dusk.
Our final day turned out lovely and sunny so we were able
to take the tents down easily, it was a pity we had to
leave….but the final Award ceremony soon came. White
Six won the Best Six Award. Codey Anderson won the
Shield for Best Cub in Camp for all his help looking after
the younger Cubs. The Hiking Award went to Tobi Adeoye.
The Water Activities Award to Nathan Lowe and Best
Cook to John Davies. Benjamin Sommerville won the prize
for the Best Mascot.
The boys did brilliantly in camp and despite the awful
weather, they all worked cheerfully to gain their Campers
badge, Nights Away Stage 1 and their Outdoor Challenge
Badge.
We would like to say a Big Thank You to Alan Eagle of
Fitzroy Farm for allowing us to camp and use the galley
Photograph of some of the Cubs on Fitzroy jetty, sporting
their Cub Scout Oddie socks!
st
1 . Ascension Island
Kite flying last Friday. + Josh kinda "pegged out"!
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I have received these, I will be dispatching new sets of
forms to be used for Leader and Assistant appointments to
all Groups.
Finally, the Annual Census papers (recording the
membership of The Scout Association as at 31 January
2006) have been issued to all Group Contacts with a
request for completed forms to be returned to me by no
later than 25 February 2006. If any Group, or Explorer
Scout Unit, has not received the forms for completion,
please contact me as soon as possible so that I can send
them out to you.
MARTIN PAYNE
[email protected]
Scouts camping this weekend Green Mountain - from
Saturday morning – Sunday Afternoon.
Leaders & Explorers setting up "Incident Course" around
the mountain on Friday evening.
N.J.
Appointments and Awards
(November 2005 to February 2006)
Congratulations and an official 'welcome' to Fiona Griffin
(1st Oman) on the issue of her Beaver Scout Leader
Warrant. Provisional Appointments have been issued to:
Liz Akhtar (Turkey), Alex Kelly-Turner (Sweden) and
Wendy McCouaig (1st Fuengirola)
Unfortunately, 1st Beijing (People's Republic of China) has
had to close due to a lack of parental support for the
Group. Thanks are due to Chui-Lee Yap, Lori Ozdowy,
Catherine McAuliffe and Jo Hodding for keeping this
Group going for so long. Also leaving the BGA 'family' is
Maxine Savidge who, after five years with the Cub Scout
Pack in 1st Kuala Lumpar, has decided it is time for
someone else to take over the reins. Thanks to you all for
your support to Scouting.
A proposal had been made for a new Group to be formed
at the Roman Ridge School (in the new "District" of
Ghana!). Having contacted the Ghanaian Scout
Association, the Group will not be formed as part of the UK
Scout Association within BGA, but we wish them every
success with the scouting activities in the future.
On the administration side, there will be new Criminal
Records Bureau forms being issued from April 2006. Once
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