goINSIDE - Birmingham Scouts

Birmingham County
Scouts newsletter
T
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Issue Two
April 2012
E
D
I
S
goIN
goCONNECT
There is plenty of up-to-date
information on Birmingham County
and our activities on the new
County website www.birminghamscouts.org.uk
We always appreciate any input or
suggestions so please check the
site out and email any feedback to
[email protected]
KEEP UP
You can also keep up-to-date
with the latest adventures of our
County Commissioner in his blog
which will be updated regularly on
the site.
Inside this issue....
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A message from Rick
Blackwell Adventure and Blackwell Trading
Handsworth gang show
Kandersteg
Sleepout experience
County Scouts football
BrumJam
iceSCOUT
Awards
New County appointments
go International
Mud, sweat and tears
Activities team
go Global
LOG ON
We are using Facebook more to
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us on FaceBook and ‘like’ us to stay
in touch.
We also have a new Twitter site: an
easy way to stay in touch with us!
Follow@birminghamscout
A message
from Rick
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Have you run an event, celebrated an
achievement or had an exciting
experience? We want to know about
it! Please let us know your good news
stories so that we can share them
with the county community. Send
your stories and photographs to
amanda.cardall@birminghamscouts.
org.uk and we can then publish these
on our website, facebook page and
newsletter. Please ensure you have
permissions to use any images that
show young people.
Reminder
Please remember to call the Info
Centre rather than just call County
2IÀFH7HO
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like to start off by thanking the team for all of the hard work that has gone into it.
It has been an extremely busy start to the year and I have been out and about attending
a whole range of activities and events. Together with the team we have given out
numerous awards and I will come to one in particular shortly. This year has seen a huge
rise in the number of Queens Scout and Gold D of E Awards that I have presented, well
done to everyone that has taken part including all of the Leaders that have given their
time to support this extremely important award.
Prior to going off to Kandersteg I attended The Handsworth Gang Show with my wife
Andrea and boy what a great show. The cast, which comprised of Cubs up to Leaders,
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brilliant!! Thanks to all that took part both on stage, behind the scenes and organising, as
I said at the time, you make us feel proud to be part of Scouting and I am proud that you
are all part of Birmingham County.
I had the pleasure not too long ago of presenting The Cornwell Badge to a young lady
called Amy Kettle. Amy is a Scout at the 169th Quinton Scouts and is suffering from an
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including continuing with her Scouting. Amy now has a lovely Guide dog called Connie
who is also a member of the Scout Movement and both of them will be attending Windsor
with their family for the Queens Scouts Parade.
Of course the Queens Scout Parade isn’t just about Queens Scouts, it gives the
opportunity for the recipients of the higher awards to go and watch the parade. This year
I have the pleasure of announcing no fewer than 11 higher awards to members of our
County that have gone beyond the call of duty.
1
Congratulations to:
Silver Wolf
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Keith Ramshaw, DCC
Gerry Russell, County Secretary
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Bar To The Silver Acorn
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Silver Acorn
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Anthony Hewitt, Group Skills Instructor WK&ROH9DOOH\
South
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During March we held another extremely popular Chief
Scouts Award afternoon at Blackwell Court. We had 70
award holders attend with their parents and guardians.
Our County President, David Bradnock was on hand to
congratulate all of the participants and again amazed the
youngsters with his uniform and sword. Thanks to
Blackwell for putting on some fantastic activities for the
Scouts.
We also celebrated Founders Day and on 26th January a
small team of us together with our friends from The Guide
movement attended the Town Hall to be greeted by The
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were raised outside of the Council House and our Scouts
took part in a Treasure Hunt around the city.
We cannot go to print without mentioning our fabulous
trip to Kandersteg; this was possibly one of the best trips
abroad that I have ever attended with Scouts. Everyone
enjoyed themselves and we returned without too many
injuries. I’m sure that Kanderstag will have its own
mention further on within goSCOUT so I won’t steal
anyone else’s thunder.
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increase of 2.2 per cent on last year. Great news!! We
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129 on last year. All sections with the exception of Cubs
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increase in our female members. Thank you for all of your
hard work in keeping Birmingham County at the forefront
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focus on our successful Census. We will be
concentrating on Growth and strive to provide
opportunities for new members who would like to join our
already successful County and indeed for our already
hardworking members. We will be focusing on
recruitment, making full use of our Development Team,
who are at present pulling together a toolkit in
conjunction with the Regional Development Team.
“Amy with
her award
and guide
dog
Connie”
We will also be concentrating on improving our Training,
which will include the way we deliver it. We will be
looking at the various methods of delivery to suit the needs
of our ever-changing lifestyles. Taking training out to the
Districts, making full use of e-learning, improving the
understanding of validation. Our priorities will include the
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attract those volunteers out there that cannot commit
week-in week-out. This is an area that we should be
taking full advantage of as there are many Adults out there
who would like to take part but are restricted by work or
home commitments.
Our Finances feature high on our list of priorities. We have
worked hard during the past twelve months to address this
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of the County. This of course is an ongoing task and our
priorities are to put measures in place to achieve this.
Most of you are aware that we have Community Scout week
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week to the next level which offers sections, Groups and
Districts the opportunity to make an impact within their
community by raising money for Local and National
Scouting. Just by taking part you’ll be helping to raise
much-needed funds for the Development Grants Board,
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their families in need of additional support to take part in
Scouting. The fund also offers match-funding for Local
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expeditions and helps families purchase Scout uniform. All
Groups taking part in the initiative are asked to commit to
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Community Week to this valuable fund for all UK Scouts.
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www.scouts.org.uk/community
Thanks for contributing to and reading goSCOUT
Regards
Rick
“Founders Day”
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Welcome to another exciting season here at Blackwell Adventure and Pikes Pool, we have another very busy
year ahead of us and have already taken many bookings from Scouts, Guides, Schools and other voluntary
Youth Groups from all over the country.
Our year started on the 2nd March when we collected this year’s intake of international students from Australia
and New Zealand who will be with us until October. They will form part of the activity team who you will surely
meet during the summer, so welcome to Adriana, Anna, Breanne, Cameron, Emily, Halle, Jack and Naomi.
We are also pleased to welcome back Kait, Sophia, Ben, Sam, Scott, Chris, Mel and Sean who are all
returning for yet another season.
We are pleased to inform you that everyone has been working hard to improve both Centres during the winter
months and to-date have completed the following; installed sensor lights into both main toilet blocks, installed
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kitchen equipment for the Pikes Pool Centre and dredged the chalet end of Pikes Pool as well as working hard
to improve the actual grounds of both Centres.
What a busy year both Centres have in front of us, we are hosting many events during the year
including County First Aid courses, both Birmingham and Hereford and Worcester County, Scout Adult
Training Courses, Duke of Edinburgh, the County Climbing Club, Birmingham Scouts Family Fun Day, the
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everyone concerned. According to our current bookings from the end of July to the end of August both
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everyone who supports Blackwell and Pikes Pool on a voluntary basis, as a support team member and also to
all the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Network and Leaders who use our Centres on a regular basis.
Thank you all very much for your continued help and encouragement and remember we are here to support
Scouting in Birmingham as your County Activity Centres.
Helen, Ned, Paul and all the Team at Blackwell and Pikes Pool.
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staff at Blackwell Adventure who have made that happen while I have been away.
The shop at Hatchett Street has gone from strength-to-strength looking after and serving a loyal customer
base of scouter’s and parent’s from both within and from surrounding counties. Our hopes in expanding this
to meet customer demand is to be able to open every Saturday from the beginning of May. This is where
we need your help, if you are able to devote one Saturday a month to volunteering to serve and help in the
shop please contact me on the details below. Full training and support will be given and it is a great way to
meet other people within Scouting and become part of our team.
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for collect on a nominated day or we can happy arrange postage if that is easier for you. If you have a large
order or require any specialist badges please give us notice and we shall make sure we have them
available for you.
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month.
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Blackwell Trading is set for an exciting year and I hope to share news of more events with you in the next
issue of goSCOUT.
Denise Sandford, Trading Manager, Blackwell Trading
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Handsworth Gang Show
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completed a fun and very successful week
at the Crescent Theatre. For the cast,
rehearsals started last September,
but for the production team,
we started putting together this show just
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July, we accepted about 100 cubs, scouts,
guides, rangers, explorers, network and
leaders to take part in the show, ending up
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Sunday and Wednesday from September
to February, and the cast have had to learn
over two hours worth of singing, dancing and
acting. This is a real challenge and hard
work, but we have lots of fun along the way.
We try to include something for everyone,
so we covered everything from Ralph
Reader to street dance. We face an even
bigger challenge once we get into the
theatre,as we only have the Sunday before
the show run starts on Monday to move the
cast from working in a school hall to
working on a professional stage. As you can imagine, the logistics of arranging musicians,
chaperones, catering,dressing space, costumes, make up, back cloths, lighting, scenery,
props, microphones, front of house staff and security are very complicated, and we are very
fortunate to have been supported by a large
talented and committed group of people. It is fantastic
to see the transformations that being in a Gang Show
can achieve. We see children develop new skills and
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of performing in front of an audience at a level much
higher than they expected. Many of the cast return
again and again once they are bitten by the Gang
Show bug! Make sure you come along and see
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Colin Bowen - Producer
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Our County trip to Kandersteg in February proved to be a
runaway success with youngsters talking about the trip all
over the social media networks for weeks after the event!
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Birmingham to the Kandersteg centre for the February
half-term.
It proved to be an action-packed week with everybody
taking part in a wide range of winter activities including
three days skiing around Kandersteg and Adelboden with
the most amazing snow conditions and weather! Plus three
days of snow activities which included hiking,
toboganning, snow shoeing and a busy evening
programme - it was no wonder that everybody slept most
of the coach journey home!!
We give huge thanks to the organising team of Gareth
Roberts, Simon Cardall and Linda Bateman for the time
they gave up to plan such a fantastic trip, to all the Leaders
who went and to all the youngsters all attended and were a
superb advert for Scouting and Guiding in Birmingham.
roll on
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the County trophy on the day.
Following a general agreement
that the new location and
facilities where far superior the
date is now booked with the
Futsal Arena again for
Saturday 17th November
2012. Please put this in your
diaries. Thanks to all the
leaders and scouts for
supporting the event and
thanks to Ray Giles, Steve
Poole, Brian Stacey, Chris
Worship and the rest of the
team for organising the event.
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Plans for BrumJam 2012 are going well and
we now have nearly 1,000 participants from
all across the world. If you have Scouts and
Explorers that want to attend but your Group
or Unit cannot then we are planning to send
a District/County contingent.
For more information on this please email
info.brumjam.org
We are also still actively looking for more
members of staff to help at the camp. There
are a huge range of jobs that need doing and
a range of roles from the more specialist such
as sailing instructors to assisting with general
duties during the week. You can help for the
week and stay at the camp for £100 which
includes camp fees, all meals and an evening
entertainment programme or you can just
come for the days that you can make it. Again
for more info email [email protected] or
go to the website www.brumjam.org to
download the staff booking form.
BrumJam 2012 promises to be a memorable
camp and things are now getting busy for the
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Bateman who is responsible for the
Sub-Camps a bit more about her role and
what we can expect at the camp…..
Linda Bateman
Head of Sub Camps
What made you get involved in BrumJam and what is your camp role?
Originally, I had not planned to be at BrumJam - had thought that I might
just visit ! However, when Jess had her baby last Autumn and relinquished
her role as Head of Sub Camps, I was asked if I would consider taking
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enjoying being part of what I am sure is going to be a superb event that
will give many opportunities to many young people.
How many sub-camps will there be?
There will be three Sub Camps
How many campers will there be on each?
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Camp.
Do they have sub-camp names yet?
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The names are:
Red - Zeus
White - Hercules
Blue - Poseidon
What will the daily camp programme look like?
There will be a very full Camp programme of activities, which will include
an off site Water Activities Day, a day of It’s A Knockout at Pikes Pool, a
day of Blackwell Adventure activities including high ropes, G swing, crate
stacking etc, a day of off-site Blackwell activities including orienteering,
crafts, science activities etc, a Sub Camp Day which will include a Big
Breakfast, International Food Tasting, A mini-Olympics and an English
Fete and a day out to Alton Towers. Added to this there will be a very full
and exciting evening programme organised by the Central Entertainments
Team.
Have you been involved in a camp like this before?
I have been involved in a number of large Guide Camps and Events and
in two joint Scout and Guide trips to Kandersteg but not in an International
Camp with Scouts although I was involved in the last two Scout County
Camps . I have only visited a World Scout Jamboree and have been
involved in the run up to a Scout and Guide contingent from Birmingham
taking part in the 2007 World Scout Jamboree.
What are you looking forward to the most?
I am looking forward to seeing 1,000 Scouts and Guides from a number of
different Countries, working together and gaining experiences and
opportunities that will last a lifetime.
What is your most essential piece of camp equipment that you take with
you?
A waterproof jacket - in the hope that I won’t need it !!
What is your worst memory of a camp?
Coming back from a day out, travelling on the top of a double decker bus
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intact !!
Who are the sub-camp leaders for BrumJam?
The Sub Camp Leaders are :
Red - Adrian Sawyer
White - John Nelson
Blue - Emma Monaghan
Do you still need staff help for the sub-camps and how can people get
involved?
Yes, we still need a Site Services Manager for the Red and White Sub
Camp and a team of four Service Crew for each Sub Camp.
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suitable for anyone working towards Queen’s Scout, Queen’s Guide or
Duke of Edinburgh Award. They are also suitable roles for anyone who is
able to commit to the week at camp but not available to be involved in the
planning and preparation beforehand.
Applications can be made via the BrumJam
website www.briumjam.org or email
[email protected] for a staff application form.
7
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December 2011 and goSCOUT was on hand
to ask ACC Explorers Kris Hennegan about
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So what was the idea behind iceSCOUT?
IceSCOUT was a combination of ideas. There are
other large scale winter events but nothing local,
so it made sense to use our own county site to
provide an event that is a little closer to home.
How long had you been planning the event and
who helped with the planning?
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in Apil 2010, some 20 months before
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and we had a huge amount of support provided
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Had you been on similar events like this before?
I had visited Winter Camp at Gilwell in order
to experience a large winter event. It was my
experience on this event that made me realise that
everyone attending, even those who provide
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want to do it. That is something that Birmingham
Leaders need an opportunity to experience and
what better way.
What was your highlight of the weekend?
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tents pitched and the event opening. All the work
had resulted in all those people turning up
and that was an amazing feeling.
Interview with
Kris Hennegan
What would you improve for the next one?
The number of people that can attend, slightly quicker
food service and better washing - up facilities. We learnt
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outing but generally the event was a success.
Was it cold?
The weekend saw a variety of weather, from
minus temperatures, to pouring rain, but it didn’t really
feel cold at any point over the weekend.
What kit should you have taken that you didn’t?
As a good Scout I was of course prepared.........the best
part was that if anyone was missing anything, someone
else was there with a spare.
What was your favourite song at the Disco?
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Do you think it could have rained any harder on the last
afternoon?
errr, yes! IT could have rained harder and longer.
However it didn’t dampen any spirits and the event still
ÀQLVKHGRQDKLJK
What plans are there for IceSCOUT 2012?
iceSCOUT 2012 will be happening in December, and it
will be bigger than 2011. Plans are currently under way, but
they are a secret at the moment........you’ll just need to
ZDWFKWKHZHEVLWH
When will booking for 2012 be open?
Groups can express an interest in the camp from May
and then make a booking from the 1st September.
We can amend the numbers up until a month before.
Again, watch the website for more information
8
goACHIEVE
Jess Payne and Samuel Taylor Scout
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6SLWÀUH'LVWULFWUHFHLYHWKHLU4XHHQҋV6FRXW
Awards and their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards
from Rick Keeber, County Commissioner.
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his Queen’s Scout Award and Gold Duke of
Edinburgh Award in February by Rick
Keeber, County Commissioner. Ian is an active
member of his Group and also went as a Leader
to the recent Kandersteg trip.
Now is as good a time as ever to get started on your
Queen’s Scout Award, with the walking season upon
us how about getting together a group of scouting
friends to plan and go on an expedition? How about
looking through your plans for the year and what
you’ve done recently in
6FRXWLQJFKDQFHVDUH\RXҋOOÀQGELWVWKDWFRXOGFRXQW
towards the various sections of the Award. How about
some examples for you: Planning on going to
BrumJam? That could count towards your
international and/or residential sections. Are you a
leader? That could count towards your service. Been
in a gang show? That could be your skill... and so the
list goes on.
Doing you DofE
Gold Award?
Did you know that as an
active member of
Scouting you only need to do two extra
things to get your Queen’s Scout Award?
Chances are you have
already done two things that would count
without even realising.
Need help?
Luckily, so did a lot of people, so there is a whole
section on the scout website full of
resources such as the
requirements and
program ideas to help you
http://www.scouts.org.uk/qsa. If there’s any
questions feel free to contact your County Scout
Network Commissioner.
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At the moment, County have a presentation day for Chief Scouts Awards recepients, but there is
nothing in the same vein for Queen’s Scouts, so a question for you: Do you want a special event to mark
the occasion? All ideas welcome, please contact Kevin for more information and ideas.
9
New County Appointments
Climbing
Martin Ramsey County Climbing Advisor has decided to step
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thanking Martin for his contribution over the years to building up
the County Climbing team. We would like to welcome Tom
Parkin who is taking over from Martin to the new role. Tom and
Martin will be working together over the next few months to
ensure a complete handover. Good luck Tom in your new County
UROH<RXFDQÀQGRXWPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQRQWKH&OLPELQJ
programme by email to
[email protected]
Archery
There will also be a new face heading up the Archery team as
Steve Betterton takes on the role of County Archery Advisor.
Steve will already be a familiar face to those involved in archery
and will bring some new ideas and enthusiasm to the role. Once
again you can contact Steve for archery information on
[email protected]
goInternational
Thinking of Going Abroad?
Wherever you are thinking of
going, look at the
International Scouting
section of the
Birmingham Scouts website at
http://www.birminghamscouts.org.uk/international_scouting.htm
for guidance,
or contact Geoff Shuttleworth at
[email protected]
RUSKRQH
10
goNew Scout Group
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1st March at Woodview Community Centre, just behind
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The newest group opened to 10 Beavers and
Cubs with thenumbers expected to rise in the
coming weeks. Brand newleaders, Adam,
Gabriella and Kevin were recruited and have
started their Wood Badge training. A group treasurer and
VHFUHWDU\ZHUHDOVRUHFUXLWHGVSHFLÀFDOO\IRUWKHJURXS
New groups do not open over night, and it took nine months
to pull it all together, ensuring the new leaders had training and
support, working with the District and local community,
including the centre users, councillors and police to
ensure the group had a structure in place before it opened.
7KHÀUVWQLJKWZHQWYHU\TXLFNO\ZLWKWKHSDUHQWVÀOOLQJ
in the various forms, having scouting explained to them and
one parent even bought a jumper on the night. The new
leaders meanwhile, with the guidance of Bob Dadd
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DOOWKHFKLOGUHQGHVLJQLQJÁDJVWRUHSUHVHQWWKHPVHOYHV
7ZRSDUHQWVDOVRFDPHIRUZDUGWRÀOOLQ&5%VDQGWRRUJDQLVH
a series of fundraisers for the group. As a brand new group,
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equipment you are looking to upgrade, tents, bits and other
bits and pieces, then please get in touch with
Russell Woodhallor Rachel Jennings,
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[email protected]
‘I want some
posters for my
friends’, ‘Yes and
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and 9.
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colours on it as I
like doing so many
different things,
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‘We have needed
something in this
area for years to
occupy the younger
children, there is just
nothing for them to
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‘He has pestered
me all week for
a blue jumper, I
think he wants to
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parent
Birmingham Fun Day
Saturday 7th July
Plans for the popular fun day are well underway with lots of
bookings coming in. We now need to get a team of volunteers
together to help on the day. The event takes place at Pikes Pool
and there are a wide range of activities which all need assistance
on the day as well as a huge number of support vacancies. If you
can help or want more information then please email
[email protected]
We’ll report on the event in the next issue of goSCOUT.
11
Mud, sweat and tears
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at the end of his ‘Mud Sweat and Tears’ one-man show that took place at the NIA.
'XULQJWKHHYHQLQJ%HDUWKHVWDURI0$1YV:,/'RQHRIWKHPRVWZDWFKHG79VKRZVRQWKHSODQHW
shared his experiences of survival, his epic journey to the summit of Mount Everest, his life, behind
the scenes of his hit show, his experiences as Chief Scout and stories from his bestselling book
MUD, SWEAT AND TEARS.
Bear Grylls said: “I am excited to share the stories of some of my greatest adventures, and I am
even more excited to welcome so many Scouts with me on stage to share this experience. I got my
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WRGD\ҋV\RXQJSHRSOHDWZHQW\ÀUVWFHQWXU\DGYHQWXUHRIWKHLURZQ,I\RXDUHDQDGXOWDQGZDQWWREH
part of the greatest youth movement on earth, join the Scouts and have your own adventure. Life is
there for the living!”
&KULV0RRUH([SORUHUZLWK6SLWÀUH'LVWULFWVDLGҊ7KLVZDVWKHÀUVWWLPH,KDGVWRRGRQDVWDJHZLWKRXU
Chief Scout, this in front of so many people. It’s so cool!”. He added: “Being a Scout has given me
the chance to take part in so many adventures. I’ve been climbing, taken part in expeditions with my
mates and met so many new friends. Being on stage with Bear tonight is another adventure and one
I never expected.”
12
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Whatever you get up to outdoors, having the right kit can make
all the difference. Our staff are highly trained to make sure you
get exactly what you need for all your Scouting adventures.
This honest advice and expertise is just one of the reasons
that we’re recommended by the Scout Association.
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*Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. For personal use only.
Discount only valid on production of a leaders record book or neckerchief.
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13
Ever thought of climbing Snowdonia with your scouts….
Maybe canoeing down the canal through Brindley Place….
Or maybe mountain biking in the forest....
Well that’s what we do best!!!
Hi may name is Ben Julian and I am the Assistant County Commissioner for activities.
Within Birmingham scouts I head up a team of advisers that help scouts and leaders get
out of the scout huts and in the outdoors making adventure more a key part of scouting.
We have a wide range of activities happening in the county and here are a few and how
to get in touch.
Hill walking
The aim of the hill walking team is to
support hill walking activities in
Birmingham County. We aim to provide
a pool of permit holders to support those
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leaders training and assessment for
those leaders, wishing to work towards
gaining a permit and opportunities to
meet up with other members of the hill
walking team for walks and weekends
away to develop experience and skills
In time to look to provide a County wide
event for Scouts and/or Explorers
Steve Thomas
County Hill Walking Adviser
[email protected]
Water Activities
My name is Andy Caffrey, I’m the
Birmingham County Water Adviser
looking after all water activities in the
County.
I am part of the county water team, who
work with scout groups to get as many
scouts out on the water as possible. That
could be training courses, evening
talks, training and assessments for
adventure activity permits or just coming
out with your group on the water.
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people in water activities that can help
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help out.
The county water meetings are open
to all involved in water activities in the
county. The dates for 2012 are:
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Tuesday 2nd October
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Street.
Andy Caffrey
Birmingham County Water Adviser
[email protected]
Climbing and Abseiling
My role as the County Climbing Advisor is to
encourage participation by our members in
FOLPELQJDEVHLOLQJDFWLYLWLHVERWKRQDUWLÀFLDO
climbing walls / towers and outdoors on natural
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manner by all involved.
I have been the County Climbing Advisor
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$ZDUGLQ$SULODQG,DPDOVRDPHPEHU
RIWKH7DPH9DOOH\6$66FRXW$FWLYH6XSSRUW
“Sasquatch” unit.
I am supported by the County Climbing Team
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“Sasquatch” SAS and other authorised
climbing instructors from throughout
Birmingham Scout County. The “Sasquatch”
unit are an integral part of the County
Climbing Team and volunteer their time
generously to assist on climbing events
throughout the County, and also operate a
regular Wednesday evening climbing and
training session for Scouts and instructors at
Blackwell Court throughout the Autumn,
Winter, and Spring months.
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VWDUWHGFOLPELQJLQWKHPLGҋV²WKHUHKDYH
EHHQVLJQLÀFDQWGHYHORSPHQWVLQHTXLSPHQW
manufacture, clothing, climbing standards,
training facilities, and instructing methods
techniques. Climbing is currently the
fastest growing participation sport in the
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the younger generations.
Therefore, I believe we are very fortunate in
Birmingham County to be able to provide our
young members with a great opportunity to
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FDVHVIRUWKHYHU\ÀUVWWLPHRIFOLPELQJDQG
abseiling activities through both Blackwell
Adventure and the County Climbing Team. We
have two excellent climbing facilities at
Blackwell Court in the form of the indoor
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abseiling tower and I would encourage you
all to contact the County Climbing Team or
Blackwell Adventure and have a go!
Duke Of Edinburgh
The DofE is a nationally renowned youth training scheme, recognised by many educational
establishments and industries, who value its
worth and what it says about the person who
achieves it. The scheme, which caters for the
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age range of the Scout Associations Explorer
and Network sections.
For more info go to:
http://www.birminghamscouts.org.uk/duke_of_
edinburgh_award_scheme.htm
Rot Smith
County DofE Advisor
[email protected]
Rifle Shooting
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SURYLGHVXSSRUWDQGDGYLFHLQWKHÀHOGRIULÁH
shooting, which could be training to take your
scouts shooting, setting up shooting sessions
within your groups of district and any help I
FDQJLYHWRPDNHULÁHVKRRWLQJKDSSHQIRU\RX
Roger Morcom
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[email protected]
For more general information on the County
Activity programme contact ....
Ben Julian
ACC Activities
[email protected]
Martin Ramsay
County Climbing Advisor
[email protected]
goActivities team
14
Arts for Action
7KDQN\RXWRWKHJURXSVZKRDUHVXSSRUWLQJWKH$UW$FWLRQFRPSHWLWLRQ
promoted by the Faiths Act Fellows in co-operation with the Birmingham
Council of Faiths to raise awareness about the hazards of Malaria in
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entries will be displayed in the Midlands Art Centre at Canon Hill
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goGlobal
Scout of the World award
The SOWA (Scout of the World Award) in the UK is only available to Network members. So far the Award has
been organised nationally and it is now regarded as timely to roll-out the programme to Counties. We are
exploring the potential for running the programme in Birmingham and Chris Dean, who has been the National
Coordinator has offered to attend a local meeting.
It is proposed to hold the meeting at 7.0pm
on Fri April 13th at Hatchett Street.
Please let us know if you are planning to attend,
so that we know how many to expect and
in case there is any change to the arrangements.
There are three possible themes:
Environment, Peace and Development.
As Leicester is planning to go with
Environment we are proposing the Development theme
for Birmingham. After the
Discovery Weekend each participant is allocated a mentor
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This is a rewarding experience both for theparticipants and the mentors
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participants nationally. If you are interested in knowing more about the
programme, helping to run the discovery weekend, be a mentor or participating in it, you are most welcome
to attend the meeting
.
Faiths for fun
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Council of Faiths and Birmingham County Scouts at Hampstead Hall Community Learning Centre. This will
EHWKHÀWWK\HDUDQGDJDLQLWZLOOEHRSHQWRROGHU%HDYHUV&XEVDQG\RXQJHU6FRXWV3OHDVHOHWXVNQRZLI
you are interested in helping us on what is always a very enjoyable occasion.
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&RXQW\'HYHORSPHQW$GYLVRUVRQRUHPDLOSMURRNHV#JPDLOFRP.
BrumVenture 2012
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5XQDW3LNHV3RRORQWKHZHHNHQGRIWKHWK²WK2FWREHU
WKHZHHNHQGZLOORIIHUDSURJUDPPHRIEDGJHV0DVWHUDW$UPV$UFKHU\0DVWHUDW$UP5LÁHV
Canoeist, Camp Cook, Pioneer, Forester, Radio Communicator, DIY,
Navigator, Photographer, Mechanic and new for the 2012 event the Cyclist badge. By the end of the
weekend, not only will Scouts have had the opportunity to gain the activity badge,
EXWDOVRZLOOEHDPRQJWKHIHZWRHDUQWKHҊ%UXP9HQWXUH$ZDUGҋ/RRNRXWIRUWKHDSSOLFDWLRQIRUPVRQWKH
County website and from leaders. You can also see the video produced about last
\HDUҋVHYHQWE\JRLQJWRWKH%UXP9HQWXUHSDJHRQWKH&RXQW\ZHEVLWH*HW\RXUERRNLQJIRUPVLQHDUO\
as this is proving to be a very popular event.
15
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Your help
We are looking for volunteers to help with various admin
WDVNVZLWKLQWKH&RXQW\DQGDOVRKHOSZLWKÀHOGLQJSKRQH
FDOOVDQGHPDLOVZKLFKDUHFRPLQJLQWRWKH&RXQW\RIÀFH
Both of these tasks can be done ‘remotely’ ie. from home
so there is no need to be able to get into the County
RIÀFH,I\RXIHHO\RXFDQKHOSLQDQ\ZD\RUZDQWPRUH
information then please contact the County Secretary
Gerry Russell
[email protected]
Please send contributions and feedback on your new County newsletter to
[email protected]
The next issue will be at the end of July 2012 - all
FRQWHQWZLOOEHQHHGHGE\WKHWK-XQH
www.birminghamscouts.org.uk
goSCOUT is produced for Birmingham County Scouts
Editor: Amanda Cardall, Copywriting: Laura Becher, Artwork: Rebecca Stewart
16