Hampshire Scouting began with a bang in 2005. An ‘Exclusive Leader Event’ took place in the Winchester Guildhall during February.
Billed as ‘Kick-Start Hampshire’ it brought together Scouters from across the County to learn more about the County Commissioner’s vision for Hampshire Scouting, discover more about events and activities on offer to our young people in the coming few years and
meet other Leaders involved in Scouting in Hampshire.
One of the busiest areas in the Guildhall was the King Charles Suite where a ‘Marketplace’ was in operation. Stalls were set out giving information about a wide range of Scouting activities both on a county and national basis. H. Q. books and leaflets were available, uniforms could be purchased, details of campsites on display and information on the wide diversity of exciting activities available to those fortunate to call themselves Hampshire Scouts.
Nearby, in the Keats Room, the Adult training team was on hand to discuss the ‘new’ Adult learning programme and next door, workshops took place on the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in the Wintonian Room. In addition to all this, in the King Alfred Hall, presentations were given including the County Commissioner’s vision and also to promote up and coming events including the World Jamboree in 2007.
This culminated in a surprise performance by members of the Gosport Gang Show – much appreciated by all the audience.
Skyhigh 2007
One of the visions for 2007 (Scouting’s centenary) is to put a Hampshire Scout on top of Mount Everest.
Preparations for this epic climb have been underway for some time and a riveting talk was given on the training undertaken by members of Hampshire Scout Expeditions. Visitors clustered round a stall in the King Alfred Suite to view some of the equipment needed for the expedition, and meet the prospective climbers. Hampshire Scouting is now seeking major sponsorship for this ground breaking project.
Alongside this display were details of two other events available to Scouts celebrating the Centenary – Eurojam, a jamboree taking place this year as a fore-runner to the main Centenary Jamboree in Essex in 2007. Not forgotten at Kick-start Hampshire were the younger members. The Section Support team was on hand to provide help and advice to Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer Scout Leaders and Network members, whilst through all this the award winning Spitfires Scout &Guide Band entertained.
Medieval First Aid
Around the time the Leaders were picking up tips and looking towards the future, some very interesting events were happening down in the New Forest. Medieval Knights were invading and causing grievous harm to innocents living near Ye Copythorne Scout Headquarters. However, all was not lost as a team of 18 Scouts and Explorer Scouts were undergoing a weekend of training in casualty simulation and First Aid skills. As the battles took place, injuries were checked, stretcher teams employed and casualties taken to a clearing point.
On Saturday evening a Medieval Banquet took place then the Scouts were called out to deal with casualties from yet another incursion out in the dark. The Scouts worked for 20 hours over the weekend, during which they were assessed on their First Aid and casualty management skills and gained their Casualty Simulation Module 2 certificate.
In addition, each had to prepare and give a five minute talk on an aspect of First Aid given to them, in front of their peers. It is hoped that they can now assist in training other Scouts and Leaders in their First Aid skills by being casualties and peer educators.
Were sleeping bags invented in the olden days?
Scouting through the winter
It may be thought that Scouting retreats to the H.Q. or church hall in the winter months. Not so! Each year winter camps take place and are enjoyed despite the weather. At Ferny Crofts, Hampshire Scouting’s ‘home’ in the New Forest, a popular annual event is the Scout County Winter Camp.
This winter some 350 Scouts and Explorer Scouts camped. Leaders leave the warmth of their homes and firesides for tents and camp fires in the Forest, some even managing to enjoy themselves! Care is taken that frost bite is avoided by a continuous programme of challenging activities. Hot meals are provided at a reasonably priced cafeteria and off site a light weight hike and a mountain bike challenge take place. On site, the full facilities of a first class campsite are available to the Scouts run by qualified Leaders.
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Linking with other youth organisations
Each year over the winter terms the YHA runs a special discount weekend for Scouts when £11 per person is charged for two night’s accommodation. Bramshill Scouts have benefited from this offer, this year walking the North Downs Way from Kemsing.
These weekends are an ideal opportunity to introduce younger Scouts to long-distance footpath walking with the benefit of a fixed base to return to on a winter’s evening. It allows them to develop their map reading skills and get some hands on experience in the kitchen!
This year four Leaders and 16 boys whose ages ranged from 10-16 took part with the older Scouts walking a 11 mike hike and the younger ones 6 miles. The Scouts had to translate written descriptions into map references and bearings, and not get lost! One of the best weekends for weather was enjoyed with Scouts leading their Leaders then cooking for them in the evening.
Scouting in Hampshire is fully prepared to face the challenges coming in the next century of Scouting. Latest census figures show a change in the trend with many Districts showing growth, particularly in the 10-18 year age range! The challenge is now to spread that growth across the whole age range. That is the County Commissioner’s main vision for the next five years.