1ST DENMEAD AT GUERNSEY
By Jonathan Gilbert - PL of Swifts Patrol, Vulcan Scout Troop, 1st Denmead
The troop rendezvoused at Portsmouth Ferry port and set sail for our Guernsey Summer camp at 0900. The late afternoon arrival in Guernsey meant the first meal was a centrally cooked one, but this allowed us to set up our patrol areas, where we would pitch our tents and cook.
The first full day of camp started bright and early, we collected our breakfast ingredients at 0715 from the Quarter master. All meals from this point on were cooked by us in our own patrols, we were also responsible for washing up and keeping our galleys, cooking utensils and mess tins neat and tidy.
Various activities were planned for each day, ranging from camp craft, camp skills, to abseiling, canoeing, hiking and night wide games. Flag break and dinner were at 1900 and the evening was finished off with either a wide game or camp fire, with Cocoa and cake at 2200 and bed! There were no problems with sleep, each day was crammed full of activities. Dinner included such delicacies as Chicken Cacciatore, Coca Cola Chicken,
Hobo Dinner and Black Forest Cobbler, no chance of anyone going hungry! After a couple of days at camp, the older scouts set off on a 2 day hike around the rugged and challenging cliff top path along the South of the island, carrying all their own kit, fueled by Army 24hr rations and cooking on Trangias.
Fred shows us the ropes
We were all able to return with craft items we had made, including pyrography-decorated toasting forks, key rings, tie-dyed shirts and bandanas etc..
The camp was one of our best, we were all exhausted, but the camp had lived up to our expectations and we had covered the majority of activities we had suggested at the planning meetings, and the leaders were also exhausted and desperate for a cup of tea.
And the winner is…Jonathan Gilbert who wrote the article above.
He wins the tin of Quality Street chocs. And thank you also to the writers of the other entries and their leaders for putting pen to paper. Turn to the middle pages to find a flavour of summer camping.
YOUNG LEADERSHIP - OUR BEST HOPE!
There are things that go on behind the scenes that sometimes get taken for granted or overlooked. The work of the many Executives, Group, District and County Teams, that goes on day after day, week after week is often unnoticed by many. However, this work provides the very infrastructure that allows Scouting to exist and develop. So this month's congratulations go to you all involved in these teams for the work you do.
Development is uppermost on my mind right now as I review the County Development Plan and instigate new initiatives to support District development. We cannot afford to become complacent about the level of growth, there are still many more young people trying to get into Scouting.
One of our best hopes, in my opinion, is to focus on developing young leadership. I have nothing but admiration for the work of some of the current young leaders in the County who have developed their skills through Scouting, and consequently we are implementing a County based Young Leader development programme supported by funding from Hampshire County Council. Details of this programme have already been published by Paul Shutt, CESC, and I hope that all Districts will encourage suitable young people to take part in the programme.
Opportunities are always arising for young and not so young people to get involved - Dom Howell has recently advertised for a team to help plan and run HamJam 2010 in the Lake District; we will also soon have to start thinking about a team to head up our unit to the next World Jamboree in Sweden.
Meanwhile, the Chinalink project has now recruited a small team of young people to start the planning and management of this exciting opportunity to experience another culture, and I also have details of an opportunity to put together a crew for a tall ships experience - just need someone to project manage the idea - any volunteers?
Hope you all survived summer camp! The adventure goes on!
Dick Whittington County Commissioner
YOUNG LEADERS TRAINING WEEKEND
14th-16th November at Runways End. All modules in one go with the exception of "K" which is 1st Aid and "A" which you must have done to attend the course. £10 fee payable in advance by cheque which will normally be paid by the section or group you work with. Anyone booking and not turning up will be charged an administration fee. There are only 24 places so book early to make the most of this fantastic opportunity. If you have any more questions or want to book some places please email acc.es@scouts-hants.org.uk
Young Leaders Training Weekend. 6th-8th February.
See Novembers course for more details. This one will take place at Ferny Crofts
COUNTY CONFERENCE FOR DISTRICT CHAIRMEN AND DCS
The autumn conference for all District Chairmen and District Commissioners will take place on the 11th of October at Base 2000 in Basingstoke. Formal invitation will be sent out with an agenda shortly.
The main theme for the conference will be the forthcoming changes to the appointment process and due to the importance of this topic it is expected that all Districts will attend. If a DC or Chair is unable to come a representative should attend in their place.
COUNTY AGM
The County AGM for the year 2007/2008 ending in May 2008 will take place on the 22nd of November at a venue to be arranged. Please put this date in your diaries, more information will be forthcoming soon.
SECTION LEADERS CONFERENCE
The ACCs Section are pleased to give you early notice of a Hampshire Scouting Section Leaders Conference.
Saturday 14th February 2009 (St Valentine's Day) Thornden School, Chandlers Ford You will be able to choose either an AM or PM Session.
The Conference will be able to facilitate meetings of fellow Leaders, finding out about fresh programme ideas, hearing about new initiatives outside of Scouting, at HQ and in Hampshire and the planning for a strong Hampshire Scouting future. With Guest speakers from Hampshire County Council, Gilwell and Hampshire Scouting as well as some extra special guests.
A Market place will include Hampshire Scout Clubs and Organisations, non-scouting Clubs and Organisations, Gilwell departments, a Scout Shop and Activities. Look out for your invitation/booking form via DCs and GSLs shortly. The information will also be available via the County Website and, of course, HSN .
KUDU AND TREK CART NEED YOU!
Are you one of the hundreds of Scouts over the years who enjoyed Trek Cart and Kudu. If so these events need new volunteers to keep them going. Please contact Ray or Paul for further information on:
Ray Noice ray.noice@scouts-hants.org.uk or via County Office
Paul Shutt acc.es@scouts-hants.org.uk or via County Office
ACC BEAVERS- TERESA GINN
County Beaver Leaders meeting
September 6th 2008 at Stanmore Hut, Winchester 10-12 noon. No uniform.
County Sleepover training day
October 11th 2008 at Stanmore Hut, Winchester (tbc). Booking forms are with your ADC so book early as this is sure to be a popular course.
Beavers visit to Paultons Park
Saturday 15th November 2008.
ACC CUBS- VANESSA SLAWSON
Scrapheap Challenge will take place on the 29th of November in Waterlooville District. Thank you to Waterlooville for volunteering again.
ACC SCOUTS- DOMINIC HOWELL
COUNTY CAMP 2008
The annual County Camp for Scouts hosted 104 Scouts from 21 Troops from around the County. Scouts camped as Patrols and cooked for themselves throughout the week.
County Camp replicated a traditional Troop Camp along with traditional activities including gadget making and skills bases along with exciting challenges including an optional 2 day cycle challenge, all day wide game and survival skills. Other challenges included a scrapheap challenge, air rifle and archery master classes, wood carving, raft and coracle building.
Thursday we visited Romsey Rapids (for a bath!) and on then on to Lyndhurst where the Patrols devised a menu, bought the ingredients and returned to the site to cook it, inviting a guest leader to share the meal with them The checkout lady was very impressed with the 21 different menus that went through her till.
Patrols also made chariots from pioneering poles and wooden wheels which they raced.
Evening entertainment included wide games and a chill out zone including giant games and various mixes of fizzy drinks incorporating ice cream, marshmallows and jelly babies ... at least the Scouts like them!
Thank you to all the leaders who gave up their time to support the Scouts during the week and to Lyons Copse for all their help. County Camp returns in 2009.
The Survival Skills Weekend
On 27-28 SEPTEMBER 2008 will complete the Survival Skills Badge for the participants. Scouts will build their own shelters, prepare their food, cook on open fires, and learn survival skills. Places are restricted and are taken up quickly, please book early. Full details are on the Scout page of the County Website or can be obtained from Dominic at hantsscouts@gmail.com.
DATES FOR NEXT YEAR
Winter Camp 13-15 March 09 at Ferny Crofts
Get Active 15-17 May 09 at Lyons Copse
County Camp 22-29 August 09 at Lyons Copse
Survival Skills 19-20 Sept 09 at Pinsent
PL Training 20-22 November 09 at Lyons Copse
ACC EXPLORER- PAUL SHUTT
Disneyland Paris Trip
16th -18th January. The cost will be £160.00 per person. We have 50 places which will include leaders, and everyone going on the trip will need a valid passport. Please contact Paul now to guarantee your place or for more info. acc.es@scouts-hants.org.uk
County Explorer Camp.
After the success of this years camp you will want to put the 8th-10th of May 2009 in your diaries.
NETWORK COMMISSIONER- RAY NOICE
2008 HAMPSHIRE NETWORK BALL
Saturday 25th October from 7.00pm to 1.00am Wellow Golf Club, Ryedown Lane, East Wellow, Romsey.
Total price £35.00 per person includes a full 3-course meal, arrival drink and live band.
For more information contact: nick.cooper17@btinternet.com
RICHARD SPEARING - ACC FELLOWSHIP
The date and time of our next meeting will be Sunday 19th October 2pm at Ringwood Parish Church Hall, followed at 3.00pm by our Annual Service at the Parish Church.
Please bring Fellowship or District Flags to represent your district and invite family members to the service for those whose names will be added to the Roll of Honour.
NO INTERNET?
Please contact the county office if you do not have internet access and we will endeavour to supply you with any further info mentioned in HSN articles
County Training Manager - Martin Rudd
TA EVENTS
Following the very successful TA Events in 2006/2007 people have requested the Adult Learning Team repeat them in 2008 so here are the dates & venues:
Tuesday 28th Oct- Hillsea HQ Friday 31st Oct - Runways End Tues 4th Nov Copythorne HQ
All will run between 7.30 and 9.30pm Please confirm your attendance with Phill Pegg, County Training Administrator on Phill Pegg <phill.pegg@xalt.co.uk
NIGHTS AWAY - MODULE 16
We still find that there seems to be confusion about this module so I will try again to clarify what M16 is all about and also to give you some changes to the way M16 can be booked from 2009 onwards.
We still hear from many delegates attending this module "that they have been sent on it by their District NA Adviser who says it is mandatory they attend to gain a Nights Away Permit" - this is absolutely untrue - the two issues are totally separate! There is no mention of this requirement anywhere in the Nights Away Fact Sheets or any other literature. Module 16 is a module like any other module that needs to be completed by all section leaders in the course of their training/learning journey. M16 is not heavily skills based as with the "old" training programme, but it is planning & process based and trainers need to ensure that the 65 objectives laid down by Gilwell are completed in full! The Hampshire team however, packs the weekend with lots of additional skills from experience they know will be needed - and some just fun to do anyway!
It is however a fact that one of the validation methods for module 16 is to gain a Nights Away Permit i. e. the reverse! Therefore to clarify:
1. Leaders complete a PLP with their TA & if the learning element of Module 16 is thought to be required, and in many instances this will be the case & the preferred option, then they book on a residential Nights Away experience at FC
2. If through previous/past learning experience the TA believes that they can validate straight away then validation takes place using the criteria in the TA Guide - which can include the gaining of a NA Permit.
3. If as in some cases District Teams feel that some "well established" leaders would benefit from undertaking Module 16 to give them a "refresher" prior to granting them a permit, then that's fine also (in small numbers on any course), but please do not say it is a requirement of the NA Permit scheme.
4. However, please remember, it is the District Nights Away Assessors role to assess a leader's competence for a NA Permit - not the Adult Learning Team's i. e. attendance at the residential Module 16 Nights Away weekend does not = validation achieved. We see on many PLPs in the validation column for M16 -"Course certificate seen dated 000000" remember this is only an attendance certificate.
5. Most new adult leaders will perhaps need to complete Module 16 in the course of their Adult Learning planned with their TA, when their PLP was initially discussed & written. Please refer to page 5 of the Hampshire Adult Learning Supplement (HALS) where the suggested order of modules to be undertaken before a module 16 course is attended.
6. However it would not be expected that a leader would attend Module 16 until they have a "full" Warrant i. e. not a Provisional Warrant. In these circumstances permission to attend will need to be gained from the County Training Manager.
NIGHTS AWAY MODULE 16 - THE NEW BOOKING PROCESS
We have received comments "that we need to put on more M16 NA courses each year" however feedback from LTMs and others lead us to believe that we do have about the right number but places are being taken by leaders who perhaps need to be around a little longer i. e. at one this year we had some leaders who have not completed their "Getting Started" modules!! Places are also taken up by leaders who either do not turn up on the day or cancel too close to allow us to backfill with others - 6 places were in this category at the June M16 residential - a very sizeable number wasted!
So to ensure that the M16 Nights Away residential courses are attended by those at the appropriate time in their training/ learning we intend to use a different delegate course application form i. e. one just for M16 Nights Away courses. This will ask for additional information about previous module completion i. e. confirming that leaders who apply have completed the modules that have always been suggested should be completed on page 5 of the Hampshire Adult Learning Supplement (HALS) that TAs should use when completing PLPs. We will, in other words be adhering to 5 & 6 above.
This way, with us also increasing the number we can take for each M16 course to 30, we feel we will have enough NA spaces for those leaders that should or need to attend at an appropriate time.
Hampshire 007
Exactly one year on from the wonderful week that was H007 we have a bonus for you. Many of the photos taken during the week have been compiled into a DVD so you can relive those memories. A copy of the DVD has been sent to all the Staff at the event and to all the group leaders who booked up to attend the event.
We are unable to send out enough for every attendee but feel free to copy the original so all who attended can enjoy it. Or you could have a film showing one evening in September when you return to weekly meeting, if indeed you ever stop.
If you have still not received your copy of the DVD by the end of the month and you were staff at H007 or the Scouter who booked your places please contact the County Office. If you were not the individual who booked the event for your group please contact the leader who was. The County Office number is 02380 847847 and email is county.office@scouts-hants.org.uk
POLISH YOUR BELT BUCKLES!
By Flic Wright - Relentless Explorers
Could you walk 100 miles in 10 days, with everything you will possibly need on your back? Could you walk up to a complete stranger who doesn't understand English and have the courage to ask to sleep in their back garden? Could you finish walking each day and then spend hours interviewing local people about their culture? Could you do all of that for just a belt buckle? No? Well that's just what 16 Hampshire Explorers did this summer!
"Ready for the off complete with map holder - but no map"
On the 2nd of August, at the unworldly time of 5am, the Poland 2008 contingent gathered at Gatwick Airport. Not the usual meeting place for a summer camp I know, but for us it was the start of
18 days of hard work, adventure, but most of all fun and laughter. By 8am we were in the air, zooming towards Poland, tucking into our bacon rolls - the last British breakfast we would get for nearly 3 weeks…..
Touching down in Krakow later that morning, we piled onto a bus and waved as we passed the leaders in their hired yellow mini-bus, instantly named the 'mustard mobile'! Our destination was Korzkiew, a scout centre just North of Krakow. It would be our home for the first 4 days and the base for the leaders during the whole expedition.
The days before the actual Explorer Belt expedition began were spent route planning, relaxing and getting to know everyone better. We had come from different groups around Hampshire and had only met a couple of times before, so it was a big learning curve for us all.
"we bumped into 3 Polish Scouts eating their breakfast on a park bench"
Day 5 and the beginning of the 10-day long Explorer Belt finally arrived. The route was already set, so we were only waiting to be given our 10 team tasks, one for every day of the expedition. We finally got theses at our start point. Some seemed really interesting; 'Meet some Polish Scouts', some were not quite as appealing; 'Try these traditional dishes: pigs trotters in jelly and dog's blood soup', and others appeared impossible: 'Find a family that owns a pet guinea pig and have your photo taken with it'.
Despite the daunting prospect of our tasks and the realization that only 5 minutes into the expedition we had already lost our map, we set of in good spirits and enjoyed our first day walking!! Ignoring the insane amount of blisters, pain and minor injuries, the 4 of us that made up Team Dave had an amazing 10 days. Our team morale remained boosted as we travelled 160km around the outskirts of Krakow city, completing tasks as we went. We managed all but one of them easily, but thankfully, due to a lucky encounter with a tram, we bumped into 3 Polish Scouts eating their breakfast on a park bench, with just 3 hours of the expedition left to go!!!
By day 10 we were all pretty worn out and so I think were the rest of the teams. Everyone involved had managed the expedition without too many problems, and we were all pleased to meet up again in a hostel in Krakow if only to have something other than an early morning breakfast of bread dipped in jam with ice-cream chasers. We spent the last few days of our trip swapping our stories and chilling out in the Tatra Mountains, a few hours south of Krakow.
I know everyone had a brilliant time and I would urge anyone who gets the Explorer Belt opportunity to go for it! It looks impossible and it is an awful lot of hard work, but believe me, it's an amazing experience and so much fun at the same time!
RINGWOOD SCOUTS TO MEET COMRADES IN MALAWI
By Karen Bate from thisiswiltshire.co.uk
FOUR Ringwood Scouts will be swapping the Ringwood countryside for the African scrub in an intrepid cultural exchange this summer.
William Andrews, Tim Skelley, Calum Allardyce and Ben White, all aged 18, from the First Poulner Explorer Scouts are going to Mzuzu in Northern Malawi to share scouting skills, the ideology of scouting and the fundamental ethos at the roots of scouting.
Now the youngsters have to raise £2,400.
After a plant sale in the Furlong Shopping Centre in Ringwood the group raised nearly £500.
The initiative is partly funded by the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council, the First Poulner Scout Group, with donations from the Fordingbridge Co-op and a youth charity.
The four boys, are part of a larger group of 16 Poulner Scouts who are on a two and a half-week trip to meet the Malawi scouts and to make some desks and chairs for 400 pupils for the local school. The prototype has been made in Ringwood, but the boys will be making the desks in Malawi from local sustainable materials.
The four Ringwood boys who are staying on, will be helping to create an eight acre camp site in Mzuzu.
The site was acquired by money raised by the First Poulner Scout Group and, when it is finished, they will be handing it over to the Malawi authorities for the local Scouts.
Meanwhile William, Calum, Tim and Ben will spend about three months creating a football pitch, building a fire pit, damming a river to create a swimming pool and levelling land to make it suitable for tents.
The organiser of this trip Group Scout Leader Colin Andrews said: "We were very glad of this opportunity for the Furlong plant sale, to raise money for this trip.
"Eventually we would like to bring the Malawi Scouts back to Ringwood which we will do when we have raised enough money.
"We are already planning their trip in three years time. I think the boys see this as an adventure, but they will be doing some very useful work while they are away and I am sure they will never quite see life in the same way again. Everyone will be learning from this experience"
Wanted! County Treasurer
SUMMARY
We are actively seeking an Honorary County Treasurer to join our County Executive and provide strategic assistance and financial guidance to the Committee, the members of which are the trustees of the charity.
The principal responsibilities of the Treasurer are: to ensure that the charity is run on a sound financial footing; to advise on strategic financial matters affecting the charity; and to assist in the effective administration of the Scout County in accordance with the 'Policy, Organisation and Rules' of the Scout Association and charity criteria. Ensure up-to-date financial procedures and systems are in place and County employees undertake all the day-to-day financial operations.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Title: County Treasurer
Responsible for: The provision of sound financial advice and information to the Scout County.
Responsible to: County Chairman
Main Contacts: Members of the County Executive, including County Secretary, County Commissioner, County Chairman and County Support Manager.
Appointment Requirements: To understand and accept The Scout Association's polices and to have a satisfactory CRB clearance.
Main Tasks o Act as Treasurer to the County Scout Council and be a full and active member of the County Executive Committee, including chairing the Finance Sub-Committee and acting as a member of the Personnel Sub-Committee.
o With the County Chairman and County Commissioner to set the Annual Budget for approval by the Executive Committee.
o Ensure the completion of the County Annual accounts (supported by Assistant County Treasurer, County Book-keeper and County Support Manager) in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Charity Commission.
o Maintain effective communication with the County Chairman, County Commissioner and County Secretary
o Provide sound financial advice, information and strategic direction to the Trustees.
o Work with the County Executive Committee to attract funding / grants / income to the County
Why stop when you're having fun?
Summer Camp 2008
We went to Cornwall with 8 Explorers and 2 Leaders for our camp. We did surfing, hiking, rock climbing, caving and fishing. We caught loads of fish including mackerel and will definitely do it again.
The Eden Project was fantastic and we socialised with some other explorers camping on the same site. Bekki Foy- Eastleigh Explorers
3rd Romsey had a visit from a space scientist for the day. They had to complete 9 challenges including setting off a rocket while wearing moon boots and making a moon buggy. They also got to fire a real rocket which went over 350 feet up in the air. Mhairi Cameron
We weren't able to take a camp until the 3rd week in August because the Explorers were all waiting for their GCSE results to come out. We booked Wilverley as it was close to home and called it a Flexicamp. Bournemouth was visited as was Splashdown at Poole. We made a healthy start on our planned orienteering course at the campsite and, as we couldn't have a fire at Wilverley, finished up at Ferny Crofts to end our camp sitting around a blaze until quite late. Southampton City Explorers
This summer we went on our tri-annual camp to Trumpers farm in Llanvair Kilgeddin, just outside Abergavenny, in the Black Mountains of Wales. Even though we were doused in torrential rain most of the week, it never dampened our spirits or stopped us completing many activities. Highlights for the sections were the Cubs topping out on Sugarloaf. The weather pounded us but kept us cool, leaving us to hit the summit in exhilarating conditions. The Scouts endured the same conditions but carried out many more adventurous activities. Making use of the River Usk that we were camped next to, the Scouts built a magnificent raft and enjoyed exploring and swimming in the cold waters of Wales. The highlight of their week was an overnight hike in testing conditions, to which extreme courage, endurance and will power came into play to complete a very satisfying jaunt. 1st Aldershot Scout Group
Robin Hood - fact or fiction?
That was the question that we set out to answer. We stayed at Robin Hood Campsite in Blidworth, in the heart of Sherwood Forest.
Sunday was a hot day so we were glad of the shelter of the trees as the tents and dining shelters were pitched.
Monday morning was spent building gadgets to make camp life easier. After lunch, we visited the Making It! Discovery Centre where everyone constructed a model kit.
Tuesday after flag break, the younger Scouts left for Nottingham to visit the 'Tales of Robin Hood' exhibition and then onto the Nottingham Climbing Centre. The older group were busy building bivouacs and constructing a series of rope walkways in the trees.
Wednesday was hike day. The younger group were driven to a point from which they would hike back to the site. The older group drove on a bit further but then completed a longer, circular route ending up back at the minibus. Dinner was done 'backwoods' style.
Thursday was like Tuesday but with the 2 groups swapping over. The day ended with an inter-Patrol quiz. There were questions on Scouting, sport and general knowledge.
Friday we drove into Mansfield for some retail therapy followed by a swim. Dinner was a medieval feast. The final campfire was a great occasion with some great stunts, Queen songs and guitar pieces.
Saturday was all about striking camp and prizes were awarded. As for Robin Hood, the majority vote believed that he and his merry men (and of course the lovely Maid Marian) did exist.
Andy Booth of 22nd Odiham (Fleet)
Sandleheath Sea Scouts
Our 17 Scouts and 16 Explorer Scouts shared the 14 acre site at Poole harbour with Salisbury Sea Cadets. We set up a blindfold trail in the trees beside the water. We went climbing at Hedbury Quarry and did half rifle shooting and team-building tasks. The Explorers went cycling or walking to the beach at Studland for lunch then back. We took a trip to Brownsea and in the evening there was a low ropes course in the forest. The Scouts had raft at team building sessions in the morning, followed by a trip to Swanage for lunch and shopping. All in all a fabulous camp.
Zambia 2008
The Zambia 2008 team was made up of 19 members of the Scout or Guide Association, aged 14 to 25 at the time of the expedition. In addition to this are the 5 members of the Leader Team (all aged over 25). The members come from Hampshire, Surrey, GLSW, Oxford, East and West Sussex, making up an England wide team.
Our challenge was to undertake a significant community project in a very rural location in Zambia. We chose a school, Lusitu Community School, in the district of Siavonga in Zambia. The school has so far been built and ran by the local community, who live in mud huts. The school is officially recognised by the educational department; however, it receives virtually no funding from that department. The school currently educates around 320 pupils in grades 1 to 7 (ages 5 to 12). The aim was to help provide a clean water supply through an 80mtr deep borehole, provide a new double toilet block, provide 2 brick built classrooms to supplement the existing classrooms, provide educational and sports equipment for the whole school to use and to provide desks and chairs for the classrooms which don't currently have them. When they arrived, they set up camp and then took part in the school assembly and had the opportunity to take a few lessons with the children. They helped build the toilet block and with the bricklaying in the main teaching block and went to the local version of B&Q to get the paint for the building.
They created some spectacular murals inside the new building and made sure they left their mark by leaving their handprints on the wall in highly decorative colours. After all the hard work it was time to join the locals in a celebratory dance and opening ceremony which everyone seemed to enjoy.
It was time to let their hair down and visit some of the country.
The activities they got to take part in included White Water Rafting, Elephant Back Safari, Quad Biking, Horse Riding and Helicopter Flights over Victoria Falls
The more info and photos go to: http://www.joolsuk.co.uk/z08
or http://www.int-scout.org.uk/
Julian is already starting to think about the next African expedition in 2010. So if you are interested then visit this page and fill in the form: www.int-scout.org.uk/Pages/2010.htm
CUBS WELCOMED BY SCOTS SCOUTS By Sandra Paice
1st New Milton (3rd New Forest South) Cubs went to Scotland for their 1st camp away from the local area with 17th West Lothian Cubs at their campsite The Craigs It was the first time the group had travelled out of their local area and they decided to make a big leap rather than a small one. 11 Cubs and 1 Beaver flew to Edinburgh with 3 leaders and 2 assistants. We enjoyed a range of modern activities such as hill climbing, tubing, canoeing, and more traditional ones such as fire lighting, backwoods cooking, tracking, camp gadgets and pioneering. We also visited Edinburgh Castle to soak up some culture.
"Us with 17th West Lothian Cubs at their campsite The Craigs" The Scottish group made us very welcome by piping us into camp and their organisation of the 5 days was incredible. We are looking forward to returning the favour in 2009 with the 17th visiting us and we plan to return to Scotland in 2010.
HANNONS COPSE
At the start of June, Skip's Old Boys Fellowship and some of the members of the Odiham Executive met at Hannams Copse to walk the woods and discuss possible future developments to the District's backwoods camping site. The Copse offers groups the chance for their Beavers/Cubs/Scouts or Explorers to experience fairly wild woods. It's ideal for wide games, camping, bivouacking, backwoods cooking and Pioneering. In addition there are many opportunities for badge work, ranging from conservation and pioneering to service work. If you would like to book the copse please contact Shona Harrington - shonaharrington@hotmail.com. For more information, please see the Fellowship pages on the Odiham District website. http://www.odihamscouts.org.uk/
BOWS FOR SALE
Ex-Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre bows for sale. There are a total of 15 Indian glass fibre recurved bows in 3 different sizes, perfect for beginners of all ages. All of the bows are in good condition, but have been replaced after 4 years of being in action:
7 x 'Little Sentry' (small) 40" 10lbs pull £7.00 each (£33.50 rrp)
5 x 'Junior Indian' (medium) 50" 20lbs pull £5.00 each (£23.95 rrp)
3 x 'Adult Indian' (large) 60" 25-30lbs pull £3.00 each (£16.95 rrp)
For more information please contact us on: tel: 023 8084 5092 E-mail: manager@fernycrofts.or.uk or
WEAR YOUR BADGE WITH PRIDE By Jill Sutton
Back in the olden days when I was editor of HSN I wrote a short item about how, when wearing a 'Promise' sweatshirt (I told you it was in the olden days!), I met other Scouters while on holiday.
It's happened again - and again. This year, Les and I went on a Round Britain cruise (the pension paid to ex-editors can be quite good). One morning it was chilly and we both wore our Scouting Centenary sweat-shirts. Almost as soon as we emerged on deck after breakfast, somebody came up and said, 'What connections have you with Scouting?' She was ACC Special Needs for, I think, Essex and had been on the working party for the World Jamboree. This opened up a conversation with some others who lived near to the jamboree site - and a gentleman who had been at the 1957 Jamboree. The chat widened. Being on a cruise gives the opportunity to talk with fellow travellers.
Three weeks later we were on holiday with our grandsons and took them to Bovington Tank museum. I was wearing my H007 polo shirt and, need I say more? The Scout Leader from Aldershot had been there too; his Assistant had been to Hylands Park. We discussed the various merits of the two Jamborees. Both received favourable comments. Scouting had a good press last year. If everybody who has a Scout sweat shirt or similar wore them when out and about they would soon make more friends and be able to tell others just how good is the Movement to which we belong.
JACK'S PLACE CHALLENGE
The County Commissioner challenges you to raise £25,000 for the Jack's Place project at Naomi House Children's Hospice by having a party - or to be more exact, lots of parties! Yes, you are challenged to plan and hold a party in your Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, Scout Troops, Explorer Units, Network Units and even amongst the leaders.
It can be any type of party ranging from games cakes and jellies to a campfire party, to a Group BBQ, or perhaps a Dinner party for the adults. Is someone having a Birthday Party? - why not theme it to raise money for the appeal! How about next year's AGM? - charge everyone a small fee or hold a raffle! Donate the collection from your St Georges Day Celebrations. There are loads of ideas that I am sure you could think up. The wackier the better!
Can we do it? I think we can - the target of £25,000 works out to only £1.37 per member! If only half of you take up the challenge that is still only £2.74 each! So challenge issued!
If you and your group decide to take up the challenge then please arrange for the proceeds to go directly to Naomi House and the County Office to be informed of the amount so we can keep track.
CANAL CHALLENGE
By: John Penfold
The Basingstoke Canal Challenge is to paddle 2, 6 or 8 miles in the fastest possible time and takes place on Sunday 28th September 2008. This is suitable for all those of BCU 1 Star / Paddlepower Passport standard and above. Each entrant will be timed over their chosen distance, and the emphasis is as a personal challenge rather than a race. Both single and double canoes and kayaks are eligible. The event is organised by the North Hants Water Activities committee, and all competitors are encouraged to seek sponsorship in aid of the charity 'Accessible Boating'.
The entry fee is £3.00 per seat if paid in advance (£5.00 if paid on the day). Certificates will be presented to all those completing the challenge, and a Group trophy will be awarded to the Group having the 4 fastest paddlers over the 6 mile course. For further details please see the attached rules and entry form. After expenses have been deducted all entry fees will be donated to 'Accessible Boating' and donations will also be accepted and given to the charity. Since 1998 we have raised a total of £5,336.38.
RIFLE CLUB AWARD
The first task for the new Club President, Mr. Eric Clifton, after his appointment, was to present John Dohoo with the NSRA Silver Award for services to shooting: an award that all present at the Club's 2008 AGM felt he richly deserved.
John started shooting when, at the age of 14, he joined his school contingent of the Combined Cadet Force. He has been involved in shooting with Scouts since 1985 and was a founder member of the Hampshire Scouts Rifle Club in 1994. He is currently Deputy County Commissioner as well as continuing his work with the rifle club.
14TH EASTLEIGH AWARD
The 14th Eastleigh Scout Group Community Garden has won a prestigious Green Pennant award for the third year in succession. A record 73 green spaces have been rewarded with a Green Pennant, the highest national accolade for sites managed by voluntary and community groups.
Project co-ordinator Ian West said "winning this award for the third year running is a testament to the continued hard work put in by the young people and volunteers from the Group. The garden is part of our long term commitment to work with the local community to improve the area around the Scout Headquarters for the benefit of all."
The Garden was built 3 years ago by volunteers and young people from the Group who have continued to maintain the garden to a high standard for the benefit of the whole community.
As well as being a relaxing place to sit, the garden is a haven for wildlife, featuring native trees, wildflower meadow, insect beneficial plants and a bat box. The garden is also of great benefit to the environment with plants being grown organically and compost being made.
THREE WINNING WOMEN
What do leaders and committee members do on their days off from Scouting? They raise funds for Cancer research! Sanja, Vanessa and Karen have just run the 5km Race for Life in Southampton before getting back to their Scouting duties with 4TH New Forest North. Yes, they all ran - they are very busy people and didn't have time to walk the course!
SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY
Congratulations to 23rd Andover who are giving birth to a second Beaver Colony this September. May the new arrival bring much happiness.
Canon Dr. San Ndimbo from The St Annes Hospital, Liuli, Tanzania was in the UK to make several visits and popped into St Boniface to meet Derek & Julie Bourne representing the 5th (now 1st) Chandlers Ford Scout Group, to thank them for the work they did sending Christmas Boxes out for their children. This project led to all the leaders and young people at the 5th getting their International Friendship award.
Lyn Jack has been appointed Group Scout Leader for the 12th Eastleigh Scout Group with effect from 1st August 2008. Lyn has many years experience in Scouting, both with her previous group in High Wycombe and at the 12th Eastleigh starting as an Assistant Beaver Leader and then Scout Troop leader.
62nd Portsmouth Beaver Colony re opened in April and were very lucky to have a visit from Chompy the Beaver from 1st Bank Beaver colony in Nova Scotia Canada. Chompy has been visiting the UK, meeting as many colonies as he can.
Amendment to last months HSN. The County Archery final at St Georges School, Southampton will commence at 10am not 10pm
The Spitfires Band is 40 years old this year, and to mark the occasion are putting on some concerts at Eastleigh and Otterbourne. If you want further information about either event, contact Ian Cole (0845 644 5263) or email David Patrick (webmaster@eastleigh-scouts.org.uk)
COMING SOON! GRASSROOTS GRANTS
The new Grassroots Grants scheme is very nearly ready! This is a new Government-funded grant scheme which is being run in Hampshire by Community Action Hampshire (CAH) and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.
Here are the key facts:
" It is aimed at small, volunteer-led groups - annual income (averaged over the last 3 years) must be below £20,000 " The group must have been active in their local community for at least 12 months prior to 31 December 2007, to be eligible for the first year of the scheme " Grants can be given to enable groups to continue or expand their work including advocacy, community voice and service provision for local people. This means that almost any activity aimed at meeting a local community need can be funded " The maximum grant available is £5,000, and this is the maximum sum that any one group will be able to receive from Grassroots Grants over the whole lifetime of the scheme
Application forms and full guidance notes will be ready soon and if you want to find out more then leave your details with Kevin Sawers at CAH and he will send you the full details when they are available.
Kevin Sawers Grassroots Grants Hampshire Co- ordinator Tel kevin.sawers@action.hants.org.uk
WANT TO GO UNDERGOUND?
Hampshire Scout Caving Club Caving Days 11th or 12th October 2008 Try Caving on Saturday or Sunday 11 or 12 of October 2008 at Hampshire Scout Caving Club's Caving Days. The activities are targeted at the novice caver who has little or no experience. If you have been before let us know and we can arrange slightly harder trips in the same area. A Caving Day consists of about 3 hours caving in the morning and 3 hours of caving in the afternoon (normally at Burrington Coombe and Priddy or in the local area). Based around Priddy in the Mendip Hills of Somerset the cost is £12 per participant (this does not include food or transport). If you are interested get your section leader to obtain more information and booking forms.
HSCC Booking Secretary Andrew Watson can be contacted on lemoncandy@btinternet.com
SECRETARY WANTED FOR SOLENT REGATTA
Solent Scout Regatta are still in urgent need of a secretary to continue their excellent work arranging sailing and pulling regattas for Hampshire Scouting. The work is not onerous but is essential if the regattas are to regain their historic importance to Sea Scouting in Hampshire. The committee wish to recruit an individual who can help them to achieve this aim. If you are interested in this role or helping the committee Please contact Cecil Alexander on 01239 662789 for more information.
Wanted "Cub" Reporters
Do you know about the Public relations badge that Scouts and Explorers can earn. We want to publish your articles but you have to write them first.
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1. Complete one of the following: a. Produce and use a presentation about Scouting using audio and visual media, which can be shown to other people not involved in Scouting. b. Produce and use a presentation about your Troop using a mixture of audio and visual media that can be shown to a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or parents in your Group.
2. Find out about local media outlets (for example: Radio, TV, Newspapers and online opportunities). Make contact with your local media development manager to consider coverage of a positive news story or feature connected with local Scouting.
3. Complete two of the following: a. Prepare and present a live report (either to camera or microphone) at a Scouting event or or activity. The report should be accurate and informative and reflect the adventure of Scouting. b. Interview a local personality public figure or someone in the local news (eg Church leader, politician, media celebrity). Present the interview to your Troop. Take advice from a Leader before contacting the person. c. Write a report about a local Scout activity and get it published in one or more of the following: " Your Group, District or County /Area newsletter or website " SCOUTING magazine or on the scouts. org Website " The local press d. Help to design a website for your Group or Troop and maintain it for at least two months.
e. Prepare a static display about your Troop or Group that can be exhibited in your local Library, Information Centre, or other similar public place.
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Complete the requirements below:
1. Using some visual aids, give a 15-minute presentation about Scouting to another organisation. For example, to a local Lions or Rotary Club.
2. Secure media coverage for a Scouting event, expedition or activity. Prepare a press release and illustrate any publication with a photograph.
3. Write a short article for the Group, District or County/Area newsletter, 'Scouting' magazine or similar.
4. Assist the District, or County/Area with a promotional event or activity.
5. Understand and show use of the Scout 'Brand' using resources available from UK HQ.
6. Complete two of the following: a. Produce at least four editions of a newsletter for Explorer Scouts in your Unit or District or for members of another Section. b. Create a display or exhibition to show Scouts or /and parents the value of Explorer Scouting. c. Arrange a visit for a group of Explorer Scouts to a local newspaper, radio or television station. d. Devise and conduct a survey of young people to find out what image of Scouting is held. Report the findings to the Leadership Team and discuss the results with others in the Unit.
Eastleigh District Scouts
Annex
View the County Diary.
The following are links to this months County Ball information.
HSN Footnote
This edition of the HSN was edited by Tim Palmer at the County Office. Please send contributions to us at: county.office@scouts-hants.org.uk www. scouts-hants. org. uk Tel: 02380 847847 Fax: 02380 840789