;

welcome

Outdoors show

One step further

Resources and marketing

Supporting the authorisation scheme

Commercially Led Activities index

AALA quick reference

AAC/ACC (Activities) induction workshops

National Commissioner for Activities support team

Everest Challenge

Mountain Training Board

New Factsheets

New POR rule

ScoutBase UK

Nights Away Permit

Appointments

National Outdoor Week

Activities e-list

Diary dates 2003

Communication and Consultation Days

HQ Profile

Hillwalking

Learning to ride

and finally

This document is also available as an Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file: an-2003-04.pdf

Welcome to the April 2003 issue of the activities newsletter from the National Commissioner for Activities and the Activities Office at Gilwell Park.

In this issue we take a look at:

• The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show
• The "One Step Further" initiative
• Activities Projects
• The first AAC/ACC Induction Workshops
• The National Commissioner's Support Team
• An update on new and amended factsheets

The Association was recently represented at the Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show 2003 at the NEC in Birmingham. The Activities Team hosted an area titled "One Step Further" (see below for details of this initiative). As a result of this a number of skilled and experienced outdoor enthusiasts are talking with their local Scouts to see how they can assist the Movement. It was great to see large numbers of Scout Members, although only being able to speak to a few hundred.

Other highlights from the show included: being represented within the speaker programme, including Andrew Cooney (the Scout Leader who recently became the youngest ever person to walk to the South Pole), Mike Rosser (NAA Climbing) on "Walking on the Wilder Side" and Peter Drake of the Association's Field Development Service on Expedition Planning. Also, Andrew was able to make brief presentations to large numbers of people on the Scout stand about his adventures, Alan Hinkes (British Mountaineer) visiting to the stand for a photo shoot. Other "winning" features were the Activity Leader Simulator and our Perspex climbing wall.

The Outdoors Show supported the Association's "Shouting for Scouting" campaign, and we received positive feedback from those within and outside the movement. Thank you to everyone who attended!

One Step Further is a new initiative launched by the Activities Team at the Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show 2003. One strand was to tell activity enthusiasts that they can provide support to local Scouting. The commitment any individual gives may range from one weekend to a full twelve months a year depending on what they are able and/or willing to give.

We don't want to scare away volunteers with the experience and skills to take groups to take part in adventurous activities by expecting them to commit to group meetings every week. We want to use the skills they can bring to support leaders and volunteers.

Another strand of "One Step Further" is enthusing our membership to take their own activities "One Step Further". The aim is to get more young people experiencing quality high adventure activities. For example snowboarding, white water rafting and overseas expeditions, as well as taking part in a higher level of more mass participation activities such as climbing, canoeing and hill walking. Providing more volunteers able to lead these activities should help with getting "Better Scouting for More Young People"

The Resources and Marketing Project Team has the wide remit of looking at proactively developing the marketing of activities to the Movement. The Team is currently in the process of recruiting volunteer members to take on this challenging work.

Amongst the work there are plans for the launch of an A to Z of Activities to be hosted on ScoutBase UK (please see the later article) and the development of a number of packaged resources aimed at certain areas.

Watch out for the work of the Resources and Marketing Project Team. If you have any ideas, don't leave it to someone else to speak up. Contact the Activities Office and let us know what you think.

The Scouting authorisation scheme for adventurous activities has grown up in bits and pieces over the last few years. To try and avoid this constant changing we are taking a holistic review of the scheme across all adventurous activities. Gareth Beynon has been appointed project leader, as of the beginning of April, to carry out this work.

The first area of work in this project is to collect information from the people who are most closely involved in the scheme. Therefore, all ACC/AAC (Activities) will be receiving a short questionnaire to find out their views. We will also be seeking the views of assessors, advisors, District Commissioners and Section Leaders through Talking Points.

The Commercially Led Activities index (FS120086) factsheet was launched in January. It is designed to be an initial guide for Leaders to identify the key factors when making use of an external provider to supply activities for those involved in Scouting. It follows the success of the Scout Led Activities Index factsheet.

Both are available from the Scout Information Centre by telephoning 0845 300 1818 or by emailing info.centre@scout.org.uk. Alternatively it can be downloaded from the factsheet section of ScoutBase UK at www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts.

If you need to find a commercial centre in the United Kingdom that provides activities, visit the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority website at www.aala.org. Under the section "Looking for a Provider" there is an easy to use search based on where and type of adventurous activity.

The first ever round of AAC/ACC (Activities) induction workshops took place in January and February. They were attended by AAC/ACCs keen to learn more about their role in the wider context and what support was available to help them. We asked Malcolm Heard (AAC/ACC Activities for Cornwall) to give his perspective of the workshop he attended at Gilwell Park.

Jottings of a new ACC...

"Having been talked into accepting the post of ACC (Activities) in Cornwall during September 2002, it was timely that the first of the ACC Induction Days was scheduled for February 2003. Just enough time for panic to set in before Gilwell arrives with a solution!! Expectations were of course high although the realist acknowledged that there was far too much to get through in a day.

Possibly the single most important thing concerning activities was where information or assistance could be obtained from and how to ask e.g. quickest & most reliable method. Having been involved in trying to implement the new rules for hillwalking in Cornwall, it was also very important to find out how Gilwell expected some of the regulations to be carried out in practice.

On arrival at Gilwell, and despite the snow outside, the greeting was friendly and warm. The whole day was relaxed, and with small numbers, it gave plenty of opportunity for our input and for us to cover particular issues concerning those attending.

For someone new to the post, it also gave an excellent chance to meet others from other areas and hear about their problems. No...it was not just a chance to complain but allowed some good feedback to Alex and Barney and to get a reaction!

Sandwiched throughout the day, we also got the chance to look around Gilwell and its new developments and meet other members of staff seeing where the various functions are carried out. Looking at empty desks and chairs may not be that important but gives you a chance to at least get the picture right in your mind when you are on the telephone.

Something that remained unresolved for me? Although the rules and regulations that cover most of the activities are set down by "them at Headquarters", the role of ACC (Activities), as I see it, requires us to get good local experienced leaders to carry them out completely, without causing any unnecessary fuss and over regulation, and without hurting feelings or being misunderstood. I am not sure that I was able to get that across but...

It did help me and I am pleased I had the chance to attend."

The first meeting of a newly structured National Commissioner for Activities Support Team (NCAST) was held on Saturday 8th March in Birmingham. NCAST is made up of the team of National Activity Advisers, Project Leaders, the National Commissioner and supported by the Activities Office. The meeting considered the over-arching strategies in the development of activities, which included:

• Supporting the Association's campaign for Better Scouting for More Young People.
• Having a focus on needs and not structures.
• Resources and Marketing as a key focus.
• More extensive range of activities that need to be promoted.
• Supporting the Scout Association Authorisation Scheme.

The conquering of Everest sees its 50th Anniversary this year. Edmund Hillary (later Sir Edmund) and Tenzig Norgay's achievement was led by John Hunt (later Lord Hunt), a notable former Scout.

Lord Hunt's name features in our factsheet "Notable Former Scouts", that includes mountaineer Doug Scott, television's survival and wild-living expert Ray Mears and first "man-on-the-moon" Neil Armstrong. Watch out for the forthcoming Scouting Magazine article with ideas on encouraging our young people to take their activities "...one step further" just as our notable former Scouts did.

The four national mountain training boards have agreed to have a common title in the format Mountain Leader Training (Country) so, for example, the board for Wales will be known as Mountain Leader Training Wales (MLTW). The term Board will disappear as such although there will still be a management body on which Welsh and in English representatives of The Scout Association sit as observers. In order not to waste current stocks of literature this change will only appear slowly on publications, letter headings, etc.

The following factsheets are new editions or editions that have been updated in the last six months:

• FS120005 (Edition 2) UPDATED
  Ordnance Survey Map Reproduction

• FS120086 (Edition 1) NEW
  Commercially Led Activities Index

• FS1200084 (Edition 2) UPDATED
  Scout Led Activities Index

• FS120404 (Edition 2) UPDATED
  Application for Authorisation for Snowsports (Skiing and Snowboarding)

• FS120402 (Edition 4) UPDATED
  Application for Authorisation for Climbing and Abseiling

• FS120627 (Edition 1) NEW
  Boat and Canoe Registration and Inspection Scheme

• FS120707 (Edition 3) UPDATED
  RAF Recognition Scheme

• FS120709 (Edition 2) UPDATED
  Resource Material for Aviation Badges

• FS120711 (Edition 1) NEW
  United Kingdom Air Operators Certificate Holders

• BR120151 (November 2002 Edition) UPDATED
  National Directory of Waters

The following rule is an addition to the current version (February 2002) of POR:

Rule 9.73 Towing of inflatables behind powered watercraft

1. The activity of being towed on an inflatable behind powered watercraft is specifically forbidden.

This rule takes effect immediately.

The Scout Association's marine insurance underwriters have reviewed this activity and concluded that the level of risk is unacceptable and will not provide cover directly or indirectly.

The specific problem stems from the fact that waves (or even the wash of another vessel) can render these inflatables highly unstable. At speeds as low as five to ten miles per hour, a person can be catapulted off or the doughnut/inflatable overturned leading to serious injury. This hazard cannot be balanced against training potential.

In the previous edition of this newsletter we asked for your comments on the Activities area of ScoutBase UK. We are now looking at how we can adapt ScoutBase UK to better support the Movement. The proposed concept is based around an A to Z Directory of activities.

It would include a broad range of activities and provide a factfile of information that could include information on how to find an external supplier, how to run it yourself or what the minimum National Governing Body qualification is. Factsheets will be retained to provide technical information.

It is hoped that the beginnings of the A to Z Directory will be available in the next few months. Keep an eye on www.scoutbase.org.uk/activity for the launch of the A to Z Directory.

The Nights Away Permit is due to be launched to the Movement in Autumn 2003 and is based on successful pilot projects conducted nationally. The easy to use scheme will require all Leaders who undertake the organisation of a camping or residential experience to have a Nights Away Permit. The first stage in the launch to the Movement will be a launch pack sent to County and District Commissioners.

The area of camping and residential experiences now falls under the remit of the National Commissioner for Activities and the Activities Office. They will be responsible for the launch of the scheme and the ongoing support offered to the Movement.

The National Activities Team is pleased to welcome

• Erica Bishop as the National Activity Adviser for Sailing

• Andy Harris as the Project Leader for Resources and Marketing

• Gareth Beynon as the Project Leader for the Scout Authorisation Scheme Review

• Ian Newbery as the National Activity Adviser for Campsites and Activity Centres

There are also a number of Project Team Members who have been appointed to work on the various projects that are currently being initiated.

Following a successful launch last year, the National Outdoor Week (NOW) will take place this year from 3rd to 11th May. This is a nationwide initiative aiming to encourage people into the outdoors to take part in new activities.

To find a list of the many activities taking place, visit the web site on www.outdoorweek.org.uk.

Have you signed up for the Activities Email List on ScoutBase UK? As part of the Scouting Interactive Database (SID) hosted on ScoutBase UK, those who have signed up have the ability to subscribe to the Activities Email Group. Being a member of this group means that you get activities news and information delivered to your desktop.

To sign up go to SID (accessible from the "Directories" section of the ScoutBase UK homepage) and sign up. Be sure to select the "Activities Mailing List" when you sign up. If you are already listed in SID you need to edit your details to be added to the list.

This will not replace mailings direct to AAC/ACC (Activities) who will receive technical items in advance.

• National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra Course
  Sunday 27th July - Sunday 3rd August
  Course in Fleetwood, West Lancashire
  Full details available from ScoutBase UK at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/activity/perform/orchstra.htm.

• National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra Concerts
  Friday 1st August - St Anne's
  Saturday 2nd August - Chorley
  Full details available from ScoutBase UK at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/activity/perform/orchstra.htm.

  There are still vacancies in some sections for this event. We particularly require more violas, cellos, double basses in the string sections, as well as oboe and percussion players. Full board accommodation and professional tuition is provided. The all-inclusive cost is £285.

• National Scout Sailing Regatta
  Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th August
  South Shields Sailing Club, Tyne and Wear
  Full details available from Bruce Robinson on 0191 456 4169.

• 27th National Scout Air Rifle Championships
  17th - 19th October 2003
  Walton Firs Scout Camp, Cobham
  Full details available from John Dohoo at dohoo@clara.net or on 01252 843758

• The British Schools and Young Shots Championships
  Sporting Targets Shooting Ground, Bedford
  10th - 11th May
  Full details available from Keith Fisher at keith@clay-shooting.com or on 01264 889533. The event website can be found at www.clayshooting.com/events___/schools.htm.

• Southport Sailing Clubs' National Junior 12 Hour Race
  Saturday 21st June from 8am to 8pm
  Southport Sailing Club
  Full details are available from William Birch at william@birchw81.freeserve.co.uk.

• National Sea Scout Pulling and Canoeing Regatta
  5th - 6th July 2003
  Kingston-Upon-Thames
  Full details available from Keith Maund at keith.maund@btinternet.com or on 020 8399 5846.

Communication and Consultation Days are opportunities for ACC/AACs to find out what is going on at Headquarters and for you to let Headquarters know what issues are relevant in your area. Be sure to find out the details of your regional meeting and go along!

London Region - Sunday 12th October

East Midlands Region - Saturday 18th October

West Midlands Region - Sunday 19th October

South East Region - Saturday 22nd November

As we have appointed some new members to the National Activities Team, we thought it important to introduce them to you. We asked Erica Bishop, National Activity Adviser for Sailing, to answer a few questions.

• What is your first recollection of Scouting?

  My first recollection of scouting was going to collect my older brother from Cubs and wanting to join in (I was only four, and I thought it was unfair that girls could not join).

• What activities do you do in when you have spare time?

  I don't have a lot of spare time but in it I run a childrens sailing club in Wimbledon Park, I sail for myself, both in dinghies and big boats, I run a Brownie Pack, enjoy cycling and of course propping the bar up at my local sailing club where I also sit on the sailing committee.

• Where is your favorite haunt...where can we find you?

  My favourite haunt is tricky to answer, but it is probably the bar at Minima YC in Kingston.

• Who provides you with inspiration?

  There are several people who give me inspiration. Tanni Gray Thompson and Ellen Macarther are the two most inspirational people I can think of for keeping me going when I am feeling down and struggling with any of my hair brained ideas. They have always overcome the obstacles put in their way and they challenge peoples perseptions of female ability, which is something I am always keen to do. At a more local level my ever understanding boss John Myles, and my old venture scout leader Neil Maclaughlan (also known as Boss) are always on hand to offer ideas and help.

• What is your ambition?

  My ambition again is hard to answer, win the lottery, sail around the world, pass my sign language interpreters exams, train a gold medalist at the olympics, but basically just to keep on enjoying myself.

• What is your claim to fame?

  I don't really have a claim to fame other than once sailing across centre court at wimbledon tennis as they phased the camera in badly. I also once had a half hour conversation with Lesley Grantham without knowing who he was!

• If you could go to any worldwide destination, where would you go?

  I really enjoy traveling and I can't get enough of it, I would love to go to Petra, as I never made it there last year, but I would also like to go to the Falklands and see my brother.

• What is your favorite food?

  I love eating as well! I will eat most food as long as it is vegie, and I will always stuff myself on chinese food, but I also love avocados as they go with anything.

We asked Mike Rosser, our National Activity Adviser for Climbing who joined the team a year ago and was formerly the Secretary of MLTB (now MLTE), to take a look at the new Hillwalking book from Mountain Leader Training UK.

Hillwalking

The official handbook of the Mountain Leader and Walking Group Leader schemes

Edited by Steve Long

Published by Mountain Leader Training UK

Price £14.99 ISBN: 0-9541511-0-0

This new book published by Mountain Leader Training UK (formally the United Kingdom Mountain Training Board (UKMTB) is the first in a series of handbooks that will support the mountain training schemes the Walking Group Leader (WGL), Mountain Leader (ML), European Mountain Leader (EML), Single Pitch Award (SPA) and the Mountain Instructor Award/Certificate (MIA/MIC).

This book is essential for all candidates as well as holders of the ML and WGL Awards. However this is not just a book for potential leaders of groups, it is also one of the best publications currently available for anyone with an interest in hill and mountain walking. It should be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of all Scout Leaders who take to the hills as well as a book for each Scout Groups reference libraries.

At £14.99 this is a book that has the look and quality of a publication is worth double the price. It will sit well on the bookshelf of any mountain walker alongside the 'coffee table' publications but this is one book that will get read time and time again.

Available through all good bookshops and The MLTUK, Siabod Cottage, Capel Curig, Conwy, LL24 0ET.

Do you have riding stables in your list of activity centres?

We asked Vicky Beacon of the British Horse Society about horse riding:

As far as exciting sports go, horse riding has to be near the top of the list. It combines speed with power, the feeling of success and takes place in the fresh air - perfect to blow the "school cobwebs'" away! Horse riding is also very sociable. You can do it with your friends and you will meet friends whilst you are riding. Above all, you get to meet and make friends with different horses and ponies - each teaching you something different about horse riding. Many people think that riding is an expensive hobby, but this is not the case. To start off with all you need is a riding hat up to the current safety standard (and you can borrow these from a lot of riding schools), a pair of shoes with a slight heel, and some trousers without an inside seam (an inside seam will rub against your leg), and you're off! In all, less equipment than is needed to play football or rugby.

Horse riding is not "just for girls" either! The majority of top horse riders in the country are male - you must have heard of Frankie Dettori and John Whitaker? Riding offers many different areas to "have a go at". You can go riding in the countryside, go show jumping, go cross country jumping over natural obstacles, have a go at "games on horseback" such as egg and spoon races and bending races and much more.

There are many riding schools in the UK and the British Horse Society runs a system of approving riding schools that ensures certain levels of care, facilities and tuition. To find out more about BHS Approved Schools, or for any queries on learning to ride, contact the BHS on 08701 202244 or visit at www.bhs.org.uk.

As you will have read, it has been a busy time since the last Newsletter.

I am delighted that we now have Project Leaders in place for both Resources and Marketing, and Scout Authorisation Scheme Review. Both roles require views and ideas from all those in the activities community. The role of Project Leader for Creative Activities Review still needs to be filled as we need to support a broader range to members of the Movement and, as many of you know, is an area that seems to escape the majority of AAC/ACC (Activities)!

Other successes have been the newly introduced AAC/ACC Induction Workshops and our appearance at the Outdoor Show in Birmingham, as we move towards being more proactive about activities on a National level.

At the time of writing, approval has been gained to introduce a revised approach to how we deal with wholly adult groups undertaking adventurous activities. Work is underway regarding producing the supporting materials, which should be sent to Counties/Areas in the near future, for implementation at local pace within nine months.

Another major piece of work is the Nights Away scheme, that will come under the management of the Activities Office and recognises the importance of this area as the Movement's largest activity in the 6-25 Programme.

And, there is still lots to do!

There is one appeal I wish to make. Regional Meetings. I appreciate that there are technical matters to discuss and the usual round up of what is happening in Counties/Areas. However, ask one question at the end of the meeting "What did we do at this meeting that meant that there is Better Scouting for More Young People, through activities?" Because, at the end of the day, that is the acid test of our work.

Have a good Summer.

Alex Minajew - National Commissioner for Activites