;

STOP PRESS: See "...communications" for information regarding future mailings

Welcome

Communications

ACC (activities) development days

Nights Away permit scheme review

Activity Centres in London

Authorisation Scheme review

Network activity acadamies

NSGSO

Yr Harod

Plas Y Brenin

Diary dates 2006

Go karts

Urban myth

Informing the movement

Sailing opportunities

Tall Ships Race

Water activity opportunities

Mobile circus skills

Factsheets update

Welcome

HQ profile

... and finally

This document is also available as an Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file: an-2005-11.pdf

Welcome to the November 2005 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:

• Improving communications
• Authorisation Scheme Review
• Training opportunities
• A range of Activities opportunities

It has long been recognised that one of the major stumbling blocks within Scouting has been the internal communications. We are currently doing a lot of work to improve this within Activities. Much of this work has been with the Membership Management Database, and this is now the only database that we keep and use for all communications and mailings, including electronically.

Recent work by the Membership Management team means that it is now possible to record all Activities appointments. We would therefore ask each Scout County and District to ensure that all those holding any type of Activities appointment are recorded on the Membership Management Database. This is particularly important as it is through relevant appointments that we will communicate with Members, so anyone whose appointments aren't recorded will not be able to receive any relevant communications.

It is also important to keep all contact details up to date on the database. Currently very few people's email addresses are recorded, and as this is the most time and cost effective way of passing on communications, we would ask that everyone updates their contact details to include their email address. If you have received this newsletter from us as a hard copy it is very likely to be because your email address is not recorded on the database!

You can view and update your database record at:

www.scouts.org.uk

If you require your membership number to sign up or do not have internet access, please contact the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.

Mailings will automatically be sent out to people with relevant appointments. If you wish to receive other Activities' mailings, please sign up to the Activities mailings on the Scouting Internet Database (SID). This can be done on ScoutBase UK at:

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/direct/ukemail/

or by sending an email to:

listserv@scoutbase.org.uk

with a blank subject line and the following text in the body of the message:

subscribe activities-l your@email.address

e.g.

subscribe activities-l activities@scout.org.uk

We hope that this will mean we can communicate much more quickly and efficiently with all Members, and therefore help provide more and better activities for all young people.

The National Activities Team is holding two ACC Activities Development days in 2006. These days are open to all ACC Activities no matter how long you have been in post.

These events are not technical forums, nor do they replace the valuable contacts made at Country or Regional Meetings. They will mainly feature on opportunities, challenges and support, as well as giving you a chance to have questions answered and share good practice with other ACC Activities.

A few quotes from attendees at the most recent Development Day at Gilwell Park;

"...a good day getting to know how Gilwell works"

"...put faces to names in the office"

"...new ideas and contacts to use in the future"

Each workshop will start at 1000 and finish at 1600. The days will be supported by members of the UK Headquarters Activities Team. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

All you need to do is complete an Application Form and return it by; Monday 20th February 2006 for the event in Manchester, and by Monday 11th September 2006 for the event in London.

The dates for 2006 are:

Sunday 26 March 2006 - Manchester area (Venue to be confirmed)

Saturday 15 October 2006 - London area (Venue to be confirmed)

For more information and an application form:

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/assessment.htm

Thanks to the many people who responded with thoughts on how successful the implementation of the Nights Away Permit Scheme has been. The consultation period is now over and we have started the large task of reviewing the responses to look at areas for improving as well as those of good practise, ensuring the scheme works effectively.

The 'home of Scouting', Gilwell Park Scout Activity Centre boasts a superb range of activities for all ages. Jump mats, canoeing, archery, low ropes and go karts are a few of the old favourites. Exciting new additions to the park include a revolving climbing wall, Beaver adventure course and High Ropes. Nicknamed 'Tree Tops', the High Ropes is definitely not for the faint-hearted. There are five elements to the course, but participants have to first climb a 15m-high pole. Those brave enough to scale the swaying pole then have to muster up enough courage to attempt one of the five challenges, including what has to be one of the highest see saws in the country.

Few cities are as exciting as London. Set in 'museum land' in central London, Baden-Powell House Scout Activity Centre is just a stone's throw away from the thousands of exhilarating activities and attractions that the capital has to offer. From Kew Gardens to the Tower of London, there is no shortage of adventure for groups of all ages. And with 235 free attractions, you don't always have to pay city prices.

A full list of activities, prices and special offers for these and the other National Scout Activity Centres can be found at:

www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres

The Adventurous Activity Authorisation Scheme review is progressing well and should meet the time scales laid down in the Phase 2 consultation document. Many thanks to all those who took time to let us know their thoughts during the period of review. We are confident that the result at the end of this will be a more streamlined, more enabling yet robust scheme that removes unnecessary barriers from leading activities whilst ensuring that those leading activities have the skills and experience to do so. Details of updates to the scheme along with resources to support these changes should be available during December 2005.

As part of our development work with Scout Network, we are looking to pilot cost effective activity academies for small groups of Scout Network members.

The board plan is to have a couple of one week long courses in the Summer of 2007 during which National Governing Body training is given and the person may also be assessed, or undertake a mock assessment, on the technical element of the Scout Association's Activity Authorisation Scheme. They can be in any of the adventurous activities, or with a central activity, say hillwalking or climbing activity with ' taster' in something else (e.g. caving).

The objective is to get more of this age group on the way to becoming our adventurous activity leaders for the future, with a cost effective start and a support network of similar age?

Can your Area/County or facility provide or help with these and which can be publicised Nationally? Interested? Contact: activities@scout.org.uk

The 2006 course of the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra will be held at a venue in the South West of England between 30th July - 6th August 2006, leading to public concerts on the 4th and 5th August. The course will intersperse a programme of sport and leisure activities with orchestral tuition and rehearsals. Applications for this course are currently being sought, and will remain open until 31st January 2005. For more details and an application form please go to 'What's Happening in Activities' at:

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities

Our great friends and colleagues at Yr Hafod (Welsh Scout Council) have announced their 2006 programme. This includes NGB Training and Assessments in Hillwalking and Climbing, Mountaineering for Explorer Scouts and First Aid (REC Level 2).

Set in the heart of picturesque Snowdonia, the centre also offers bunkhouse accommodation for up to 40 people within driving distance of other great activity opportunities. We know that the Hafod Team will try their best to help visiting groups with hillwalking/climbing experiences where possible - get in contact!

www.yrhafod.org.uk

Plas Y Brenin is the National Mountain Centre based in Snowdonia in North Wales. They run a range of courses from group taster sessions to training and assessment for adults in activity qualifications. Their course dates for 2006 have now been published, details of which can be found on their website:

www.pyb.co.uk

Below are listed a number of national activity events taking place in 2006. Many of these allow novice levels to take part without the need to bring activity special equipment. For a full and up to date list of activity events and dates please see:

www.scoutbase.org.uk/direct/events/activitiestemp.htm

• Winter Camp
  Gilwell Park - London
  6th - 8th January 2006
  Info: www.wintercamp.org.uk
• Southern 50 Challenge Hike
  Chiltern Hills - Herts
  11th February 2006
  Info: www.scouts-gln-southern50.org.uk
• Pike View Hike
  West Pennine Moors
  12th - 14th May 2006
  Info: www.pikeviewhike.co.uk
• National Scout Air Rifle Championships
  Bisley - Surrey
  20th - 22nd October 2006
  Info: www.dohoo.clara.net/nsarc2k6

Are you looking for something a bit different for your next camp or activity day? There is a Scout Go-Kart Activity Team based in Lincolnshire who would be only too happy to come to your next event and provide that something different. Further details and contacts can be found on their website:

www.scoutgokarts.co.uk

Some people in rural and sub-urban environments have pointed to the fact that many activities in the Urban Outdoors package can also apply to them. Absolutely! Give many more people a chance of getting to know about Urban Outdoors by simply promoting the website:

www.urbanoutdoors.org.uk

In order to keep everyone as up to date as possible on changes to factsheets, amendments to Rules, new policies, etc. we are in the process of setting up a dedicated area on the Association's website where full details will be available. This area will be operational from Monday 14th November 2005. We hope that this feature will provide a 'one stop shop' for updates and be accessible to a large number of people. Please ensure that you spread the address of this feature as widely as possible. The website address for this area will be:

www.scouts.org.uk/recentupdates

All opportunities should be open to all members of the movement, irrelevant of age or ability. And the sport of sailing can be just that, anything to anybody.

Absolute beginners can experience the thrill and exhilaration of being afloat at many centres and clubs around the country, so it is not an impediment if your group or troop does not own it's own boats. Just about any water can be used to enjoy boating experiences, ranging from try out sessions on Drascombes and Topper dinghies to cross channel races in big yachts. Admiral Nelson went to sea at the age of 12 and managed to experience sailing in all types of conditions and take part in adventures as well as sea battles. He was also one of our most celebrated disabled hero's, showing that sailing is for all.

If you are interested in sailing opportunities in your area then log on to the Royal Yachting Association website. Click on the map of the UK to list all the approved centres and clubs in your area, or the area of your next planned camp, as sailing is a wonderful camp activity.

www.rya.org

2006 sees the 50th Anniversary Tall Ships Race repeat the route of the first race from Torbay to Lisbon in 1956. This event is open to young people from the age of 16 to 25 and is therefore ideally suited to the older Explorer Scout or members of Scout Network. Further details of this race and how to get involved in offshore sailing can be found on the website of the Association of Sea Training Organisations' website:

www.asto.org.uk

One ship that will be taking part in the race is Discovery, of the Discovery Sailing Project (see water activity opportunities below). As well as taking part in the Tall Ships Race, Discovery Sailing Project offers a flexible sailing programme throughout the year, details of which can be found on their website:

www.dsp.uk.com

Alternatively, there are further Tall Ships opportunities available through Adventures Offshore:

www.adventuresoffshore.co.uk

Greater London North Scout County has recently created a new Maritime District, comprising of its four water activity centres. Between them it is hoped that they can provide a whole raft of water activities for all Scout users, from rafting to offshore sailing and pulling to power boating. The four centres are:

• Discovery Sailing Project - www.dsp.uk.com
• Dockland Scout Project - www.lordamory.org
• Enfield Scout Sailing Association - www.essa.org.uk
• Longridge Scout Boating Centre - www.longridge.org.uk

Circus skills workshops can be a really great way of making an event or multi-activity day something special. Two providers have gained experience in helping out at a number of Scout activities and events, and are willing to travel:

• Circus Scene - Tel 0118 9761702 - Email info@circus-scene.co.uk
• Bezerkaz Circus - Tel 07866 261346 - Email bezerkaz@hotmail.com

The following are new or updated factsheets within the last six months:

• FS120083 (May 2005) UPDATED
  Family Camps
• FS120601 (May 2005) UPDATED
  Authorisation Scheme for Water Activities
• FS120603 (July 2005) UPDATED
  Water Safety (Incorporating Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids)
• FS120629 (June 2005) NEW
  Water Safety (Waterborne Disease and Immersion)
• FS120416 (May 2005) UPDATED
  Application for Authorisation for Hillwalking
• FS315071 (May 2005) UPDATED
  Scout Skills - Campsite Layout and Selection

Ladies and Gentlemen... We are very pleased to welcome a new member to the National Activities Team. Neil Roberts, an IT professional from Coventry who is the Musical Director for the Staged Events Team for 2007 and is also involved in the Kenilworth and Warwickshire Gang Shows, is the new National Activity Adviser for Staged Performances. (Applause! Exit stage left).

Neil Roberts is the most recent addition to the National Activities Team having joined as the National Activity Adviser for Staged Performances. To help everyone get to know a bit more about the real Neil Roberts we sent our special reporter to probe further.

What is your first recollection of Scouting?

Joining 56th Coventry Cubs and being invested by Mrs Bivvins.

What activities do you do when you have spare time?

Spare time? What's that? Theatre, Socialising.

Where is your favourite haunt...where can we find you?

Probably in a pub somewhere.....erm... I mean Gran Canaria.

Who provides you with inspiration?

My family and friends, and also all the young people who I've seen gain so much from the experience of Gang Show & Scouting.

What is your ambition?

To help shape the future of Staged Performances within the Scout Movement, and ensure more and more young people gain and develop from the experiences on offer.

What is your claim to fame?

Making the first 2 CD recordings of Ralph Reader music.

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

Somewhere hot. White, sandy beaches in the Caribbean.

What is your favourite food?

Italian.

Some of you may now have seen the media pack 'Join the adventure', produced by Headquarters and sent to your Areas/Counties and Media Development Managers. Whilst many of you reading this may think it is reaffirming the position that we in 'activities' already know about, we shouldn't fall in to the trap of assuming that hoards of grateful adults and young people will beat a new path seeking salvation and sign-up for the next activity on the calendar.

Increasingly I am encountering stories of young people not knowing that certain opportunities exist. Typically, the response is 'it is published in this-that-the other'. There is a gap and is not likely to decrease, or go away. It should be recognised that methods need to be found to close that position. It may need a complete rethink about how we engage adults at local and District level to champion (and provide!) activities and adventure, from creativity (that can be an adventure for some) to those in the outdoors and across all of our sections, then promote, promote, promote.

Already many of you have noticed that the slant of the work in the National Activities Team Office has changed in the last few years. Less 'panel meetings', more opportunities to engage and do things focussing on promotion. That will continue!

Next year will be important as we look forward to 2007. Important in that the engagement process needs to be bettered (no one is perfect!), exciting 'packages' put in place, promotion and communication reviewed and, finally, delivered. It will be a challenge, but it will also be our adventure.

All the best

Alex Minajew - National Commissioner for Activites

The Activities Office
The Scout Association
Gilwell Park
Chingford
London
E4 7QW

Tel. 020 8433 7157
Fax. 020 8433 7114

Email. activities@scout.org.uk
Web. http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/