Keep up to date with what's going on to support the Section...
News from the National Commissioner for Beaver Scouts
Communication and Consultation Meeting Information (9th April 2006)
We have added a section to enable you to download the information/support tools that are distrbuted to Assistant County/Area Commissioner for Beaver Scout at the Regional Communication and Consultation meetings.
Beaver Scout Sleepovers: Your Views Sought (24th March 2006)
The Beaver Scout Support Team, in conjunction with the Activities Team, is undertaking a review of the rules and guidance surrounding Beaver Scout Sleepovers - with a focus on ensuring that Sleepovers are as accessible as possible.
Your views are essential, whether you do or do not currently run Sleepovers, and there are a number of ways by which you can get involved:
You can take part in an online survey between now and the end of May, by visiting: http://q.scouts.org.uk/s/KvdFQwcN0E4j9T3QAdak
Alternatively, you can send your thoughts and suggestions to Colin Coleman, who is leading the review on behalf of the team, at the following address:
Beaver Scout Support Team, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London. E4 7QW
or by email: beaver.scout@scout.org.uk
Also, if you have the opportunity, please do take time to discuss this within Colony Leadership Teams and share with us any ideas that you may have as to what could make Sleepovers more accessible and/or easier to organise.
Thank you in anticipation of your input to this process.
more about Beaver Scout Sleepovers: Your Views Sought (24th March 2006)...
Amendments to POR Rule 3.7 - The Beaver Scout Colony (12th March 2006)
As a result of feedback from members, POR rule 3.7 was reviewed, over an extensive period, to ensure that it provides clear direction and safe framework for the operation of a Colony. Essentially, the working group wished to achieve three points:
- To clarify who can and can't run Beaver Scout Colony meetings
- To rationalise and simplify the adult to young people ratios and ensure that we are aligned with appropriate and current National guidance and benchmarks
- To rationalise the layout of the text, removing unnecessary rules relating to organisational detail and to bring the requirements more fully in line with the principles of the balanced programme
It is intended that the amendments to rule 3.7 will provide Colony Leadership Teams with a greater level of flexibility when running Colony meetings and outdoor events, including Beaver Scout Sleepovers.
You can view the amended rules in the Jan 2006 edition of POR on ScoutBase or you can obtain a copy from the Scout Information Centre (0845 300 1818 / info.centre@scout.org.uk).
Focusing on Support (3rd Feb 2006)
Towards the end of last year, ACC and AAC Beaver Scouts should have received a copy of the Work Focus that has been created. The aim of the document is to inform on how we plan to support the Section over a three year period, detailing the work we intend to undertake together with indicative timescales. It is hoped that there may be aspects of our work that you can adopt locally, helping us to create a UK-wide focus on our efforts.
You can download a copy of v1.0 by clicking here.
Please keep in mind that this is a working document and that not only are timescales indicative, but areas of work could change over the duration, in line with the needs of members.
Become a pivotal player in the Beaver Scout Support Team (2nd Nov 2005)
The National Commissioner for Beaver Scouts, Peter Oliver, is currently interested in hearing from anyone who might be able / willing to support the work of the Beaver Scout section, across the UK. There are currently volunteer vacancies on his Support Team and a variety of projects that need the input of creative thinkers!
Whilst knowledge of the age range would be useful, your current role doesn't necessarily have to be in the Beaver Scout section - but you must be forward thinking, innovative and have some time to spare - at weekends.
Are you interested? If so, please contact Jenny Winn (Programme and Development Adviser for Beaver Scouts) by email ( beaver.scout@scout.org.uk)or telephone (020 8433 7151) to let us know. Whilst we can't promise to take on every offer of help at this stage, it would be great to begin to build a list of those who are willing!
Enjoy the Summer! (24th July 2005)
As we enter the holiday season, I would like to thank you for all that you have undertaken during this last academic year in the Beaver Scout section. Almost 100,000 Beaver Scouts meet every week across the UK, have a fantastic time and gain so much from what we offer. Please pass my sincere thanks to the Leadership Teams that you work with for their dedication and commitment to so many young people.
I am sure it will come as no surprise that there are many challenges ahead of all of us as we strive to think differently about what we do. We are currently working with ACC/AAC Beaver Scouts to think about what 'support' means to Leadership Teams and how we can improve the support we offer.
In the meantime enjoy the summer period and if you manage to get a break - have a great time!
Peter Oliver (National Commissioner for Beaver Scouts)
Articles / Newsletters
Previous editions of the National Commissioners News can be found in the archive,
The following are previous editions of Programme Points:
