;

Circulation to CC's/AC's, ACC's/AAC's and Headquarters 100 List working with Sections, Special Needs and Activities.

Roger Starr - National Commissioner for Programme
programme@scout.org.uk

Welcome to this the very first Programme Points! This newsletter aims to keep CC's/ACC's, ACCs/AACs, Network Co-ordinators and those with similar appointments informed with news and opportunities. I also hope it will be a place to share good ideas and answer questions which arise. It replaces the series of separate occasional newsletters from National Commissioners in the Programme area.

There will normally be two issues each year, one in September, the other probably in March. The Activities Team will continue to circulate separate, detailed technical newsletters packed with opportunities and information while Programme Points will contain an interim summary. In this way Programme Points aims to give you Sectional support of the '6-25' Programme.

The really great news is that almost without exception, the feedback following the new Programme launches has been very upbeat - even complimentary! Words like 'inspirational', 'brilliant', and 'very professional' have been used. I think we would all wish to say a big 'thank you' to the teams who mounted the local launches. What a way to support and inform our Movement! The content of the Programme itself has also been widely applauded. We could hardly have dreamt of a better start to our new Programme.

There have been some concerns raised about the supply of publications and these are being addressed. Other points are being raised as Leaders get to grips with the detailed content of the Programme. We are accumulating a small number of errors and 'typos' in the new publications and have already corrected some in the second printing. More serious omissions - of which there are remarkably few - are being accumulated for action after the Programme has been operating for a while. In the meantime, HQ will give advice in any areas of doubt. Only in the case of heath and safety issues will immediate changes be made - and there are none of these to date. In the autumn, the Training Modules for the Young Leader Scheme will be rolled out, complete with detail of the support and training to be available to the Explorer Scouts who wish to take part. I am sure this scheme will be of great value to Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout Section Leaders in running meetings, as well as giving Explorer Scouts opportunities to shine and succeed.

There is one particular issue which you should be aware of. The ScoutCount system on the CD-ROM in the Scouting Essentials file contains a number of errors that may cause problems for users. A second version is currently being developed and the upgrade will be available free of charge in the Spring of 2003. It is hoped that some data from the first version will be transferable, but this is not guaranteed so users may wish to continue to use their current record keeping systems. The upgrade is being developed and tested with the help of volunteers to ensure that the product meets the need of those using it. We will notify the Movement when an update is available.

There will be slight delay in launching the long awaited Camping and Residential Experiences Permit Scheme. It was due to be launched in the autumn but (subject to Committee of Council approval) it will now not be available until the beginning of 2003. The scheme aims to make it possible for Leaders (and older Scouts) to easily organise and run these events, in the same way as a person with a licence can drive on any road at any time. No more Form PCs!

You may be aware that Committee of Council has asked that HQ produce special material to support those areas of our Programme which Leaders find challenging or difficult. NPIs also maximise on opportunities to take advantage of national occassions, for example, this year's Golden Jubilee Celebrations. We do hope that the content of the excellent resource pack Be prepared to... Make a Difference proved useful. The National Programme Team is conscious that Leaders will be very much concerned with putting the new Programme in place during this next year, so the national Programme initiative for 2003 will be fairly low key. The intention is to provide easy-to-use Programme ideas to encourage diversity and inclusiveness within our Scouting. These will be available late autumn for use in 2003.

Please tell us what you would like to see in Programme Points. It is important that it is useful to you - and a first step is to make sure it reaches you! Could you therefore make sure that HQ knows about your appointment if new, and that the Programme and Development office knows your address and email details if you are online.

Graham Coulson - National Commissioner for Beaver Scouts
beaver.scout@scout.org.uk

Don't forget that not only can you contact myself: Greg Stewart (Assistant Director for Programme and Development,) the relevant National Commissioner and the P&D office at Gilwell Park will give you every support.

Well, here we are again about to start the new Scouting year. The holidays pass so quickly! I hope you had a great time and that you had the opportunity to recharge your batteries. There are a number of general items to share with regard to Headquarters, most of which you will find in other parts of this newsletter. However here is some specific Beaver Scout 'bits'.

• There is a new face at the office. You will be aware that Sarah Hobbs is managing the pre-adolescent Sections and supporting her in the work is Verity Steddon. Verity comes to us from working directly with PRI and so brings with her a great background of the Programme and where it came from.

• Our Support Team consists of myself, Sarah; Verity; Gill Sharman ACC(BS) in the North West and Nicola Beale, a BSL from South Wales. We look forward to the future with great relish.

• Great news from Northern Ireland! They, like some other parts of the Country, have increased the Beaver Scouts participating in the Programme, begun new Colonies and expanding existing ones.

I guess this first term will be a busy one for you, as most Colonies will be embarking on the new Programme. Initial feedback, after attending local launches has been very positive. However you and your team will need to give Colony leadership teams support as they move to the new Programme. It is therefore vital that you are up to speed with the details of the new Programme and if we, at the office, can be of any help to you in these early months then please get in touch. We will be more than happy to help out whenever possible.

As ever, if you come across any new or novel ideas that Colonies, Districts or indeed your own County/ Area have come up with please pass them on to us at Gilwell so that we can share them around the UK. These could be programme ideas, themes for fun days, development ideas etc. Tell us your successes and invite us to your events!

As far as 'routine' stuff goes, there are still some nagging issues that we need to address within the Section. As I said earlier, I know you will be busy supporting the Programme as Colonies take it up, but can I also gently remind you about waiting lists. These are still a major issue for us and we must try to be creative in addressing the size of them. Coupled with this issue is, I am sad to say, the fact that our numbers are dropping - nearly 5000 down on last year - so again we need to look at this.

Enough from me. Thanks for your work so far and thank you for what you are about to do as we take the Section forward. As ever, you like all the volunteers in this Association are key players in the 6- 25 Programme. Coupled with the unique partnership of our dedicated staff, be reassured our young people have a bright and exciting future. On behalf of the Beaver Scout Team, love, happiness and good wishes to you and your teams.

Ian Railton - National Commissioner for Cub Scouts
cub.scout@scout.org.uk

Cub Scout Programme

By now I expect all ACCs/AACs will have been to a Programme launch and may have been involved in further launches at County and District level. I was very fortunate to be asked to help launch the new Programme to all seven Districts within my own home County and I jumped at the opportunity of finding out at first hand what our Pack Leaders thought of it. If the reaction of the Leaders at home mirrors the reactions of the Leaders across the UK, then we are on to a winner! Much praise and very little criticism - just what was worked for by Headquarters and just what was wanted by our Leaders! Now we have to support our Leaders in the Packs in implementing the new Programme.

Supporting the new Programme at County and Area Level

Every County and Area is somewhat different so what I am about to suggest might not work everywhere. It can, however, always be adapted to suit your circumstances.

• Put the new Programme on the agenda of every ADCs meeting over the next two years at least.

• Discuss how the Programme is developing in each District and how ADCs are supporting their Packs.

• Pass on comments, both positive or otherwise, to the Cub Scout Office at Gilwell House. This can be via the telephone, e-mail or through the Consultation and Communication Meetings in your Region.

• Encourage creative thinking at all levels so that new ideas can be discussed and shared.

• Consider publishing a newsletter to all Packs sharing people's thoughts and ideas. Let's not keep all the best ideas to ourselves.

• Report new events and activities to Scouting Magazine so that they can be included in the Cub Scout pages.

Supporting the New Programme at District Level

• Visit your Districts at least once a year to discuss the Programme with the Leaders.

• Encourage ADCs to include the Programme as an agenda item each time they meet as at County/Area meetings.

• Encourage the District Cub Leader's to share their activities across the County/Area.

Involving Cub Scout and Parents

In June all ACCs/ AACs were sent a floppy disk which contained a letter from me, scripts for District and Pack Launches and templates for flags and banners. This was my response to PRI Chairman Colin Coleman's challenge to tell our Members and their parents/carers about the new Programme.

I hope that the material has been copied and passed onto ADCs to use within their Districts and Packs. This is an ideal time to invite parents/carers into our Pack meetings to show them how the Programme is changing and to ask for help.

To see myself how this worked in practice, in the District where I am District Cub Scout Leader, we held a Launch Party for Sixers and their parents which lasted for about 30 minutes. We took the Sixers into another room for drinks and eats, leaving the Leaders and the parents to talk over tea and coffee about the Programme changes. From my point of view it was successful because we had over 60 Cub Scouts and parents/carers attending and gave the parents/carers a good insight into Cub Scouting. Will we gain more help and support? I don't know yet but I will be following this up in my meetings with the Leaders over the coming months.

Please feed back any comments about the use of the Cub Scout Launch material to the Cub Scout Office where Sarah Hobbs and Verity Steddon will be pleased to help you. At the very least, encourage your ADCs to encourage the Cub Leaders to show the 9 minute Cubs video that all Groups have received to their Pack and parents/carers.

Congratulations to the 20 Counties/Areas who increased their Cub Scout numbers during 2001 (according to the 2002 Census). I hope that this trend continues so we can congratulate you again next year - along with some other Counties and Areas!

Corrections

There are several discrepancies between Pack essentials and the Cub Scout Powerpack relating to the Challenge Badges.

To put these right, you should have received a Corrections to Pack Essentials and The Cub Scout Powerpack factsheet which we ask you to bring to the attention of everyone in the Cub Scout Section. As it says in the sheet, the pages will be corrected when the publications are reprinted. If you have not received a copy, please contact the Information Centre.

Linda Thelwell - National Commissioner for Scouts
scout@scout.org.uk

Each National Commissioner has a small Support Team. We meet together four to five times a year, and communicate regularly by e-mail. Three members of the Scout Team are volunteers - Byron Chatburn is a former Chair of the National Scout Team, and is currently an Assistant Group Scout Leader in Leicester; Andrew Corrie is an ACC (Scouts) and a SL from Greater Manchester East. Caroline O'Hagan is a young person, currently working with a Troop in Greater London South West. We also have one member of staff: Chris Nagle, who is one of the Programme and Development Managers. Lindsey Lock provides secretarial support in the Office.

Since taking on the role of National Commissioner for Scouts I have been invited to events all over the United Kingdom. I have presented Chief Scout Award certificates in a number of Counties, been the invited guest at Queen's Scout dinners and visited camps (from small Troop sites to large international events). I've also attended many regional meetings. All these diary appointments give me the chance to meet with you and to keep in touch with what is happening in Scouting and the Scout Section in particular. It gives me the chance to hear about good practice and pass on useful tips. If you would like me, or another member of my Support Team, to attend an event in your County or Area, please contact Chris Nagle (c.nagle@scout.org.uk) at Gilwell Park.

If either my diary or one of the Scout Support Team's diary allows, we will be there!

Summer Camps

By the time you read this I am sure many Scout Troops within your County or Area will just have returned from summer camps. This naturally means they have been working within the Scoutcraft and Adventure Programme Zone. This Zone, we suggest, should take up about half of the annual Programme, so most Troops, whether they realise it or not - are already making a good start to working with the new scheme.

By looking at activities covered during the camp, many Scouts will have completed some requirements, if not all, of the 'Outdoor Challenge' and could be well on their way to completing the 'Outdoor Plus Challenge'. Added to this they will have clocked up some more 'Nights Away' to be added to their Nights Away Staged Activity Badges!

At this point I would just like to share a bit of good practice I heard on my travels regarding the Nights Away Activity Badge. One Troop decided that, as every Scout in their Troop had been to at least one camp, all were properly entitled to receive one of the 'staged' badges, these were then presented at the Group AGM. What a way to encourage a good turn out of parents and supporters!

Camping is not just a summer activity. We should encourage our Members, both at Patrol and Troop level to experience camps and other residential events all year round. This leads me nicely into a plug for the annual winter camp at Gilwell, from the 10 -12 January 2003. For more information contact Gilwell Park Campsite on 020 8498 5411.

The Older Scouts

With the formation of Explorer Scout Units and the change in the age range of the Scout Section, it is very important for us, as Leaders, to make sure our older Scouts are happy, comfortable and prepared for their future within Scouting. To help this process we need to encourage activities between District Explorer Scout Units and older Scouts from various Troops. This will give the Scouts the opportunity to meet with and get to know the Explorer Scouts and of course give the Scouts the chance to work towards their 'Moving on Award'.

ACC / AAC (Scout) Induction Days

The Scout Support Team is holding an Induction Day at Gilwell Park on Saturday 17 May 2003. These days are designed to help you in your role, particularly those who are new. Further details and booking forms will be out in the autumn. To register your interest, contact Chris Nagle in the Scout Office.

Scouting Magazine

The post of the 'writer' for Scout pages of the magazine will soon be vacant. It is a wonderful opportunity and challenging role for the right person. To register your interest or for more information, please contact us. I would like to thank Steve Tupper, our retiring sub-editor, for all his hard work and enthusiastic contribution to the Scout Section pages.

All of us on the Scout Support Team are keen to help you - and you now know who we all are. Please contact us through the Scout Office at Gilwell if you feel we can be of any help. If you just have some information or good practice to share with us, we are always pleased to hear from you.

Graham Haddock - National Commissioner for Explorer Scouts
explorer.scout@scout.org.uk

New Programme

It is now some months since the launch of the new Programme. In general terms, it has been well received. In fact, I have heard very little in the way of criticism about the content of the Programme, the Awards, or the philosophy behind the Section. This obviously augurs well for the future. I hope that everyone takes the time to read through the resource material in detail, and adds their own Programme suggestions to those in Unit programmes. The Explorer Scout Support Team will be keeping a watch on developments over the coming 18 months. A Red Book for logging comments on the new Programme has been established at Gilwell Park and comments and criticisms will be gratefully received.

Young Leader Scheme

The Young Leaders Support material should be with the Committee for approval. The material will be published by the end of the year.

District Explorer Scout Commissioner Courses

Calling all DESCs! Calling all DESCs! These new courses have proven to be so popular that they are full now well into 2003. Places are still available on the following courses:

(*book through Greater Glasgow Scout Council by calling 01360 770966)

Induction days for new ACCs/AACs

Taking a lead from Hamish Stout in the Venture Scout Section, I have decided to run a series of one-day induction sessions for new ACC/AAC Explorer Scouts as follows:

If you are a new ACC/ AAC, put one of these dates in your diary now.

District Responsibility for Explorer Scouts

It should be clear to everyone by now that Districts have overall responsibility for the provision of Explorer Scouting. Explorer Scouting will take place in Explorer Scout Units led by Explorer Scout Leaders. The placing of these Explorer Scouts Units, whether District-based or supported by a Group or other Scouting body, should be done in discussion with GSLs. It is becoming clear that some Districts are adopting a rather heavy handed approach to this process, where the DC seems to prevail, against advice to the contrary. This could be inappropriate. The strengths of Groups (or other bodies) willing or keen to support Explorer Scouting, should be weighed against the need to ensure that all young people aged 14-18 in the District have access to this new provision. Decisions should be based on mutual agreement and consensus, not dictated from either side of the debate.

Joint Units

After lengthy negotiation between The Scout Association and Girlguiding UK, it has been decided that Joint Ranger Guide/Explorer Scout Units will not exist under the new Programme. A factsheet explaining the rationale behind the decision is available from the Information Centre. However Explorer Scout Units and Ranger Guide units are encouraged to meet and run activities together where appropriate.

Royal Navy/Royal Air Force recognition

Discussions between The Scout Association and the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are currently ongoing. We are acutely aware of the concerns raised by many Sea Scout and Air Scout Groups about the implications of the District having operational responsibility for Explorer Scouting. We hope to make an announcement in the near future, which will allay most of those fears.

Short Sleeved Explorer Scout Shirts

Several leaders have contacted HQ to ask whether short-sleeved Explorer Scout shirts will be available for Units planning trips abroad in warmer climates. At present, the only such shirts have been made for the Jamboree Contingent. Is there a demand out there from others for this shirt to be made available through Outdoors? Please let us know.

Cloth Explorer Scout badges

Some Districts have also enquired whether a cloth badge of the Explorer Scout brand logo will become available. They plan to sew the badge onto Explorer Scout neckerchiefs to help establish the identity of the new Section. Is there any demand out there for this item? Again, let us know.

And Finally...

...we are keen to hear of good practice in the establishment of Explorer Scout Units and in exciting Programme ideas for the Section. Let us know what you are up to! and invite us along to join in the fun!

Hamish Stout - National Commissioner for Venture Scouts
venture.scout@scout.org.uk

Just Because There Is Change In The Air...

Change brings with it uncertainty. What is certain, though, is that our current membership needs to continue to receive excellent Scouting in this time of change. No "let's just wait for it all to settle down", please. Each and every Venture Scout needs to be encouraged to continue with, and complete, the Award (VSA or QSA) that they have currently started on. The rules may change in the future but the current Award rules apply to those who have started on them. And their need to continue and complete the Awards has not changed. Go on - make sure that message gets out there, loud and clear!

It Isn't Over Until It's Over!!!

The only requirement on the transformation of Venture Scouting into Explorer Scouts and Scout Network is that it is complete by 31 December 2003. Until that time there will be Venture Scout Units (many or just a few) in almost all Counties and Areas. It is important that they have their voice heard and so it is vital that YOUR County/Area Venture Scouts are represented at regional and other meetings by both adults and young people. You can only relax your guard on this once you are CERTAIN that there are no functioning Units left in your County/Area.

Those Dreaded Numbers...

We now have the feedback from the 2002 Census. There are now 18397 Venture Scouts, and 23% of those are female. The average number of Venture Scouts per Unit is 7.1. Whilst it is disappointing that many Counties/Areas continued to show a decline in Membership, several did not and particular congratulations must go to Cleveland, Lincolnshire, Greater London North, Greater Manchester East and West Sussex who each increased their Venture Scout numbers by more than 10%.

Venture Scout Publications

In this period of change it is important to remember that islands of stability remain. Such are the various Venture Scout publications, which will continue to exist right though 2003 (and, where appropriate for the new Sections, beyond). As a reminder, the key publications are:

• The Venture Scout Training Scheme (the A4 black book)

• Venture Scout method of operation leaflet

• Plan Ahead! (Programme planning made simple and effective)

• National Record of Achievement + VS notes

• Things Can Only Get Better! (the Unit health check)

• The Executive File

• Getting Organised

• Explorer Belt Planning Guide

• Time Zone (practical Programme ideas for handling difficult issues)

• Getting Noticed (ideas and strategies to improve your image)

• Queen Scout Award Support Pack for District Commissioners

• Notes for Queen Scout Award Co-ordinators

Contact the Information Centre for further details - and in case of any questions or difficulty on any of the publications contact the 14-25 Office at Gilwell Park.

Events, Events, Events,...

During the next year or so there will be many events celebrating Venture Scouting and heralding the advent of the brave new world of Explorer Scouts and Scout Network - indeed we already know of several. The members of the Venture Scout Support Team would like to visit as many events as diaries permit, so if you are organising a Venture Scout event - or know of someone who is - please get in touch NOW via Gilwell Park.

Explore NZ 2002

Want to do something different over Christmas and New Year? Looking for a memorable international experience, undertaking the Explorer Belt? Ever wanted to see if water does go down the plughole the other way in the southern hemisphere? Then what you need is Explore NZ 2002, and Explorer Belt expedition to New Zealand from 21 December 2002 to 12 January 2003. To find out more, contact Craig Turpie via the International Department at Gilwell Park, or check out the information at www.scoutbase.org.uk

QSA Certificate Frames

To celebrate this Golden Jubilee year, certificate frames are available, free of charge, from the 14-25 Office at Gilwell Park. All those who receive a Certificate at the Guildhall in November 2002 will receive a certificate frame automatically. But Counties/Areas can obtain supplies to support their local presentations.

Please contact Liz Clark at Gilwell on programme@scout.org.uk Please see the details at the end of the Scout Network article for Queen Scout Award Receptions.

Contact Us...

Please don't forget that Hamish and the VS Support Team is in position to support Venture Scouting and its transition into the brave new world right through until the end of 2003. Any rumours to the contrary are without foundation and are not perpetrated by us! If we can help in any way - answering questions, visiting, or whatever - then please do not hesitate to get in touch by phone or email.

David Williamson - National Commissioner for Scout Network
scout.network@scout.org.uk

Hello!

Who's There to Help?

A number of people are available to help you as you get your Scout Network up and running. Based at Gilwell Park are Tim Pike (P&D Manager) and Liz Clark (P&D Adviser). On the Scout Network Support Team supporting me through to January 2003 are.8 Programme Points No. 1 September 2002 Adrian Wray (CSNC for Leicestershire), Robin Sharpe (CSNC for Hampshire), and two 'younger people' Hugh Miller (Explorer Scout Leader from West Lancashire) and Dan Wood (County Venture Scout Leader from Avon). If you are interested in supporting the Section nationally, let us have your details and we will see how we can use your skills.

Finding Out How It's All Going

The Support Team for Network spent time racing around the UK visiting your events and weekends away to try to find out how it's all going - and the good news is that we have picked up a positive mood. Do keep inviting us along to your camps, barbecues, parties, launch events - we can't make them all but do keep the invites coming in. We have been amazed by the Internet presence of Scout Network. If you don't believe us, use a search engine to hunt for Scout Network and it will bring up a number of sites to give you a feel for how it is all going.

Keeping in Touch

The one thing we keep being asked is how you can find out more. To meet this need, you need to look at this and following Programme Points, but you also should register your email address with the Scout Network Team at Gilwell House. In exchange, we will send you our monthly electronic update of what's going on that impacts on Network. We are planning to take this further with an 'on-line community' for Scout Network Commissioners, a combination of a bulletin board and chat room. We are just finishing the trial period on this, to root out the gremlins. We would like to do most of our communications with Network using email, so if you are not yet confident with email or the Internet, now is the chance to learn! If you would rather receive the updates in paper form, give Liz Clark at Gilwell a call and she will add you to our paper distribution list.

County Scout Network Commissioner Weekend Courses

We have had our first weekend at Gilwell Park at the start of August for our eager new Commissioners. The Course covered loads of stuff about the Programme, Chief Scout's, Queen's Scout and Duke of Edinburgh's Award, as well as considering how to operate and manage Scout Network, developing links with organisations like SSAGO and with Districts. As we are mostly setting up the Section at the moment, we were able to help people to answer their 'burning questions' and together share our suggestions and solutions.

The first course was fully booked. There are still some places on the course on 15 - 17 November 2002 and places available on our 2003 course November 14 to 16 2003. To book a place email jackie.johnson@scout.org.uk or phone Jackie on 020 8433 7100. Even if you have come to this role from something in Venture Scouting, we recommend that you come along to get into the new Section and its way of thinking and working.

Structures

Most of the questions we are having at the moment concern support structures and roles. As the Network Commissioner, you are responsible to your Area or County Commissioner for managing the Section, ensuring that guidelines are followed, assessing the highest Awards and making sure that a balanced Programme is on offer in your Area or County (although this doesn't mean that you have to offer it all yourself!). You are probably supported by an Administrator who will maintain records and contacts for the Section. (We plan to offer some standard letters here to help Administrators in the Autumn). Apart from these roles, much depends on what your part of the UK is like. Some County/Area Scout Network Leaders are being appointed in bigger areas to help support and promote a particular part of the Programme - maybe Queen's Scout or Explorer Belt Awards or helping new Networks to get going. All Networks need Co-ordinators who are members of the Network (aged 18-25) and who keep you in touch with what's going on in their patch. There is no 'one-size fits all' approach to Network - you need to do what will work locally.

The decision about where to put a Network within a County or Area is likely to be the first difficult decision to make with your County/Area Commissioner. The District Commissioners should be brought into the discussion, along with Network members so all can have their say about where provision would work and where it would be difficult. Although locations of provision will change over time as members move, it is important that you get things right to begin with so take advice locally.

Now is probably the time to find out who your County/Area Duke of Edinburgh's Award Adviser is - and to get in touch with them. You will need to work closely with this person. Please read the Duke of Edinburgh's Award pages for latest developments in this area.

Leadership Training

We have received a number of enquiries, often from ex-Venture Scout people asking if there is going to be something to help Networks to plan their activities and to have effective Network Committees and annual Network Conferences, i.e. something that would do the same job as Getting Organised or the Executive File. In conjunction with the Explorer Scout and Scout Support Teams we are working through the initial stages on this one. If you are involved in offering some kind of training to your people, be they Venture Scouts or Network members, we would like to hear from you so that we can get a copy of your Programme or come along for part of your event. Obviously there is a need for Network members to be effective in planning events and activities. We feel that it would be good to offer support to them, which will be useful in their 'real world' lives as well. Watch this space!

International

International activities are going to play a big part in Network activities, with the Explorer Belt as a key part of our Programme. We have already talked to people from the International Team who support Explorer Belt to ensure that they are able to offer you the support, guidance and experience you need to undertake successful expeditions abroad. There are two major events coming up for Networks: Roverway - Summer 2003 in Portugal [www.roverway2003.org] and the World Moot 2003 in Taiwan in 2004 [www.moot2004.org]. Carl Hankinson from West Lancashire has been appointed to lead the Contingent to the Moot (an activity for 18-25 year olds). Expect to hear more about the Moot in 2003.

Dates for your diaries

Two things to remember:

• The next two Queen Scout Receptions are at the Guildhall in London on 30 November 2002 and at York Minster on 29 March 2003. Contact Tom Ovenstone for details on 020 8433 7100 or email thomas.ovenstone@scout.org.uk.

• Windsor 2003 will be on 27 April 2003. Applications from Queen Scouts to Counties/Areas for attendance will need to be in by the end of January.

SSAGO

The Scout Network Team has renewed contacts with SSAGO, the Student Scout and Guide Organisation. We expect a good number of our Network members to be students possibly away from home. It would be a good idea to get in touch with your local university to see if SSAGO is represented, or you could check with SSAGO nationally by looking at www.ssago.org.uk. The County Scout Network Commissioner in many cases will handle the Criminal Record Bureau checks for members of SSAGO who are attending the universities in your patch. We have received a very good response from SSAGO's executive nationally to the idea of developing strongly supportive relationships between Network and SSAGO which we think will benefit both of us. Make sure your Administrator gets to know where students are going to from your Network and which students are coming into your patch and from where. It will be difficult to handle this in our first year, when some parts of the UK have changed to Network and others are still completing Venture Scouting - our aim should be that no-one misses out.

Alex Minajew - National Commissioner for Activities
activities@scout.org.uk

Hello, and welcome to the Activities part of Programme Points! More detailed information is available via our specialist newsletter which we will continue to circulate.

Rocky Conferences

Recent workshop-type conferences have been held in the areas of Caving and Mountain Skills Assessments. Both assisted recently appointed Special Advisers for Caving and Snow/Ice/Rock Climbing to get to grips with some of the Scouting issues involved in their areas. There was the clear feedback that it was great for people in the same interest area to meet up!

DC's Authorisations for Activities

Consideration is being given as to how this could be made clearer and better supported. The Activities Office will be delighted to hear of suggestions from DCs, Activity Assessors and those holding authorisations.

Money for non-RN recognised Sea Scout Groups

The Trinity House Fund for non-RN Recognised Sea Scout Groups is greatly under-used. Money is available to help out with purchases of boats, equipment and for training. Contact the Activities Offfice at Gilwell for more information.

OS Great Outdoors Show - a success!

Many thanks to the many Members of the Movement who popped into The Scout Association stand at the Ordnance Survey Great Outdoors Show at the NEC in March.

Bouncy Castles

Are you doing it properly? The Information Centre has some leaflets from RoSPA entitled Recognising a well run Bouncy Castle. Alternatively, visit the HSE web site for the publication HSE Guidance Note PM 76 - Safe Operation of inflatable bouncing devices http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/etis7.pdf.

Activities Pages on Scoutbase

The redesign of Scoutbase gives us an opportunity to re-look at the information that is published there. The Activities Office is eager to hear views from members of the Movement as to what information would be useful.

National Gems

Big thanks to all those involved in recent and forthcoming national activities. Climb 2001 in December saw 120 young people take part and the RN Sea Scout Gala up to its usual high standard with 24 teams participating. At the time of writing, forthcoming events include the National Scout Car Rally, Sky-High Parascending competition and the Jubilee (theirs!) Air Scout Camp.

Source for Ideas

The Institute of Outdoor Learning sells/publishes a number of resources to help with ideas for outdoor activities. The publications cover a very broad spectrum, e.g. team building games, Ethical Issues in Experiential Learning, Trail Orienteering for Disabled People, City Adventures Creative Art/Drama/Games in Groupwork plus many more. Call them for their catalogue on 01768 891065 or email them at institute@outdoors-learning.org

John Kitson - National Commissioner for Special Needs
special.needs@scout.org.uk

I am delighted that Special Needs news is now part of Programme Points and hope that our information will be of interest to others, and that the SN specialists will find the whole 6-25 picture valuable.

ACC/AAC and Special Groups Workshop

I am pleased to advise that the workshop is confirmed for next year; it will be held at the Great Barr Hotel, Birmingham on 10 and 11 May 2003.

This workshop will be focusing on the Programme and its accessibility for all young people especially those with Special Needs. It will also be considering the Child Protection requirements when working with profoundly disabled young people. There will also be an opportunity to consider the training requirements for Leaders working with Members who have specific Special Needs and indeed we plan to provide a training opportunity during the workshop. As you will see we are inviting both ACC/ AACs and Leaders of Special Groups so that each can benefit from the opportunity of discussing the support structure available in the Special Needs field. We will issue more information as soon as possible.

Special Needs Factsheets

The Special Needs Advisory Team is undertaking a review of the factsheets. We hope this work will be completed by the end of the year. So it would be much appreciated if you could let us know of concerns you may have with the content of existing factsheets and any other titles/topics you would like the Team to consider for other factsheets.

Special Needs Essentials

We are in the early stages of compiling a resource that will bring together the various existing resources on Special Needs, together with other appropriate information that we believe will be useful. It is hoped that this will provide a useful 'one stop' resource that will provide information on Special Needs Scouting. Obviously it will not answer all questions but should cover the main topics and point to where fuller information on specialist subjects can be obtained. We do not have a publication date as yet but it is hoped we will have the opportunity to discuss the resource at the workshop next year.

Regional Meetings

It has been a privilege to attend several Regional Meetings and to hear about the many events that are taking place to ensure young people with Special Needs are enjoying their Scouting. These meetings have been of benefit to all concerned. David Mehaffey and I would like to thank you for the very warm welcome we received and hope to have the pleasure of visiting other meetings in the future. The 'All panel Communication and Consultation Meetings' have also been of great benefit. I am aware many Special Needs ACCs/ AAC's or Advisors hold more than one appointment and if you are not able to attend the Special Needs Panel Meeting, it would be very useful if a representative could attend these meetings. In this way we would be able to hear news and concerns from everyone.

Child Protection

Our first concern must always be for the safety and protection of our Members. Many comments have been made regarding working with Scouts with profound disabilities. We are reviewing whether further guidance is required for Leaders working in this situation. It is intended this topic will be fully discussed at our workshop next year.

Summer Camps

The Special Needs Team and I have had the opportunity to visit special Groups at camp during the summer. We thoroughly enjoyed our visits and I would like to thank all the Leaders who gave our young Members such a great time.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Scouting

We hope you have seen copies of the new Programme materials launched earlier this year. You will see from the resources that the Duke of Edinburgh's Award forms a key part of the scheme for 14 to 25 year olds. The Award should be available to every young person in Scouting, if they are not already registered elsewhere (possibly school or another youth club).

Unit essentials and Network essentials have the basic information on the Award - how young people enrol and where to get more information. County/ Area Advisers for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award are an essential part of this process and more work to support Advisers is about to begin - details below. You will be pleased to know that The Scout Association has recently had its Operating Authority licence renewed for England. This involved working through the Quest for Quality resources, (available from The Award Scheme Limited, Unit 18/19, Stewardfield Industrial Estate, Off Newhaven Road, Edinburgh, EH6 5RQ. Tel: 0131 553 5280. Fax. 0131 553 5776 or www.theaward.org). These resources ask many useful questions about the promotion, delivery and administration of the Award, and are equally useful to Counties and Districts reviewing their operations. Similar review processes are taking place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

First Steps

Following the license review, we are going to highlight the changes in the Scout Programme and how they affect young people taking part in the Award. Articles will be placed in both the Award Journal and Scouting Magazine concerning recent changes and developments. We particularly want to highlight the Young Leaders Scheme, and the opportunities that the scheme can give young people both inside and outside Scouting to assist with a Section.

From the launch this winter and the implementation of the Young Leaders Scheme locally, young people aged 14-25 who are not Members of The Scout Association will be able to assist with Sections. Those aged 14-18 will participate in training for Young Leaders, and those aged 18-25 will participate in adult training opportunities. A new page for the Programmes File will be made available with more details.

Second Steps

A number of further steps are also planned to ensure good support for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Scouting. We are planning to upgrade information for County and District Advisers - both via factsheets and electronic information on ScoutBase UK. This will form the basis of an induction resource which can be distributed to new County Advisers where the appointment is notified to Headquarters. Therefore it is essential that appointments are quickly notified to the Records Office to allow the information to be distributed and the Award Offices to be notified. Following meetings with staff from the Award Head Office, they are planning to produce some training material for County Advisers and people in similar roles in other organisations. We hope this will include some training opportunities for Advisers - more news of which later in the year.

Future Plans

We are creating more plans for developing the Award in Scouting, and we would be pleased to hear from you if you have any ideas. Our thoughts include inviting County Advisers to Regional Meetings, providing growth targets to County Advisers and putting in place National support for the Award within the Scout Network Team. Please contact the Office at Gilwell Park with your suggestions.

Ongoing Work

At Headquarters, we have switched over to recording Gold Awards using the DEAMS II package (Duke of Edinburgh's Award Management System.) Counties and Districts are encouraged to use the systems available in this package as they provide an excellent method of ensuring you have all the information you need and that young people have completed all the necessary requirements. The package can be purchased from the Award Scheme Limited.

We also have systems in place for approving international expeditions, Access Organisations, New Skills Programmes and accrediting assessors. Please contact the office if you are unsure about a particular process.

Common Questions

We get many questions to the office and here are the answers to a few of the most common ones:

How do I enrol in the Award?

Contact your County or District Adviser for a Record Book. (This means that every County needs an Adviser in place, so please contact the office if our records are not up to date).

I've completed the requirements for my Gold Award. What happens now?

The Gold Record Book (and Silver if this has been completed) should be sent to the County Adviser along with the Gold Award Forms. (These forms are available from the Award Scheme or www.theaward.org). The books and forms are countersigned by the County Adviser and forwarded to Gilwell Park for the attention of the Award Officer. The Award Officer then authorises the Award and the forms are sent to the Award Head Office in Windsor for processing. When the badges arrive back at Gilwell Park, these are sent to the County Commissioner for presentation; the Record Books are returned to the County Adviser.

When do I need to use a Wild Country Panel Notification Form (green form)?

These forms should be complete whenever a group are going into Wild Country for the purpose of completing an accompanied Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expedition, including all qualifying ventures in Wild Country. The forms and accompanying documentation should be sent to the Panel Secretary. A copy of the form should be sent to the County Adviser. The details of Panel Secretaries can be found in the Spring editions of the Award Journal and on the D of E website - www.theaward.org.

Please note that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate arrangements for operating the D of E Award. More information can be obtained from the appropriate Country HQ.

And Finally

Please remember to contact the Office at Gilwell Park if you need any help or advice. Responsibility for supporting the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in England now rests with the National Commissioner for Scout Network and his Support Team. The Team are always keen to visit any events taking place, so please contact the office if you have an event that would be suitable to visit.

Best wishes from the team
Tim Pike
Award Officer, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
tim.pike@scout.org.uk