;

Minister at B-P House - Encouraging Meeting

Adult Recruitment - Ways and Means

Visit Abroad Workshops - Practical Help

Activity Authorisation - Act Now

The D.o.E. Award - Revised Factsheets

National Sea Scout Camp - 1998 Sailing

Uganda Experience - Northampton Gathering

Flood Disaster Appeals - Plea for Help

Venture Scouts and Older Scouts - Employment Prospects

Sunrise Project - Thank You

National Air Activities - 1997 Conference

Something for the Weekend? - Gilwell Park Offerings

Annual Census - Latest Count

Nominations Invited - Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards

M-Power - Community Contribution

The National Lottery - Charities Board - Main Grants

Jamboree on the Air - 40 Years of JOTA

Scouting Magazine - Clip Art Disks

Network Russia - Briefing Days

Euro Intro Trips - Away Days With Maggie

Jamboree on the Internet - One Year of JOTI

AfricaDay Workshops - New Experiences

Poland Network Meeting - October Date

Rent-a-Hostel - Something Different

Talking Points - Who & How

Travelling Fellowships - Chance of a Lifetime

Two new members in Europe

Committee News

Strategic Development Plan:

Voice for Young People:

Going for Growth:

Integrated Pilot Project

Executive Committee:

Friends of Scouting UK:

Committee of the Council:

Adult Training:

World Scout Jamboree 2007:

Appointments:

Dr Kim Howells, Under Secretary of State for Education and Employment Minister for Youth, met representatives of the National Council of Chief Executives of National Voluntary Youth Organisations (NCVYS) at Baden-Powell House, London on 23 July. The meeting was initiated by The Scout Association and gave an opportunity to discuss the new Government's approach, opportunities and challenges with representatives of the leading youth work organisations in the United Kingdom.

Specific issues on which the Minister promised action included overcoming the difficulties experienced by many community organisations arising from the increasing non-availability of school and colleges building for meetings. In accepting the reality of the problem he stated that in his view, 'No other community resources are so under utilised as many of our schools colleges and universities. This must be changed.'

The representatives of the youth organisations highlighted their concerns that proposals to improve vetting and child protection safeguards currently being considered, have to be affordable if young people are to be safeguarded.

Summing up the meeting Derek Twine, Chief Executive of The Scout Association said that 'It was very encouraging that that only nine weeks after taking over, the new Minister was so quick to respond to our invitation for a meeting. He expressed concern and enthusiasm that voluntary youth work be seen in partnership with the formal education system and local community activities in meeting the needs of young people.'

Despite extensive publicity, there is still plenty of evidence that many Groups and Districts are not aware of the tried and tested 'Six Step Approach' to recruiting adults. The method is outlined in a booklet "'Wanted Volunteers' - a practical guide to recruiting adults". This is available from the Resource Centre price £4.25. Seven Adult Recruitment workshops and swopshops are being held in the Autumn. The venues are Manchester and Central Scotland (11/10), Yorkshire (12/10), Birmingham (1/11), Exeter/Taunton and Mid Wales (22/11) and London (23/11). Further details from Adult Recruitment, Programme & Training Dept., Gilwell Park.

Its not too late to sign up for one of the one-day workshops which are offered by the International Department and Team to encourage and support those who have never taken a party abroad. Practical advice, planning guides and suggested venues - all for only £10.00 including lunch. The workshops will be held in London (21/9), Sheffield (12/10), Llandrindod Wells (2/11), Birmingham (23/11) and Exeter (30/11). Contact the International Department at Baden-Powell House.

On January 1st 1998 the system for gaining authorisation using a governing meant body qualified assessor will be fully up and running. Therefore, if your County/Area has not yet got a suitably qualified person for a particular activity now is the time to sort it out. Remember you could always have an agreement with the next County to use their assessors. If you are going to need your own authorisation updated or renewed for an activity in the new year you may wish to get your assessment arranged before the end of this year.

The following new or revised factsheets are now available from the Resource Centre at Gilwell Park. A reference copy of these has been sent to each County.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - FS120301

The Role of Leaders and Adviser for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - England - FS120302

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Service - FS120303

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Expeditions/Explorations/Other Adventurous Projects - FS120304

There will be a National Sea Scout Camp at Hawkhirst Adventure Camp, Kielder Water, Northumberland, over the period 25 July to 1 August 1998. A full programme of activities, on and off the water involving visits to local places of interest will be provided. Groups are expected to camp and be self catering. Cost will be in the region of £32 per head. Further details are available from Hawkhirst Adventure Camp, or the Activities Office, Programme and Training Department at Gilwell Park.

Why not join members of the UK/UGANDA NETWORK at The Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Northampton, on 18 October 1997? Meet those who have participated in visits, projects and exchanges with members of the Uganda Scouts Association through the UK/ UGANDA NETWORK. See how the funds raised for Unite were spent and how members from the UK are continuing to support and work with the Scouts in Uganda. Just come along or if you prefer to stay, you can join the Venture Scouts for a Saturday night experience. Accommodation is available at the hotel for the Friday and Saturday nights. Further information from the International Department at Baden-Powell House or Network Co-ordinator, Alan K. B. Beavis tel/fax: 0118 933 3383, or e-mail ALANBSE@aol.com.

Parts of Poland and the Czech Republic have been devastated by floods. More than 100 peoplehave died and thousands have lost their homes. Hundreds of Scouts and Guides are working hard and very effectively in extreme conditions savingpeople, distributing food and water and bringing medical aid. Many Polish Scouts, Guides, leaders and their families have been affected but ZHP was one of the first organiszations which brought help to people in need. The association has prepared 12,000 places on summer camps for children from the affected regions. ZHP has created a special fund. Piotr Borys, International Commissioner, explains, "All money gathered in this fund will be used to help leaders who have been strongly affected by the flood: their houses have been ruined, they have no food and no clothes."

Contributions from all members of the World Scout and Guide families are most welcome to contribute to the following international currency bank accounts: USD -Bank Gdanski - 10401019-5089-867874-157-17; DEM - IV Department Warszaw -10401019-5089-867954-157-17; GBP - Karowa 20 - 10401019-5089-867894-157-17; CHF - PL-00-324- Warszawa - 10401019-5089-867974-157-17. Please note on the transfer "Flood Disaster Leader Fund".

In the Czech Republic, many Scout and Guide camps and centres had to be abandoned and the cost of repairs is estimated to be over one million Czech Crowns. Older Scouts and Guides have volunteered their services to go to the stricken areas to help with relief efforts. Junák has created a special fund called 'Nejsi sám'- 'You are not alone'. Jiri Navratil, Chairman of Junák, explains that, "Contributions, which will be used to help all victims of the flood and to renovate ruined Scout houses are invited from all Guides and Scouts." Donations should be sent to Komercni Banka, Spálená 51, 110 00 Praha 1; Acc No 19-545.448.0267/0100 'Junák - Nejste sami'.

Do you know any Venture Scouts or older Scouts who are looking for a job or thinking of entering Further/Higher Education? If so, they may be interested in 'Making Connections', a booklet that helps young people recognise the skills they have developed in Scouting, and how they can help when filling in their National Record of Achievement. 'Making Connections' also includes leaflets which can be sent to potential employers, drawing their attention to how a young person's Scouting experience can give them a head start in the employment market.

'Making Connections' booklets are free. To order your copies please contact the Scout Office or the Venture Scout Office at Gilwell Park; Tel. 0181 524 5246, Fax 0181 498 5329.

National Record of Achievement certificates and guidance notes are available from the Resource Centre at Gilwell Park (Tel. 0181 498 5400), price £1.18. Guidance notes specific to the Venture Scout Section are available from the Venture Scout Office for 50p - please make cheques payable to The Scout Association.

A huge thank you to all who contributed their St. George's Day collections to the Sunrise City project being run in the countries of the former Yugoslavia. Over £7,000 has so far been raised by Groups across the UK to support this project working with refugee and traumatised children. Further contributions are always welcome and these should be made payable to "Sunrise City (UK Support)" and sent to the International Department at Baden-Powell House.

A National Air Activities Conference will be held at the Midland Air Museum, Coventry Airport, Baginton, Warwickshire, CV8 3AZ, on Saturday 18th October. This is a chance for all Leaders involved in supporting Air Activities to get together to share knowledge and experience. Further details are available from the Event Committee, c/o C. E. Beck, 9, Tufton Gardens, West Molesey, Surrey. KT8 1TD.

Venture Scout Gathering 17/19 October. A top weekend for Venture Scouts including top class entertainment, Gilwell Dating Game, disco, talent show and much more.

Winter Camp 9/11 January 1998. For Scouts and Venture Scouts, a frosty fun filled weekend of activities all for the price of normal camp fees.

For further details contact: Wardens Office, Gilwell Park Campsite, Bury Road, Chingford, London. E4 7QW.

Total Membership of the Association for the year ended 31 March 1997 was 607,369. The corresponding figure for 1996 was 631,406. Section Membership is:- Beaver Scouts - 133,245; Cub Scouts - 202,018; Scouts - 132,326; Venture Scouts - 26,537. There were 9,767 Scout Groups.

The Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards aims to bring the role of the UK's 21 million volunteers into the spotlight. This year the Awards are being run in partnership with the Home Office. The Awards pay tribute to individuals and organisations/groups. The Home Office Awards will recognise the excellence amongst local volunteer deploying organisations and groups. This will be open to any organisation which involves volunteers. Thus Scouts in a Group, District or County can nominate themselves for an Award or can be nominated by another organisation or individual.

The Whitbread Awards will honour individuals who make an outstanding contribution to society through voluntary activity. The individual should be nominated by a third party.

There will also be special Youth Awards to recognise the outstanding young volunteers (age under 25) and the groups/organisations which have done the most to support young volunteers.

There will be 20 area winners from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and two Youth Award winners. From these overall individual and group winners will be chosen. The Awards will be presented at a ceremony in London on 3 December 1997. In addition to receiving a Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards the winners will receive £1,000.00.

The closing date for nominations is 22 September 1997. Further information and an application form can be obtained from Whitbread and Volunteer Action Awards on 01582 397759 or 397292.

The Princes Trust will be launching a new awards scheme in the Autumn. It will be called the M-Power Awards and will give young people the chance to make a significant contribution to the lives of others and at the same time achieve something positive for themselves.

Awards will be given to groups of disadvantaged 14 to 25 year olds to develop a project to help people in their local community. Each project must be a challenge so that completion represents an outstanding achievement for the young people involved.

The Prince's Trust-Action is looking to form partnerships with a wide range of youth organisations. They will encourage young people to develop project ideas and submit applications, with awards of £10,000 being given to successful groups.

The launch will take place in the Autumn but any organisations interested in becoming involved can contact the M-Power Awards Manager on 0171 543 1234.

The current theme is "Improving people's living environment". Application packs must be requested by 5 September and returned by 3 October, 1997. However, if you are based in England or Wales and have not already requested a pack you are unlikely to have adequate time to complete the form and obtain your letter of permission.

Permission letters must accompany ALL applications made to the Charities Board. Group and District applications must go via the County Commissioner to Headquarters for approval and County applications must go via the Chief Commissioner to Headquarters for approval.

COUNTY AND CHIEF COMMISSIONERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR APPROVAL MUST REACH HEADQUARTERS NO LATER THAN 12 September, 1997

Please DO NOT send applications direct to Headquarters. Any application sent direct to Headquarters without Chief or County Commissioner approval will be re-routed and consequently may miss the deadline.

If you are based in Scotland the above does not apply and applications can be submitted directly to the Charities Board Scotland. However, you must contact Scottish Headquarters to inform them that an application is being made. For those in Northern Ireland please contact Northern Ireland Headquarters for details of how to obtain permission. If you require further details or advice on applying please contact the Scout Association Lottery Line at B-P. House on 0171 590 5123.

This year, 'Jamboree on the Air' (JOTA) runs over the weekend of 18/19 October. To take part, a special event amateur radio transmitting licence is required. Please ask your local radio amateurs to apply for the licence from the Radio Society of Great Britain. JOTA bulletins will be sent to all stations which apply for a licence. If you are running a club station or need a copy of the bulletin before submitting a licence application, please send an A5 stamped, self-addressed envelope to The United Kingdom JOTA Team, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW.

SCOUTING Magazine offers three volumes of clip-art for both MS-DOS/Windows and Apple Macintosh compatible computers. Recently released Volume 3 includes images of all the main logos of the Sections and The Scout Association, as well as all of the Activity and Proficiency badges, Awards and Decorations of the Association and Sectional related artwork. See SCOUTING Magazine for details and an order form.

The next Network Russia meeting will be held on 18 October 1997 at the Sidney Tidy Activity Centre near Brighton. Overnight accommodation is available on 17 and 18 October 1997. Further information and registrations to Don Collishaw, 77 Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5BZ. Come along and see what UK Scouting can offer in support of Russian Scouting in the next 12 months, share experiences of the 2nd Russian Jamboree and see how you can become involved.

There are still spaces available on the two tours to be organised on 6/7/8 and 20/21/22 March 1998 to camp sites in Belgium and Luxembourg. If you have never taken a party abroad and need some guidance and contacts, then these are for you. Contact Maggie Brady at the International Department for further information.

In November 1996 the World Scout Committee noted that Scouting already had a considerable presence on the Internet and that there was already an informal and rapidly growing Jamboree on the Internet. They decided therefore that JOTI should become an official international Scouting event to be held on the same weekend as Jamboree on the Air. Details are available at http://www.scout.org/joti/.

Looking for opportunities for exciting expeditions in the developing world? Considering an international service project in Africa. Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced expeditioner, AfricaDay can offer you the chance to share experiences, be better prepared for the challenges of new cultures and environments. The venue is Baden-Powell House, London, 21 February 1998. Contact the International Department for further information and booking forms.

The next meeting of the Poland Network will be held in the West Midlands on 18 October 1997. For further information on the venue and agenda, contact Maggie Brady at the International Department.

The Youth Hostel Association's Rent-a-hostel scheme is an excellent idea for Groups wishing to get away out-of-season and have exclusive use of their accommodation. The scheme is also of benefit to those organising week day training or team building courses. For further information on the Youth Hostels available under the scheme, contact Ruth or Steve on 01722 337494.

Below is a list of who receives their own copy of 'Talking Points' and where they should get it from (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only). All Leaders in Scotland receive copies of Talking Points' direct from Scottish Headquarters.

Single copies mailed direct from the Mailing House using labels produced by the Records Office at Lancing:-

County Commissioners

Assistant County Commissioners.

District Commissioners.

Group Contacts

County Secretaries - 12 copies for County Executive and Advisers

District Secretaries - 12 copies for ADCs, Advisers and Executive

County/District Secretaries - please note that it is impractical to change the number of copies you receive from the mailing house. However, as a special service, an extra six copies of each edition are available from the Public Relations Department at a cost of £4.00 per year inc. p.&p.

Each year the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust offers opportunities for British citizens to travel overseas to undertake study projects related to their trade, profession or particular interest. The categories for the coming year include:- Naturalists and Wildlife Conservationists, the application of New Technology to the Arts, Leadership and Communication in Industry, the Training of Teachers, Delivering Health Care, Industrial and Scientific Technicians, Projects in the Indian Subcontinent, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the Recruitment and Use of Volunteers in the Community, and Sport and the Fitness of School Children.

This offer is open to all British citizens. There is no age limit or special qualifications. Closing date 24 October 1997. For further information send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, 15 Queen's Gate Terrace, London SW7 5PR. Tel; 0171 584 9315. Fax: 0171 581 0410. E-mail: wcmt@dial.pipex.com

On 25 July, the World Organization welcomed two new national member organizations in Europe: Lietuvos Skautija (Lithuanian Scouting), and Sojuz na Izvidnici na Makedonija (The Scout Association of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). Lietvus Skautija has a membership of 1,500 boys and girls while Sojuz na Izvidnici na Makedonija has more than 3,500 male and female members. We look forward to welcoming many of them in all international Scout events in the future.

The Committee of the Council met at Gilwell Park on 28/29 June.

The Chief Executive presented the proposed Headquarters Strategic Development Plan objectives and targets for 1998 - 2002. The vision and aims had been confirmed by the Committee in February. The Committee amended the objectives to improve access to Scouting for young people and to include reference to the targets set in the Going for Growth initiative . It highlighted ethnic communities, and those living in inner cities and isolated rural communities among the specific target groups that the Association should increase access opportunities. It was agreed that the sub-Committees and staff now be invited to comment on the proposed objectives and targets and suggest possible methods of achievement. The Committee will further consider the Plan in the autumn.

Progress continues to guarantee young people aged 18-25 places all Committees and working groups. The Executive Committee and the General Purposes sub-Committee have been asked to look at representation of young people on the Council of the Association and if required, propose adjustments to the Bye Laws. The target date for any proposals to change is September 1999. In the meantime at least two young people will be appointed to serve on most Committees and working groups at National level by the end of 1997. An annual meeting will take place for young people under the age of 25 involved in the work of Headquarters for the purposes of training, support and briefing. The first training event will be held in November 1997.

The Committee received a paper on the Going for Growth initiative . A workshop was held at Gilwell Park in April. Many good ideas and initiatives had been suggested which, if implemented, would enable the membership decline to be reversed and for the Movement to grow in numbers. It was agreed that the Going for Growth work is of strategic significance and will be added to the Strategic Development Plan. Targets for growth will be set for an average District increase of at least five more members per Group on the 2000 Census compared with 1997 and an average District increase of at least five more members per Group on 2002 compared with 2000. There will be sub-targets to ensure that every Group has a Group Scout Leader, that the enthusiasm, self-confidence and self-esteem of every adult be increased and that each Scout Group be encouraged to increase its membership each year. A new working group will be established to progress the topic.

The Committee of the Council considered a presentation and report reviewing the operation of the Integrated Pilot Project in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire. This was the largest experiment of its kind ever undertaken by the Association. Summarising, Mr Simon McCowen, Chairman of the Project Council, believed that the Association's destiny lay with the young members in local Scout Groups. Their Leaders want and need what Headquarters has to offer but at the moment it is often difficult for them to access these services. The Committee discussed the reports in detail and recorded its initial views. It decided to make no decisions on the recommendations in the reports until after the current consultation with County Commissioners regarding Local Support Services was complete. The results of this consultation will be considered by the Committee in February 1998.

The terms of reference for the Executive Committee were agreed by the Committee of the Council. The Executive Committee carries out a 'management' on behalf of the Committee of the Council in controlling its regular business and implementing its decisions. It facilitates discussion and prepares policy proposals for consideration by the Committee of the Council and its sub-Committees. It receives minutes and recommendations from the sub-Committees and other working groups and makes decisions on those which are routine operational matters. On matters of policy - and expenditure outwith the approved budget - it considers and advises on recommendations for the Committee of the Council.

The Executive Committee has agreed that the Alumni Club for supporters of Scouting be called Friends of Scouting UK. It is to be launched on 24 September. The Committee of the Council agreed the appointment of Colonel Bill Hall OBE, Vice-President of Jersey, as the Chairman for the Club Friends of Scouting UK.

The pattern of meetings for 1997/98 has been agreed as follows:- 27 September, 25/26 October 1997. 14/15 February, 29 April, 27/28 June, 26 September, 7/8 November 1998.

It has been agreed that the Adult Training Forum becomes a permanent working group of the National Team for Adult Support. It is also agreed that the words Adult Training be used in place of Leader Training in the titles of the appropriate Assistant County/Area Commissioners and ADCs.

A full report on the feasibility of staging the Centenary of Scouting World Jamboree in the UK will be presented to Committee of the Council in October. Preparatory work on the legal vehicle or vehicles necessary in respect of matters relating to trading and property is starting. Such vehicles may be necessary to protect the Association's interests and to maximise the commercial opportunities.

Chief Commissioner for England: Stuart Little wef 1/9/97

County/Area Commissioner Appointments: Birmingham, Gordon Higginson wef 1/5/97; Derbyshire, Michael Long wef 12/11/97; Oxfordshire, Mrs Lesley Roberts wef 14/5/97; Norfolk, David Hall wef 16/7/97; Nottinghamshire, John Asplin wef 21/7/97; Angus, Jim Coull wef 1/8/97; Fife, Daniel Barr wef 1/9/97; East Lothian, Harry Wright wef 26/8/97; Midlothian, Alastair Burnett wef 1/7/97; Western Isles, Ian Denny wef 1/9/97.