;

Foot & Mouth Disease - Revised Guidance

Keeping Children Safe - New Training Programme

HMS Beaver - Last Port of Call

POR - Changes to Note

International Camps - Review Day

Electronic Jamborees - JOTA/JOTI

The International Camp Staff - Great Opportunties

Reunion Reunion - B.S.W.E.

SCOUTING Magazine - On-Line Subscriptions

Gliding Opportunties - Soaring Scouts

SCOUTING Magazine - Win a Subscription

National Scout Air Rifle Championship - 19-21 October 2001

Corporate Logo - Design CD

Identity Badges - New Logo

Scout Lottery Line - Ask for Help

Scout Holiday Homes Trust - Offers

Gift Aid - A Bargain

Funds - Help From Headquarters

Baden-Powell House - Coffee Break

Youth Hostels - Special Offer

PolSki 2002 - Slippery Slope

Knot Tying CD-Rom - Revolutionary Device?

Polish Partners 2002 - Package Deal

Adult Recruitment - New Flyer available

Explore Poland 2002 - Practical Help

BP Paintings - Three More Prints

Explorer Belt Workshop - Birmingham in November

Change Your Mindset - Activity Pack

Poland Network Meeting - Polish Perambulations

Summer Sale - Information Centre

Committee News

Membership Management:

Census 2001.

Development of the Movement:

The Scout Foundation:

Welsh Scout Council:

Annual General Meeting:

National Honours:

Appointments:

The following is the text of a letter from the Chief Executive sent to all Area/County and District Commissioners in July.

Thank you to all in Scouting who have curtailed activities to help prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. Although the situation is easing, and we are able to relax some of the precautions, some measures are still important. The following guidance is aimed at minimising the risk of Members spreading the disease whilst at the same time acknowledging that parts of the Countryside are now 'open' for Scouting.

General Scouting Activities

All Scout Groups planning outdoor activities must continue to take advice from the Scout County or District in which the activity is to be undertaken with regard to Foot and Mouth measures. District and Counties should continue to seek professional advice from their relevant local authority and other proper sources.

Scout County/ Area and District Campsites and Activity Centres Local managers and Commissioners should continue to follow local advice available from their relevant local authority and other proper sources (eg: MAFF, local NFU).

• The Scout Association National Centres
• Gilwell Park (in Epping Forest, Essex) is open for camping and for a number of offsite activities extending into the forest.
• Hawkhirst (in Kielder Forest, Northumberland) is open for camping and water activities. Some local restrictions are still in place in parts of the forest.

Guidance for walking in the countryside

If, after obtaining appropriate clearance, you are going walking in rural areas there are some important things to remember. If you keep or handle farm livestock please stay off all other farm land. Otherwise;

• Stay on paths and leave gates exactly as you find them
• Respect "no access" signs
• Do not go near sheep, cows, goats, pigs or deer
• Do not go into any field if you cannot easily avoid those animals
• If you come across those animals, walk slowly away, retracing your steps if necessary
• Do not leave waste food or litter anywhere, and do not feed any animal
• Keep dogs on a short lead at all times, and off all land where livestock is present
• Use disinfectant where provided
• Clean your boots after each walk

Thank you for your forbearance and understanding. We hope that soon we can once again enjoy an even greater relaxation of restrictions, and that life may return to some semblance of normality for those who have been directly affected for their livelihood.

Derek Twine
Chief Executive

Field trials with over 1,000 adults in Scouing have resulted in enthusiastic support for a new Child Protection Awareness Programme, which is now available for general use.

Produced in conjunction with other national youth organisations and the NSPCC, 'Keeping Children Safe' is designed for anyone who comes into contact with children through their work or leisure activities.

Any adult in Scouting has a responsibility to put the Association's child protection policy into practice at all times. This short programme helps to explain these responsibilities, and provides good practice guidelines to safeguard adults as well as the young people under their care.

As one participant who recently completed the programme commented:

"We found the programme modules excellent as they give information on such a serious and vital matter in an easy to read way and essential points are stressed. They make people realise how important a role youth workers play in Child Protection and also how important it is for the organisation's guidelines to be observed. I personally feel that this should be compulsory for all who work with young people."

'Keeping Children Safe' is designed in a format that ensures that everyone receives a consistent message, at a time and place to suit. The programme comprises three short learning modules which participants receive at home.

Each comes with a questionnaire to help reinforce the key learning points. This is returned for marking and when all modules have been completed, participants receive feedback that enables them to check their answers and confirm their understanding of the programme. The programme material builds into a high-quality handbook which participants can keep for future reference. Everyone who successfully completes the programme is awarded a certificate to demonstrate that they have gained a basic understanding of child protection.

If you are interested in participating or know others who may be, contact the Scout Information Centre for further information and registration details - phone: 0845 300 1818; website: http://scoutbase.org.uk/

Please note that HMS Beaver was decommissioned some time ago and as a consequence the Honourary crew certificates for Beaver Scouts are no longer available. Please bring this to the attention of all the Beaver Scout Leaders in your District, as the SCOUTING Magazine office is still receiving letters addressed to the Captain on a daily basis!

Addition to POR.

If the responsible Commissioner has to cancel an Adventurous Activity Authorisation before its expiry date, a Form CS 'Cancellation/Suspension' must be completed, giving reasons for the cancellation, and sent to the Records Department at Headquarters.

Amendments to POR

"Shooting at humanoid or animal targets may not take place on property owned or leased by, or used in the name of, the Scout Movement."

The person in charge of archery should have reached the standards of the community Sports Leaders' Award of the Grand National Archery Society and should instruct archery according to the standards of the Grand National Archery Society. Shooting at targets showing humanoid or animal shapes is not permitted. (Insert new sentence here) Guidance is contained in the factsheet Archery available from Headquarters.

Before engaging in shooting as an activity Leaders should take account of Local feelings on shooting. Guidance for Leaders to assist with discussions with young people on the morality of the activity is available in the factsheet Shooting available from Headquarters.

Shooting at targets showing humanoid or animal shapes is not permitted. (Insert new sentence here).

delete:

7. Sponsored or fund raising activities involving climbing or abseiling with members of the public are not permitted.

Insert:

7. Other than (g) above, the only persons who may undertake abseiling and climbing activities using Scout equipment and/or under Scout supervision under the preceding provisions are Members of the Scout and Guide Movements as defined in Rule 41.7b.

delete:

3. The relevant Activity Rules (as set out in this Chapter) including those related to supervision, communication and emergency procedures must be followed.

insert:

3. In all such cases involving any of the activities covered in this Chapter, the organisers must consider and document the arrangements for the supervision of participants and the procedures to be used in the event of an emergency. A risk assessment must be carried out and a safety plan submitted to the home District or County Commissioner(s) for approval. If necessary, advice should be sought from the appropriate National Activities Adviser, contactable through Headquarters.

Has your County/Area or Region organised an International Camp in the UK this year? Are you considering organising such an event in the next few years? Then join with others with a similar interest - to share the experiences of others, compare and contrast what has been successful, how problems have been tackled and ways to enhance the programme and participation. The Review Day will be held at Baden-Powell House on 24 November 2001, from 1030 until 1600. Please request registration information from the International Office at Gilwell Park.

The two annual events that encourage Scouts throughout the world to communicate with each other from the comfort of their own Headquarters take place on the weekend of 20/21 October 2001. Details of the 44th Jamboree-On-The-Air (JOTA) are available from www.scout.org/jota. The corresponding information for Jamboree-On-The-Internet (JOTI) can be viewed and downloaded from www.scout.org/joti.

Here is a great opportunity for members aged 18 -30. It can be hard work but the experience of a lifetime. It offers people the chance to spend the summer months Scouting in the USA, learning more about its culture and making new friends.

It is the International Camp Staff Programme. It offers the opportunity to work for 6 -12 weeks during the summer months as a staff member at one of the Boys Scouts of America summer camps. There is plenty of time to spend a few weeks travelling across the States afterwards. We've started recruiting for 2002, please spread the word!

Look on ScoutBaseUK www.scoutbase.org.uk or contact the Information Centre for more details

The "British Scouts Western Europe" Reunion will once again be held during the Gilwell Reunion over the weekend of 8-9 September 2001.

Any former members of B.S.W.E. are cordially invited to attend the Gilwell Reunion (you no longer need to be a Woodbadge holder), and assemble at 4pm on Saturday 8 September, at the clock tower for more information. The plan is to hold a wine and cheese (and tea & Coffee) extravaganza for all current and past members of B.S.W.E. during the weekend. Details of when and where will be distributed at the clock tower meeting. Be there or be square!

Further information from Dave Cowell, Tel/Fax +49 2161 832265 (answering machine) http://bswescouts.8k.com; dave.cowell@gmx.de

You can now subscribe to SCOUTING magazine online through ScoutBase UK. Go to http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php to order the national magazine for the Scout Movement the easy way.

The Faulkes Flying Foundation is providing flight training for Scouts countrywide from bases at Lasham and Dunstable.

At Dunstable the Foundation's Super Blanik glider and Rotax Falke motor glider are being used under the guidance of Scout Leader Colin Knowles of the 2nd Hitchin Air Scouts and Foundation instructor & Director of Operations, Mike Woollard.

The success of this initial venture has resulted in a similar arrangement being established at Lasham from 1st January 2001 under Lasham Flight Coordinator Clive Thomas

Camping is available for Scouts at both of our bases. For practical purposes we limit the age of Scouts we fly to 11 years and above.

Flying activities are coordinated on our online and regularly updated flight booking calendars which should be referred to for available dates.

The Foundation is also available to take Scout Troops on a number of 'away camps' to soaring centres of outstanding natural beauty such as Sutton Bank, The Long Mynd and Feshiebridge in Scotland where long duration flights are possible with spectacular scenery. Call us to arrange your day

For Dunstable contact Mike Woollard on 01462-711934 or 07974-106190 For Lasham contact Clive Thomas on 01256-381798 or 07957-646555 Find us on the internet at www.fffoundation.co.uk

SCOUTING Magazine would appreciate your help in making the publication as good as possible. By submitting your responses to a short questionnaire on your reading habits and your view of Scouting Magazine, you could win a 6-month subscription to the Magazine. The questionnaire is posted on the Scout Asociation's corporate web-site - www.scouts.org.uk/magquest/ - so please take advantage of this opportunity to have your say!

The 25th National Scout Air Rifle Championship will take place at Walton Firs Campsite, Surrey. The championships are open to all Scouts and not reserved for expert marksmen, though competitors must be able to handle airguns safely.

The general format is that of a Scout weekend camp. There will also be a Five-a-Side football competition, an archery competition, Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet. The Chief Scout has kindly agreed to attend and present the trophies. The entry fee of £10 includes main event entry, camp fees and activities.

Full details and entry forms are available from John Dohoo, 43 Heather Grove, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hants, RG27 8SE - E-mail: dohoo@clara.net, downloadable from http://www.dohoo.clara.net/svsrc/nsarcpak.htm or contact the Information Centre.

The latest detailed design manual is now available. The publication is a useful aid when instructing printers, signwriters and other people being commissioned to produce items using the corporate identity devices. The manual comes complete with a CD. The CD contains master Word 97 templates to help you construct letters, press releases and design your own-headed paper. It costs £5.00 inclusive of p&p and can be purchased online at http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php or by phoning the Information Centre.

The plastic identity badges individually engraved with the wearer's name and Scouting appointment are available from Headquarters. Each identity badge costs £5.75 with £1 extra for non-standard orders. Telephone the Information Centre for Order Forms or go direct to www.scoutbase.org.uk/trading/resource/idbadges2.htm

Although we are no longer able to provide a Scout Lottery telephone line we are still pleased to give help and advice. If Scout Groups/Districts or Counties require any assistance with their applications to the Community Fund ( previously the National Lottery ) or need any information please contact the Fundraising Department on 020 8433 7232.

The Trust offers affordable accommodation to families with special needs. If you know such a family who would benefit from a holiday, why not ring the Trust Office who will happily send them a brochure.

Members of Scouting are welcome to enjoy an out-of-season holiday or last minute high season holiday (caused by cancellation) at any of the 14 caravans or 2 chalets located on commercial holiday parks. Call Scout Holiday Homes Trust on 020 8433 7290 or email scout.holiday.homes@scout.org.uk for more details.

Gift Aid is a guaranteed way of raising money for your Groups and an opportunity not to be missed. A step by step guide can be downloaded from www.Scoutbase.org.uk or alternatively a copy can be obtained from the Information Centre.

A number of Headquarters funds, previously administered from Lancing have been transferred to the Fundraising Department at Gilwell House. These include the Sea Scout General Fund, The Needy Groups Fund, various Scout Charitable Trusts and others. For more details please contact the Fundraising Department at Gilwell House at Gilwell Park.

A new coffee and sandwich bar has been opened in the reception area of the B-P House Hostel in Queen's Gate, London SW7. Ideal for anyone visiting London for business or pleasure, the facility is open until very late in the evening. Whilst visiting the Hostel pick up a leaflet detailing the very reasonable accommodation charges for anyone wanting to stay in London. You might also like to have a look at the splendid new outdoor 'roof garden' that has been created adjacent to the meeting and conference rooms on the second floor.

Following a big response last year YHA are again offering Scout Association parties two night's accommodation for £10 per person at selected hostels on dates between the beginning of September 2001 and the end of March 2002. For more information contact Jane Lambert on 01303 246621 or email janelambert@yha.org.uk

Fancy a trip to Poland in winter, for a spot of skiing, après-ski and meeting up with Polish Scouts and Guides? Keen to learn first-hand about the country and it's people? A visit will take place in February 2002 for seven days and cost will be approximately £450. Including flights from Gatwick, insurance, a couple of days skiing and some sightseeing. Details from fraser.dodds@polandnetwork.org.uk

A CD that contains step by step video instructions demonstrating how people of all ages can confidently tie over 20 basic knots. For more information and to order a copy go to the 'Sale Items' section of www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php

Still looking for something to do next summer? Haven't been overseas with Scouting before? Keen to develop a fruitful exchange with Polish Scouts and Guides? If you've answered yes to these questions, Polish Partners 2002 is for you! We will partner your group with a Polish group and together you will plan a summer camp programme for 2002. The Poles will visit you in the UK in 2003. Lots of support will be given, so this is particularly suited for groups that haven't been overseas before. Cost will be approximately £300 with travel, insurance, food and activities. Information from craig.turpie@polandnetwork.org.uk

A new flyer has been produced called Scouting Today: Adult Support. It can be found in the 'Development' section of the Information Centre on-line catalogue. They come in packs of 10 for £0.50 or 100 for £2.50. www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php

Looking for an opportunity to undertake an Explorer Belt expedition? Look no further! Following two similar successful expeditions, the Poland Network is again running an expedition to Poland. Cost is approximately £300 and will take place at the end of July / beginning of August 2002. Details from chris.noble@polandnetwork.org.uk

After last years release of three of Lord Baden-Powell's original prints the Information Centres has produced three more limited edition prints in the run up to 2007. Only 500 of each print will be produced.

All three paintings have an animal theme. They are "Stripes in Africa", "Warden of the Forest" and "Speedometer registering 18mph". You can view the paintings and place your advance orders on-line now with the prints being available for delivery in early August. They cost £99.00 each and can be found in the 'Paintings' section of the on-line catalogue www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php

Want to know why Explorer Belt is so good - or just want to know what it is? Need some support in organising small, medium and large expeditions? Why not come along for a day workshop and find out how you can help provide and promote this unique international experience to more young people. Practical hints and tips all round! Meeting will take place in Birmingham on Saturday, 24 November 2001. Detals from craig.turpie@polandnetwork.org.uk

A free copy of this pack will be sent to every Scout Group in England during August. It is a dynamic learning resource full of activities and factsheets to help young people challenge their own thinking about mental health. The Scout Association helped in the production of the pack. It is just one part of mindout for mental health, a new Department of Health campaign launched to stop the stigma and discrimination surrounding the issue. There is an article in August SCOUTING magazine giving more information.

Thinking about Poland for a camp or expedition? Looking for groups to enable you to develop a youth exchange? Meet others who have been to Poland and know the country and its people. Get top tips on travel, places to go, traditions and a whole host of programme material for use with younger sections. Meeting will take place in Birmingham on Sunday, 25 November 2001.

Info from peter.carter@polandnetwork.org.uk

There is a range of summer sale items now available form the Information Centre.

For further details and to place an order go to the 'Sales Items' section at www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php

The Committee of the Council met at Gilwell Park on 23 June 2001

The Committee received a presentation of the cost/benefit analysis of introducing a Membership management system over the next few years. Ultimately this should allow Groups, Districts and Counties to access their own data based on a single database that identified each Member of the Movement. The system would significantly streamline the current administrative processes throughout the Movement and would support the development of Scouting. Five Workshops have been arranged for the autumn of 2001 to explore the operational issues. Participants will include County/Area Secretaries, District Secretaries, Treasurers and Group Scout Leaders in various parts of the UK.

The Committee received an update on the results of the Census completed in January 2001. This revealed that there are still some 34,000 young people on waiting lists (mainly Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts). The total number of Members is just over half a million, the final figure representing a decrease of just over 5% on the previous year. A review of the process of this year's census operation is being carried out following representations from a number of Groups, Districts, Counties and Areas. The Committee accepted a recommendation that the names and addresses of Members in Groups continue to be annually collected by Groups and passed to District and County/Area levels. A Rule to this effect is to be placed in POR.

The Committee noted the continuing downturn in Membership and reconfirmed its commitment to seeking ways to develop the Movement. It considered issues that need to be addressed and has put in train a series of actions involving the sub-Committees and others so that the matter can be given significant consideration at the December 2001 meeting.

The Foundation itself has proposed that it be closed and the assets be transferred to the Scout Association to be placed in a restricted fund. The Committee agreed implementation of the proposal which will involve, seeking agreement of the Charity Commission, establishing an appropriate restricted fund and setting up a body which would continue the work of assisting local Scouting development projects as well as training and training facilities.

The Committee approved a series of additional changes to the Welsh Scout Council Constitution.

This will be held at Baden-Powell House on 15 September 2001. The programme for the Council in Conference which follows the AGM will focus on Supporting Scout Groups. The Annual Report of the Association will be presented to the meeting and will be published on ScoutBaseUK shortly afterwards.

Members of the Movement Honoured in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours list included:-

CMG: Anthony John Abbott Governor (and local Chief Scout), Montserrat.

MBE: Eric Fell North Yorkshire County, John Thaw Mathers GSL, Cheshire and James Colin Porteous, North Yorkshire County.

The term of appointment of Paul Brenham, a Chief Commissioner of England has been extended to December 2003 and that of Roy Whittington, Chief Commissioner of Wales to October 2004.

The following Area/County Commissioner appointments were reported:-

Avon, Neil Salter wef 21/6/2001; Sussex East, Ray Tennant wef 22/9/2001; Dundee, Gordon Coupar wef 1/9/2001; Cheshire, Edwin Jackson wef 12/6/2001; Bedfordshire, Gillian Nash wef 11/7/2001; Greater London North East Dean Milton wef 20/6/2001; Northumberland, David Bennett, wef 1/4/2001; Aberdeen, Ian Dow wef 1/6/2001; Argyll, Andrew Robertson wef 1/7/2001; Borders, Debbie Bottomley wef 1/6/2001; Orkney Ian Mattieson wef 1/7/2001; Carmarthen, Nigel Cole, wef 13/6/2001; Radnor, Jeremy Kenworthy 18/7/2001; Ceredigion Marjorie McGee, 27/6/2001.