;

Queen's Golden Jubilee 2002 - Commemorative Certificate

Sub-brand Design Guide - Section identities

SORP - Statement of Recommended Practice

Are You a Caver? - Emerge and be recognised

Awards for All - Grants for Scout Groups

Scout Information Centre - Easy On-line ordering

Study Visit to Russia - Step into the Steppes

POR 2002 Correction - Upper age limits for Advisers

Cub Scout & Beaver Scout - Fun Days at Gilwell Park

Project 813 - Fourteenth Forest Foray

District Explorer Scout Commissioners - Training Course

Legoland 2002 - Special Weekend

Be Bright, Cool and Stay Safe - Commonwealth Challenge 2002

Jack Cornwell Figurine - More Available

Fund Raising - Recycle for Profit

Try Snorkelling - Snork Week

English Heritage - Free Visits

Activity Training - Assessors Opportunity

Sea Life - Visit a Centre or Sanctuary

National Cycling Fund - Bunce for Bikes

Community Re-Paint Scheme - Painting for Pleasure

Scouting 2007 - 21st World Scout Jamboree

BP Paintings - Reminder

NEW Funding Points Newsletter - Up to date fundraising information

Committee News

Census 2002:

Strategic Vision:

DCs Conference:

Association Budget:

Adult Training Review:

Annual General Meeting of the Council:

Membership Subscription 2003:

Members of Parliament:

Next meeting:

Scouts throughout the UK, British Scouts in Western Europe, British Groups Abroad and in Overseas Branches, are likely to undertake a whole range of activities to celebrate The Queen's Golden Jubilee. If you are taking part and would like a special certificate to commemorate your contribution, you can apply for a Commemorative Certificate through ScoutBase UK (www.scoutbase.org.uk).

[ You will find the application form at http://www.sbuk.org.uk/jubilee/jubilee.php ]

Certificates will be awarded for activities or events that can be shown to have 'made a difference' to your local area. Application forms can also be requested from the Scout Information Centre.

From June 1, Own brand, a guide to the visual identity of the five new Section sub-brands, will be available from the Scout Information Centre. A PDF version of the document will also be posted on ScoutBase UK (www.scoutbase.org.uk) It will be useful to printers, designers, sign writers and anyone else employed to produce branded items for your Section.

Versions of the sub-brands themselves will be available from the Scout Information Centre or can be downloaded from ScoutBaseUK (www.scoutbase.org.uk) They are also included on a CD-ROM as part of the adult resources to support the new Programme.

If you are simply reproducing the new logos for a black and white newsletter, you are encouraged to use the .tif versions of positive and negative black logos. They are available from the Scout Information Centre or from ScoutBaseUK. If you are using Microsoft Word open the document as normal, click 'Insert', 'Picture,' 'From File' then select the appropriate image.

Guidance Notes, the necessary forms required to meet the changes brought about by the Charities Act 1993 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting by Charities have been sent to all County/Area Commissioners, County/Area Treasurers and County/Area Secretaries. Further copies can be obtained from the Scout Information Centre at Gilwell Park. For any further advice please contact the Finance Department.

The Association has just appointed Ian James as Specialist Adviser for Caving. Following a very successful caving conference at the end of last year, Ian has set up a small working party to look at the support for Members. The group would like to get in touch with anyone who has an Authorisation for caving or is a County/Area assessor. Since the conference the group has built a substantial database of contacts (?) and would like to increase this data source further. Contact the Activities Department at Gilwell Park for more information on 020 8433 7125 or email: activities@scout.org.uk.

Awards for All is a programme offering grants of up to £5000 to small groups. It is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Arts Council of England, Sport England and the National Lotteries Charity Board. The scheme funds projects which bring together local communities in various activities and is actively seeking more applications. So if your Group is in need of funding, get applying! For an application pack please call 0845 600 20 40 or visit their website at www.awardsforall.org.uk

A new direct ordering service has been introduced by the Scout Information Centre on ScoutBase UK. If you know what product you want (and the appropriate product code) you now no longer have to trawl through each catalogue page.

Simply go to the bottom of the online ordering page (http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php) and put the product code of what you want to order in the box marked 'Product Code'. Then simply add the quantity you require and continue to place the rest of your order in this way. It is anticipated that this will provide a useful service especially for those regularly ordering material for training courses.

Members of Network Russia have considerable experience in facilitating expeditions to Russia - experience invaluable to the Leader who is not so sure about taking young people that far.

Leaders are invited on a Study Visit to Moscow and Niznij Novgorod on 1 - 10 November 2002 to:-

• visit Scout Groups in the local communities
• see camping facilities that Russian Scouts have to offer
• experience the cultural and outdoor activities available
• gain confidence in leading an expedition to Russia for young people.

The cost is expected to be a maximum of £500. For more information please contact Eric Chapman - email erchap@dialstart.net Tel: 01274 543154

In the February 2002 edition of POR there is an error in respect of the quoted upper age limit of Group, District, County and Area Advisers. The age limit tables should read.

Age limits for appointment in the Scout Group (Chapter 3 Page 11)

Associated Rule 3.24

Age limits for appointment in the Scout District (Chapter 4 Page 12)

Associated Rule 4.23

Age limits for appointment in the Scout District (Chapter 4 Page 12)

Associated Rule 5.18

The dates for this year's Cub Scout and Beaver Scout Fun Days are the 22 and 23 June. The theme is 'The Circus'. Further information is available from the Gilwell Park Campsite Office on: 020 8498 5411 or email: logandaxe@aol.com

Following the success of the last thirteen conservation projects the 2002 event will take place from 18-24 August. Explorer Scouts aged between 14-18 (or Scouts/Venture Scouts in the 14-18 age range) are invited to take part.

Working under the guidance and supervision of The Epping Forest Centenary Trust with sponsorship from The Corporation of London the projects are challenging, fun and very enjoyable.

The cost is £30 each which includes all meals, camp fees, a T-shirt and a fun day's outing. Further information can be found at http://www.project813.scoutcamp.org.uk/

Due to demand a second District Explorer Scout Commissioner Course has been arranged at Gilwell Park. DESC2 will be 18 - 20 October 2002.

The course explores the role of the District Explorer Scout Commissioner and the operation of the Explorer Scout Section. There will be both indoor and camping places available and it is open to all those who hold or may soon take on the role of District Explorer Scout Commissioner. Applicants who wish to complete Commissioner Wood Badge Training may count this course towards Unit 12 (Training for the Job). The course costs £99 indoor and £69 for camping.

This is likely to be a very popular course so book your place soon. For further information please contact Jackie Johnson on 020 8433 7136 or e-mail jackie.johnson@scout.org.uk.

The Legoland Scout exclusive weekend will be on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November 2002. Put the dates in your diary and look out for further information.

For a second year, The Scout Association has teamed up with NIVEA Sun to launch a fantastic competition. The challenge is topical and programme related and there are some great prizes to be won. All entries must be sent to Gilwell Park by 21 June 2002. The activity sheet has been sent to Group Scout Leaders. Further copies are available from the Scout Information Centre.

In December the Scout Information Centre announced it had acquired a small number of limited edition Jack Cornwell figurines (only 750 in total have been produced). These finely detailed "bronze effect" figurines depict Jack on the deck of HMS Cheshire at the Battle of Jutland. The initial stock sold within 24 hours. A further small quantity has been purchased. If you want to get hold of your Jack Cornwell figurine please place your order quickly.

Eurosource has launched a national printer cartridge and mobile phone recycling scheme. It will help raise funds for Groups and count towards the Scout Community badge. To register your Group just telephone 08451 302010 or visit www.scoutsappeal.com.

The British Sub-Acqua Club is launching Snork Week, an opportunity for young people and adults across the UK to have a free snorkling lesson. It runs from 17 - 23 June 2002. To register for your Try-Snorkelling lessons contact the BSAC on freephone 0500 947202 or visit www.bsac.com.

English Heritage, sponsors of the Scout Heritage badge, have now launched Free Visits Guides that are available to all Scout Groups in the UK. To obtain a Regional Guide contact English Heritage on 020 7973 3701/ 020 7973 3442 or email: education@english-heritage.org.uk to organise your Group's free visit.

Adventureworks, who specialise in Team Expeditions and Skills Courses are offering Scout Association assessors a 50% discount off their leader training courses (SPA, WGL and ML). The company also design and deliver tailor-made expeditions for Scout Groups in the Europe and further afield to the requirements of the Queen's Scout and Duke of Edinburgh's Award. A UK programme of rock climbing and hill walking skills courses that fulfil the requirements of the Scout and Explorer Scout badges is open to individual Scouts or groups. Contact Adventureworks for further information on 0845 345 8850. Email: info@adventureworks.co.uk Web: www.adventureworks.co.uk

Special group rates for Scouts to visit the nine attractions throughout the UK are now available. All Scouts that visit as a group will receive free membership to the Sea Life Explorers Club for one year and there is free entry for Leaders. Look out for further information and for general enquiries call 01202 440022 and quote 'Scouts Offer'.

This is a fund administered by The Department for Local Transport. Applications can cover a wide range of projects from cycle parking stations in public places to connections from roads and cycle tracks into colleges and workplaces. So if you feel that your Scout Group/District/County/Area could benefit from this fund contact Bob Richards on Bob.Richards@dtir.gsi.gov.uk

Alternatively write to him at: Dept. for Transport, Local Government and the Regions Zone 3/23, Great Minster House, London SW1P 4DR

This is a nationwide scheme where unwanted paint is collected from retailers, decorators and households and redistributed to Community Projects, Charities and Volunteer Groups. Community Re-Paint is expanding its network and is looking to include more Community Groups within the scheme. Successful applicants will receive:

• a £3,000 capital grant towards the purchase of necessary equipment.
• 2000 publicity leaflets.
• a Community Re-Paint Technical Manual and publicity posters.
• technical l and operational advice from SWAP (Save Waste and Prosper)

Applicants are required to start the scheme within 12 months of being selected and must be a Charitable Organisation.

If you feel that your Scout Group could benefit from this scheme and would like further details or information on how to apply please contact Mark Gregory on 0113 243 8777. You can also visit their website at www.communityrepaint.org.uk. If you have any further queries please contact the Fundraising Department at Gilwell Park or email natasha.belenkin@scout.org.uk

In 2007, Scouting will celebrate its Centenary with a year-long programme of events and activities throughout the UK and worldwide. As a part of this celebration, the UK will host the 21st World Scout Jamboree for 40,000 young people at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. A European Scout Jamboree for 15,000 will be held on the same site in 2005.

Scouting 2007 is looking for volunteers to take part in the planning of these events. Details about all positions available are on it's website: www.scouting2007.org It is keen to receive as many applications as possible - so please have a look, and encourage everyone you know to do the same! Join Scouting 2007 for what promises to be a very exciting project!!

After last year's release of three of Lord Baden-Powell's original prints we have produced three more limited edition prints in the run up to 2007. 500 of each print have been produced. They cost £99.00 each. Images of these products are available to view on the website.

All three paintings have an animal theme. They are "Stripes in Africa" (a herd of zebras), "Guardian of the Forest" (an elephant) and "Speedometer registering 18mph" (A rhino). You can place your orders via the website now. The online ordering codes are as follows:

"Stripes in Africa" (a herd of zebras) Code PRINTZEB

"Guardian of the Forest" (an elephant) Code PRINTELE

"Speedometer registering 18mph" (a rhino) Code PRINTRHNO

http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php

Go to http://www.scoutbase.org.uk and click on the Get Yourself Listed link.

Add your details and click on the newsletter that you would like to receive and these will be sent directly to your email address.

The Committee of the Council met at Gilwell Park on 2 February (Trustees only) and again on 16 March 2002.

Ninety-three percent of all census returns had been received by mid-March. Initial analysis indicated a slowing in the reduction of the number of Members. A number of Counties and Areas have reported increases. Various reports will become available to Counties and Areas on the full completion of the census process. It was noted that there are still 30,000 young people on waiting lists.

The Committee confirmed its outline strategic vision for the development of Scouting up to 2012. The presentation of this vision will be developed over the next few months and will be a subject for discussion at the national conference for County Commissioners in November 2002.

It was agreed that a national conference for District Commissioners will be held in the Spring of 2004. The strategic development of Scouting up to 2012 will be a major feature.

The Committee considered a revised three year rolling budget analysis and agreed the Association's budget for 2002/2003.

The Committee is committed to investing in a new programme of Adult Training. It has discussed this key issue at two meetings in the last six months. The totality of the new package will include external recognition of training to those who complete training. It will also provide to Leaders a variety of new methods of training delivery (such as e-learning and workbooks). This requires a substantial investment and outside help.

As a result of wishing to deliver the full package the Committee has however concluded that it cannot afford the entire cost of the new scheme within a single budgetary year. The need to absorb escalating insurance costs in the next financial year means that the cost will have to be spread over two years.

This will mean that the local implementation will be delayed by approximately six months to Autumn 2003. Further details are being prepared and will be sent in due course.

This will be held on 14 September 2002 at Regent's College, Regent's Park, London. Ongoing work with the Elected Youth Representatives on the Committee is underway to find ways to better engage with County/Area Nominated Youth Representatives attending the day during the Council in Conference. County/Areas are being asked to ensure that the nomination of a County/Area Nominated Youth Representative is on their AGM agenda this year.

As has become the Committee's normal practice, the Association's Membership Subscription for 2003 was discussed and agreed. The Committee gives the Movement advance information early in the preceding year. This is done despite the difficulties in forecasting numbers, expenditure, and the external financial climate more than a year ahead.

As part of the consideration of the three year budget forecasting, the Committee received a detailed report on the Association's finances. The major factors in deciding the Membership Subscription for 2003 were:

• the need to stabilise and consolidate the core operation of the Association's services;

• the need to make some provision for inflation - which seems likely to be in the order of 3% over the year;

• the need to manage centrally the further reduction in income consequent upon the anticipated continued decline in paying membership;

• the reduction of investment income as the Association uses its reserves to support the development of Scouting;

• the major increase in the cost of insurance following the terrorist attacks on the United States in September of last year. Whilst the Association has been bearing these costs since December 2001 and will continue to do so for the financial year 2002/2003, the premium increase - currently equivalent to £1.20 per Member - will have to be passed on in 2003/2004.

In the light of all the information available, the Committee has decided that the Association's Membership Subscription for 2003 will be £17.00, with a rebate of 50p for prompt payment.

226 Members of Parliament had responded positively to an initiative encouraging them to seek further information about Scouting in their constituencies. They were now being linked directly to appropriate Districts.

The next meeting of the Committee of the Council is 15/16 June 2002 at Gilwell Park.