;

Scout premises - Fly tipping

Outdoors New Brochure - Win a Rucsac

Raising Funds - - by the Book !

Adult Support - Vacancy

Factsheets - New or Updated

Annual General Meeting - 2003

Calling all District Commissioners - Message from Director of Programme & Development

First Response - Changed CPR Protocol

Special Needs - Resources News!

Adult Support - Adults in Scouting

Scouting 2007 - Gilwell Fireworks

National Scout Air Rifle Championship - On Target at Walton Firs

NSRA Air Rifle Courses - Gilwell Park

District Commissioner - Open Days

Summer edition - Nights Away Permit Scheme

Africa Network Scout Fellowship - UK-Uganda Network

Poland Study Visit - Something Different

Winter Expedition - February 2004

BADGE GLUE - No More Sewing?

Shouting for Scouting - Media Workshops

New Accommodation - Gilwell Park Lodge

Committee News

Queen's Birthday Honours:

Committee of the Council Working Group:

Young People at Headquarters Working Group:

Diversity:

Ireland:

Election to the European Committee:

Election to the World Committee:

Overseas Branches of The Scout Association:

Support of County/Area Commissioners:

Census 2003:

Gilwell Park Campsite Redevelopment:

Programme Review Implementation:

20th World Scout Jamboree:

Reserves Policy:

National Campsites Strategic Plan:

Future Meetings:

Under The Environmental Protection Act 1990, once fly tipped waste has been deposited on your land it is illegal to treat, keep or dispose of it except under and in accordance with a waste management licence. Such a licence would not be available to Scout Groups so in effect this means that we would have to employ a company with a licence to dispose of it. This does not apply in relation to household waste. It is likely that if a Group have waste from their headquarters this may be used as campfire material. Disposing of waste contrary to this Act carries a fine of up to a maximum of £20,000 and/or imprisonment. The Environment Agency must prosecute each case. If you have fly tipping problems then the best course of action is prevention. If you have any queries contact the Legal Department at Gilwell Park.

A brand new 28-page guide to all things Scouting featuring Uniforms, Publications, Souvenirs, Flags, Scarves, Badges and Group Camping Equipment is now available FREE from Outdoors

One of the new products is the new Scout Logo 50 litre fully featured rucsac is capable of carrying large loads into any Scout adventure! Outstanding value at just £30.00 and exclusively available at Outdoors. You can win one downloading a simple Competition Entry Form from (www.outdoors.ltd.uk) and taking it to your nearest Outdoors branch.

For details of any of the above contact your nearest Outdoors (www.outdoors.ltd.uk) or call the Sales Office on 01903 766921.

Hundreds of Scout Groups around the country are getting ready to introduce an exciting new fundraising scheme that's launching in September.

Called "Scouts Plus", the scheme revolves around a book packed full of savings vouchers and special offers from famous high street names like Iceland, Marks and Spencer, W H Smith, and many, many more.

Each book can easily save £30 - £50, sometimes much more, depending which vouchers are used, but are guaranteed to save more than the £10 purchase price.

For every book sold the Group raises £5.00 - to spend on whatever they need most.

The company behind the scheme already operates the "Schools Plus" scheme that is backed by the two main Head Teacher unions and is already helping thousands of schools around the country raise money.

Everything needed to operate a successful scheme; posters, samples, brochures, etc is provided free of charge and there is absolutely no money to pay up front.

Along with savings off everyday grocery brands, well-known restaurants and days out "Scouts Plus" will also feature products of specific interest to those in the Scout Movement, such as camping equipment, activity wear, etc.

If you would like to hear more about how to join the scheme please call 0207 428 8845 or email Brendan.Terrill@schoolsplus.org.uk.

Are you interested in Communication across all levels of The Scout Association? Do you see the value in the Consultation process with the Regions? If the answer to the above questions is, yes then read on...

We have a volunteer vacancy on the new look Adult Support Team for a person aged 18-25. The role will have direct responsibility for the Adult Support Representatives at the Communication & Consultation meetings throughout the country and will involve travel. You will need an interest in Support of Adults throughout the Movement and have experience of working in a team. Expenses will be paid and details of meeting dates and work plans will be agreed with you. If you would like further information for this role please contact Peter Rogers on 020 8433 7135.

FS120083 Activities: - New edition (revised)

FS120627 - Boat and Canoe Registration and Inspection Scheme. Edition 2 Apr/03

FS120711 (Edition 1) United Kingdom Air Operator's Certificate Holders - (new)

BR120161 Original Material suitable for Gang Shows Edition 3 June 03. (updated)

The Annual General Meeting of the Council of The Scout Association will be at Regent's College, Regent's Park, London on 13 September 2003 at 1030. Members of the Council have been sent details of the meeting.

Adult Members of the Movement may apply to attend as a non-voting Observer. The number of Observers is restricted because of the number of seats available. Applications to attend are accepted in the order of receipt. Only those authorised to attend can be admitted to the meeting which is anticipated to last no longer than 1½ hours.

Individuals wishing to attend should apply to The Secretary, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW in writing no later than Friday 31 August 2003 stating which adult appointment they hold.

A DCs Conference is planned over the weekend of 10-12 September 2004 at Warwick University. It is open to all District Commissioners and County Commissioners. The principle theme will be helping DCs to manage the challenges and use the opportunities that we will face over the next ten years. Early planning has started and we expect to provide details of the programme, price and a booking form later this year.

The planning group would like to gather the views of DCs on what they would find helpful and attractive in terms of programme content. Clearly we would like as many as DCs as possible to take part and we recognise that making the programme relevant and helpful will be a key factor in ensuring high attendance. We would like your views on what would make a good conference. Ideas on programme content, sessions or workshops or any general suggestions to make the conference attractive will be warmly welcomed.

It would be helpful if you could tell us which District you are from as well. We will not be able to reply to every message but you can be assured that we will take note of every one that we receive. Please email at dc.conference@scout.org.uk

As a result of the changes made by the European Resuscitation Council on protocol regarding CPR, an updated version of the First Response participant's booklet is available from the Information Centre. The First Response trainer's notes are currently under review and notification will be given when an updated version is available. In the meantime, trainers and participants should use the information in the participant's booklet.

Special Needs Essentials - a resource detailing information on all aspects of Special Needs in Scouting, including the updated SN factsheets, was launched at the Special Needs Workshop in Birmingham in May. All ACC/AAC & Advisers (SN) have been issued with a free copy. A limited supply is now available from The Information Centre at a cost of £8 including p & p. When these run out all the information will continue to be available as factsheets, which can be more easily kept up to date.

Some of the least requested factsheets have now been discontinued whilst others have been introduced. The new ones are:

FS250045 DC Guidelines - Age Ranges Flexibility (Special Needs);

FS250046 Special Needs Resources and Useful Contacts;

FS250047 The Gateway Award;

FS250048 Transport and Mobility;

FS250050 Learning Disabilities-An Overview;

FS250045 Nights Away for Scouts with Special Needs.

A further widely requested recent addition is the factsheet on Allergies FS250051. Unfortunately it was unavailable at the time of the Special Needs Essentials launch so is therefore not included and needs to be ordered separately.

Whatever job you do in Scouting you deserve the best possible support, but its not always easy finding the help and support you need. The Adults in Scouting working group is looking at the current support publications The Association offers its adult members.

Currently there are 14 publications aimed at supporting adults in Scouting and the working group urgently needs to know what you think of them. Complete the enclosed questionnaire 'A Question of Support' and return it to The Scout Association, Adults in Scouting, FREEPOST SW 205, London E4 7BR.

The working group would like to offer every adult in Scouting the chance to have their say so be sure to complete the questionnaire. It can also be downloaded from www.scoutbase.org.uk/support

Should you have any questions please contact Daniel Hewitt on 020 8433 7137 (daniel.hewitt@scout.org.uk)

Scouting 2007 is to present a Firework Party at Gilwell Park on 1 November 2003. Everyone is invited - Scouts and non-Scouts alike. Discounts will be available for Scout Groups (watch this space). Further details will become available in due course. Activities, food, fun and fireworks will be available from 5pm onwards. Put the date in your diaries NOW!

The 27th National Scout Air Rifle Championship is at Walton Firs Campsite, Surrey on 17-19 October 2003. The championships are open to all Scouts and are not reserved for expert marksmen although competitors must have some experience and be able to handle both air rifles and pistols safely. The general format is that of a Scout weekend camp. The entry fee of £12.00 includes main event entry, camp fees and activities.

Full details and entry forms from John Dohoo, 43 Heather Grove, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hants, RG27 8SE. E-mail: dohoo@clara.net It is also downloadable from ScoutBaseUK at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/activity/events/airrifle.htm

One day courses at Gilwell Park will take place on October, 16 November For further information contact the Gilwell Park Campsite Office on: 020 8498 5411

To provide support for newly appointed District Commissioners we extend an invitation to attend an Open Day at Gilwell Park.

In the morning there is the opportunity to get an up to date briefing on the key areas of Development, Programme and Adult Support. There is the option to choose from a range of other HQ Departments to meet and a wide range of information will be available. The final part of the day gives District Commissioners a clearer understanding of their role and responsibilities in the area of Child Protection and an insight into the work of the Records Department. A visit to the Scout Information Centre and an opportunity to tour the Gilwell House offices makes for a busy but informative day.

The remaining dates for this year are 18 September and 11 December. For those who are travelling some distance there is the opportunity to book overnight accommodation in The White House.

Further information and an application form are available from the Field Development Service at Headquarters (020 8433 7131) or your local Field Development Officer.

District and County Commissioners have been sent a Nights Away Permit Scheme information pack. This contains all the material relating to the new scheme and information on operating it within their District or County. This information will shortly be made available on ScoutBase UK at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/nightsaway/.

The next meeting will be 24-26 October 2003 at Chalfont Heights Scout Camp. Cost is £30.00, bed and catering. Programme includes: Africa up-date, activities and workshops. Looking for a project for Explorer Scouts or Scout Network? Wanting to participate in a challenging International Group Award project? Then book your place with marion@ugandanetwork.org

Looking for somewhere different for a summer camp in 2004, 2005 or 2006? If so, why not consider Poland?

The Poland Network is running a study visit to Krakow, Katowice and Wroclaw from 23 to 27 October for Leaders interested in finding out what Poland has to offer. Cost will be in the region of £300 per person and will include return flights from London to Krakow, internal travel, insurance, food and accommodation.

Places are limited, and will be ideally suited to Scout and Explorer Scout Leaders as well as Scout Network members who are seriously considering a visit abroad in the next couple of years. More details can be found on the Poland Network website at: http://www.polandnetwork.org.uk/ or by emailing peter.carter@polandnetwork.org.uk

Network Russia is a Scout Fellowship that supports Scouting in Russia in a variety of ways. One of the benefits is to be able to offer opportunities to UK Scouts such as the winter expedition will take place in February 2004. It is open to Members over 14 years of age on the day of travel. To apply or for more information please contact Tim Axe 0115 9734571 or Paul Findlay 01302 857242. Email: tim@timaxe.fsnet.co.uk

Outdoors is now offering an easy alternative to sewing! Safe and easy to use, 'Badge Fix' is a glue that has undergone wash and wear tests over a three year period. It allows badges to be removed and replaced with new badges when new levels of achievement are attained. £4.95 from Outdoors For details contact your nearest Outdoors (www.outdoors.ltd.uk) or call the Sales Office on 01903 766921.

The Communications team has recently completed a series of Shouting for Scouting Workshops designed to:

1. Explain the role of the newly defined Media Development Manager
2. Share existing good practice
3. Introduce a new range of specially developed media tools
4. Encourage local Scouting to work positively and practically with local media
5. Provide the skills to enable this work to take place

The responses from those involved in the workshops have been very positive. Some of those attending having already achieved excellent positive coverage for Scouting in their local areas.

There were however a number of counties in England and Wales who were not able to attend and we have already had some requests for further workshops in the autumn. The proposed dates are 2 and 16 November. The locations will be identified when there is a clearer idea of who might wish to attend. Venues will then be found that are convenient for the greatest number of people. It would be helpful if expressions of interest could be received by 31 August so that locations can be confirmed by mid September. Please contact the Communications Department at Gilwell (020 8433 7207 or email jenny.duncan@scout.org.uk) for a provisional booking form and Media Development Manager Job Description.

An impressive new residential Lodge has been opened at Gilwell Park for use by national and international visitors.

The new facility offers over 50 beds in comfortable sleeping quarters with spacious dining, meeting and storage facilities. Centrally heated throughout, the Lodge incorporates specially designed drying rooms and showers. The design also includes ramp access, handrails and enlarged rooms for those with special needs. The central kitchen is extensively equipped with modern cooking and food storage facilities.

A feature of the design is the ability for the Lodge to be used by different groups simultaneously with two separate accommodation wings with individual security access to each and their own toilet and shower facilities.

For further information contact the Gilwell Park Campsite Office on: 020 8498 5411 Email: logandaxe@scout.org.uk

The Committee of the Council met at Gilwell Park on 21/22 June 2003

Committee recorded its congratulations to known Scouting recipients honoured by Her Majesty The Queen in the Birthday Honours List for services to Scouting and/or the community:

MBE David Robert Church, Norwich, Norfolk

Lyndsay Niarn Grewar, former GSL, 39th Angus (92nd Kirriemuir), Agnus

David John Hastings, Administrator, 8th Norwich Sea Scout Group

Peter Foden Lee, Brixworth, Northamptonshire

Eleanor May Lyall, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Scottish Headquarters

Peter Edwin Sillibourne, 1st Ruckinge and Hamstreet, Kent

A Working Group was established last year to review the membership, role and working methods of the Committee of the Council. The Committee received a progress report from the Working Group and considered matters relating to the future governance of The Scout Association. The Working Group will now prepare a paper for discussion by the Council of The Scout Association at its Council in Conference in September.

This Working Group was established to review the current systems of representation of young people at Headquarters and how the Scout Network should work with Headquarters and County decision making structures. The Group's recommendations have been received and passed to the Committee of the Council Working Group.

The Committee considered recommendations from the Chief Scout's Committee on co-education in the wider context of diversity of the Movement. The National Commissioner for Development will now set up a small group to carry the matters forward including consideration of the recommendations from the Chief Scout's Committee that Scouting should be a fully co-educational Movement at all levels by 2007.

The Committee recorded its congratulations to Scouting Ireland the new Association in the Republic of Ireland formed from the two existing Associations. Earlier this year the two scout associations, Scouting Ireland (CSI) and Scouting Ireland (SAI), voted in favour of the creation of a single new association to be known as 'Scouting Ireland'. It is expected that Ireland's new scout association, 'Scouting Ireland', will be formally launched on January 1st 2004 with work beginning immediately on the transition process that will include the formation of an interim management committee. When membership is combined Scouting Ireland will have over 40,000 Scouts and leaders.

The Committee agreed to nominate Craig Turpie as the Association's candidate to stand for election to the European Committee in 2004.

The Committee agreed to nominate George Purdy as the Association's candidate to stand for election to the World Committee in 2005.

The Committee agreed that:

1. The administrative positions of the Falkland Islands, Ascension Island and St Helena are recognised as British Groups Abroad.
2. Branch status be withdrawn from Ascension Island, St Helena and the dormant Tristan da Cunha.
3. The Association lobby the World Scout Committee to recognise the independence of those Branches that are independent countries but which are unable to attain the current minimum membership requirements of WOSM.

It was agreed that the job-descriptions be amended to confirm both that the Chief Commissioner is responsible for CCs/ACs, and that CCs/ACs report to their Chief Commissioner as their manager.

The Committee received a report on this year's census and again highlighted the issues that it raised. The total returns submitted represent 462,020 (equivalent 2002: 477,170) Members and Association Members. This represents a decline of 3.2 percent (2002: 4.3 percent).

The Committee received a progress report on preparations for Phase Two of the redevelopment. The Committee enthusiastically endorsed proposals for an International Leadership Training Development programme. It also received a review of Phase One of the redevelopment programme.

Colin Coleman who had led the PRI Team presented his report after which the Committee thanked all those involved. It was then agreed to have an overarching review of all stages of the Programme Review since 1994.

The Committee agreed arrangements for the handling of surplus funds for this and future contingents to World and Regional youth events.

The financial reserves policy for the Association was agreed and remains unchanged from last year.

The Committee received a progress report. It is expected that recommendations will be put to the Committee in November.

2003: 13 Sep [Regents College]; 27/28 Sep [GP]; 29/30 Nov [GP]
2004: 20/21 Mar [GP]; 19/20 Jun [GP]; 11 Sep [Warwick Uni]; 25/26 Sep [GP]; 27/28 Nov [GP]