ScoutBase UK: The Library - Talking Points - Talking Points Edition 81: January 2005

Talking Points Edition 81: January 2005

Last ever Talking Points

Welcome to this final edition of Talking Points. Now that Scouting magazine reaches all adults in the Movement who pay a membership subscription, or have it paid for them, there is no longer a need to send an additional paper update. Of course, between issues of the magazine, you can visit www.scouts.org.uk for daily news, forthcoming events, campaign updates, material for young people and the whole of the magazine online.

Purchasing Awards

From December 2004 the Scout Information Centre will manage the sale of all replacement medals, ribbons, enamel brooches and cloth emblems. All of the usual checks of Headquarters records to confirm validity will still be undertaken before despatch.

Telephone the Scout Information Centre direct on 0845 300 1818 (local rate), or order online by going to www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php and select the Awards option. The Awards Section will continue to send out new awards as normal.

Founders Day/Thinking Day Service 2005

The 2005 Founder's Day/Thinking Day Service will take place on Saturday 19 February 2005 at Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church, Westminster.

Admission to all the Services is by ticket only and attendance is open to all Members and Associate Members of the Movement and Administrators. It is hoped that young people will be encouraged to attend the Services.

If you or any members of your County/Area require tickets please visit www.scoutbase.org.uk

Science Museum Explorer ScoutScience Night

The Science Museum is offering 250 Explorer Scout the opportunity to take part in a unique nights away experience. Science night is an all night extravaganza with a scientific twist! The event is for young people and accompanying adults, who can enjoy learning through an evening of fantastic activities rounded off by camping in the museum overnight. The theme for the night is 'Weird Science'.

The next Science night is Saturday 19 March. To book contact the Science Night Office on 020 7942 4747 or email science.night@nmsi.ac.uk Further details are available on the Science Night website: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitors/sciencenight.asp

Jessops Badge Sponsorship

Jessops is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the Scout Photographer Badge into 2005. Scouts wishing to complete the badge can request a copy of Jessops' Making a Start in Photography from the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818. In addition to a wealth of useful information, the resource features a discount card for 10% off a range of photographic products or services.

Join the EuroJam adventure

EuroJam is a 12 day camp for up to 20,000 Scouts and Guides from the 40 countries that make up the European Scout and Guide regions. The event will be staged at Hylands Park near Chelmsford in Essex (home to the V Festival) and takes place from Friday 29 July to Wednesday 10 August 2005.

Thousands of Scouts and Guides from all over the United Kingdom have already registered their intention to participate. With no selection needed and the extended age range to include young people from 10½-18, this really is a great opportunity to sample an international event.

There have also been registrations from young people across Europe. It will be the largest gathering of Guides and Scouts in the UK since 1957 and the largest in Europe since the World Jamboree in Holland in 1995.

So what's so special about EuroJam?

It will be a celebration of what it means to be a Guide or Scout, to be a European and to live together in peace. There are no barriers - all races, religions and cultures are equally welcome. Also, Scouts and Guides from the UK and other 'developed' countries will be helping subsidise those from poorer regions without whom the camp would not be complete.

Are we too late?

No at all! If your Group want to participate, there is still time to join in the fun. You could register as a Unit in your own right or join up with another group in your area who are already planning to attend. For a full list of who is going and details on how to contact them, simply visit the UK contingent website at www.eurojam.org.uk and follow the links.

No Leaders? No problem!

Even if your leadership team cannot attend and you know some of your young people would benefit, then why not arrange for them to go with another Unit? If you want to register then simply go to www.eurojam.org and follow the links.

Be part of the International Service Team (IST)

The IST is an opportunity to be part of the volunteer team that will make EuroJam an unforgettable event for the participants and to have a great time yourself. The EuroJam IST Job Catalogue has been available on the EuroJam website since November 2004, and lists all the various IST jobs along with a brief description of each role.

There's still time to apply for the International Service Team and choose your preferred job - but you need to be quick - we'll be making job selections in March 2005. Visit www.eurojam.org/ist for information and to apply online for the IST.

Wear the EuroJam badge

Everyone can wear the EuroJam 2005 UK Uniform Badge, from now until the end of 2005. The badge costs just £1 and is available from www.outdoors.ltd.uk. It should be worn above the left pocket. If you're a member of the EuroJam UK Contingent, then you should wear the special Contingent badge instead.

Be part of the planning team

There are already over 200 volunteers from across Europe and the World, involved in the planning of EuroJam and the 21st World Scout Jamboree. It's not too late to join them. The team is involved with everything from water activities, to global development, adult training, publications, infrastructure, catering and a whole lot more!

For more information on how you can be part of the action contact the Jamboree Office: info@eurojam.org or 020 8433 7100 or log onto http://www.scouting2007.org/english/staff.php

Fancy a Big Kickabout?

The Big Kickabout is a day of football themed entertainment for young people of all ages in Scouting. Taking place on 22 May at the home of Queens Park Rangers football club, the fun will include mascot, celebrity and professional matches, live music and special guest stars.

As part of the event, the Chief Scout, Peter Duncan, will be captaining a side against one put together by ex-Liverpool player Craig Johnston. Both are recruiting their dream team and are determined to win The Big Kickabout Shield! All money raised will be equally split between the Scouts and CLIC - Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood.

Working with Craig, The Scout Association has also initiated a partnership with Supaskills (The FIFA endorsed universal skills programme). Supaskills has created an exciting new resource for the Cub Scout and Scout Physical Recreation Badges and will also attend The Big Kickabout itself. They will stage a full pitch demonstration of soccer skills and will be running an exciting competition for Scouts.

Log on to www.scouts.org.uk/bigkickabout to find out how to book tickets. You'll also find tips, exercises and activities that can contribute towards the Physical Recreation Badges.

Are you ready to Gimme 5?

The Gimmie 5 Challenge is a fundraising initiative for all five Sections of Scouting and WWF supporters across the UK. It's also under three months away!

If you haven't registered for your FREE Section Leader Challenge Pack, contact us today. Filled with easy ways to raise money as well as stickers, a sponsor form and poster, it provides all you need to take part in this nationwide event. Register now by logging onto www.gimmie5.org. uk or by phoning the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818, quoting G5CTP001.

If you one of the 3,000 Groups that have registered so far, have you decided on a challenge yet? If so, don't forget to tell us at ideas@gimmie5.org.uk

Scout and Guide Stamps Club

The Scout and Guide Stamps Club will be holding their Annual Exhibition at Baden-Powell House, Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JS on Saturday 19 February 2005 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. The exhibition will take place in the Eagle and Kestrel Suite at Baden- Powell House. Entry is free of charge and all are welcome. A wide range of Scout/Guide stamps, covers, postcards and other philatelic material will also be available.

The Scout and Guide Stamps Club was founded in 1957 and membership now exceeds 300 from over 30 countries. For further information please see www.sgsc.org.uk or contact the secretary, G S Osborne on 01256 328831 or write to him at:

3 Camberry Close
Basingstoke
Hants RG21 3AG

Gilwell courses 2005

MDMW3 Media Development Management Workshops	22 January
MSS 5 Managing and Supporting Scouting	20-25 February
ASL 6 Assessing Learning	25 February
ASL 7 Assessing Learning	13 May
MLC 2 Managing Learning	5-10 June
DLC 3 Delivering Learning	5-10 June
SLL 2 Supporting Local Learning	10 June
ASL 8 Assessing Learning	10 June
SLT 4 *Section Leader Training (all sections)	17-22 July
ASL 9 Assessing Learning	22 July
PFC 3 Presenting and Facilitating	14-19 August
SLT 6 *Section Leader Training (all sections)	21-26 August
MSS 6 Managing and Supporting Scouting	23-28 October
ASL 10 Assessing Learning	28 October
MDMW4 Media Development Management Workshops	6 November

*Camp based accommodation available. All other accommodation in the White House, Gilwell Park For more information and costs please refer to www.scoutbase.org.uk/support or phone the Scout Information Centre on 020 8433 7100

Winter Camp challenge

Gilwell Park's annual Winter Camp will be taking place from the 7-9 January, 2005. Some 2,000 young people will be toughing it out over the notoriously cold weekend. The theme for this year's activity camp for Scouts, Guides, Explorers and Rangers will be 'Winter Wonderland'.

Activities will include all things snow-related as well as old favourites such as a simulator, quasar, quad bikes and climbing. Winter Camp started in 1985 with 50 people attending and has grown every year ever since. It is run by members of the voluntary service team at Gilwell. With comments like 'One of the best camps I have been on,' Winter Camp is a true test of Scouting skills and determination.

"I would love the opportunity to go there again and would encourage any Scout to enjoy the experience."
(James Mannering, 2nd Elm Park, 2004)

For more information and a booking form please see www.wintercamp.org.uk or call Gilwell Park on 020 8498 5411.

National Maritime Museum

Visit the National Maritime Museum during the Christmas holidays and enjoy some exciting and creative seasonal activities. In the Queen's House between 27-31 December 2004 you can enjoy a range of storytelling, music and creative workshops everyday between 12-4pm. Admission to all activities is free.

On 3 January 2005 you can celebrate the New Year in swashbuckling style! Join Captain Knaveheart and his pirate crew at the museum for an afternoon of music, dance and performance. Admission is £1 per person or come dressed as a pirate to receive free entry to the big adventure.

Beaver Scout Groups visiting the Museum can also follow an exciting trail to help them complete their Beaver Scout Explore Badge. The badge is sponsored by the National Maritime Museum, who have also made a distancelearning resource available.

Booking for group visits is strongly advised. Call the museum on 020 8312 8575 or write to:

The National Maritime Museum
Greenwich
London
SE10 9NF

Saddle up for an exciting new partnership

Raleigh, the UK's biggest and best-known cycle company, and The Scout Association are joining together to form an exciting partnership.

Beginning in 2005, Raleigh will initially support the Association through the provision of resources for the Cub and Scout Cyclist Badges. Both organisations will then look at ways to use the most of their wide resources to ensure the best possible activities and experience for Cubs and Scouts across the UK. Look out for more information in the February/March edition of Scouting.

COMMITTEE NEWS - A Summary of significant items and recommendations arising from the work of The Association's Committees and sub groups

British Youth Council

The Committee agreed that the Association should continue to affiliate to the British Youth Council for a further three years. It also agreed that there be a further review of the Association's involvement in the BYC in Autumn 2007. Philip Harnby, Elected Youth Representative on the Committee has been appointed as the Leader of the Association's delegation to the BYC.

Gilwell Park Campsite Redevelopment

The Gilwell Park Campsite Development Strategy Group provided a report on its work. The Committee agreed that members of the Executive Committee be given authority to proceed to tender when external funding becomes available for Phase 2A of the building programme.

Search Groups

Progress reports were received from the Search Groups seeking a Chairman for the Development Grants Board; Non-Executive Directors for the Board of Scout Shops Ltd; a Chairman and Non-Executive Directors for the Board of Scout Insurance Services Ltd; a Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland to succeed Philip Scott and the UK Contingent Leader to the 2007 World Scout Jamboree.

Staff Appointment Panels

The Committee noted progress reports from the recruitment panels for a Managing Director, Scout Insurance Services Ltd and for a Director of Finance to succeed David McCarthy.

Scout Shops Ltd

The Chairman of the Board of Scout Shops Ltd, Jonathan Katz, provided the Committee a report on the sale of the Scout Shops branches (shops) to The Outdoors Group. Scout Shops Ltd future strategy is to develop core business, direct marketing and services to the Movement.

Marketing and Communications Strategy-Branding

The Committee received a report of work and consultations undertaken on to define the brand 'essence' of Scouting. The Committee considered options and agreed a preferred brand essence. More market testing is to be undertaken.

Scouting 2007 Business Plan

The Committee agreed an updated plan as work in progress. It will receive a further update at its next meeting.

Mixed Scouting and Co-education

The Working Group provided a progress report to the Committee and discussed who should authorise any exceptions to the policy as advised to the Movement. An updated FAQ will be ready by January 2005.

Delegation to World Scout Conference September 2005:

The Committee agreed that all three Elected Youth Representatives on the Committee should attend the Conference.

Towards 2012

The Committee noted a series of base line Key Performance Indicators that will be used over the next few years to assist in the measurement of the implementation of the Towards 2012 strategy. The Committee also discussed the principles and an operating model for further discussion by the Working Group. A budget was agreed for some early work to commence.

National Activity Centres

A progress report was noted and a revised remit of the national Steering Group agreed. A Search Group has been established to seek a Chairman of the Steering Group.

Association Budget 2005/2006

The Committee considered the projected outturn for the 2004/2005 financial year which is within budget forecasts. Likely cost pressures on the 2005/2006 budget were noted. Forecast models beyond 2006 were also examined. Authority was given to the Chief Executive to enter the 2005/06 financial year prior to approval of the budget at the April meeting of the Committee.

Constitution of the Scottish Council

A revised constitution was approved.

Dates of future meetings

2005: 9/10 April; 18/19 June; 10 September; 24/25 September; 26/27 November.

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