ScoutBase UK: Programme support - Activity News

Edition 4: November 2003

Edition 4: November 2003

welcome

Welcome to the November 2003 issue of the activities newsletter from the National Commissioner for Activities and the Activities Office at Gilwell Park.

In this issue we take a look at:

Adult Groups in Adventurous Activities
Supporting the Authorisation Scheme
Nights Away Permit Scheme
Urban Outdoors
Developing Creative Activities

Assessor training

The Association has recently launched new information on Adults in Adventurous Activities. This is a new concept that basically means that a party of adults (all over the age of 18) can take part in adventurous activities without a formal activity authorisation or qualification.

Information was launched to Counties and Areas at the beginning of September, with the supporting factsheet and guidance card.

Benefits of this new approach are that adults groups need no longer undertake an adventurous activity as a 'private party'. They will have legitimate access to the skills, knowledge and resources of Scouting locally and nationally. With that comes a responsibility to listen to advice that is given and personally accept that there are hazards. Another benefit is that support can be given to leaders who are in log-book time towards gaining an Authorisation or NGB qualification.

The formal requirements of this new approach are set out in the factsheet (FS120087). Everyone in an all adult group is required to read this and sign an Acknowledgment of Risk Statement. Where any member of the party is aged under 18, the Authorisation scheme will apply. There is no flexibility on that point.

Supporting the Authorisation scheme

The review of the Association's authorisation Scheme is currently well underway under the leadership of Gareth Beynon. Many thanks to all those who took time to send their thoughts, experiences and ideas into the office. These are now being collated to pass around a focus group of Leaders with a cross section of roles and technical experts such as National Governing Bodies.

Nights Away Permit Scheme

In May the Nights Away Permit Scheme was launched to District and County/Area Commissioners. The new Scheme requires that any adult in Scouting leading a nights away event holds a Permit. It is designed to improve the nights away events that we offer our young people as part of a balanced programme. The Scheme has been developed and tested ensuring that we now have a simple to operate Scheme that will allow more adults to take more young people on nights away events.

We are taking this opportunity to encourage you to think about the support that is being given in your District for the implementation of the Nights Away Permit Scheme. District Commissioners have received a launch pack and should be in the process of planning the provision for operating the Scheme in the District.

Information to support the Scheme is available on ScoutBase UK in the Nights Away section (www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/nightsaway). Watch out for the Nights Away packed edition of Scouting Magazine in January 2004.

Resources and marketing

The Resources and Marketing project team are working on two key pieces of work: Urban Outdoors and the ScoutBase UK A to Z Directory.

The Urban Outdoors project has been developed further and will now comprise of three volumes.

Volume one looks at the urban outdoors as "the activities playground", a pack full of activity ideas that can all take place in an urban environment. Activity packs will be available from 1st March 2004.
Volume two takes the activities in volume one to another dimension where they are used for positive public relations and fundraising opportunities.
Volume three looks wider at global issues that affect young people in urban environments. The ideas encourage young people to express their views on issues such as rights, diversity, equal opportunities, fair trade, etc. through various mediums such as street art and rapping.

The ScoutBase UK A to Z Directory continues to be developed with the help of the ScoutBase UK Team. The Resources and Marketing team are currently populating the directory with appropriate information.

AAC/ACC (Activities) induction workshops

Following the success of the first round of AAC/ACC Activities induction workshops, we are pleased to announce that a further three will take place in the new year. The workshops will take place on the following dates:

Saturday 17th January 2004 - London (Gilwell Park)
Sunday 18th January 2004 - Birmingham (Blackwell Court)
Sunday 29th February 2004 - Huddersfield (Bradley Wood)

The workshops will provide newly appointed AAC/ACC Activities with a foundation across a broad range of topics whilst allowing individual needs to be addressed. Those who are in "mid-term" and feel the need for a boost are also welcomed but numbers will be limited.

Each workshop will be for one day and facilitated by both a member of the National Activity Team and Gilwell staff. The cost is £20 which will include lunch and refreshments.

To apply, simply contact Paula in the Activities Office on 020 8433 7125 or email activities@scout.org.uk to check out availability and request an application form.

Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show 2004

The 2004 Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show will be held from 2nd to 4th April 2004 at the NEC Birmingham. The 2004 show promises to be bigger and better with a large line up of activities and information.

The Scout Association will once again be involved in this event, given that the second highest number of attendees at the show have a connection with Scouting. The 2004 show brings with it even better opportunities for Scouting, with the following highlights planned:

Have a Go Survival Area

The "Have a Go Survival Area", endorsed by Ray Mears, will allow attendees at the Show to come along and try their hand at various survival techniques.
Team Challenge

Getting everyone involved in the outdoors is one of the key aims of the Outdoors Show. The Scouts are no stranger to activities hence we are encouraging others to have a go. The Team Challenge will involve various activities around the show with the emphasis being on having a go.
The Scout Association Presence

The Outdoors Show provides an excellent opportunity to encourage more people to take part in Scouting. The stand will feature the "one step further." initiative.

Creative vibrancy

A broader range of creative activities has been identified as a key work area in the development of activities for young people. The Activities Team is looking for people who can act as a contact point in the areas listed below. It is also willing to hear from those with expertise in other areas. The team is particularly keen to hear from young people at the cutting-edge of creative activities development.

Being a contact point does not require attendance at Committee or team meetings. However, each individual should be a regular organiser, either within Scouting or the broader community. To that end, Members of the Movement are also asked to look at local community contacts.

The Headquarters Contacts being sought, at this stage, are:

Circus skills
Video
Urban art
Theatre work groups
Productions for the deaf
Street theatre
Productions for the blind
Sculpture
Ethnic music
Photography

Contact from people in other areas of creativity is also welcomed. Further details are available by contacting activities@scout.org.uk or telephoning 020 8433 7125.

New factsheets

The following factsheets are new editions or editions that have been updated in the last six months:

FS120087 (Edition 1) NEW
Adult Groups in Adventurous Activities
FS120084 (Edition 3) UPDATED (when POR October 2003 is available)
Scout Led Activities Index
FS120086 (Edition 2) UPDATED (when POR October 2003 is available)
Commercially Led Activities Index
FS120431 (Edition 1) NEW
Nights Away Permit Scheme: An introduction
FS120432 (Edition 1) NEW
Application for a Nights Away Permit
FS120433 (Edition 1) NEW
The Role of the Nights Away Adviser
FS120434 (Edition 1) NEW
The Nights Away Permit Scheme (Guidelines for District and County/Area Commissioners)
FS120083 (Edition 2) UPDATED
Family Camps

New POR

The latest edition of POR (October 2003) is almost available. County Commissioners, District Commissioners and Group Scout Leaders will receive a copy of the resource on a CD-ROM. Printed copies will be available from the Scout Information Centre subject to printing costs.

POR is also available on ScoutBase UK in the Library section of the site.

There are additions and amendments to the activity rules that have been summarised and will be sent out when POR is available.

Diary Dates 2003/4

National Scout Ski Trip
13th February - 22 February 2004
La Clusaz, France
Full details available from Andy Johnston at andrewhanajohnston@hotmail.com.
Inter County/Area Airgun Championships
4th April 2004
Aldersley, Nr Wolverhampton
Open to all Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Venture Scouts, Scout Network Members and Leaders in teams of 8 and as individuals.
Full details available from David Pennell at david.pennell@v21mail.co.uk or by telephoning 01270 257069.
National Scout Band Festival
24th July 2004
Bournemouth
Full details available from Derek Jackson at djnsgso@yahoo.co.uk.
National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra Course and Tour
25th July - 6th August 2004
Course in South of England (near Gatwick)
Tour of Estonia
Full details available from Derek Jackson at djnsgso@yahoo.co.uk or from ScoutBase UK at www.scoutbase.org.uk/activity/perform/orchstra.htm.
National Scout Air Rifle Championships
15th October - 17th October 2004
Walton Firs, Surrey
Full details available from John Dohoo at dohoo@clara.net or from the website at www.dohoo.clara.net/nsarc2k3.

Activities vacancies

The National Activities Team is looking to recruit two dynamic, forward thinking volunteers to join the team of National Activity Advisers. The roles currently available are:

National Activity Adviser Snowsports

This role of National Activity Adviser Snowsports looks to support the development of the ever-growing area of snowsports as a high adventure activity in Scouting. The role will involve dealing with questions and queries from the Movement as well as driving development issues.

The role of a National Activity Adviser Snowsports requires an in depth technical knowledge and experience of snowsports as a high adventure activity. The successful applicant will be qualified to a minimum of Ski Leader Certificate standard or equivalent and have a significant amount of experience.

The role involves working with external organisations, therefore, membership of applicable National Governing Bodies are an advantage.

The likely time commitment for this role is occasional weekend meetings with time available to respond to queries and development issues as they arise.

The need for good communication skills, an aspiration to develop the activity and an empathy for Scouting are essential attributes for this role.

National Activity Adviser Scout Bands

The role of National Activity Adviser Scout Bands looks to develop a broader range of musical opportunities for young people in a variety of different ways.

The role of a National Activity Adviser Scout Bands requires a general knowledge of Scout Bands and youth marching bands. Amongst other tasks, the role involves advising headquarters on Scout Bands to use at national events and taking on the organisation of the National Scout Band Festival. The successful applicant will also provide support to County Band Advisers, Scout Bands and work with external organisations.

The likely time commitment for this role is occasional weekend meetings with time available to respond to queries and development issues as they arise.

The need for good communication skills, an aspiration to develop the activity and an empathy for Scouting are essential attributes for this role.

Application packs and further information, for both roles, are available from the Activities Office at Gilwell Park by telephoning 020 8433 7125 or emailing activties@scout.org.uk (please indicate the position reference). If you have any informal questions about the position please contact Barney Poulton on 020 8433 7123.

The closing date for all applications is Wednesday 31st December 2003.

Future aactivities strategy

As part of its strategy for 2005-2007, The National Activities Team will be considering opportunities to promote workshops/courses to support Leaders and members of County/Area activities teams in subjects that Counties/Areas may wish to develop in providing a greater range of exciting opportunities for young people. Thoughts from team members and leaders in general (collectively or individually) would very much be appreciated by the end of January 2004, not only from those that have a need, but also those who are able to act as providers (or have contacts with external suppliers).

The following are the type of events currently being considered; leading groups on Via Ferratas, running a staged event, running a circus skills workshop, understanding skateboarding and BMX, model aircraft and rocketry, land yachts/kites and other land sails.

Please forward comments and suggestions to activities@scout.org.uk.

Faulkes Flying Foundation

Faulkes Flying Foundation have announced the opening of a new gliding base at Long Mynd in Shropshire. The site is available to combine camping and gliding together, also a bunk house is available. For prices and bookings please contact Mike Woollard via the Faulkes Flying Foundation website at www.fffoundation.co.uk.

Shooting

Just as a reminder.please remember that parental consent forms for all shooting activities should include the Extracts from the Firearms Act 1968 (Section 21). This is usually included on the reverse of the form that parents sign and should be displayed in full.

The full text is available in the suggested format from the Shooting factsheet FS120004 on ScoutBase UK or the Scout Information Centre.

Renewal of NRSA YPS Tutor Qualifications

The NSRA have advised us that tutors who can demonstrate a satisfactory level of activity may renew their Diploma at the end of its five year period without the need to repeat the course. Provided that the "logbook" shows activity on five or more days per year on average and at least five days in the year before expiry, renewal will cost just £7.00.

YPS Tutors should send the logbook and £7 cheque direct to the NSRA at Lord Roberts Centre, Bisley Camp, Brookwood, WOKING, Surrey GU24 0NP for the attention of Malcolm Lee.

Air Activities notification to Headquarters

You will be aware of the requirement to notify headquarters of any air activities that are taking place. Unfortunately, we do not believe this is taking place, our records indicate that only a small handful of activities were notified to the Scout Information Centre over the last year.

Not only is the requirement for notification a rule in POR (9.12b), the information gathered from the notification provides the indicative figures for the renewal of the Associations aviation liability cover. This clearly has an implication on the cost of the cover that the Association purchases.

All air activities must be notified to headquarters via the Scout Information Centre by calling 0845 300 1818.

Solas regulations

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have recently published Solas V guidelines for pleasure craft. It is our belief that we encompass the main elements of the Solas V guidelines in our current water activity rules and Authorisation Scheme for water activities.

It would be useful for water users to familiarise themselves with the guidelines for information. The guidance document is available from the MCA website at www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/solas.pdf.

Water safety service

The RNLI have recently re-confirmed their offer to provide water safety education and support through their Water Safety Department. The service offers:

Free water safety publications
Free face-to-face advice and information including the RNLI's proven SEA (Safety Equipment Advisrory) Check service
Free practical demonstrations, seminars and talks.

If you wish to take advantage of this offer, please contact the RNLI on 0800 328 0600 or email watersafety@rnli.org.uk.

Showman's directory

Are you looking for a something different at your large events... or looking for resources to support your event? Why not take a look at the Showman's Directory? The directory lists suppliers who can provide what you are looking for. The Directory is available from www.showmans-directory.co.uk.

The Rona Trust (London Sailing Project)

The Rona Trust (London Sailing Project) have a number of sailing opportunities available for young people to take part in. A sailing opportunity provides young people with the opportunity to develop new skills and experience a high adventure activity. The trust can be found at www.lsp.org.uk, where you can find out more information.

HQ Profile

As we have appointed some new members to the National Activities Team, we thought it important to introduce them to you. We asked Gareth Beynon, Project Leader (Supporting the Authorisation Scheme), to answer a few questions.

What is your first recollection of Scouting?

My first recollection of Scouting was attending a two week scout summer camp at the age of six as my parents both ran sections within a group in Wimbledon. It was at Pangbourne on the banks of the Thames. The camp fire was started viking style with the Patrol Leaders bringing a lit torch down the river on a raft.
What activities do you do when you have spare time?

Being a geography teacher I get long holidays to travel in. Most summers I work for a commercial company leading expeditions in such places as Uganda, Ecuador, Morocco, India and Mexico. I love to trek and also to ski, and I have recently returned to dinghy sailing after a long lay off. I have bought an old Merlin Rocket which needs some work doing to it so that will keep me busy. Most Saturdays during the winter involve me turning out for the 3rd XV of Cobham RFC!
Where is your favorite haunt...where can we find you?

My favourite haunt is a café high up in the Alps in the tiny French resort called Risoul. It is run by Phillipe and his family. He can speak no English and our French is awful but every Easter we return to enjoy a week in his company and the crème brulee eating competition is always a highlight!. If it was still open the café 'Deux Alpes' in Kandersteg would be a close contender as we have had many a good evening there also.
Who provides you with inspiration?

Not surprisingly, young people provide me with inspiration. Often the harder the conditions the better they perform be it during a snow storm high up on some trekking mountain or trying to come to terms with adversity. I am a District Explorer Scout Leader when not working on the authorisation project and I recently sat through a presentation of an Explorer Scout unit expedition away in the form of a video that was put together and narrated by members of the unit. This was about as professional as any PR company could produce!
What is your ambition?

My ambition is to get around to restoring my sailing dinghy and perhaps move on to sailing something a bit bigger.
What is your claim to fame?

For anyone who has camped at Bispham Hall near Wigan my claim to fame is that my mother was on the service crew during the 1960's. The person who got her involved there and with a cub pack in St Helens has a lot to answer for!
If you could go to any worldwide destination, where would you go?

I am lucky to have been able to travel and quite often got paid for doing it. However, I have had a burning desire however since I was a Venture Scout to drive from Islamabad over the Karakoram Highway in a land rover past Gilgit and into China. Maybe one day..
What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Indian by some way - I was a student in Manchester and I literally, during this time it seemed, lived in the curry houses of Rusholme. These days, everytime I return, my friends know exactly where we will be eating!

and Finally

Time to reflect on the media...

2003 has been a very good year for positive national news coverage regarding the broad nature of the activities that Scouting (or leaders) can get up to. Starting with 23 year old Scout Leader, Andrew Cooney, becoming the youngest person to reach the South Pole, there was also the Cub Scout challenge on Big Brother, Scouts being interviewed on BBC Breakfast TV regarding the IT badge and the Essex Leaders Team on Scrap Heap Challenge.

Time to reflect on new ideas...

In my work across the country, it has been great to see people pick up and work with new ideas to provide challenges for young people. The term 'urban outdoors' is starting to filter through and one county is thinking of setting up a 'team'. Circus skills are now featuring more and more, and the 'height and confidence' challenge of climbing has a cousin in crate stacking. There one County thinking of operating a hot air balloon and another a mobile caving system.

The current generation of young people need, and demand, that we continually look at how we present them with new challenges, and perhaps some of the traditional ones differently.

Time to say thank you...

Thank you to the work done by members of the Activities Office, the Project Leaders and their teams and the National Activity Advisers, their networks and HQ Activity contacts.

A special thank you to those who are moving on.

Ross Maloney, in the Activities Office, goes to Scouting 2007. He has been a valued and committed member of a team that has been tasked to work on a revised approach to activities support. As a young person on the volunteer side, his insight has added to that contribution.

From the volunteer advisory team, John Muston, National Activity Adviser for Scout Mountaineering and Derek Jackson, National Activity Adviser for Bands are stepping down after many years service, both with a desire to see 'fresh blood' and ideas. Each has given notable service to the Scout Association, members of the Movement and to their respective activities in other organisations. Many people will consider that they are tough acts to follow. Both of them will dismiss that notion and would welcome the opportunity to support those who take-over their roles.

And finally...

Thank you for your hard work in 2003. Let us all look forward to expanding our horizons in 2004.

Alex Minajew - National Commissioner for Activites

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Programme support - Activity News