;

Welcome

Urban Outdoors 3

Authorisation Scheme review

outdoors show 2005

ballooning opportunities

weather forecasts

risk assessments

nights aways

diary dates 2005

south africa expedition 2006

nsgso

scout show recognition scheme

climbing handbook

World champion

county assessor funding

Mobile circus skills

London sailing project

Flying scholarships

EuroJam opportunities

Factsheets updates

yr hafod

welcome

vacancies

HQ profile

and finally

This document is also available as an Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file: an-2004-11.pdf

Welcome to the November 2004 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:

• Urban Outdoors 3
• Authorisation Scheme Review
• Risk Assessments
• Weather Forecasts
• Scout Show Recognition Scheme
• And a range of Activities opportunities

Following the extremely successful and well received launches of Urban Outdoors 1 - The Activities Playground, and Urban Outdoors 2 - Promoting Scouting and Fundraising, we are extremely pleased to announce that Urban Outdoors 3 - Looking at Issues is now available. This is a downloadable resource available on the Urban Outdoors website to view as web pages, and to print off for inclusion in Scouting Essentials.

This third volume works with the activities from 'The Activities Playground' and looks at how these can be integrated into the Balanced Programme to help deal with issues such as fair trade and asylum.

In addition to this, following on from the taster resource 'The Four of Diamonds', the Urban Outdoors website will very soon be hosting the completed Street Entertainment resource. Again this is available to download from the website, and looks to give ideas for, and promote, new exciting ideas for creative activities.

Please take part in getting the message out to Leaders working directly with young people that a visit to the website can be the start of some new ideas for their programmes. For those of you that have so far missed out on the exciting concept of Urban Outdoors, it is a project based on ideas from young people on what they see as really 'cool' activity ideas. They can take place away from the traditional areas, thereby turning urban environments into an activities playground. Free copies of Urban Outdoors 1 - The Activities Playground can be ordered through the urban outdoors website, or from the Scout Information Centre.

http://www.urbanoutdoors.org.uk/

As many of you will be aware, a review of the authorisation scheme was initiated some months back and we are at the stage of setting out outline proposals for a revised scheme. These can be found under 'Activity Training and Assessment' on ScoutBase at:

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/index.htm

Phase 2 is very much about consultation regarding the possible implications of a revised scheme based on the proposals set out in the document. Consequently it is very much an exercise that should be considered by those whose role it is to promote and manage the support for adventurous activities.

The proposed revised scheme is very much routed at the assessment stage and the quality of those who are appointed as Approved Assessors. There are other proposed changes too, and the document should be read as a whole and the practical implications thought out, particularly the support needed in providing workshops for Approved Assessors.

This is a review document, so please do look to discuss this widely with all stake holders and feel free to send your comments and thoughts to the Activities office.

activites@scout.org.uk

Following on from its success of the past couple of years, the Scout Association is once again taking part in the Outdoors Show at the NEC in 2005. In particular we are once again able to offer specially discounted tickets for Members of the Scout Association. Full details are available in both the Dec/Jan and Feb/Mar editions of Scouting as well as through 'What's Happening in Activities' at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/

In addition to this, National Outdoors Week will be running from 12th - 20th March 2005. More details of the many outdoor activities happening over this week can be found on the National Outdoor Week website at:

http://www.nationaloutdoorweek.co.uk/

Opportunity to participate in top level balloon competitions, no experience necessary - you don't even have to be a pilot!

The structure of ballooning competitions is that for each balloon, an observer is needed. If you have never heard the term before, think of an observer as being a judge. The objective of the competition is for the pilot to drop a marker to show how close they get to a goal. The observer goes with a balloon for each flight (either in the basket or in retrieve) to ensure compliance with the rules and to independently measure the distance from the marker to the goal.

The skills required are excellent map reading skills, reasonable fitness and stamina, tact and self-confidence. Training and encouragement will be provided for new or prospective observers.

The UK event calendar for 2005 consists of a number of weekend events and a week long National Championships. If you are interested in becoming involved or wish to discuss in more detail, please contact:

Rupert Stanley - Chief Observer
Phone: 020 7353 0800
E-mail: rms1@onetel.co.uk

Obtaining a relevant weather forecast and acting on that information plays an important part in the safe management of all outdoor activities, ranging from a summer's day outing for Beaver Scouts up to technical weather forecasts used in aviation.

To ensure that the importance of weather conditions is recognised, POR Rule 9.2 has been changed to require activity leaders to check relevant weather forecasts and act on these. To support this, factsheet FS120088 Weather Forecasts in Outdoor Activities is now available through the Information Centre or from ScoutBase at:

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/index.htm

The Scout Association has always had a process for looking at hazards and risks within Activities, which generally comes out in the form of our Rules. To reinforce the fact that adherence to these Rules should form the part of any activity risk assessment, Rule 9.4 Risk Assessments has updated.

A quick reference to the Rules and factsheets that apply to certain activities can be found in the factsheet Scout Led Activities Index FS120084, and by visiting the A-Z of activities on ScoutBase at:

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/index.htm

A quick reminder that the Nights Away Permit scheme has now been implemented nationwide, so there should be no nights away events taking place without a Nights Away Permit or Passport holder. There is also an opportunity here for people within Activities to support adults in getting training and experience in nights away events, and gaining their Permits, through the skills and experience held by many practitioners, and the number of activities that do involve an element of nights away.

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/nightsaway/index.htm

National Dino Pedal Car Olympics
Thriftwood Scout Campsite
15th - 16th Jan 2005
Info: 01277 212784

Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show
NEC, Birmingham
18th - 20th March 2005
Info: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/direct/events/outdoorsshow.htm

Three Towers Hike
West Berkshire
16th Apr 2005
Info: www.threetowershike.org

NSGSO Summer Course 2005
Yorkshire
24th - 31st July 2005
Info: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/direct/events/nsgso.htm

29th National Scout Air Rifle Championships
Bisley, Surrey
14th - 16th October 2005
Info: http://www.dohoo.clara.net/nsarc2k4

This is a chance for up to 80 Explorer Scouts to take part in a fantastic, challenging and diverse expedition that will touch upon some the most interesting aspects of outdoor exploration in South Africa. There will be two three-week slots (running back-to-back) with a programme that includes projects that will last between two and four days in a number of locations. They include; national park warden's course, wilderness trek, marine environment project, visit to Swaziland, historic Anglo-Zulu battlefield trek, community project.

You can join in this fantastic expedition at one of three levels:

1. Explorer Scout.
2. Adult team leader looking at organising something similar.
3. Core team member - probably for the whole six week period.

Closing dates for Applications:

For more details and an application form please go to 'What's Happening in Activities' at

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/index.htm

The 2005 course of the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra will be held at a venue in Yorkshire between 24th -31st July 2005, leading to public concerts on the 29th and 30th July. The course will intersperse a programme of sport and leisure activities with orchestral tuition and rehearsals. Applications for this course are currently being sought, and will remain open until 31st January 2005. For more details and an application form please go to 'What's Happening in Activities' at

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/index.htm

The 1st January 2005 sees a change in the way that National Recognition for Scout Shows will be managed. In recognition of the evolution of Scout Shows over the years, National Recognition will now be available for all types of show rather than just District and County Gang Shows as has been the case up until now. The scheme will also be managed at a local level to ensure effectiveness and avoid unnecessary costs.

Guidelines to help Commissioners have been issued to ensure all shows, whether Nationally Recognised or not, are at an appropriate standard and can therefore provide a valuable part of the balanced programme for the young people involved.

The new range of factsheets relating to this change are set out under '...factsheet update' below.

The MLTUK have recently launched their new handbook for climbing, 'Rock Climbing - Essential Skills and Techniques'. Written by Libby Peter, this is now the official handbook of the Mountaineering Instructor and Single Pitch Award schemes. A full review of the book by Mike Rosser, National Activity Adviser - Climbing, should be available in the Feb/Mar edition of Scouting which can be downloaded from the Scouts' Members' site for anyone who doesn't get a copy of the magazine.

http://www.scouts.org.uk

Congratulations are due to Julie Wilson of the 3rd Davyhulme Scout and Guide Band, who at the age of just 16 has been crowned World Champion Drum Major. Julie, who has been drum major since 2001, won the title unanimously at the World Marching Show Band Championships held during July in Bournemouth.

The development grants board have once again made funds available to support County Assessors, in gaining the qualifications they require to work as Assessors, for courses through the 2004-2005 financial year.

Any potential County Assessors can apply to the Activities Office at Gilwell for 50% of the course fee. An application form for this assistance and a list of County Assessor qualifications that it covers can be found under 'Activity Training and Assessment' on ScoutBase at

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/activities/index.htm

Circus skills workshops can be a really great way of making an event or multi-activity day something special. Two providers have gained experience in helping out at a number of Scout activities and events, and are willing to travel:

Circus Scene
Tel 0118 9761702
Email info@circus-scene.co.uk

Bezerkaz Circus
Tel 07866 261346
Email bezerkaz@hotmail.com

The LSP offers young men and women between the ages of 14 and 25 the opportunity to experience offshore sailing from their base on the Solent.

The young people need no sailing experience to take part in a voyage, just a sense of adventure. As a trainee they will take a full and active role in the running of the boat, from hoisting sails to washing up and cooking for 20 people! It will be hard work but also lots of fun.

More information from The Rona Trust (London Sailing Project) on 01489 885098

The Air League Trust has some scholarships available for young people in RAF Recognised Air Scout Troops amongst their general grants. The general rules are; British Citizens, resident in the UK, over 17 and under 26.

Applications must be sent in by 30th June 2005. Contact The Air League Educational Trust, Broadway House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NS

http://www.airleague.co.uk/

Planning work for EuroJam (the European Scout Jamboree 29th July - 10th August 2005) is progressing well and, as the pace steps up, there are ever increasing opportunities for people to join one of the planning teams. Teams are working on everything from IT solutions to the planning of programme activities, and the roles we are currently recruiting staff for can be seen at

http://www.scouting2007.org/english/staff.php

In particular, those who would like to get involved in organising and running activities at large scale events may be interested in joining one of the EuroJam programme teams. These include the team planning Splash! (a day of water activities), Gilwell Adventure (an action packed day at the home of UK Scouting), Starburst (community action day) and the teams planning creative, educational or simply new, unusual and exciting activities as part of the on site programme. If you don't see the right role for you advertised, please do contact the office to discuss other current opportunities.

Finally, if you don't feel that you have the time available to join a planning team why not consider joining the IST (International Service Team) during the event? We need both qualified activity instructors and people with other specialist or more general skills. Come and help us to make this exciting event happen http://www.eurojam.org/ist

For more information please contact the Jamboree Office on info@eurojam.org or 020 8433 7100.

The following are new or updated factsheets within the last six months:

• FS120078 (Edition 8) UPDATED
  Home Contacts

• FS120088 (Edition 1) NEW
  Weather Forecasts in Outdoor Activities

• FS120163 (Edition 5) UPDATED
  Scout Show Recognition Scheme

• FS120269 (Edition 1) NEW
  Commissioner Guidelines for Scout Shows

• FS120270 (Edition 1) NEW
  Assessment Criteria for Scout Show Recognition

• FS120271 (Edition 1) NEW
  The Role of the Scout Show Assessor

• FS120615 (Edition 4) UPDATED
  Recognition of RYA Training Establishments

The Welsh Scout Council Mountain Centre, Yr Hafod, have announced their 2005 dates for ML, WGL, SPA, Scout Association Hill Walking Assessment and First Aid. They are also able to accommodate some requests for specialist and basic training, and have a hostel that can take up to 40 people.

http://www.yrhafod.org.uk/

Welcome to the newest member of the National Activities Team, Elis Matthews, who has recently joined the Activities Office team. Also welcome back to Ross Maloney who has rejoined the Activities Office team after a spell with Scouting 2007.

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

National Activity Adviser (Hillwalking)

The role is to support the Association's authorisation scheme by way of providing advice to Headquarters and members of the Movement.

Apart from being active in hill walking, the individual will also recruit and maintain an informal network of contacts who will be able to advise on more technical aspects including those able to facilitate workshops.

Ability to work with National Governing Bodies and other external organisations is essential.

The individual will need to have, as a minimum, Mountain Leader Award Summer and have undertaken formal training (or gained exemption) towards Mountain Leader Award Winter, and have attended an Assessors Workshop.

National Activity Adviser (Archery)

The role is to support the provision of archery by way of providing advice to Headquarters and members of the Movement.

Apart from being active in archery the individual will also need to have a pragmatic approach and convert this in to support for more introductory experiences for young people.

Ability to work with National Governing Bodies and providers (typically camp site wardens and event organisers) is essential.

The individual will need to have, as a minimum, Grand National Archery Society Community Leader Award.

National Activity Adviser (Snowsports)

The role is to support the Association's authorisation scheme by way of providing advice to Headquarters and members of the Movement.

Apart from being active in snowsports, the individual will also recruit and maintain an informal network of contacts who will be able to advise on more technical aspects including those able to facilitate workshops.

Ability to work with National Governing Bodies and other external organisations is essential.

The individual will need to have, as a minimum, the Ski Leader Certificate or equivalent.

Application packs and further information for all roles are available from the Activities Office at Gilwell Park by telephoning 020 8433 7157 or emailing activties@scout.org.uk. Completed applications should be returned by 31st January 2005. If you have any informal questions about the position please contact Barney Poulton on 020 8433 7123.

Ian James has a background of cave exploration all around the world. A few years ago he became the National Activity Adviser for Caving, and now we have persuaded him to answer a few questions so that everyone can find out a bit more about exactly what it is that drives and inspires him.

What is your first recollection of Scouting?

During my formative years, around about the time of my 11 plus, I became aware of Scouting within the Ebbw Vale area. Unfortunately, and only with the benefit of hindsight, I didn't take the opportunity of joining, It took another 35 years to get me officially registered as a helper with the 5th Penwortham, a group I still have a great amount of affinity for.

What activities do you do when you have spare time?

Could I say anything other than caving! An activity which has driven me for more years than I care to remember. The feeling of pure exploration I felt when I first entered the caves in South Wales remain with me as strongly now as they did during the early sixties. However, age brings with it other interests and I now find that just walking in limestone regions such as the Yorkshire Dales or relaxing with my family in our caravan also have a special pleasure and place in my heart.

Where is your favourite haunt...where can we find you?

Like most cavers I have many favourite haunts, with the Yorkshire Dales probably being my number one. Not only have I spent more weekends than I care to remember in the area, it was where my wife and I did the majority of our courting both above and below ground! When above ground the Marton Arms or Bernie's, depending on time of day, are the watering or eating establishments most frequently visited.

Who provides you with inspiration?

This is probably the easiest of all the questions. There can be no doubt that I have been blessed with my wife Irene. Not only is Irene a keen caver who has explored some of the hardest cave systems in both the UK and Europe, she can also 'Talk A Good Caving Trip' which enthuses and inspires me on to greater feats.

Equally, yet in a different way I have always been inspired by Sir Ernest Shackleton. Although I would not be arrogant enough to believe that I would have even been good enough to be part of any of his expeditions, Ernest Shackleton was an explorer and leader who, in my opinion was the greatest of all time.

What is your ambition?

To retire with enough energy and health to visit Everest Base Camp with my wife and two sons.

What is your claim to fame?

My wife says that it should be never making the tea on expeditions, however I say it is that I have yet to beat my 12 year old son at golf! Honest.

If you could go to any worldwide destination, where would you go?

South Georgia. Such a desolate region, yet the last resting place of a real explorer and my hero. I would also love to go to India and the Himalayas.

What is your favourite food?

Being fortunate enough to have travelled most of the world, I have eaten Guinea Pig in Peru, Snake in China and Furry Chickens in Indonesia? Yet my favourite meal has to be plain and boring Ham Salad and Baked Potatoes. Sorry.

No doubt the Review of The Scout Association's Authorisation scheme will be the cause of much discussion over the next few months, and I am very much looking forward to constructive comments regarding how it could be applied, and the support that is needed.

However, we should not take our 'eye of the ball' regarding what is our biggest challenge - the actual provision of challenging activities to all young people in the Movement, and not just through those Leaders who have qualifications or Authorisations.

At National level we are looking at how our work is structured and focused for the period Spring 2005 to Spring 2007. It is clear that, in many places, there is an attitude of 'if we can't provide it within the resources of Scouting, then it can't be provided'. It is also clear that many Leaders are not aware of the opportunities, or act as a barrier to promoting them.

It is my aim, during the period Spring 2005 to Spring 2007, to focus more on challenging those problems and attitudes. I am keen to see more examples of how commercial providers can be better engaged, how Areas/Counties have re-focussed and restructured, how communication barriers have been actually broken and a host of other ideas. It is not going to be an easy or quick task, but it will be an important one and something many of you will want to share in 'Taking the game to them'. And, with 2005 and 2007 celebrations, we have a platform to support.

Alex Minajew - National Commissioner for Activites