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s w e N Scout uting.org.uk
shiresco www.hamp
oning r I e m e r Ext owdonia rs in Sn ts & Cr usader Explore er scou
5th Winchest
Extreme Ironing in Snowdonia The 5th Winchester scouts and Crusader Explorers headed up to the wilds of Snowdonia for a week of hiking, climbing and..... ironing this summer. Twenty boys and girls from 11 to 17 years old had a great time with their leaders taking on the challenges of navigation, conquering their fear of heights and making sure they got a really nice crease in their trousers. Now if you’ve not come across extreme ironing before, it combines the thrill of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-pressed shirt. As we were hiking up mountains with an ironing board strapped to our back, about
75% of the people we met were bemused, 20% asked we were part of some sort of care in the community project and 5% gave us a knowing look and asked if we would be posting our photos on the Extreme Ironing website later. To take scouts and explorers away like this needs leaders with the right adventurous activities permits of course. The 5th Winchester is very lucky with three of our leaders qualified to take scouts hiking in these sorts of mountains. For the climbing however we have to beg, steal or borrow people with the right qualifications, as hiring someone in would make the cost of the trip
prohibitive for some scouts. Via the County Office we put out an appeal and Anthony Martin; a regular leader at Runways’ End came to the rescue. We were very lucky to find someone who was willing to give up his time (and his annual leave) free of charge for a bunch of scouts he’d never met before. All in all everyone had a great time and with one of our minibuses breaking down in the middle lane of the M42 on the way home, and the scouts pushing onto the hard shoulder once the police has stopped all traffic; we came home with plenty of tales to tell! The Cantilever near the top of GlyderFach
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October 2014
2,
ing n o r I e m Extre owdonia rs Explore in Sn Cr usader er scouts &
5th Winchest
5,
Giving Young People the Opportunity...
8,
World War 1
9,
Hampshire Remembers
11, 15,
Petersfield District Cub Swimming Gala Young Carers activity day
21,
23, On the up! Cerberus Explorer
Scout Hampshire
s
& QSA new
‘Stepping Out’
Scout
www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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Hey welcome
to the November edition of HSN. Have you got any photos, articles and adverts you would like to be included in HSN? Then please send them to: county.office@Scouts-hants.org.uk
About Us
Hampshire Scouts provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for over 17,500 young people aged 6-25, promoting the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being of the individual, helping them achieve their full potential. In Scouting, we believe that young people develop most when they are ‘learning by doing,’ when they are given responsibility, work in teams, take acceptable risks and think for themselves.
Join Us
To join the adventure of Scouting whether as an Adult or Young person fill in the form at: www.Scouts.org.uk/join or email: county.office@scouts-hants.org.uk or phone us on: 023 8084 7847
Photography Acknowledgements
Where we can, we strive to acknowledge the owner or source of pictures used in this publication. We accept that pictures on public and social media sites are for sharing. We use them under the terms ‘for Scouting use only’. If you would like pictures acknowledged, please let us know the owners name when submitting. Thank you.
Hampshire Scout
Caving Club
www.hscc.randomstuff.org.uk 4 Novembers 2014
e l p o Pe g n u o Y . Giving . . y t i n u t r o p the Op In October, UK Scouting announced its first Youth Commissioner – Hannah Kentish, from Greenwich, London. In one of her first media interviews, she said that “I think Scouting can be summed up in one word - opportunity.” It’s a really powerful idea. The opportunity for everyday adventure – camping out overnight, cooking sausages over an open fire, hiking mid moor and mountain, and travelling around the world. The opportunity to try out new activities – crate-stacking, coasteering, Jamboree-on-the-Air, and pizza-making. The opportunity to make new friends and build bridges across borders with people you wouldn’t normally meet. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other people, from Naomi House to Uganda. The opportunity to have a go at leading and being part of a team. The opportunity to be listened to by adults and taken seriously. The opportunity to achieve something you’d never thought you’d do – completing an expedition or performing on stage in front of hundreds of people. The opportunity to say what you really think in a safe environment. The opportunity to represent other people’s views and get things changed. The opportunity to be accepted and be liked for being yourself. The opportunity for the many, rather than the few. The opportunity to change lives forever, including your own. The opportunity to leave this world a little better than you found it.
Adam
County Commissioner Hampshire Scouting
www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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Novembers 2014
Who has smelt
Woodsmoke? Adam’s article in the last HSN brought back so many memories, and some queries. How do Akelas manage to get their Cubs off to sleep before 2 am on the first night of camp? At least mine were ready for rest by 9.30 pm the next evening! I remember waking up at 4 am and watching the sun rise over the hill at Downe Scout camp. Beautiful! How did one Cub take home a new pair of shoes two sizes too small for him? We never found the other pair. We had a fantastic ASL who told creepy ghost stories. Our Cubs loved them, but we had trouble with the Leaders of a Pack who we invited to join us. They had to tell their Cubs funny stories as they were too scared to go to sleep. Just thought, Cubs or Leaders too scared? At Downe in spring time there were masses of bluebells in the woods. We had permission to pick some. One little Cub who had been playing up all through camp came back with two bunches of flowers. When asked why, the reply came ‘One for Mum and one for Grannie’. One night, the Pack hit the jack pot. They got up, crept away and were off. One group to do long jumps in the bunkers in the adjoining golf course; one to walk to the nearby village; the rest to ring the fire bell. We were not popular with the warden! As a punishment for one troublesome Cub, we set him to clean the dixies. This was no punishment. He loved it and asked to clean the next lot! We hired a lorry to transport us to and from camp. One time the driver came to collect us and forgot the tail board. That was a bit hairy – but the looks of amazement on the faces of the people as we drove through the nearby town singing ’Ging gang goolie’ will stay with me forever. Cub camping was hard work, worrying, sleep denying but we got to know the boys so much better and it constantly brought up new experiences – and I for one wouldn’t have missed it for anything. (But I’m not sure Les would agree) Jill Sutton Ex Akela. 1st Hither Green, 4th Lewisham South Mowgli Pack
BBC Children in Need – Friday 14th November As launched at our County Scout conference on Saturday by BBC producer, Pete Doherty. Pudsey Bear in the Park – 8th November - during the Beaver Scouts at Paultons Park event – please bring loose change in ordrer to place on the ground to make up a picture of Pudsey wearing a Scout necker. Pudsey has been booked to appear. Pudsey Bear in the Air – date TBC – individuals, Scout sections and Groups/Units and members of the public will be encouraged to sponsor a mini Pudsey in a Scout necker. The Pudseys will be individually numbered and assigned to the sponsor. The Pudseys will parachute out of a Chinook helicopter and the Bear landing nearest to the bull’s-eye target will win its owner/s a fabulous prize. All bears can then be collected by their owners. A great keepsake and advert for Scouting. What do you have planned? - What are you/your section/Group/Unit doing for Children in Need this year? Do you think it would make good television and promote 21st century Scouting and encourage adults to volunteer? Please email both of the undersigned with a brief description of your plans along with dates, times, section/s, Groups/Units and District along with full contact details of someone with all the information. This is also advanced notice for 2015 – so let’s have some fun, challenging and adventurous ideas for both 2014 and 2015. pete.doherty@bbc.co.uk or ray.noice@scouts-hants.org.uk www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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World War 1 Hampshire Scouting
What you have found out during your projects
Thank you very much to all of you who have completed projects and earnt the WW1 Commemoration badge – very well done to you all. It is clear from reading your reports that undertaking the project has been very worthwhile with everyone involved learning new things about the war and how it affects the people involved. Here are what some of you have done – we hope they will inspire others in the County to undertake their own projects. 29th Odiham (Pondtail) Beaver Colony enjoyed a memorable evening at the Army Medical Services Museum in Aldershot. Here they were able to try on equipment and uniforms of the period and learnt about the Army Medical services and the problems which soldiers faced in the trenches such as trench foot and the gas. They also learnt about how Scouts were involved during the war. The 3rd Gosport Cub pack researched the involvement of the 3rd Gosport Scout Troop in the War. They discovered that a leader with the troop is the only Gosport Scout listed in the Scouts Roll of Honour. They then conducted further research into Sapper E E C Jones who died on active service on the Eastern front on 25th September 1918, just 6 weeks before the Armistice. He was based in Saloniki (now Thessaloniki), Greece and is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery there. Interested in what the term ‘Died on Active Service’ meant they went on to discover that he was not killed during a battle but died of an illness, most likely flu. A flu epidemic swept through Europe in 1918 and the second and most deadly wave of this hit Saloniki in August 1914. The Cubs interest sparked further they investigated the Flu epidemic discovering that it was more deadly that the war, killing more people than the fighting. 1st Stubbington Beavers over several weeks visited their local War memorial, learnt about the countries involved, the battlefields and how animals were used. They also learnt about Ted, an army medic and Great Grandfather of one of the Beavers and a couple Alfred and Floss. Their work culminated in a special Great War evening where the Beavers displayed their work an example of which is below. Tables were set up with lots of WW1 memorabilia they had brought in including empty shell cases, medal, medical bags, photos and even love letters. A special speaker (a serving Army Officer and father of one of the Beavers) came and talked to the Beavers about the Army and Remembrance and also brought along with him a small typewriter which had seen service at Gallipoli and in France during the war. His skills were put to good use in identifying some of the objects including the spent shell cases.
It has been fascinating hearing about the various projects undertaken, just what can be found out through researching local and family history and the evident sense of achievement and enjoyment from those involved. The WW1 Commemoration team hope that those sections and groups who have not undertaken a project based around some aspect of WW1 will consider this in their future programme planning – you have until 2018. Lt. Commander David Griffiths (retired) Hampshire Scouts WW1 Group 8
Novembers 2014
Sunday 19th October saw the annual Service of Remembrance hosted by the Active Support Units at St. John’s Church, Hedge End. During the service, twenty four members from Hampshire Scouting who had “Gone Home” during the last year were remembered including two Vice-Presidents. As well as members from the Active Support Units, family members of those being remembered and friends were also present and a candle was lit for each name read out. The service next year will be hosted by City of Portsmouth Active Support and we already have two names to be added. After the service everyone retired to the church hall for refreshments and a picture was on show of the tree planted by what was then Fellowship at the National Arboretum in 2005 recognising the service to Hampshire Scouting of members over the years. It is now considerable larger and can be found not far from the memorials to the Royal Horse Artillery and the Parachute Regiment. Richard Spearing ACC Active Support
Hampshire Remembers On Sunday 19th October Hampshire Scouting held its annual service of remembrance for those members of scouting who have “Gone Home” Over 70 members filed into St John the Evangelist Church in hedge End for the service of readings, prayers and hymns. This was a moving service, with a candle lit for all known members and supporters who have passed away over the last 12 months, from County, District and Group. A role of honour containing all names of people over the years who have served Scouting has been produced and is kept up to date, and this is put on display every year during and after the service. A big thank you to Richard Spearing and his team who do a great job organizing the service, why not come along next year? It’s also a great chance to catch up with friends over a cup of tea afterwards. Do make sure Richard is aware of local supporters who have “Gone Home” this year, and he will gladly include in next year’s roll of honour. Peter Moody Hampshire Scouts Chairman
Hampshire Scout Mountaineering Team
www.hsmt.org.uk
www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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Gardener Activity Badge To achieve this badge you need to: 1, Know what happens to trees in each of the four seasons. 2, Know how to use some gardening tools safely. 3, Know what plants need to grow. 4, Help to look after a garden or allotment for three months. Keep a record of what you have done and the changes you see.
Guidance for Leaders:
1, Doesn’t have to be to in depth. Winter the trees look dead. Spring they grow leaves and flowers. Summer they grow fruit. Autumn they fruit and leaves fall off. 2, Probably best to use hand tools with beavers like a hand fork and trowel. They can do a bit of digging and plant some things. For those that are interested they can learn about the bigger tools used by adults. 3, Just the basics of sun light, water and food. Know that the food comes from the soil and you can give them extra in fertilizer. 4, 3 months should give enough time for things to grow and change. Record can be drawn pictures, simple sentences and photographs. For those with no access to gardens or allotments a range of houseplants/herbs could be cared for but not just 1 spider plant etc. Alternatively, there might be an area in the local community where there is something suitable. Some schools now have gardens for the children. Some Scout HQs have potential for gardens to be put in. www.hampshirescouting.org.uk/new-badges-launched/
10 Novembers 2014
Petersfield District Cub Swimming Gala
Flast awarded to 1st Sheet in 1988. After unearthing the trophy 12 months ago, it was decided to stage orty years ago the Petersfield District Cub Scout swimming trophy was first presented and it was
a gala for the present Cubs of Petersfield District so a blank piece of paper was found and the planning began.
The Gala was held at Churcher’s College pool and drew together a large team of leaders, helpers and parents to fulfil the many roles necessary for such an event to run smoothly on the day. All the Packs from East Hants Villages, Liphook, Liss, Petersfield and Sheet were represented and a total of 70 Cubs swam. Events included novelty races such as a duck and float relay to ensure that weaker swimmers got a chance to participate and contribute to the overall points total. The length races were hotly contested with the final of the length t-shirt medley the highlight, raising the roof as spectators and competitors cheered on their teams. There was a fantastic atmosphere during the whole afternoon, which was extremely well supported by families and friends of the competitors. After 30 races and lots of enthusiastic swimming, the clear overall winners were 1st Sheet Broadlands Pack who were awarded gold medals and the 40 year old trophy. Silver went to 1st Liss and bronze to 1st Petersfield. Well done to all the teams and huge thanks for everyone’s help and support. Melanie Robinson Assistant District Cub Scouts Petersfield
www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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County Cub Survival Camp With leaders arriving and setting up camp on Friday afternoon it could only mean that the cubs would not be far behind. County Cub Survival Camp got off to a great start on Friday 24th October 2014 with 36 cubs booked in and leaders supporting from seven groups. Once again the camp was held at Pinsent Campsite, Winchester and the weather looked as if it was going to be kind.
Sunday also included a cub forum which was successfully run by our Young Leaders as part of their young leader training. The cubs were asked what they liked and if there was anything they would change. Exchanging ideas and swapping suggestions with each other.
Saturday morning arrived and after bacon rolls and porridge the washing up was done.
Settled in their teams the activities started. The teams were mixed from all the different groups and the cubs were quickly working together. Undertaking challenges including pioneering projects, cooking on open fires and learning to light their own fires.
Once again the weekend was a great success and thanks go to:Frank for organising the camp; Julie and Dave for keeping everyone well fed;the leaders who ran and supported bases as well as supervising their own packs; everyone who helped in the kitchen and finally Andy and his young leaders who did an amazing job all weekend and ably helped us finish the chocolate at the end of camp.
On Sunday morning the competition took place with everyone putting the skills they had learnt to the test. Everyone who took part achieved new skills and tried things they had not done before a real cub adventure camp.
Same time next year see you there.
Amanda Thompson ACC Cubs
12 Novembers 2014
Sunset Hike
1st Whitchurch scouts
In October the 1st Whitchurch scouts completed our Sunset hike, it was inspired by our dawn hike in the spring. In May the scouts had a sleep over in the hut, before setting off at 4am into the dawn chorus around Whitchurch and Laverstoke. The thin cloud broke around 5am and they saw an amazing sunrise. We had left cool boxes along the route with cereal and milk in one and brioche and jam in another. The three groups met up in the millennium meadow three hours later where Nikki had set up the stoves and the scouts cooked a great full English breakfast. On the day of our October hike it had rained for the previous three days and we nearly cancelled the event. Two hours before we set off, the weather bucked up and we hiked up on to the downs on the Hampshire / Berkshire border above Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. Despite the dark clouds a brief orange sunset broke through the clouds around 6pm as we set our Trangias up in the shelter of a coppice, to cook our dinner of freeze dried expedition food. We walked off in the dark along a drovers track taking us back to the drop off point, a perfect circular route. Many of the scouts had never been outside and active at Dawn or Dusk or cooked a meal on the move. From the positive response we had from the scouts and parents its likely we will run similar events next year. John Bentley Assistant Scout Leader 1st Whitchurch Scouts
www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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We achieved 89 swimmingbadges
8th Alton
This week saw all our beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers have an opportunity to achieve a swimming badge. Lord Wandsworth College allowed us to use their pool over their two week half term, so having sorted life guards we were ready to brave the swimming pool. We ran 2 hour sessions on two evenings, the members completed their badge and then had time for a bit of fun in the pool. The fun included games and also investing 2 new scouts in the pool, we had crafted a waterproof flag! As a leader there was nothing better than seeing that sense of achievement as a young member swims 25 m for the first time. The great advantage is that not only do they all earn badges and improve their swimming but also we know their swimming ability for future water activities. A great evening and I have never had so many parents involved as they were all involved counting laps and ticking skill sheets as the members worked through the badge requirements. Yours In scouting Sue How Group Scout Leader 8th Alton
Hampshire Scout Rifle Club 2015 County Airgun Competition - Comprising Air Rifle & Air Pistol Entry is restricted to Groups within Hampshire Scout County Next year’s competition will be held again at Hiltingbury Scout Headquarters on Sunday the 1st March 2015. Please note the date and look out for entry details on HSRC website.
www.scouts-shoot.org.uk/hsrc 14 Novembers 2014
y a d y t i v i t ac s r e r a C Young th
Sunday 19
E
arly this year the County Development Board was awarded a grant, via Scout HQ, from the Freemasons Grand Charity to set up Scout Groups to meet in hospitals and provide an activity day for young carers Young carers are young people who take on the responsibility of caring for somebody else in addition to their education and other activities. As I’m sure you can appreciate knowing how busy your own life is this can be quite a challenge for the young carer to fit everything in and it means they have reduced time for undertaking activities of their own. The idea of this day was to give them a day away from caring and to enjoy Scouting as well as undertaking some challenging, interesting and exciting activities. Ferny Croft was selected as the venue for the activity day where they were able to allow us to use the Sky High Conservatory and provide other major activities with instructors. In addition we also contacted other groups from the County who have special
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October 20
skills to provide activities. Having discussed the outline of the day with the Hampshire co-ordination group for young carers and met one of the area co-ordinators, it was also suggested that we provide lunch to give the young carers a day without having to worry about organising food. Based on the output of our meeting and with help from the County office we produced, posters and flyers which were sent to all the young carer groups in Hampshire to publicise the event. The response from the young carers was good so we planned for approx. 90 young carers. We also felt it would be a good idea to have ‘mentors’ with each group for the activities and reached out to Explorers/young Leaders to support us. Unfortunately nearer the date a number of the groups dropped out as they were unable to find sufficient volunteers to accompany them. On the day 57 young carers and about 15 adults from three groups attended. These were split into 7 groups, all of which had members
from within Scouting to provide support. During the day the young carers were able to take part in a wide range of activities including climbing, archery, canoeing, fire lighting and tent pitching as well as using the go-carts and adventure course at Ferny Crofts. We were also able to provide them with a hot lunch courtesy of members of the Pax Hall Lodge who are also involved in Scouting. Our thanks to the Ferny Croft crew include the gold team, HEAT, Cricket camp site team, members from Southampton City and Romsey Districts for their involvement in the day. Finally I’d just like to highlight one of the feedback comments received from the young carers ‘Everyone running the activities were so friendly, encouraging and made the day so special.’ I think that goes to show what a good job was done by all those involved, how much the young carers appreciated it and they may well join the movement. Graham Meering Member of County Development Board
www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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! e t a r b e l e c o t h t n o A great m
The month of October was a month to remember for Ron Barker, Vice Chairman Basingstoke West District, when he was able to enjoy with his family the presentation of the Chief Scout Award, Gold, Silver and Bronze, to his grandchildren, Calum, Stefan and Eloise respectively. Calum and Stefan earned their Award with Kempshott Scout Group, Scout and Cub Scout sections, while Eloise earns hers with Rooksdown Scout Group, Beaver Colony. The presentation to Calum and Stefan of their Certificates was at the Basingstoke Council Chambers, by the Mayor of Basingstoke, Councillor Roger Gardiner, along with 29 other recipients from Basingstoke West District Scout Council. Eloise will have her Certificate presented by Peter Bench, District Commissioner, during November at the Beaver Scout section presentation. Ron Barker Group Scout Leader Rooksdown Scout Group 16 Novembers 2014
Geocaching Activity Badge
To achieve this badge you need to: 1, Demonstrate an awareness of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to include: a. how it works. b. ownership and control of the system. c. benefits to society. d. what factors affect accuracy.
2, Programme a hand-held GPS receiver to perform the following functions: a. Find your location (grid reference and latitude/longitude) and record it. b. Enter the grid reference of a local landmark and navigate to the waypoint. c. Enter the latitude/longitude coordinates of a nearby point and navigate to the waypoint checking the accuracy. d. Walk on a bearing using the GPS and a map. 3, Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between Ordnance Survey and latitude/ longitude coordinates. 4, Using an Ordnance Survey map (1:25 000 or 1:50 000 scale) plan a route of at least 4km that contains a minimum of 10 waypoints. Discuss the features and challenges that exist along the route. Programme the route into a hand-held GPS and undertake the journey. 5, Sign up to a geocaching website. Find out about geocaching and demonstrate an understanding of what is involved in both locating and placing a geocache. 6, Demonstrate an understanding of the safety and environmental aspects of geocaching, e.g. Highway Code; Countryside Code and guidelines produced by the Geocaching Association of Great Britain (GAGB). 7, Find five geocaches using a GPS, at least three of which must be ‘multi-caches’ with at least two waypoints. Discuss the accuracy of the information provided and of the GPS receiver you used. 8, With adult assistance where necessary: a. Plan, assemble and hide two caches, one of which should be a multi-cache. The planning should involve making sure the location is suitable and that other navigators have proper access to the land and terrain. b. Either submit your caches to a geocaching website, or give the details to other Scouts to successfully find the caches. Guidance for Leaders Reference should be made to the Activity Rules in chapter nine of Policy, Organisation and Rules and the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme.
www.hampshirescouting.org.uk/new-badges-launched/ www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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Scouts Chef Badge Presentation
1st Aldershot
On Friday 17th October 2014, 1st Aldershot were visited by a very special guest from the local Garrison. The troop were honoured to have the Garrison Commander Colonel Lambert personally visit their local hut in North Town and present them with certificates and badges for a recent project they took part in with Army caterers Sodexo. Nigel Merchant (Support Services Manager) and Andy Till (head Chef) from Sodexo had worked very hard on two evenings in September to assist with completion of their ‘Chef’ proficiency badge. The first evening involved teaching food safety and completing Sodexo Chef badge resources packs down the hut (new resource packs supported by Sodexo’s own charity, the Sodexo Foundation) whilst the second part of the badge was very hands-on with Andy and his team letting the Scouts prepare food and cook in their kitchen. The Commander addressed the troop and found out more about what the Scouts had learned and achieved in the accomplishment of their ‘Chef’ badge. The Scouts were individually presented with their badges and certificates by the Colonel. The Scouts had enjoyed doing the Chef badge immensely and it was an honour to have the Colonel Lambert down for the presentation. You can learn more about Sodexo at: www.aspiredefence.co.uk/pages/sodexo. If you would like to learn more about 1st Aldershot Scouts please contact us at firstaldershotscouts@gmail.com or twitter.com/1staldershot, alternatively visit our website at www.1staldershot.co.uk
Nathan Barham 1st Aldershot Scouts Assistant Leader 18 Novembers 2014
s t u o c th Alton S ork w y t i n u 8 i s e d f o r co m m r e co g n
8th Alton scouts had a busy summer helping out in the community, the beavers started by sowing wild seed and the scouts spent a number of evenings rubbing down and painting the park railing; this also counted towards their DIY badge. The scouts and explorers also joined with the Alton society to clear the fake watercress out of the river in the local flood meadows. The watercress slows the river down causing it to eventually silt up if not cleared. This was hard work and caused a number of scouts to get very wet falling over in the river, some say accidentally. I am not so sure, but was enjoyed by all. Chris Hughes one of the explorers involved, then attended the South In Bloom judging to explain the scouts involvement. At the Alton in Bloom presentation night the group were rewarded not only with a number of certificates but also with the Alton Society cup for keeping Alton Tidy. Lakota (Sue How) Group Scout Leader 8th Alton www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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20 Novembers 2014
October 2014
Hampshire Scout
& QSA news
Welcome to the October DofE and QSA e-news. Please join our new Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hsdofe/ to keep up to date. Email us your stories & questions to Mike Baxter, Assistant County Commissioner for DofE & QSA on dofe@scouts-hants.org.uk
Well Done
Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Jessica Allmark (Andover), Toby Parker (Soton) and Elliott Galvin (Basingstoke West). Queen’s Scout Award Toby Brimson (Itchen North), Thomas Bourner (Soton), Rebecca Griffiths (Blackwater Valley), Jessica Allmark (Andover), Elliott Galvin (Basingstoke West), Lawrence Marinaccio & Peter Young (Waterlooville). Medal of Merit Mike Baxter
e-
Upgrade
EDofE (www.dofe.org/en/content/cms/leaders/edofe/) is being upgraded over the weekend of 28 – 30 Nov. Improvements will include better navigation, less pop ups, easier timescale selection for participants and those who are inactive will become active when they login. More info see the DofE Magazine
(www.dofe.org/en/content/cms/leaders/dofe-magazine/).
Expedition Successes
Well done & thank-you to everyone who has supported 55 teams this year to complete their DofE Expeditions. New Forest North have completed an expedition with a participant requiring an electric wheelchair in the New Forest – as you can see lots of good teamwork needed!
Training
We are running our annual DofE Leader training weekend from 6-8 February 2015 at Ferny Crofts. This will cover Getting Started, Expedition Supervisor, Expedition Skills plus the Expedition Assessor course. More information see www.hsdofe.org. For other courses see www.scouts.org.uk/events.
Thank You!
Our Youth Leadership Volunteers Ollie & Tilly have again organised awards for DofE leaders and this year a new award for participants too. A thank-you and outstanding service award are available, judged by a team of young people: http://goo.gl/fUKJx1 & adults: http://goo. gl/UFXZzQ. You can submit your nomination for an adult or young person who have done something to help you or others. More information at www.hsdofe.org.
Trackers On Expeditions Just a warning that one group using a brand of tracker with an “SOS” button that links to the emergency services resulted in the callout of a helicopter. The group was warned that if it happened again they would be charged (the cost mentioned £37,000!). Supervisors may use trackers to help with supervision, but this is no substitute for a robust supervision plan! Assessors must not insist on their use!
Opportunities Young Leader Training Weekend 28-30 November, Farnborough www.tiny.cc/ylt. > Volunteer opportunity (Gold, 18+) as Caving Instructor at Runway’s End, Farnborough. Email melomail@aol.com. > Open Gold Expedition 2015 – walking in Dartmoor www.tiny.cc/opengold2015.
www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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Activity Leadership Courses 2015 11-12 April 2015
RYA Level 2 Powerboating Course
£100 per person
Hamble Sea Scouts
19 April 2015
BCU Foundation Safety & Rescue Training Course
Lakeside, Eastleigh
25 April 2015
Adventurous Activity Permit Assessment – Pulling (max B2 waters)
25 April 2015
Adventurous Activity Permit Assessment – Dinghy Sailing (max B2 waters)
25-26 April 2015
Archery GB Community Sports Leader Award course (part 1 of 2) REC Level 2 First Aid Course
£30 person + BCU registration fee Free to Hampshire Scouts (£15 per person everyone else) Free to Hampshire Scouts (£25 per person everyone else) £210 per person for both weekends £105 per person
25-26 April 2015 2-3 May 2015 9 May 2015
Archery GB Community Sports Leader Award course (part 2 of 2) Adventurous Activity Permit Assessment – Rafting (afternoon only)(max B2 waters)
10 May 2015
Adventurous Activity Permit Assessment – Kayaking/Canoeing (max B2 waters)
17 May 2015
BCU Foundation Safety & Rescue Training Course
6 June 2015
Adventurous Activity Permit Training & Assessment – 22 Novembers 2014 Traditional Rafting
£210 per person for both weekends Free to Hampshire Scouts (£15 per person everyone else) Free to Hampshire Scouts (£15 per person everyone else) £30 person + BCU registration fee £30 per person
Terry Hawkes T: 07717 763572 E: Terry@hambleseascouts.com Joan Veal T: 01489 782804 E: isdsc@btinternet.com
25th Southampton Sea Scouts
Joan Veal T: 01489 782804 E: isdsc@btinternet.com W:
25th Southampton Sea Scouts
Joan Veal T: 01489 782804 E: isdsc@btinternet.com W:
Ferny Crofts
Ferny Crofts T: 023 8084 5092 E: manager@fernycrofts.org.uk W: www.fernycrofts.org.uk Ferny Crofts T: 023 8084 5092 E: manager@fernycrofts.org.uk W: www.fernycrofts.org.uk Ferny Crofts T: 023 8084 5092 E: manager@fernycrofts.org.uk W: www.fernycrofts.org.uk Joan Veal T: 01489 782804 E: isdsc@btinternet.com W:
Ferny Crofts
Ferny Crofts
Lakeside, Eastleigh
25th Southampton Sea Scouts
Joan Veal T: 01489 782804 E: isdsc@btinternet.com W:
Lakeside, Eastleigh
Joan Veal T: 01489 782804 E: isdsc@btinternet.com
Ferny Crofts
Ferny Crofts T: 023 8084 5092 E: manager@fernycrofts.org.uk W: www.fernycrofts.org.uk
On the up! Cerberus Explorer Scout
Cerberus Explorer Scout Unit from New Forest North, invested seven of their new members on top of Southampton’s tallest building, the Morsbey Tower in Ocean Village on Monday 20th October. We all met at the Cineworld car park at 6pm. We were met by two of the site managers, who gave us a safety briefing before putting on our reflective jackets and safety hats. We were joined by a photographer from the Daily Echo and then we proceeded to the foot of the building. The Tower is 80m tall (approx 240ft). As the building is still being worked on and is still an active worksite, we were ushered along to the lift, which took us up the 24 floors to the penthouse apartments (only 2 apartments, we were going to purchase one as our new HQ but we needed a few more funds to reach the estimated £1.5 million each!!). We were taken out on to the balcony area. This is where we invested our Explorers. Andy Austin Explorer Leader
www.hampshirescouts.org.uk
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p m a C s d o o w k Bac 1st Aldershot 15 enthusiastic youngsters from 1st Aldershot Scout troop spent 24-26 Oct 2014 at Pound Farm Lane in Ash Green for a weekend camping, cooking on open fires and learning survival skills. The weekend began with some slight showers as the Scouts arrived in the dark at the chosen campsite in the woods (however the rain quickly disappeared). On arrival the Scouts were split into groups and each given a sheet of tarpaulin and some rope to make their shelter for the weekend. On Saturday morning the groups were all advised they would be cooking their breakfast on an open fire and would be using these fires all weekend to cook. The younger Scouts worked on collecting wood piles for the fires and started to build up their fire-pits with some assistance and guidance from their leaders. The Scouts successfully managed to build five fires to cook their breakfast of bacon and eggs and later on would be preparing and cooking beef stew on the fires they had built. Over the weekend the Scouts also had the chance to learn how to carve spoons, forage for food in the woods and how to bake Welsh cakes. The weather stayed dry throughout the weekend and the temperature remained warm even at night. The Scouts loved building the fires and even got to have their own campfire singalongs on the Saturday night. Kendra, one of the Scouts who took part in the weekend had a great time �It was fun, it was awesome! I loved learning new skills and it was great to work together as a group with he other Scouts.�._
Contact 1st Aldershot Scouts at firstaldershotscouts@gmail.com or twitter.com/1staldershot Nathan Barham, 1st Aldershot Scouts Assistant Leader
www.1staldershot.co.uk