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Welcome to the May/June 2012 issue of ELP. With the county having just completed our St George’s Day celebrations and the last leg of our Taste the Adventure initiative almost done we’ve had a great past few months—not to mention the absolutely fantastic increase in membership, but more on this on page 3! We have some very active and excited young people in our county, just take a look at what 1st Tuton have been doing on page 12! Looks like fun! Towards the end of this month’s ELP you might see a familiar face! Janet AldersonPerkins has got her own section of ELP dedicated to Adult Training so if you’re needing some training or you’re not sure when the next course is, just take a look at this new section! We hope you enjoy reading and don’t forget to send us your comments—we read them all, promise!
Chris Taylor Editor chris.taylor@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk
A balanced programme for adults as well as young people is what Scouting is all about, that’s why the county holds an annual event which we call “Skills & Chills”. We want to get as many people as possible there and it’s a great chance to meet other adults from your district and from around the County to share ideas, learn new skills and sort out problems and solutions in a relaxed social environment! See you at Skills & Chills!
Glen Glen Fendall County Commissioner glen.fendall@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk
You may well see details of Scouting’s annual census in the news recently, and 178 new Scouts in the past twelve months in East Lancashire have helped take the number in the UK to its highest this century. Scouting in East Lancashire has grown 5.7% in the past twelve months, helping take total UK membership to 525,327. Total numbers in East Lancashire now stand at 3312. This impressive surge in membership - the seventh consecutive year of growth - has helped cement Scouting’s position as the largest co-educational youth Movement in the country, helping even more young people and adults join in the adventure. East Lancashire is committed to enabling as many young people and adults to taste the adventure of Scouting and are holding an event at Bowley International Scout Camp in Great Harwood on the 28 and 29 April 2012 to enable those not involved in the Movement to see what Scouting in 2012 is all about. A large part is of this growth is due to the number of 6 to 8 year olds joining in East Lancashire, Nationally growth is being driven by an increasing number of teenagers (14-18) joining with 2544 Explorers have signed up during this period. We offer an environment for young people to achieve their full potential as individuals and responsible citizens. These principles are reflected in the range of community work that Scout Groups undertake week in -week out. Locally this will be highlighted during Scout Community Week running from 14 to 18 May where projects include supporting local parks, tree planting, community allotments, community flower planting and environment improvements such as litter collections. A report unveiled last year demonstrates the positive impact of Scouting for young people:
38% of young people in Scouting have volunteered for another organisation
36% of former youth Scout members volunteer for 2 hours a week, compared to 26% for the general population
Previous studies have also shown that each year Scout Leader contributes the equivalent of 37 million hours voluntary work which is the equivalent of £380 million pounds worth of unpaid youth work.
40% of voluntary groups surveyed would not be able to get the same amount of work done if Scouts had not been involved
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Equally striking is the 46 Explorers in East Lancashire who have chosen to sign up to the Young Leaders’ Scheme. Through the scheme, Explorers make a commitment to work as Leaders in Beaver and Cubs.
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Following suggestions from members of the troop, St Joseph’s Scouts spent two nights demonstrating their ICT skills at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy. Temporary accounts were created by the helpful staff at the Academy; this allowed the Scouts to work through a series of tasks to meet the criteria of stages 1-3 of the ICT badge. Through a considered choice of tasks some Scouts also completed work towards their Sports Enthusiast and Guide badges. This activity would not have been possible without the support of the staff at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy. The excellent facilities in the school ensured that all members of the troop were able to show off their ICT skills. We would like to thank DACA and look forwards to making use of more facilities during dark winter nights next year!
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Across Burnley and Pendle nearly 100 Cubs and Scouts gathered to take part in a flying visit to the Air Museum at RAF Cosford in the West Midlands. The aim of the trip was to focus on the research required to gain the Air Researcher and Basic Aviation badges for Scouts and the Air Activities badge for Cubs. A convoy of coaches filled with excited leaders and some excitable young people set off from central Burnley and landed safely at Cosford just before Lunchtime. The Patrols and Sixes broke formation and shot off to explore the museum and find the treasures it had to offer. With over 70 aircraft ranging from Vulcan bombers to Wessex helicopters and from the Spitfire to the Lightening there was plenty to do and see. Split into a number of different hangers each with a different theme it was possible get a real insight into the size and workings of the aircraft. The favourite for many seemed to be the more modern Cold War Hanger however it is unclear if the attraction was the cafĂŠ, gift shop of the stunning array of planes suspended in the displays. Several Cubs and Scouts got the chance to sit in the cockpit of one of the display aircraft and have the basics of flying explained by one of the museum experts. Other Groups found the giant Airfix model of a Spitfire that was made by James May and a gang of local kids for one of his recent TV series. All too soon it was time to head home, however not before some of the Cubs and Scouts had found a particularly muddy hill to roll down. Having counted them all out and counted them all back in Howard, District Commissioner of Burnley and Pendle got them all back safely and proclaimed the whole trip to have been a great success.
Have you ever thought you might like to try your hand at working in media? Have you ever felt you could take amazing photos or video, or that you could write great articles and spark a reader’s imagination. Have you ever wanted to be the one to manage a website or design stunning webpages, posters or brochures? Could you capture people’s stories on tape and distil the essence of Scouting into a few short sentences or minutes of filming? If your answer is “yes” or if you are interested in finding out whether the answer is “yes”, then come and join the County Team for a weekend of exploring the Media and the opportunities it has to offer. We are giving the chance for Explorers and Network to come to Bowley in Early August and take part in a series of activities focussed on different elements of the work done available through Scouts in relation to the Media . This will include the chance to take video and photographs, to compose news stories and undertake interviews. Once complete there will be chance to learn from those involved in the media throughout East Lancashire and understand what it is that makes a compelling story or a stunning photo. After this intensive day of activity you will get the chance to apply your new knowledge by leading a group of Scouts through a similar process supported by a group of mentors. If your interests lie more in the background, for example in the creation and management of websites or in developing relationships with key media outlets across the County, then we are also inviting you to come along and get involved.
s There will be a small charge for the event to cover the cost of food and accommodation (for those who want to stay). If you think that this might be something you would be interested in then either keep an eye on the East Lancashire Website for more news or email the media team at mediateam@eastlancscouts.org.uk
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Over 2 days on the 22nd and 23rd April hundreds of our Scouts gathered across Blackburn, Burnley, Clitheroe, Darwen, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale to celebrate St George’s Day. The range of celebrations varied across the County and included a real Knight, spectacular dragons, impressive parades and engaging services. Many of the celebrations were joined by prominent local figures including a number of Local Mayors as well as many parents who turned out to support the movement and to hear their children renew their promise. A key part of the celebration was the recognition by the Movement of the service given by many of the adults across our County in support of Scouting. The following received special recognition: • Glen Fendall County Commissioner – East Lancashire – Bar to Silver Acorn; • John Davey JP – District Commissioner – Rossendale DC – Bar to Silver Acorn; • Jennifer Turner – Assistant County Commissioner Cubs – Bar to Silver Acorn; and • Neil Simpson – Group Scout Leader St Cuthbert’s Scout Group – Silver Acorn.
These awards are given only for distinguished service and are entirely in the gift of our Chief Scout, Bear Grylls. It is unusual for anyone to receive the Silver Acorn for any less than 20 years of service and the addition of the Bar normally requires at least an additional 5 years of continued exceptional service before it is also awarded.
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On Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April East Lancashire Scouts threw open the gates of Bowley International Scout Camp and welcomed people in to Taste the Adventure of Scouting in 2012. Over the 2 days people aged from 5 to 80 came along and had a go a whole range of scouting activities from shooting crossbows to skimming across the site on the zip wire to taking part in the leap of faith. More traditional scouting skills were also on show with fire-lighting without matches to wood carving, rope making and the construction of go carts. Bowley also welcome a large contingent of Scouts from across the County who took advantage of the free camping to come and take part. Some of these Groups were involved in providing demonstrations and enabling visitors to come and see what Scouting was really like. Other Groups took on the role of guides and showed visitors to various activities and events that were going on. The 2 days of activities were the exciting conclusion to the 5 month campaign to raise awareness of Scouting in East Lancashire. The combination of the events in each District and the weekend of activities attracted interest in Scouting from over 300 people. Whilst many of these were young people the aim was to attract more adult leaders into the movement and around 20 adults have expressed a level of interest in volunteering. The interest from young people will be sent to relevant districts for them to find the best place for them to join in that area. The Adult volunteers will be invited to a special information evening to get the process of them joining the movement started. The aim is to initiate the induction of these volunteers into Scouting and then once the areas of interest have been more fully explored discuss with the relevant Districts where they might be able to add most value. This information evening is expected to take place in the next 4 weeks and the County team are also happy to welcome any recently joining leaders who are already in a Group to attend as well if Group Scout Leaders feel it would be of benefit.
Email hello@tastetheadventure.org.uk to register one of your new leaders to attend this introductory evening. Whilst this campaign to recruit adults across the whole County has come to an end the resources created are still available for any individual District, Group or Section to use. This includes the Taste the Adventure website and the Banners or Flags. Please email the team or County Office if you would support to run your own recruitment events.
At 7:15 on a bright sunny Sunday morning, 95 Scouts and Explorers from across East Lancashire, split into 18 teams, gathered to take part in the Border Sevens Challenge Hike. The Hike is split into two distances with Explorers taking on 35 miles and Scouts covering 22 miles. Everyone who reached at least the half-way point received a bronze award with those completing 22 miles getting silver and the Gold award going only to those who complete the full 35 miles. Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue were on hand throughout the day to provide both encouragement and support to everyone who took part. Competition was fierce on the day with amazing performances from a number of teams. The Open event was won by Cookeridge Village Scout Leaders from Yorkshire who completed the 36 miles in 11 hours and 12 minutes. Blackburn Explorers took the Male 14 to 19 Trophy completing 31 Miles in 10 hours 30 minutes. Finally Immanuel Explorers won the mixed trophy completing 26 miles in 11 hours 30 minutes. In the Scout Competition the male trophy was won by 1 st St James Briercliffe who completed their 22 miles in an amazing 7 hours and 31 minutes. St Joseph’s of Darwen won the Female Scout Trophy completing the 22 miles in 10 hours 43 minutes. Pendle Forest won the Mixed Scout Team Trophy finishing in 9 hours 47 minutes. In the novice category 2 awards were available and were won by St Joseph’s A team and St Matthew’s with Holy Trinity completing the 22 miles in 9 hours 4 minutes and 9 hours 14 minutes respectively. An amazing effort by everyone involved.
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Sat Navs at the ready, identity documents at the ready, Trangias packed. And so the adventure began as Bold Venture and St Joseph’s set off over the hill towards Edgworth hoping that Border Control may have nipped out. St Joseph’s made it through but Bold Venture were met by the local officials and had to show their documents. Fortunately all was in order and Border Control was cleared! Welcome to St James', the home of 1st Turton Scouts and a great evening of fun, teamwork and 'food' - we may revisit the term 'food' later ! This was billed as 'Ready Scouty Cook', 'Trangia Masterchef', 'Can't Cook, Yep They Can't Cook' and whilst all could of hit the mark, nothing prepared us for what followed. 50+ Scouts were split into groups of 3, one from each troop, and a bag of food was handed to each team (a selection of noodles, pasta, tinned food, fresh veg, cooked meats etc) and they were given forty minutes to create a culinary masterpiece. Straight away the teams set to work, setting up Trangias, deciding what to cook and how, seeing what else they could trade or pick up from other teams. Within minutes came the aroma of smoke - toast on a Trangia ..... a concept worth trying but a Trangia that is still being cleaned 5 days later!! A little time later, as teams were huddled over their ground based micro kitchens, the odd plates of food appeared for 'testing'. There were some interesting creations that looked a lot different to how they tasted. As ever, the leaders weren't disappointed as good, edible, hot food was presented for testing. Everybody left confident our Scouts wouldn't go hungry ! As for the winner ...... whilst one team got the prize, a 24hr ration pack, they all deserve a mention in their own way. There were simple meals, big idea meals, concept meals, but most of all each team created fun meals! Considering that many of these Groups only see each other at Parades, District Events and other official events it never ceases to amaze those leaders present how well they get on. The common purpose of Scouting shines through in all that they do. Their sense of fun, responsibility and obvious talent is something that they should all be proud of.
How do we top it for next time? There's few ideas, but that would be telling!! See you all next time......... Border Control permitting.
MAD UK—ESSEX Bookings for MAD are now open! When: 22nd—24th June Where: Kingston Ridge Campsite, Basildon, Essex Cost: £30 (before 31st May) / £40 (after 31st May) Meal Ticket: £15 (MAD Burgers are back—Chelmsford ASU are with us once again with their legendary MAD burgers—try one (or two) if you dare!) Theme: MR MAD
The Fesitval! The Festical is taking place at Rough Close Scout Campsite on Friday 15th June—Sunday 17th June, 2012! The festival is open to anybody involved in Scouting and Guiding over the age of 18.
That’s all for now! Remember to follow us on Facebook—facebook.com/groups/159324294132209/ and Twitter - twitter.com/ELancsNetwork/ Andy – County Network Commissioner
Fire Toys
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We all know that nationally in 2011 more girls joined Scouting than boys doubling their numbers to nearly 70,000 in the UK. The growth last year and the census this year has raised a number of questions in East Lancashire that we think need to be discussed. These questions include:
If scouting exists to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities should this not apply equally to girls and boys? When Scouting is so appealing to girls why do we still have 20 Groups without any girls in them? What can we do to help people outside Scouting know we accept girls in all sections? Are scouts doing something different that are attracting girls or are girls now seeking out activities in our scouting programmes and if so why? Beavers are the section with least girls in them – is this a problem? There is a decline in numbers of girls who are in beaver and cub sections what should we do about it? How do we promote Scouting to girls? What, if any impact did the jamboree have on the number of girls in the Scout sections?
Do you have a view about this issue or indeed do you have a view about girls in scouting. We would like to hear from people on both sides of the argument – for and against girls in Scouting. We are meeting on 29 May 2012 for the first discussion so if you are interested in coming along please let Michelle know on the email below, we want to hear all views on this whatever your thoughts and from whichever section.
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The outcome from these discussions will help us decide on a direction to take in relation to Scouting for girls in our County. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Michelle’s email address is michelleiddon@hotmail.com
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This year sees the return of popular Kayaking and Canoeing camp based in the Lake District and running from 21st to 27 July. If you are a Scout or Explorer or part of Network and love to be out on the water and want an opportunity for an intensive week of coaching then get signed up for this week. Whether looking to qualify for a personal permit, progress your BCU level or gain a leader water permit then you need to get involved.
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Over the week you will be spending 4 or 5 hours a day on the water in both canoe and kayaks. This does require a certain level of fitness but there is nothing like the fun and challenge of being out on the lakes and at the end of the week knowing your paddling has improved.
The cost of the week is ÂŁ170 and will come down if the entire hostel can filled. More details to follow, in the meantime contact James Ruddock for more information.
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Welcome to the new Adult Training section of East Lancs Plus! Below you’ll see some next two months. If you need to speak to your local training manager, their details can which is available to download from the East Lancs website (www.elscouts.org.uk/trai Important Dates!
Tuesday 8th May (10am—4.45pm) - Modules 1,2,6
Tuesday 15th May (7pm—9pm) - Module 3
Saturday 19th—Sunday 20th May—Module 18
Thursday 31st May (7pm—10pm) - Safeguarding
Saturday 16th June (10am—4pm) - Module 38 Theory
Monday 25th June (7pm—10pm) Safeguarding
Friday 29th June—Sunday 1st July—Module 38 Practical
How can I book a place? Good question! You can contact Janet Alderson-Perkins (County Training Manager) at janetap@ntlworld.com or 01254 583736 or Jennifer Turner (County Training Administrator) at jenniferturner.tetley@gmail.com or 07863549041
of the upcoming training events for the n be found in the Training Dates Brochure ining)
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So—what did you think of this issue if ELP? We’d love to hear your comments in the usual way (elp@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk). If you have news which you want to appear on the county news page, just drop an email to elp.newsdesk@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk and if you have a story or article that you want us to publish, please send it to the media team or to the ELP team! Before we go… here are a list of ELP Submission dates until the end of 2012 and each issue of ELP will be sent out on the first Monday of every other month.
Issue Month
Final Date of Submissions
July/August 2012
18th June, 2012
September/October 2012
20th August, 2012
November/December 2012
22nd October, 2012