THIS MONTH’S QUOTATION THIS MONTH’S QUOTATION THIS MONTH’S QUOTATION Love is always patient and kind; love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited, it is never rude and never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offense or store up grievances. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in the truth. It is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. Love never comes to an end.
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EDITORIAL Happy New Year! It is well known that the New Year’s resolutions are kept secret. However, I’ve found the following lines doodled on a sheet of paper, left behind by a hurried Scout. “I wish to see every day a wide smile on the face of each Scout; I’m dreaming of a sea full of scarves and uniforms, a white flag and a lily flower in every corner of the country. I wish to see blushing Cubs, radiating health and good will, to feel the eagerness of each Scout, his quench for knowledge, the courage of the challenge, to get lost in the vivid enthusiasm of the Explorer, who looks up with pride, admiration and aspiration to his badges, to share a good story with the Rover nearby me and to let loose in the Leader’s vision. I wish for more pure souls in an efficient, stable and mature organization, a reborn of the scouting spirit gliding on the green and righteous paths of respect, responsibility, commitment and communication. I wish to feel I’m home every moment, to feel the thrill of belonging to the greatest youth movement in the world, I want motivation and I wish to know someone’s always watching over. Oh, and I mustn’t forget. I wish to make a good deed every day.” I don’t know who wrote these lines, but their echo is still resounding…
LUCIAN NEDELU}
InfoScout wishes you a Happy New Year, pleasant moments and a lot of Scouting!
editor-in-chief lucian.nedelut@infoscout.ro
Be prepared!
Cuprins 4 6 8
9 12 16 18
20 22 24 26
The hystory of Syrian scouts: Short hystory about Syria Jungle Book / The story goes on: Bagherra The Great The scouts are provoked: „No one’s sleeping tonight“, the 4th episode Scout skills: The Fire Where to? - Piatra Craiului Interview with a parent: Marta Mure[an Nature, sweet nature: Did you ever ask yourself how much “nature” do you need? Presenting the Local Centre: “Licos” Timi[oara Ada asks, Speedy answers Lands Of Adventure Don’t forget this joy
EDITORIAL STAFF COORDINATOR: Alin Pascaru EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Lucian Nedelu] EDITORS: Laura B\du] Claudia Naiba Claudia Coand\ Monica Jicmon Manuela Hortolomei Ada Rascol PARTNERS: Ioana Lucaciu Adrian Secal Dr. Ousama Zadeh ROUMANIAN COPY EDITING: Laura Hen Alexandra Dorina Flori Budau ENGLISH COPY EDITING: Diana Slabu Patriciu En\[el Boris Boberschi Horatiu Pop Bianca Bobei Anca Urdea Editorial Contact Address: redactie@infoscout.ro
InfoScout is a project of the Department of Imaging and Communication - © 2009 National Scout Organization of Romania It is prohibited to reproduce all or part of the materials contained in this magazine without editorial staff. Responsibility for the content of articles belongs entirely authors.
International
PARTNERSHIPS
THE HISTORY OF SYRIAN SCOUTS
SHORT HISTORY ABOUT SYRIA In the past, Syria was called Great Syria or the Country of Sham. It was formed of: present Syria, The Lebanese Republic, Mesopotamia (the region between Tigris and Euphrates) and a part of today’s Palestine. Also, Syria bordered Toros Mountain in the North, the Tabaria Lake in the South, Mousel Town to the East, and finally, the Mediterranean Sea to the West. The borders were kept until the French and English colonists divided Syria between them and formed the countries we all know now: Syria, Lebanese Republic, and a part of Iraq and Palestine.
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Syrian Scouts History: • 1912: The first group of scouts the Ottoman Scout Association was founded in Beirut under the leadership of Tawfeek el Habree • 1912: Shortly after, a second group was founded, and named Scouts of National Scientific School of Damascus. • 1913: Scouts from School of Anbar is the name of the third group of Syrian scouts. • 1914-1919: World War 1 causes the scout movement to be temporarily stopped • 1922: The Movement is brought back to life, and two new patrols are founded: Technique School Patrol, leaded by Yaseen Hamoi and Kurd School Patrol, leaded by Bakree Kadoora • 1924: The Syrian Scouts become members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement • 1925: The first civic centre was founded; before this, the Scout Method was applied only
in schools. This centre was named Muslim Scout Civic Centre, lead by Ali Al Dandashee • 1933: The Syrian Scouts participate in their first International Camp, in Hungary, them being the first Arabic country to participate in an international camp. • 1934: The Movement began to expand to other cities: Aleppo, Homs • 1935: Scouting was banned again due to French Occupation • 1936: Under the pressure of citizens and scouts, the French Commandant allowed scouting to continue and the centres reopened • 1937: They participated in the international camp in Netherlands • 1937: Syria organized the first camp for Arabian Scouts, in which countries like Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq and Palestine took part. For the first time, Girl Scouts were allowed, so the camp was called Murshidat( 14 www.infoscout.ro
PARTNERSHIPS years old girls are called like this, so the camp name was in their honor) • 1944- The Syrian Parliament recognizes the movement as a
The Syrian Scouts played a very important role in the international movement, from the participation in international camps to the entire activity at international level. Therefore, the World Organisation of the Scout Movement gave Mister Ali Dandashee a position in International Scout Committee Bureau in London and offered him the “Silver Wolf”, one of the greatest WOSM distinctions. Their activity was ceased in 1980 and restarted in 2006.
BOY SCOUT 2 ALEPPO
civic movement in the Constitution, therefore, the Scout Movement receives the support of the Government.
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In 2006, Aleppo Scouts tried to reorganize. It was hard and tiring work, but pleasant. Now, after three years of activity, we have 300 scouts. So, for Beavers ( 6-12 years)-120 scouts, for Starter Scouts(13-15 years)- 60 scouts, Explorer Scouts (16-19 years)-70 scouts, Rangers (over 19 years)20. There are 10 Leaders and 6 leaders with power of decision. We have a musical band, with 60 scouts: 45 Boy-Scouts and
International
15 Girl-Scouts. Our first representation was at a local festival, in 2006. The instruments we use are: trumpet, trombone, drum, horn, cymbals, bass-drum. Our activity: 1. First Aid Courses 2. Trainings at the firemen centre 3. Trainings in evacuation and people safety skills in case of war or natural calamities 4. Protecting Nature Courses 5. Promoting Scouting Educational Camp 6. Adventure and Fun Camps 7. The National Camp In Aleppo are 12 scout centers recognized by the Central Committee of Syrian Scouts • Numbers 1, 2, 3,4 and 11 are Muslim • Numbers 5 and 6 are Christian (Orthodox and Catholic) • Numbers 7 to 12, except 11, are Armenian Scouts @ Dr Ousama Zadeh, Syrian Scouts Leader
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the story
CUBS
THE 4TH EPISODE
BAGHERRA THE GREAT
‘Oh! I wish Bagherra was here right now!’ - thought Yupi... when remembering the panther’s last words, ‘to be prepared for everything and to learn to defend himself from an early age as well as he could” 6
As the holidays’ passing leaves into our hearts the will to find their specific magic as soon as possible, so does Akella’s departure leave the hope of drinking once again from an undrained spring of wisdom… But let’s not forget that Yupi has other mentors from whom he has still a lot to learn. ‘I’m a little wolfy But no one makes me a goofy Fear - a word I don’t know Through the jungle round I go Everything makes me curious I never become furious Bagherra taught me it makes you delirious…’ Thus was Yupi walking through the jungle after a meeting he had with Bagherra with which he spent the last few days. The little wolf was fascinated by the panther. Her black fur sparkling in the moon light, that makes
her one with the night and her green eyes that hypnotize him each time she looks at him are worthless in comparison with her ability to walk through the jungle without being heard, her skillfulness in hunting and her movements’ speed to which is added her intelligence and special capacity to surpass all obstacles in the jungle. But let’s see what is Yupi so happy about. Is it because Bagherra finally taught him to recognize strange noises that could mean danger? Sure thing! And his mentor praised his capacity to do so well in such short notice. At the end of the lesson Bagherra told him ‘Always be on guard!’ Interesting lesson for our little wolf that does his best to obtain the best results and to prove his mentors their efforts aren’t in vain. www.infoscout.ro
CUBS While he was walking thinking about the hours that had just passed, he suddenly hears strange noises around him. A stick cracking too strange, bushes rustling all around… the signs the panther told him about. Yupi listens carefully, spies everything with his eyes, his entire body becomes tense, ready to attack, unrevealing his emotions at the same time. Suddenly, in front of his eyes a black animal appears, his colour being all he’s spotted as his imagination was going crazy and he was thinking he’s too young to defend himself… ‘Oh! I wish Bagherra was here right now!’ - thought Yupi... when remembering the panther’s last words, ‘to be prepared for everything and to learn to defend himself from an early age as well as he could.’ When finally he decides to open his eyes to confront his attacker, there’s Bagherra standing right in front of him. ‘You did well on your first surprise attack’. When Yupi revealed he’s earlier thoughts, the panther said only “That’s why you need to be in the company of an adult wherever you go while you are still young. The jungle isn’t a friendly environment and bad things can happen to you in a blink of an eye. But this doesn’t mean you have to be constantly afraid”.
Bagherra’s amazing past as she doesn’t like to talk about it… In front of Yupi’s cave, before leaving, Bagherra tells him a few profound words: ‘Little wolf, you have a great advantage. You were born home in the heart of the jungle and you have your parents and your skillful mentors covering all domains you need in order to become an experimented adult. I wasn’t born in the jungle. My first home was in captivity – a senseless life… Well cub, see you tomorrow. You’re safe now.’
the story
Eager to dispel the mystery which surrounds Bagherra, he asks his mother to tell him the story. ‘Well, she began, Bagherra has been borne in captivity, a life that shouldn’t be known by any animal and one that Bagherra hasn’t accepted… Deprived of the freedom without which her life wouldn’t mean a thing, at a stroke of a paw she broke the padlock which separated her from the endless forests for which she had languished for too long. Bagherra was chosen by Hathi to be your mentor due to her bravery. Yupi, you must never tell her what you’ve found out from me. A person doesn’t need to be told he’s treasured, he must be shown. I know how much you appreciate her, and without doubt she knows it too and I’m sure you’ll not let her down...’ Thus, another day passed in Yupi’s life, the little wolf that becomes day by day more confident in his strengths. claudia.naiba@infoscout.ro
On his way back home, Yupi found out only a part of www.infoscout.ro
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the island
SCOUTS
“NO ONE’S SLEEPING TONIGHT” Captain’s Expedition Diary Day 4 on the Island
I have never thought how important a shelter can be. And when i say this, i really mean it. It was only because of the shelter we’ve built last night that we survived a night like this. Clouds were torn apart and from the very heights of the sky thunder and disaster was falling. The rain was thicker than the surface of the sea and the ice was biting the moist soil. I’ve barely managed to wake up, numb and shivering, but the morning rainbow over the sea, gave me hope for the following days. I called my people and I divided them in two exploring units. We still have little knowledge about the island and the message we’ve found yesterday sounded like a warning. And so it proved to be. Here’s why:
Challenge no.4 8
It was soon after midday when my people and I were scouting the Northern forest. It is there where the trees grow taller and thicker and the sun beams can barely penetrate through the embedded leaves and branches. The herbs and weeds are big and chaotically grown, spread all over and poisonous and rotten gases protrude from the soaked soil. The Sun was still high up when i felt fear was taking us over but we kept walking. We went deeper and deeper into the thicket, cautiously looking for some sort of a faraway bench-mark to serve us as a guide. It wasn’t long until we got lost as there were no paths. We ended up stumbling upon some cane bushes but we’ve cut our way through until we’ve finally managed to reach a glade of willow trees.
And probably i wouldn’t have shown any attention to that if my loyal deck mate hadn’t shown me a few bulrush bushes, waving in the shade of a couple of trees. As we got closer we were all astonished to see the remains of a fireplace. The rocks were still laid in circle, on three different layers, burnt around with ashed pieces of wood in the middle. I’m not a good sign reader but i’d say that this fire was lit up here no more than 3 months ago. And if my sight isn’t playing tricks on me because of the fatigue, I can swear there is a slight lily flower like shape on one of the rocks. Now we have no choice. We must spend our night here. I don’t feel safe at all but an attempt to reach the shore would be even more dangerous now, after sunset. We must light up a fire as quickly as possible. Anyone who let this fireplace here, in the middle of Nowhere, won’t mind if we use it. Noone’s sleeping tonight! We’ll stay on watch . But anyway, how do you light up a fire when you’re short on matches? lucian.nedelut@infoscout.ro
Help the shipwrecked to light up a fire without using fuels, matches or any other conventional device. Send your answers and images/videos to InfoScout until 12.02.2009 at redactie@infoscout.ro. www.infoscout.ro
SCOUTS
skills
THE FIRE Somewhere, on the high trails of the mountains, in the chilly days, deep in the darkness, among nights filled with guitar songs, sharing smooth tea and coal flavoured vapors, the fire is the reliable friend of the Scout, the spark of hope in moments of fear, the warm comfort of the frozen nights. It is the duty of every single Scout to know and respect fire, to acknowledge its use and its rules.
Therefore, here’s what you must know when you want to warm up or to sing happily next to a well lit fire.
PREPARING THE AREA Before lighting the fire you should always clean the spot, removing the leaves, the grass, the insects and other obstacles. The fireplace shall be chosen as not to endanger the surroundings: houses, forests, crops, tents or people. Before choosing the location of the fireplace you should always check the wind’s direction and the placement of the camp. www.infoscout.ro
SETTING THE FIREPLACE The first mistake every beginner makes is due to the desire of having a fire as large as possible. A good Scout will always try to maintain a fire with less amount of wood. After you’ve cleaned the place it’s time to gather wood. Avoid green or rotten wood which was on the ground for a long time. Always ask for permission to cut the proper branches from the trees. In the fireplace the wood is laid as follows: at the bottom, thin,
dried branches and herbs, wood chips or any other material that ignites quickly. Above these, the firewood is set to form a pyramid, self-sustaining, keeping the driest side of the wood at the bottom of the pyramid.
LIGHTING THE FIRE If the place has been well prepared and the wood is dry and properly set, you only need to light a simple match at the base to get the fire you wished for. The fire must be maintained at the beginning until the flames would have covered the whole pile of wood. Don’t forget to keep 9
skills
SCOUTS
Indian fire bow
the fire by adding wood without wasting more than it’s necessarily. But what can we do in case we have no matches and no other modern devices to light the fire? According to the Indian tribes, there are over 120 ways of lighting up the fire by using only what nature provided us.
a. Rubbing two sticks: You pick 2 dry sticks, one of them slightly thicker than the other. The thinner stick must be sharpened at one end, while you must cut a small hole of 1-2 cm in depth and 8-10 cm long inside the other. In this cavity you need to put some parched herbs, small splinters, some sawdust, etc. The thinner stick is set perpendicu-
Lighting tinder with the magnifying glass
lar on the thicker stick , with the sharpened edge in the hole. Then you start spinning smoothly at first and more energetic afterwords, alternating clockwise and counter clockwise moves. The friction between the two sticks will produce enough energy to light up the parched stuff. Once lit, you carefully put the sticks at the base of the wood pile. Be patient and learn from every single mistake. b. The magnifying glass/the lens. If the sun is shining and you have a pair of glasses, a compass with a magnifier or anything that amplifies the light beam it is enough to redirect the beam to a dry material and wait for the „wonder” to happen. Don’t forget: first there was the smoke.
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www.infoscout.ro
SCOUTS c. The tinder and the flint. A classic Scout will always have them on him.
skills
Using the flint to start the fire.
The procedure is simple. Sparks are produced by hitting the two rocks together, lighting up the parched grass and twigs.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIRE Depending on the assigned utility of your fire, there are different types of fireplaces. - For a cooking fire, the wood is set in a circular shape, just like wheel rungs. This way, the fire won’t die out if you continue to push the wood sticks inside the fireplace. - For a strong fire, use the pyramid-shaped or the star-shaped pile, with long thick sticks which you can easily handle from a certain distance. - If you go for a smoldering fire, cover the coals with a layer of
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ash. In the morning you’ll have the pleasant surprise of some nice warm embers.
PUTTING OFF THE FIRE Don’t forget that every unattended fire or a fire that hasn’t been put off can turn into a real disaster. This is why it is
very important that you secure your fire with windshields, tarpaulins, etc. When leaving the camping area, make sure the coals are put off by checking them with a stick. Responsibility is one of the Scout’s attributes. lucian.nedelut@infoscout.ro
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camps
WHERE TO?
PIATRA CRAIULUI
“Even if it doesn’t reach the hights of the Făgăraşi Mountains or the of Parâng Mountains, Piatra Craiului, with its limestone structure, with the elegance of the daring profile of
the laced ridge and with the monumental aspect of its rocky walls, it’s the “tiara” of Carpathians, with its beauty and greatness” (Emilian Cristea)
If we have runaway thoughts towards the Meridionals, Piatra Craiului Mountains is a very viable option. Mountains teach us plenty, and these ones are amongst the best teachers in Romania. Here we learn how to manage our resources, how to listen to the rocks’ music, how to admire the beauty of Nature, how to face crisis situations. We learn to feel the stone, to know the clouds, to hear the whisper of the forrest. We learn to live. 12
Located 30 km away from Brasov, the massif has many ways of access, but the most important and used one is through Zărneşti village. In order to get there, from Brasov rail station, you can take the train or, if you have a car, follow National Road 1 until you get to a secondary road, to Zărneşti: national road 73A. From here, we have two choices for camping: Plaiul Foii Chalet or Curmătura Chalet. The first option is the easiest and suitable for anyone: following the red band mark, www.infoscout.ro
WHERE TO?
camps
Ceardacul Stanciului
we walk 11km on the road to Plaiul Foii. However, the second option prepares you for what lies ahead in your trip, by following the yellow band mark, through Zănoaga Glade, reaching Curmătura Chalet.
IF YOU LEAVE FROM... CURMĂTURA After a three hours route, a red chalet appears, with a playful Saint-Bernard. It’s Curmătura, one of the few chalets in the
massif, starting point for many routes. After we camp or set our headquarters, we take a deep breath. We’re in the Kingdom of Piatra Craiului. With the night, the Dustan comes. We must have a good night rest, because here, in the mountains, leaving in the morning is vital if we want to have good weather when we reach altitudes. It’s good to know that, at noon, the Meridional Carpathians have fellowship with Rain, Clouds and with their sister, the Fog. So, leaving around 7-8 in the morning is best. Next we propose some routes which start from here. So, for getting used with the mountain, you can have a walk from Curmătura Chalet, Piatra Mica a Craiului(1816m), Zănoaga Glade- Curmătura Chalet.
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camps
WHERE TO? expensive and it’s populated with people who aren’t really mountain-lovers. Before coming here, it’s better to ask for an authorization from the National Park Administration for camping, in places that are free of “week-end grills” with its garbage.
At Zaplaz
From here, we also propose some routes: • For warm-up: Plaiul Foii Chalet- Diana Shelter- Şaua Chiliilor- Colţii Chiliilor(where there’s a hermitage, too)- retour • Plaiul Foii Chalet- Şpirla Shelter- Ceardacul StanciuluiŞaua Funduri (the southern end of the ridge)- Şaua Grind- descending on “Lanţuri”(The Chains)- Spirla Shelter- Plaiul Foii Chalet • Also, we go over the ridge from Curmătura Chalet by Şaua Padinei Închise- Diana ShelterPlaiul Foii Chalet
THE SCOUTS WHO WENT TO PIATRA CRAIULUI ARE ADVISING
After this, you can try the North Ridge routes: • Curmătura Chalet- Ascuţit Shelter- Şaua Padinei ÎnchiseTurnu Peak( the northern end of the ridge)- Şaua Crăpăturii- Curmătura Chalet • Curmătura Chalet- Ascuţit Shelter- Ţimbalul Mare PeakŢimbalul Mic Peak- La Om Peak ( Peak of the Shepherd) Şaua Grindului- Grind 1 ShelterŞaua Vlăduşca- Curmătura Chalet
NEW HEADQUARTERS: PLAIUL FOII The dusty road, the hay fields and the massiveness of the Crai 14
welcomes you on the road from Zărneşti to Plaiul Foii Chalet. As you get to the chalet, it’s better to go 500m away for camping, even 1000m. The chalet is quite
The group that goes to Piatra Craiului must have 10 scouts, over 14 years old, because it’s a quite difficult massif, and 2-3 leaders, because big groups aren’t recommended on the ridge and they’re hard to manage.
Piatra Craiului’s ridge Eastern view www.infoscout.ro
WHERE TO?
camps
“It attracts you with its glazing whiteness of limestone walls and with the graceful silhouette of the ridge. It impresses you with the variety of natural landscapes discovered at every step you take on its routes, overwhelming you with the charm of a savage and silent world of stones, a paradise of alpine flowers, of black goats and of mountain climbers.”
Emilian Cristea
THE ANTHEM OF “PIATRA CRAIULUI” 1. S-avem un singur Crai ce-a[teapt\ neclintit Cu ale sale creste ce-s ro[ii-n asfin]it Plec\m sâmb\t\ seara, plec\m to]i `mpreun\ {i liberi o s\ fim sub cerul plin de lun\ S\ vii s\ `l str\batem pe ale sale drumuri S\ vezi cum cresc la brazi cu miile de muguri {i jneapanul s\ vezi cum creanga [i-a plecat Ce vitreg\-i natura [i-i vânt ne`ncetat This being a limestone massif, water isn’t always handy; make sure you have at least 2L of water/person/day and try not to drink it in the middle of the ascent. Try to dose it for all day long and it is better not to drink it on ascent because it increases sweating. There were cases when some people went out of water and that’s not good at all! Don’t leave without a map! You don’t know where you get to and it’s a pity not to know what you’re seeing: the ridge has some beautiful rocks. One of the best is the map of Andrei Beleaua, which has the routes and the descriptions very complete. Also, if you choose to buy a guide book, Emilian Cristea’s is one of the best because it has descriptions and useful information for each route you choose and suggestions of routes. Don’t leave the route! The massif is beautiful but very dangerous! Lots of experimented people died because they weren’t paying attention. When you’re packing, don’t forget your joy, fun and scout spirit! And remember: “There’s no better circumstance for friendship than a long mountain route!”- (Bucura Dumbravă)
R: {i-a[ vrea s\ vii [i tu, s\ mergem `mpreun\ S\ `mpletim acolo a Craiului cunun\ Din garofi]e ro[ii [i din bujori de munte Din liliacul alb [i flori de col] c\runte 2. De pleci din Curm\tura, traseu pe band\-albastr\ Ajungi `n {aua Caprei, cobori apoi sub creast\ De treci [i de G\van, de Padina ~nchis\ De stânca Orgii Mari [i de Diana stins\ De vrei s\ [tii ce-i munte, s\ urci prin Cr\p\tur\ S-ajungi pe Vârful Turnu, s\ mângâi stânca dur\ S\ treci de Ascu]it, }imbalele-amândou\ De vrei s-ajungi La Om când ninge [i când plou\ R: ............................................................................... 3. Pe Lan]uri de te-ncume]i `n nop]i cu lun\ plin\ {i prin z\pada-nalt\ s\ tai poteca lin\ Ochii ]i se-nal]\ spre bolta `nstelat\ La crucea unei fete s\-ngenunchezi odat\ Când râuri de sudoare ]i-or [iroi pe fa]\ S\ ai credin]\-n tine [i-ncredere `n via]\ Aicea sus `n munte nimic nu e u[or Mai bine sta]i acas\ `n poala mamelor. R: ............................................................................... Guitar chords: Strof\: la Sol la / Sol la / Sol la / Do Sol la Refren: la Do Sol la / Do Sol la / Sol la / Do Re la / Do Re la Re la
@ laura.hen@infoscout.ro www.infoscout.ro
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my kid
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW WITH A PARENT - MARTA MURE{AN
“THE SCOUT MOVEMENT CERTAINLY MARKED MANY LIVES”
In this number of the magazine, Marta Mureşan, mother of a girl scout (Maia) and of a rover (Mircea) in Deva Local Centre, tells us about her experience as a mother of two scouts. 16
When did you first hear about scouts? It was a surprise for me when an old friend, the leader of Deva L.C., asked me to participate at their meetings in order to become the next leader, as he thought I was the right person for the job. I’m a teacher and I’ve great experience with children. Back then I said no, but I made some research on what scouting means and after a short while I decided that my children should be part of this organization.
Do you think scouting had a major impact on your son? I think scouting, organized as he should be, has a major impact on every child, meaning over my boy too if the activities are attractive, educative and have a precise purpose. Scouting has brought into my son’s life the right friends with whom he spends his leisure time as it should. I heard that you have another scout in your family, your daughter Maia, a girl www.infoscout.ro
INTERVIEW scout. How did she manage at first and most importantly what was her impression as she already knew about scouts from her brother? Maia didn’t know much about scouting. With some help from her brother, Mircea, from the rover leaders and mostly by the book ‘The Scout’s Adventure’ , impressed by the outdoor activities, the camps, the hikes, all these soon made Maia to love scouting. Her major contribution was that she brought new boy and girl scouts in the organization, colleagues and friends and friends of her who are still with us. I believe in her future development as a leader in the organization.
not participate. My husband and other parents also helped when in need and they still do it. Do you know the moment when Mircea felt scouting flowing through his veins? He felt it in his first camps: Visina 2007, Biertan 2008 and many others. Mircea was impressed by the scouting activity and he wanted to take part at it further on, as he has been proposed as the boy and girl scouts’ leader and later on as the rover scouts’ leader in Deva L.C. He participates weekly at scouting activities’ organization in his local center and he’s in collaboration and has a strong friendship with all members of the organization.
Have you ever been involved in any scouting activities? Yes, of course I got involved, but only when I felt that the members of the organization needed help, when I was solicited by them in organizing the activities that involved going into another town, contacting the town’s authorities as I knew them and when I had to represent them at the National Gathering, when the leaders could
Generally speaking, what do you think about scouting and especially how do you think the organization changed your children’s life? Scouting has certainly changed lots of lives. There’s a reason why it unites scouts of all ages around the world. The scouts from Deva Local Center are children with a remarkable character, very good pupils and I am glad that my children are part of
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my kid
the organization. I’ve noticed that the activities displayed tie up friendships, the children socialize more often, prove their bravery taking as a guide the scouting motto: ‘Be prepared!’ Do you have a message for the parents who wish to involve their children in this organization? We tried to gain the new members’ parents’ trust by putting at their disposal the regulations and the scouts’ laws. I noticed that other parents got the bug too and they’ve helped us at need and mostly they’ve allowed their children to participate at Deva L.C.’s activities which means their approval and total back up. A scouting organization can keep its members and live a long life only if the activities are well displayed and the members participate with pleasure and excitement. My advice for the parents is to support scouting activities as the majority of the scouts are pupils and the time dedicated to such activities is limited as precious time is accorded to school. ada.rascol@infoscout.ro
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involvement
ECOLOGY
NATURE, SWEET NATURE
DID YOU EVER ASK YOURSELF HOW MUCH “NATURE” DO YOU NEED? health of the individual and nature and the environmental changes caused by any undergoing project. The Ecological Footprint is an instrument who can determine if our lifestyle is sustainable, both from an individual point of view or concerning the community we live in. All types of human consume can be reduced to the land surfaces capable of producing resources and absorb waste products from the point of view of the land’s capacity of regeneration. Practically, the “footprint” represents the land we need for food, houses, transport, services. Each one of us, with his way of living, influences Earth, the planet we live on. This influence is called environmental impact, ecological footprint, pollution...Because lately environment is an important issue and our influence is important, we decided to talk a little bit more about this subject, from a very down-to-Earth perspective: realizing if the way we live
has a negative impact on the environment. The ecological footprint represents a measure of how much land and water a human population needs for producing the necessary resources for sustaining themselves and for absorbing waste, considering the present regeneration rate of the Earth. Environmental impact is the society’s impact on the
This type of analysis offers information about individuals, communities, regions and even world areas. Generally, we can observe that developed countries have the highest ecological footprint. For example, in 2004, USA had the highest international ecological footprint: 23.6 acres/inhabitant, considering that the average is 4.6 acres/inhabitant for durable living. Like
The Ecological Footprint is a measure of how much land and water a population needs to produce the resources needed to sustain itself and to absorb its waste if it has the necessary technology. 18
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ECOLOGY
involvement
ecologic deficit was almost of 1 acre/person. Still, the ecological footprint of nations don’t include, for example, the toxic pollutions or disappearance of species, which makes it imperfect, and by that we mean that it doesn’t evaluate the entire impact we have. Do you realize what it would be like if we could measure how what we’re doing affects the environment? Maybe not... The report regarding ecological track can be watched here: http://www.rprogress.org/publications/2004/footprintnations20 04.pdf
this, the differences in the world and their effects over Earth’s health are accentuated. African continent, with a bigger population than USA has an ecological track far less than USA.
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By the global measurements, in 1970, the ecological footprint of the humanity surpassed the limit of durability and until today, this thing hasn’t been solved. Until 2000,
In 2004, Romania’s ecological footprint was of 2.46 global hectares/ inhabitant. Considering the tendency of expanding after “European standards”, it probably growth in last few years, because most of European countries have an ecological footprint higher than 4.5hectares/inhabitant. To see what’s your ecological footprint, you can have an online test, on www.myfootprint.org. By this, you will see how you can contribute at reducing Romania’s footprint on Earth. Ioana Lucaciu
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about us
TOGETHER
Presenting the Local Centre
“LICOS” TIMI{OARA
Name of the Local Centre: “Licos” Timişoara Short history: The Local Centre of Timişoara, “Licos”, was founded on May 8 2003 by Codreanu Mihai, a former member of the Local Centre of Deva. At first there was only a patrol, whose members made the sacrifice of becoming leaders far too soon. This was the only way through which a local centre could have been created in Timisoara. At least 200 people have been a part of Licos, but only few remained. “We are now 6 leaders and 20 explorer scouts. We are planning to look for cubs in 2-3 months’ time.” says Speedy (Ursu Iuliu Mihail). Number of legitimate scouts: 26 Active age groups: explorers, seniors and cubs in near future :D 20
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TOGETHER
The Local Centre’s Motto: “Who gets up early in the morning is a friend indeed!” National events that Licos took part in: “Unitate şi Prietenie” (Unity and Friendship) 7,8,9,10,11; “Balul Scout” (Scout Ball) 1, 2; “ScoutLand” 2004; “Cuibul Scout” ( The Scout Nest) 2004, “În căutarea înţelepciunii muntelui” (Searching for the wisdom of the Mountains) – Râuşor 2005; “Big Adventure For Scouts” 2005; “Saturnalia” 2007, “Festivalul Luminii” (The Festival of Light), etc. National events that Licos organized: “Big Adventure for Scouts” is their only nationwide camp, but its members have contributed to organizing activities and camps of many other local centres.
moments, they didn’t receive any awards yet. One of their glorious moments was when Cubu and Speedy won all the tasks of Scout Dance Ball 2 :D (those from Arad can prove it’s true) Future projects: “International Award” (skills) – juggles, “Oraşul meu” (My town) – which we hope will take place in all the local centres of the western part of the country
about us
this year, the Camp of 22nd February in Retezat or Şureanu in collaboration with other local centres, “Big Adventure for Scouts”2. Particularities of the local centre: - “Big Adventure for Scouts” which is a survival camp based on various themes of the world of games and many others – Licos’ own camp; - Each patrol has its specific scarf.
Ranks/Awards/Prizes: Mister Scout 2006 – Ursu Iuliu Mihail – remaining irreplaceable till the present day :). Although they had many glorious www.infoscout.ro
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about us
TOGETHER
ADA ASKS, SPEEDY ANSWERS How long have you been in the scouting movement? On the 27th of March 2004 I went out with a group of scouts for the first time. I had a colleague that kept insisting on me joining the scouts but I kept avoiding the subject till there was another one who asked me to come with him to Arad to see his new girlfriend. Of course I went. There I met the “7UP” patrol of the “Phoenix” Local Centre, Arad, at its beginnings. A group of odd yet very cool teenagers at the same time. The first game I played was “aramsam-sam”. I couldn’t stop laughing. There I also met a very special girl who made me stay a scout. And this was the beginning. What exactly do you do in the local centre? I’ve been a unit leader for 2 years, I’m responsible for the Image and Communication Department, an IA-ro Coordinator and coordinator of the Festival of Light 2008. What do you think about the volunteer activity in our days’ society? My opinion is that volunteering today is a way of expressing one’s own values. Some people can’t succeed in expressing their talent and their will to do something and to be appreciated even for small things in their day-today life. In the voluntary work, which is a very vast domain, youngsters in general begin to feel important and become more responsible. I’m sure that 90% of the people would like to do 22
something beautiful and useful for them and those around them, but for this they need other people to work with. Now this is the part where NGOs come in, which are nothing more but groups of people sharing the same goals. Over here you are appreciated for everything you do, you are motivated to go on, you are sustained to develop, because along with your development comes the organization’s development. I am very glad to see that the volunteering is developing daily under our watchful eyes. It is very good for society, nature, for each and every individual. My opinion is that if you want to change something in the world you can’t do it by election or through your
rulers, but through the fact that you work to make that change yourself. There are surely many others in this world that want the same thing as you, you just have to find them and start working on it. Where does the name of “Licos” Timisoara come from? The name comes from Greek, meaning ‘wolf’ and refers to a ritual of the wolves, which was afterwards taken over by some of the Dacian tribes. The ritual meant that the youngsters were exiled and had to confront some obstacles alone. When the tasks were completed, they could return to their tribes and were looked upon as adults and rewww.infoscout.ro
TOGETHER sponsible persons. This is what we want both as a local centre as well as an organization: to educate the youth to turn into responsible adults. Which is your most pleasant memory of the local centre? I don’t actually have a most pleasant memory, because there are so many moments that I keep in mind. One of them is that when me and my patrol have climbed the Peleaga Peak (the Retezat Mountains), which was the highest peak I’ve ever been on until now (2509m). Another moment was that when we were all in the woods to make camp constructions and to race against each other in different tasks and then Santa Claus came, in full autumn :)). It was the local centre leader who disguised himself and brought us the explorer’s book-notes and a nicely made scout promise as well. I want to thank all the members of the local centre for all the moments I have spent with them and for all that we’ll do together. How do you imagine scouting in Timisoara and also in Romania in 10 years’ time? In Timisoara it’s very hard to create a strong centre, even if at first sight it seems very simple, because it is a well-developed city from all points of view, so it has its claims. There are so many opportunities to spend your free time here. If what you offer is not good enough, people get bored and go elsewhere to spend their time. We work as much as we can to develop more and more activities to the point that we manage to have at least 2 important activities a month during the entire year. Besides the lack of activities, it is harder to find some capable, reliable and willing leaders. And the scouts that www.infoscout.ro
come from other towns lose themselves when coming to Timisoara. They arrive here, they begin their studies, they have a tight schedule, and in their short spare time left they rest or go out to have a drink with their colleagues. The University Centre has its advantages, but day by day fewer people put some bone into it. People are beginning to wait for activities instead of making them or helping create them. Each year, in Licos we have moments when it seems as if we are
re-establishing the centre, which is the saddest thing. What I still find hard to believe is that last summer we wanted to make our B.A.S. camp and take part in other camps in the country as well, but no one joined so we only went us, the leaders, by ourselves. In Romania, at this time, it’s almost the same problem. Instead of working as a group and making as many common activities as possible, the activities within the local centre are preferred. Instead of finding solutions to problems, we are making them worse by throwing words randomly at one another. It’s a stupid competition between activities, where everyone wants
about us
to show what he/she has done without sharing with the others. I am mostly sad because we don’t have a Board Committee motivating us a lot. The Board Committee, in my opinion, should be the pillar of the organization together with the National Teams and/or Departments. One should see those from the B.C. (those from the N.T. are seen, from time to time) in camps coming with new ideas, working hard with those from the national teams and doing a good job together. I think the members of the committee and those of the national teams should be the most active persons, the most interested and motivated, the impulse needed in this country to get things working. If those chosen to represent the organization on various fields can’t make things work then in 10 years’ time we will be exactly the same. I am very optimistic though, as always, and I’m sure that the development will start slowly from the bottom to the top. The administration will become formal as the organization will pass to intense collaboration between the local centres. The crowd decides, the leader is only leader as long as the crowd has nothing to say. I am sorry for those who I have offended and I hope that you will all react in a positive way and not criticize one another again. And Speedy’s thanks: I am honoured that we still have among us two of the initial members and I want to give out great thanks to Eduard Turcuman and especially to Călin Adrian, who for so many years have been involving themselves in scouting and didn’t give up, whatever the situations the local centre has come through. ada.rascol@infoscout.ro 23
international
ACTIVITIES
Land for the new millennium... fot Scouts Age Section
LANDS OF ADVENTURE The National Programmes Team for the Scouts Age Section reopens the gates of a programme offered by the European Scout Region,” Lands of Adventure”, which aims to: • Encourage collaboration and opening new horizons to scouts from other countries • Encourage the patrol system • Encourage the use of new technologies as part of our scout programmes • Introduce and develop the Project Approach in the Scout age section Episode 1- Europe at EUR Door (Intercultural and intellectual adventure)
The first and the easiest LoA project, Europe at EUR Door is the challenge “About others”. This project has two parts: 1. Documentation: exploring traditions, customs, culture or weird things of another European country. Do you remember the project you must do for school? Don’t worry, this is not like that! This mustn’t be made on cardboard to be put on the wall. The key-word is “interactive”: visit embassies, read articles, write e-mails to your pen-pals from that country, chat about your experiences or others and don’t forget that information is power! Encourage the exploration of various aspects of a culture: music, dance, cooking, sports, movies etc. 2. Activities: apply the most attractive and interesting information. For example, organize at your home a British games evening or Irish dances, French cookery or Spanish movies. Meanwhile, take pictures or make a short movie and show everyone what amazing things you have done! For information, signing-up and leader’s guide, contact Diana Slabu, at diana.slabu@scout.ro
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PATROLS GUIDELINES FOR LOA DAY LoA Day is almost here! The following guidelines tell your patrols everything that they need to know to be successfully involved in the activity. Please pass these guidelines to your patrols WITHOUT DELAY. Thank you! LoA Day Website The LoA website can be found at www.loaday.landsofadventure.e u, and the following items can be found on the website: Patrol List A full list of participating patrols including photos. Tasks There will be 3 tasks to be completed on Saturday 28th of February or Sunday 1st of March. Details of these tasks will be available on the website on Friday 27th February after 7.00pm (Central European Time). LoA Day Times The LoA Day activity will take place on the following times: * Saturday 28th February 11.00 – 19.00 (Central European Time) www.infoscout.ro
ACTIVITIES
THE AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE Dear Leaders, The next ‘LoA day is rapidly approaching and we think that we should inform you about our plans for this big celebration (as we like to call it) of ‘Lands of Adventure’. As you probably know from the previous times, the ‘LoA day’ is an event dedicated to European patrols that are participating in the ‘Lands of Adventure’ programme, a day where all Patrols involved in the project will do something together, all over Europe. It is a very simple activity and every Patrol can do it without leaving their hometown. It is held for a whole weekend and this year’s dates are
* Sunday 1st March 11.00 – 19.00 (Central European Time)
international
Saturday 28th of February and Sunday 1st of March . So, get ready!!!! Please inform your patrols about the dates so that they can plan their activities. As we are, get ready to provide them with all the necessary help. If you want to be part of it, please send your application to your Ambassador, by filling in the file attached together with a photo of your Patrol (and a picture of their fingerprints if they want) till the 15th of February. Material Required: video camera, photo camera. And then you will get more information about the day. Yours in Scouting, The ambassador
from the European Office. The fastest and the most original patrols will get a special mention. And well done!!
LOA DAY HELP & INFORMATION A team of LoA Ambassadors will be on-line to answer any questions that patrols might have about the tasks during the following times: * Friday 27th February 19.00 – 23.00 (Central European Time) * Saturday 28th February 11.00 – 19.00 (Central European Time) * Sunday 1st March 11.00 – 19.00 (Central European Time) If the patrols have some questions they could email it to the following e-mail address: loaday@landsofadventure.eu CLUEDO Each patrol has to find out the solution of a mystery: we can’t tell you what, but big trouble lies ahead... Tasks There are three easy tasks, concerning European countries and culture. The patrols will have to do some pictures or easy videos. Videos and pictures will be put up on the website as they are received. Finally … the Reward! All patrol members who complete the task, solving the CLUEDO, will receive a LoA Day pin www.infoscout.ro
diana.slabu@scout.ro, laura.hen@infoscout.ro
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principles and values
THOUGHTS
DON’T FORGET THIS JOY thoughts of an old friend talking about how serious, hopeless and full of sorrow people have become nowadays. We forget to appreciate what we have and we struggle day by day to get something we wish for, but which we immediately forget after obtaining it. He then continued talking about what we do as scouts: we try to make as many activities as possible, we put great effort in achieving them but we forget why we do them, their importance to us and to those who take part in them. We forget to observe, to feel and we forget to live.
Recently I rediscovered, among all those books I’ve read long ago, a book that seemed unimportant at first sight: ‘Don’t forget this joy’ by Phil Bosmans. ‘Have you read this book?’ a friend of mine asked me 12-13 years ago. ’No’ I answered with a shadow of guilt as I haven’t even heard of it until then. ’Here, take it and read it. It’s yours’. From all the memories I had, this was conversation that struck my mind when I rediscovered it on a bookshelf. Apparently an unimportant dialog 26
between two friends over a cup of coffee or a beer or a cup of tea... But after which I began to understand what joy really means, to feel it, to open my heart to it and to accept it in my life and to try to share it with everyone around. It’s Sunday night, a new year has begun. I listened to a few
And the challenge launched by the Albanians for UP 11 comes to my mind: ‘When did you feel as a scout?’ which I hope will be put again into practice from time to time so that we can rediscover those feelings, those pleasures, that scouting spirit we feel when we take part in those activities; so that we can realize what motivates us in our organization; so that it help us when we are disappointed, tired; so that we remember friends and friendship. This year I’ve made a promise to myself: ‘everything I do must be led by joy and to do everything that’s in my power to share it with my dear ones and with those I haven’t met yet and to be aware that all these depend on me to be accomplished.’ I’d like to finish with Phil Bosmans’ book intro: ‘Man, I like you’ but with a personal touch. So I say: ‘Scout, I like you! Don’t forget this joy!’ adrian.secal@scout.ro www.infoscout.ro