Programme training event guide 2014

Programme, Training and Event Guide 2014 ‘

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0845 300 2549 sac@scouts.org.uk

scouts.org.uk/sac /ScoutActivityCentres

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Contents Adventure...bring it on ����������������������������� 5 Welcome to PTE 2014 ����������������������������� 6 Where are our centres? ��������������������������� 8 Using your guide ������������������������������������� 9 Centre round-up ������������������������������������ 10 Beavers ������������������������������������������������� 12 Cubs ������������������������������������������������������ 14 Scouts �������������������������������������������������� 16 Explorers ����������������������������������������������� 20 Network and adults �������������������������������� 24 Events ��������������������������������������������������� 30 Stepping out ������������������������������������������ 32 Scout Shops recommend ���������������������� 34 Pounds in your pocket ��������������������������� 37 Participate and share ���������������������������� 38 How to book ������������������������������������������ 39

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Adventure... bring it on Adventure is at the very heart of Scouting – as Chief Scout I recognise the importance of giving young people rich opportunities to experience the thrill and exhilaration of pushing themselves to the limit.

Scout Activity Centres, leading providers of outdoor adventure, offer these unique, life-affirming experiences in abundance. It’s inspiring to think of all the skills and memories Scouts and adult volunteers have amassed at the centres over the past 12 months.

Amongst the highlights were the first-ever Wintercamp at Hawkhirst, a visit by HRH the Duchess of Cambridge to Great Tower for volunteer training, centenary celebrations at Youlbury and an action-packed Intense weekend for Network members at Woodhouse Park. I even got to experience the buzz first-hand when I dropped by Campdowne at Downe in August.

From taking part in adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as ghyll scrambling, to learning practical skills like fire lighting and forming enduring friendships during a packed calendar of big events, there’s magic happening every day at the diverse network of nine centres.

Expert, dedicated staff make it easy to access unforgettable activities and experiences.

So here’s to another year of adventure – get out there and make me proud!

Bear Grylls Chief Scout

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welcome to PTE 2014 Welcome...

Now in its third year, our Programme, Training and Event Guide 2014 is bigger and better than ever.

HRH the Duch ess of Cambrid ge whips up cam pfire treats du ring a Scouting Skills course.

Designed to make life easier for experienced members and new volunteers alike, Scout Activity Centres continue to offer a wide range of badge and award courses, training and events to our members.

We’ve had some excellent feedback this year from guests who have enjoyed a broad range of experiences – from Mountain Leader training to Practical Skills courses, Water Sports qualifications to Leader Planning Weekends. Our events have also been more popular than ever, and we have welcomed record numbers of participants to Fundays and Wintercamp.

What’s new?

We’re always keen to find new ways to do things better and have listened carefully to your suggestions on how you think we can improve for 2014. ith that in mind, we’ve extended the W provision of courses and adventures for older sections and for leaders. Our Practical Skills course in April was extremely popular and so we are pleased to announce more specialist skills courses across three weekends in 2014, and a new event in September. See pages 27 and 30 for details.

It certainly won’t be a weekend too easily forgotten and if the Mountain Leader Board say we have to do more days, I can assure you it wouldn’t be any hardship to trundle back to Yr Hafod and the mountains.

Thank you once again for all your help and time freely given.

Sarah Little, Leader

e’ve extended our Ultimate Adventure offer. From caving, ghyll scrambling and W crag climbing to hill walking and kayaking, we can provide everything from a one-day programme to a three-day expedition that will really push participants to the limits.

We’ve made it easier for our members to become qualified leaders across a range of disciplines. Not only can you take part in the Adventurous Permit Training and Assessment, NICAS Climbing Awards, National Govening Body (NGB) Mountain Leader Training and Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Training weekends on the dates advertised (see pages 24–29 for more details), with enough people you can complete First Aid Courses and NGBs such as GNAS any time you like during the year* (see pages 28 and 29 for more details).

*subject to availability and minimum group sizes.

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OUT K C CHE R OU

S R E F F O age 37 on p

These courses can be included in your programme, regardless of whether you are visiting our centres for an evening, weekend or taking part in a week-long camp. You can run some of these programmes yourself – however, the courses in this guide provide you with an easier option: allowing our instructors to run them for you.

Flexible programme As well as the Badge Courses, training programmes and events advertised in this guide, Scout Activity Centres also host a whole range of activity days, self and full programme sessions to help with your day-to-day planning. Talk to our centre teams about how we can build your programme around activities like pioneering, kayaking, sailing, climbing and zip wire. We have skills and teamwork-based activities too, such as rifle shooting, archery, hill walking, problem-solving, orienteering, climbing and low ropes.

We’re confident we have something for everyone so start planning next year’s programme now.

Fundraising We appreciate that finding the money to finance your trip to one of our Scout Activity Centres can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together some ideas, information and links that you might find useful to help kick-start your fundraising: scoutactivitycentres.org.uk/OurGuests/scouts/fundraising.asp In addition, if booking onto one of our NGB courses, 50% of your costs could be funded through the Development Grants Board.

Visit scouts.org.uk/grants for more information and to download an application form.

Safety in Scouting All our centres continue to have an exceptional level of safety standards and systems, which are at the core of what we do.

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Where are our centres?

Scout Activity Centres are located throughout the UK.

Crawfordsburn

20 Bridge Road South Helen’s Bay Bangor, BT19 1JT +44 (0)2891 853 307 crawfordsburn.sac@scouts.org.uk HawKhirst

downe

Birdhouse Lane, Downe Orpington, Kent, BR6 7LJ +44 (0)1959 572 121 downe.sac@scouts.org.uk

Crawfordsburn

Great Tower

ferny crofts

Beaulieu, Brockenhurst Hampshire, SO42 7YQ +44 (0)23 8084 5092 fernycrofts.sac@scouts.org.uk

Yr Hafod Youlbury

Gilwell Park

gilwell park

Chingford, London, E4 7QW +44 (0)20 8498 5300 gilwell.sac@scouts.org.uk

Woodhouse

Park

Great tower

Birks Road, Newby Bridge Cumbria, LA23 3PQ +44 (0)1539 531 279 greattower.sac@scouts.org.uk

hawkhirst

Kielder Water, Hexham Northumberland, NE48 1QZ +44 (0)1434 250 217 hawkhirst.sac@scouts.org.uk

woodhouse park

Fernhill, Almondsbury South Gloucestershire, BS32 4LX +44 (0)1454 613 006 woodhouse.sac@scouts.org.uk

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Downe Ferny Crofts

youlbury

Boars Hill, Oxford, OX1 5HD +44 (0)1865 326 264 youlbury.sac@scouts.org.uk

Yr Hafod

Nant Ffrancon Bethesda, Bangor Gwynedd, LL57 3LZ 0845 519 6113 (accommodation) 0845 519 6114 (courses) yr-hafod.sac@scouts.org.uk

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Using your guide How do I choose?

We’ve categorised the options available to make choosing easier.

Our key also makes it clear what’s included in each product, from food and accommodation to certificates, badges and also information concerning any age restrictions for the course.

The key also indicates where courses could count towards the Queen’s Scout Award.

Group sizes All activities have a maximum group size of 12 unless otherwise stated. Minimum group sizes will vary. Contact your chosen centre for details.

Closed course In addition to advertised dates, we can arrange courses for a minimum of eight people at any time of year, subject to availability. So if you and your friends wish to gain some extra qualifications, contact your nearest centre and arrange a date.

Did you know?

First Aid and National Governing Body courses

As well as scheduled NGB and First Aid courses such as Practical First Aid, GNAS for archery and NSRA for rifles, listed on page 28–29, courses can be arranged for groups of eight or more adults at most Scout Activity Centres. Contact your chosen centre to book a course.

Events Timeline

See page 30–31 for our Events Timeline, which gives details about all our centre events across the sections.

key PROGRAMMES Badge/certificate available

Over 17 years old

Over 16 years old

Over 18 years old

16 to 25 years old

Counts towards Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards, Queen’s Scout Award and DofE

ACCOMMODATION

CATERING

Accommodation/camping included

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Food included

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Centre Round-up Did you know? Over the past 12 months we’ve invested over £1 million in our centres, welcomed over 70,000 Scouts and delivered 350,000 hours of exciting activities.

Crawfordsburn Set in 22 acres of woodland on the dramatic North Down coastline, Crawfordsburn is just 10 miles from Belfast. What’s new?

The centre has three brand new camping pods, offering a brilliant alternative to camping under canvas. Alongside its existing range of activities, the site includes a 200m tunnel trail, climbing, canoeing and sailing.

Crawfordsburn has recently boosted facilities with the addition of a high adrenaline 3G swing. downe An 86-acre woodland site in rural Kent, close to the one-time home of Charles Darwin and just 16 miles from the centre of London, Downe has been delivering adventurous pursuits to Scout Groups for over 80 years.

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What’s new? Revamped facilities this year include a new climbing tower, high ropes course, Jacob’s ladder, leap of faith, high all aboard and crate stacking. Downe also boasts a brand new toilet block. ferny crofts Situated in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Ferny Crofts is a stunning 31-acre wooded site that is a perfect base for exploring the area. What’s new? Ferny Crofts has expanded its Survival Skills programme to include wood whittling, fire lighting, backwoods cooking and shelter building. Weekend and week-long package deals can include a day out to Brownsea Island, cycling around the New Forest or fun packed high adrenaline activities on-site.

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gilwell park The home of Scouting, Gilwell Park is situated within 108 acres on the LondonEssex border on the edge of Epping Forest.

What’s new? Alongside the wide range of events at Gilwell, Scarefest (for Scouts and Explorers) launches in October 2014.

See our Event Timeline on page 30–31 for details. All toilet facilities have been overhauled and we’re currently working on an all-weather area at Camp Square. Watch out for new developments coming soon at Facebook.com/ScoutActivityCentres.

Great tower On the shore of Lake Windermere, Great Tower has an amazing 250-acre site and the whole of the Lake District National Park at your disposal. What’s new? Activities include a sensory trail, a revamped adventure course and more brilliant off-site expeditions with Ultimate Adventures.

The Cartmel Lodge has undergone a refurbishment and now offers en-suite bedrooms for leaders and a fully fitted kitchen. Across the site, toilet and shower facilities have been improved. All the basics such as transport and catering can be arranged as part of your booking for a fussfree stay. Read about our Scouting Skills Exchange weekend on page 31. hawkhirst Set in 86 acres of lush forest, Hawkhirst is situated on the edge of Kielder Water, a magnet for water sports devotees.

What’s new? The centre has recently invested in a fleet of new craft, including Laser Bahias and Pico sailing boats, kayaks and bell boats. There are extra land-based activities on offer: crate stacking, Jacob’s ladder, a brand new climbing tower featuring four abseils and a 200-metre zip wire.

The Sunley Centre Hostel has been refreshed with new bathrooms, en-suite bedrooms for leaders and a lounge area.

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woodhouse park Eight miles north of Bristol, Woodhouse Park is close to the Cotswolds, Mendips and Wye Valley. What’s new? New activities include a high ropes course, journey course, crate stacking, Jacob’s ladder, leap of faith, low ropes and a climbing tower. Accommodation improvements include upgraded bunkrooms and leader rooms in the Training Centre, plus the Lovell Centre has been refurbished with a new kitchen and bathrooms. Fundays at Woodhouse Park also launches in June – see our Event Timeline on page 30–31 for details. youlbury Set in 42 acres of idyllic woodland just seven miles from Oxford city centre, Youlbury offers high adrenaline activities aplenty. What’s new? To celebrate Youlbury’s centenary, a new en-suite lodge sleeping 36 opened in June. The centre has also unveiled a 15m-high climbing tower, Jacob’s ladder and crate stacking.

Yr Hafod Ideally placed to explore the stunning Snowdonia National Park, Yr Hafod offers countless outdoor adventures for Scouts and Mountain Training opportunities for adults including NGB and Scout Permit training and assessment. What’s new?

A new National Park Information Centre has opened five minutes’ walk away.

This state-of-the-art centre houses the Warden’s Headquarters and a café as well as providing more facts about Snowdonia.

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MORE INFORMATION For the full range of facilities, activities and accommodation visit scouts.org.uk/ sac or email us at sac@scouts.org.uk to request a brochure.

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Emergency Aid Explore Fitness Challenge Award Outdoor Challenge Award

events

Fundays, Joti/Jota

Explore

Outdoor Challenge Award

What? Using the knowledge of our fun and friendly instructors, go on a journey of discovery.

When? All year How much? From £4 per person

What? Three hours of activities including tent pitching and exploring the local environment.

When? All year How much? From £4 per person

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Yr Hafod

Youlbury

Woodhouse Park

Hawkhirst

Great Tower

Gilwell Park

Ferny Crofts

Downe

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Beaver Adventure Days

Crawfordsburn

What and where

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FITNESS Challenge Award

Emergency Aid

What? Simply add this onto your programme and our staff will discuss and demonstrate how exercise can affect your body, including how to monitor your own pulse. This active programme can be condensed into a halfday session or spread out over your stay.

When? All year How much? From £4 per person.

Visit scouts.org.uk/sac/resources for our free Fitness Challenge resources.

What? A fun and active training session with our qualified instructors to help achieve this staged activity badge all the way up to stage 5 or up to a British Red Cross Practical First Aid Certificate.

When? All year Duration? Scaling from one session for stage 1, up to two days for stage 5.

How much? From £4 per person

Beaver adventure days\ What? A fun-filled day with three activities from the range on offer at your chosen centre. By taking part, Beavers can gain their Adventure Activity Badge.

When? All year Duration? 1 day How much? From £6 per person

The climbing was cool and I only get to do things like this in Beavers.

Alfie, 6, from Orpington The Stone Dartford Group tried prusiking, climbing a tree using a rope: ‘It was hard work but the view from the top was really good’.

Did you know?

Delivery Skills Training This practical course explores how leaders can deliver great activities to any audience. It focuses on learning styles, setting objectives, communication skills, group dynamics, delivery techniques, coaching and mentoring.

This is one of three Practical Skills Courses available to leaders. See page 27 for details.

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Megan, 7, from Dartford Coming to Fundays is so much fun and the Beavers get opportunities here that they don’t get anywhere else. We really look forward to the event each year.

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Timandra Burford, Beaver Leader at 7th Orpington @ScoutCentres

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Castaway Communicator Emergency Aid Map Reader Naturalist Outdoor Challenge Award

Yr Hafod

Youlbury

Woodhouse Park

Hawkhirst

Great Tower

Gilwell Park

Ferny Crofts

Downe

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BCU Paddlepower Start Award

Crawfordsburn

What and where

events

Fundays, Joti/Jota

Castaway

MAP READER

What? An opportunity for older Cubs, Sixers and Seconders to gain confidence, work as a team and develop personal skills in a practical way. By working their way through a day of practical problems and activities they can explore and gain an understanding of how to step into leadership.

When? 12 Oct 2014 How much? £10 per person

What? A step up from a standard orienteering session, this threehour activity will teach the basics of how to navigate and use maps effectively.

When? All year Duration? Three hours How much? From £4 per person

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BCU PADDLEPOWer START AWARD

Outdoor Challenge Award What? A two-night camp based around traditional Scouting skills with the chance to try out some on-site activities.

When? Apr, May, Sep, Oct and Nov 2014 How much? From £49 per person.

One leader per eight Cubs goes free. £10 per additional adult. If you require tents, please contact our centres regarding equipment for hire.

What? This is a three-hour session in canoeing or kayaking which also qualifies participants for the Water Activities Badge.

When? Apr to Oct 2014 at Great Tower.

All year at Hawkhirst How much? £7.50 per person

Emergency aid What? A fun and active training session from our qualified instructors to help achieve this staged activity badge all the way up to stage 5 or up to a British Red Cross Practical First Aid Certificate.

When? All year Duration? Scaling from one session for stage 1, up to two days for stage 5.

How much? From £4 per person

COMMUNICATOR What? Through a fun and active session, Cubs learn how to pass on information clearly and how to use different communication equipment. They can also learn how to read Braille, spell in sign language and break and make coded messages.

When? All year Duration? Three hours How much? From £4 per person

Did you know?

Naturalist What? During a three-hour session, Cubs will learn how to identify different plants and animals in the centre’s surrounding area. Sessions can be based on nature trails, local hikes and pond-dipping activities.

When? Mar to Oct 2014 How much? From £4 per person

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Practical Skills Courses Leaders and Network can develop their practical skills in Camp Craft, Field Craft or Delivery Techniques by joining us on one of our exciting weekend courses or by coming along to the Skills Exchange Event at Great Tower. See pages 27 and 31 for details.

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Castaway Climber Communicator Emergency Aid Master at Arms* Naturalist Navigator Outdoor Challenge Award RYA Start Sailing Stage 1 or 2 Ultimate Adventure

events

Yr Hafod

Youlbury

Woodhouse Park

Hawkhirst

Great Tower

Gilwell Park

Ferny Crofts

Downe

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BCU Paddlepower Passport

Crawfordsburn

What and where

*

*

Wintercamp, Scarefest, Joti/Jota *Rifle shooting not available at Crawfordsburn and Hawkhirst, only archery

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Ultimate Adventure No matter how much experience you have of the great outdoors or how long you have to spend with us, get your adrenaline pumping, increase your skills and explore some of the most stunning areas of the UK with our Ultimate Adventure activities.

Our dedicated and expert staff team will support every Ultimate Adventure experience you choose to book. Contact the centres for further information.

– Canoeing or kayaking, sailing and hill days at Great Tower and Hawkhirst from £4 per person.

– Ghyll scrambling, caving and crag climbing at Great Tower from £12 per person.

– Land or water expeditions for one night or more at Great Tower and Hawkhirst from £34.50 per person.

CLIMBER What? A series of climbing sessions which aim to develop personal climbing skills, teach correct use of climbing equipment, improve safety of the climber and others and consider environmental impacts.

When? All year How much? From £15 per person

OUTDOOR CHALLENGE Award What? A two-night camp based around traditional Scouting skills with the chance to try out some on-site activities.

When? Apr, May, Sep, Oct and Nov 2014 How much? From £49 per person One leader per eight Scouts goes free. £10 per additional adult. If you require tents, please contact our centres regarding equipment for hire.

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Master at Arms (Archery or Rifle Shooting) What? A series of activity sessions programmed over a week, weekend or number of weeks which aims to develop precision and technique, ending with a competition within the group. These sessions may also cover the Youth Proficiency Scheme run by the National Governing Body (NSRA).

When? All year How much? From £15 per person This course can run in the same week as the Climber award to ensure that you get the most out of your stay.

Did you know?

You can work towards the Hill Walker and Caver Badges (at Great Tower and Yr Hafod). If you are interested in how we can tie these activities into the requirements of the badge, let the centre team know and they can adapt the programme accordingly.

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RYA Start Sailing Stage 1 or 2 Award What? This two-day course follows the National Governing Body syllabus, which also qualifies participants for their Water Sports Activity Badge.

Stage 1 is a prerequisite to stage 2.

When? Apr to Oct 2014 at Great Tower.

All year at Hawkhirst.

How much? £65 per person Maximum group size: six

Emergency aid What? A fun and active training session from our qualified instructors to help achieve this staged activity badge all the way up to stage 5 or up to a British Red Cross Practical First Aid Certificate.

When? All year Duration? Scaling from one session for stage 1, up to two days for stage 5.

How much? From £4 per person

Communicator What? By choosing either Radio Communications or the Communication Codes version of this badge, participants will get the opportunity to learn about receivers, radio waves, the phonic alphabet, semaphore or Morse code and call signs. They will also get the chance to visit an amateur radio station.

When? Mar to Oct 2014 Duration? Three hours How much? £4 per person

Naturalist What? Added on to a pond dipping session or based just about anywhere on-site, Scouts investigate wildlife and human impact through trails and activities then present their findings.

When? Mar to Oct 2014 Duration? One day How much? From £7.50 per person

navigator Castaway What? An opportunity for older Scouts, Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders to gain confidence, work as a team and develop personal skills in a practical way. By working their way through a day of practical problems and activities, they can explore how to step into leadership.

When? 11 Oct 2014 How much? £10 per person

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What? Gain a greater working knowledge of map reading and compass work through technical instruction and activities. This course also covers bearings, distances, timings, the Highway Code and setting and following routes.

When? All year Duration? Two days How much? From £15 per person

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Did you know?

BCU PaddlePower Passport What? Two-day skills course in canoes or kayaks. This course will also qualify participants for their Paddle Sports Activity Badge.

When? Apr to Oct 2014 at Great Tower.

All year at Hawkhirst How much? £30 per person Maximum group size: six

Water Activity Badges By gaining BCU Paddle Sport or RYA Sailing Awards, participants also qualify for the relevant Scout Activity badge.

For example, Cubs taking part in the BCU PaddlePower Start Award and Scouts taking part in the RYA Start Sailing Stage 1 or 2 Award also qualify for their respective Water Activity Badge.

This is an awesome Scout camp.

Most of my friends will be at home playing computer games while we’re here doing all these great activities.

Staying at home is missing out.

I’ve got lots of layers on but it’s all part of it; we’ve met loads of new people and tried loads of new things this weekend.

Max, 13, from Reigate

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Hannah, 13, from Reigate

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British Red Cross Practical First Aid BCU 2 Star Paddle Sport Award DofE Gold Residential

DofE Leadership Residential Emergency Aid Explorer Mountain Weekends Explorer Activity Week Master at Arms* NICAS Indoor Climbing Award RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Start Sailing Level 1 or 2 RYA Seamanship Skills Ultimate Adventure

events

Yr Hafod

Youlbury

Woodhouse Park

Hawkhirst

Great Tower

Gilwell Park

Ferny Crofts

Downe

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DofE Gold Expedition training or assessment

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Activity Centre Service

Crawfordsburn

What and where

*

*

Wintercamp, Gilwell24, Scarefest, Joti/Jota *Rifle shooting not available at Crawfordsburn and Hawkhirst, only archery

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– Canoeing or kayaking, sailing and hill days No matter how much experience you have at Great Tower and Hawkhirst from £4 in the great outdoors or how long you have to per person. spend with us, get your adrenaline pumping, – Ghyll scrambling, caving and crag increase your skills and explore some of climbing the most stunning areas of the UK with our at Great Tower from £12 per person.

Ultimate Adventure activities.

– Land or water expeditions for one night or more Our dedicated and expert staff team will at Great Tower and Hawkhirst from £34.50 support every Ultimate Adventure experience per person. you choose to book. Contact the centres for – Explorer Mountain Weekends further information. at Great Tower and Yr Hafod from £45 per person.

– Explorer Water Weekends at Great Tower and Hawkhirst from £20 per person.

Ultimate Adventure

Activity Centre Service What? Talk to the centre teams to discuss a project you may wish to complete as a Unit during your visit to one of our centres.

When? All year How much? Free

BCU 2 STAR Paddle sport Award What? A three-day training and assessment course. This training also qualifies participants for the Paddle Sports Activity Badge. The award achieved is based on participant competence at the end of the course.

When? Apr to Oct 2014 at Great Tower.

All year at Hawkhirst How much? £65 per person

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physical recreation Master at Arms (Archery or Ri f le Shooting) What? A series of activity sessions to develop your precision and technique, ending with a competition within the group.

These sessions may also cover the Youth Proficiency Scheme run by the National Governing Body, NSRA. When? All year How much? £15 per person Have you considered becoming GNAS Archery Instructor? Check out the NGB Courses for details on page 29.

Junior Service Team We also have a range of opportunities for you to gain additional experience with our Junior Service Teams. Contact your nearest centre for more information.

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Emergency aid

Explorer Mountain Weekends

What? A fun and active training session from our qualified instructors to help achieve this staged activity badge all the way up to stage 5 or up to a British Red Cross Practical First Aid Certificate.

When? All year Duration? Scaling from one session for stage 1, up to two days for stage 5.

How much? From £4 per person

What? Courses for up to 24 people tailored to the group’s needs and objectives.

When? 16–18 May 2014, 20–22 Jun 2014, 31 Oct–2 Nov 2014 How much? £45 per person Water and land-based Explorer Weekends can also be arranged at Great Tower and Hawkhirst.

British Red Cross Practical First Aid

NICAS Indoor climbing Award

What? A 14-hour course which trains participants to respond promptly and appropriately to a range of situations and incidents in order to preserve life and protect casualties until specialist aid is available.

When? 26–27 Apr 2014. Groups of eight or more can book all year round.

How much? £80 per person

What? A series of four sessions, programmed over a weekend, week or four weeks, which are designed to develop climbing skills on artificial climbing walls. The course includes a certificate and logbook.

When? All year How much? £40 per person, minimum group size: 10

DofE Gold Expedition Training or Assessment What? This course will enable those who don’t have an Expedition Team to complete either their training, including their Practice Venture, or their final assessed expedition.

Full support will be provided throughout the week on all aspects of the DofE Gold expedition section.

When? 22–30 Aug 2014 How much? £150 per person

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Dofe Leadership residential What? This Leadership Residential Course is available for those who are interested in supporting the DofE in their local area. Within the five-day, four-night residential, Explorers will complete the Introduction to the DofE Course and all the training elements of the DofE Leadership Programme.

When? 14–18 Apr 2014 How much? £150 per person or £200 for indoor accommodation

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RYA Seamanship Skills

RYA Powerboat Level 2

What? This two-day course for over-16s builds on the L2 RYA Start Sailing qualification. It also qualifies participants for the Water Activities Activity Badge.

When? Apr to Oct 2014 at Great Tower.

All year at Hawkhirst.

How much? £80 per person, maximum group size: six

What? A two-day course which involves launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside and man overboard. This course also qualifies participants for the Water Activities Badge.

When? Apr to Oct 2014 at Great Tower.

All year at Hawkhirst.

How much? £85 per person, Minimum group size: three, maximum: six

EXPLORER ACTIVITY WEEK What? Bring your Unit along for five days full of activities. Learn to sail, work as a team to build your own raft, jump from the Leap of Faith platform, build a 10ft staircase on Crate Stack, explore the site using GPS units, brave the heights of the climbing wall and work on your precision during archery or rifles. Your Unit may also wish to work towards an activity badge or NGB qualifications.

When? October half term 2014 How much? £150 per person.

An Explorer Leader must attend.

RYA Start Sailing Level 1 or 2 What? A two-day course supporting participants with their RYA Start Sailing Level 1 or 2 Award. Level 1 is a prerequisite to Level 2.

When? Apr to Oct 2014 at Great Tower.

All year at Hawkhirst.

How much? £80 per person.

Maximum group size: six

Did you know?

DofE Gold Residential Our centres are the perfect base from which to complete your DofE Gold Residential (and elements of the Queen’s Scout Award). Contact us for more information.

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British Red Cross First Aid Scout Activity Centres now deliver first aid training at every level in Scouting; from Emergency Aid Staged Badges to British Red Cross general and practical first aid. REC First Aid courses are also available at Yr Hafod and Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centres.

@ScoutCentres

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NETWORK AND ADULTS Beaver Leader residential training

Mountain Leader training and assessment

What? Meet like-minded leaders and work with our experienced teams to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence required to take a Colony away overnight. Learn about programme ideas, correct use of equipment, choosing a site, organising paperwork and get a taste of some adventurous activities suitable for Beavers.

Where and when?

Great Tower 17–18 May 2014 Youlbury 13–14 Sep 2014 How much? £40 per person

What? Undertake your Summer Mountain Leader training or assessment.

The course involves one overnight camp and technical training delivered by our highly qualified staff and volunteers.

Please see mountain-training.org for pre-requisites and course content.

Where and when?

Great Tower training 7–12 Sep 2014.

Assessment 21–26 Sep 2014.

Yr Hafod training course 1: 28–30 Mar, 11–13 Apr and 9–11 May (must attend all three weekends).

Training course 2: 12–14 Sep, 26–28 Sep and 10–12 Oct (must attend all three weekends).

Assessment 6–8 Jun and 3–6 Jul 2014 (must attend both).

How much? £260 per person ML refresher also available at Yr Hafod.

Contact the centre for more details.

Raft Building Permit What? One day assessment.

Where and when? Hawkhirst 14 June 2014. Ferny Crofts 7 Jun 2014.

How much? £30 per person

*

* Excludes camping food.

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BCU 2 star courses Beaver Leader Residential training Bushcraft trainer training DofE Gold Residential DofE Leadership Residential DofE Gold Expedition training or assessment

Mountain Leader training and assessment NSRA Rifle Shooting course RYA Powerboat level 2 Practical skills ­– Camp craft Practical skills – Delivery tools Practical skills – Field craft Raft Building Permit Single Pitch Award (SPA) Ultimate Adventure Water sports academy

Yr Hafod

Youlbury

Woodhouse Park

Hawkhirst

Great Tower

Gilwell Park

Ferny Crofts

Downe

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

                       

GNAS Archery instructor course

**

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First aid (REC or British Red Cross)

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Adventurous Permit hillwalking/ climbing

Crawfordsburn

What and where

**

Intense, Reunion, Joti/Jota

events

* Climbing only ** Closed courses available for groups of over 8 people.

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Adventurous Permit Climbing What? Two-day training and up to two-day assessment course on artificial climbing walls at Ferny Crofts and natural rock at Yr Hafod.

When? Ferny Crofts: Training 10–11 May 2014. Assessment 6 Jul 2014.

Yr Hafod: Training and assessment available upon request.

How much? Yr Hafod training £70 and assessment £80. Ferny Crofts training £75, assessment £30 (no catering or accommodation included at Ferny Crofts).

First Aid REC (Rescue Emergency Care Level 2) What? This two-day course is designed for people who use the outdoors for pleasure and for instructional purposes. It is suitable for a wide variety of instructors including Scout leaders, climbers and canoeists.

When? Yr Hafod 5–7 Dec 2014.

Ferny Crofts – please contact the centre.

How much? £160 at Yr Hafod and £100 at Ferny Crofts*. * Catering and accommodation not included at Ferny Crofts.

Water sports Academy

Adventurous Permit hillwalking

What? Develop personal and leadership skills in either sailing or paddle sports with the opportunity to gain NGBs and permits.

Where? Hawkhirst When? 1–5 Sep 2014 How much? £175 per person

What? Complete your terrain 1 or 2 Hillwalking Permit training or assessment in scenic North Wales.

When? 28 Feb–2 Mar, 16–18 May, 20–22 Jun, 31 Oct–2 Nov 2014.

How much? £70 training, £80 assessment

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Bushcraft Trainer Training What? This two-day course aims to give leaders knowledge in all aspects of bushcraft and to deliver these activities for their Troop. It includes shelter building (in which you can choose to spend the night or bring a tent to stay in); fire lighting; backwoods cooking knife, axe and saw work; wood whittling and food foraging.

When? 11–12 Oct 2014 How much? £90 per person

DOfe Leadership Residential What? This Leadership Programme Residential is available to those who are interested in supporting the DofE in their local area. Within the five-day, four-night residential, you will complete the Introduction to the DofE course and all the training elements of the DofE Leadership Programme.

When? 14–18 Apr 2014 How much? £150 per person or £200 for indoor accommodation.

New for 2014 Practical Skills Courses Practical Skills CAmp Craft What? Based on useful skills on camp: axes and saws, tent pitching and care, knots and lashings, pioneering and camp gadgets, backwoods cooking and bushcraft.

When? 12–13 Apr 2014 How much? £40 per person

Practical Skills Field Craft What? Based on useful skills on an expedition: navigation and map skills, expedition kit (tents, stoves and first aid kits), survival skills and remote first aid.

When? 26–27 Apr 2014 How much? £40 per person

RYA Powerboat level 2

Practical Skills Delivery Tools

What? A two-day course which entails launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, and man overboard.

When? Hawkhirst: 14–16 Mar 2014.

Great Tower: 20–21 Sep 2014.

How much? £85 per person Minimum group size: three, maximum group size: six

What? Based on how to share practical skills: group dynamics, communication styles, learning styles, delivery techniques, coaching and mentoring.

When? 18–19 Oct 2014 How much? £40 per person

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Single Pitch Award (SPA)

NSRA Rifle Shooting course

What? Undertake your Mountain Training Single Pitch Award training or assessment.

Please see mountain-training.org for pre-requisites and course content.

Where and when? Great Tower: Training 14–16 Sep 2014. Assessment 28–30 Sep 2014. Yr Hafod: Most summer dates, call for availability.

How much? £160 per person

What? Two-day NGB award for rifle shooting. This course covers areas such as the law, range requirements, maintenance, personal skills, group skill and developmental techniques.

Where and when? Ferny Crofts: 7–9 Feb 2014 and 26–28 Sep 2014. Woodhouse Park 1–2 Mar 2014.

How much?

Ferny Crofts: £135 per person Woodhouse Park: £115 per person.

Closed courses** minimum of eight people and maximum of 12 £90 per person. 50% of your course costs could be funded through the Development Grants Board. Ask our team for more information. ** see page 9 for closed course explanation.

British Red Cross practical First Aid What? 14-hour training course which covers responding promptly and appropriately to a range of situations and incidents in order to preserve life and protect casualties until specialist aid is available.

When? 26–27 Apr 2014. Groups of eight or more can book all year round.

How much? £80 per person

DofE Gold Expedition Training or Assessment What? This course will enable those who don’t have an Expedition Team to complete either their training, including their Practice Venture, or their final assessed expedition.

Full support will be provided throughout the week on all aspects of the DofE Gold expedition section.

When? 22–30 Aug 2014 How much? £150 per person

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BCU 2 star Kayak & Canoe course What? This three-day training and assessment delivers the skills to progress in paddle sports. You will get to experience the beautiful Kielder Water or Lake Windermere in both kayak and canoe. Get in touch with your chosen centre.

Where and when? Hawkhirst: 15–17 Aug 2014. Great Tower: 16–18 May 2014.

How much? £65 per person

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Ultimate Adventure No matter how much experience you have of the great outdoors or how long you have to spend with us, get your adrenaline pumping, increase your skills and explore some of the most stunning areas of the UK with our Ultimate Adventure activities.

Our dedicated and expert staff team will support every Ultimate Adventure experience you choose to book. Contact the centres for further information.

– Canoeing or kayaking, sailing and hill days at Great Tower and Hawkhirst from £4 per person.

– Ghyll scrambling, caving and crag climbing at Great Tower from £12 per person.

– Land or water expeditions for one night or more at Great Tower and Hawkhirst from £34.50 per person.

GNAS Archery Instructor Course

DofE Gold Residential

What? This four-day course provides training on how to deliver archery training to anyone. Participants receive a National Governing Body Award upon completion.

Where and when? *Ferny Crofts: Course 1: 26–27 Apr and 3–4 May 2014 (must attend both weekends) Course 2: 4–5 Oct and 11–12 Oct 2014 (must attend both weekends).

Youlbury: 15–16 Feb and 22–23 Feb 2014 (must attend both weekends).

How much? £190 per person Closed courses** minimum of eight people and maximum of 12 £180 per person. 50% of your course costs could be funded through the Development Grants Board. Ask our team for more information. * Accommodation not included at Ferny Crofts. ** see page 9 for closed course explanation.

Our centres are the perfect base from which to complete your DofE Gold Residential (and elements of the Queen’s Scout Award). Contact us for more information.

Did you know?

Service teams Service teams play a vital role at all of our centres. Not only do they maintain the buildings and grounds, but we have qualified members running activity sessions too. If you would like to join or start a new service team, contact your chosen centre. We’d love to hear from you.

The new high ropes course was epic! We will definitely bring our Network back. The assault course is always a favourite and the food was great.

Robert Ellis

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events Scout Activity Centres host open days throughout the year. Visit scouts.org.uk/sac for details. Check out the Centre Exclusives in the locations section.

Where? Gilwell Park and Hawkhirst When? 10–12 Jan 2014 Who? Scouts and Explorers wintercamp.org.uk

JAN

June

Where? Gilwell Park and Woodhouse Park When? 21–22 Jun 2014 Who? Beavers and Cubs scouts.org.uk/fundays

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Where? Gilwell Park When? 11–13 Jul 2014 Who? Explorers gilwell24.info

July

SEPT

Where? Gilwell Park When? 5–7 Sep 2014 Who? All adult members and Network scouts.org.uk/reunion

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OUT K C CHE R OU

S R E F F O

ys Fundak , t s e f r Pa care For S oodhousemp on W a at interc and W 7

page

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Scarefest Where? Gilwell Park When? 31 Oct–2 Nov 2014 Who? Scouts and Explorers scouts.org.uk/scarefest

Where? Woodhouse Park When? 12–14 Sep 2014 Who? Network intense.uk.net

SEPT

SEPT

Scouting Skills Exchange Where? Great Tower When? 26–27 Sep 2014 Who? Scouts, Explorers, Network and adults

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OCT

OCT

JOTA/JOTI Where? Gilwell Park When? 18–19 Oct 2014 Who? All sections gp2gb.org.uk

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Stepping out...

Of course, we look forward to welcoming you on one of our new courses in 2014.

Until then, take a first step on your journey of adventure with our top 10 ideas to get you participating in adventure.

2 Sound mapping Take paper and a pencil to your favourite outdoor place. Sit for five minutes with your eyes closed, listening to all the sounds around you. Put a dot in the middle of your paper – that’s you! Now draw the sounds around you, taking whatever shape, colour or design you like.

1 Sink or swim?

Make a canoe/raft using only natural materials. Can you float a rubber duck on it without it sinking?

6 Natural Musician With friends or even as a solo artist, find some natural materials to make into musical instruments. We’d love to see a music video!

5 Make a bug hotel Choose an empty tin, box or plastic bottle.

Fill it with natural materials – things with holes in them are brilliant. Make a sign for your bug hotel to invite mini beasts in.

Place your bug hotel somewhere with a view, but not too exposed. Visit your bug hotel in a week, month, year, five years and see who’s moved in.

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9 Animal tracks Go outside and try to spot animal tracks.

Can you follow where the animal went and tell what it did that day? What kind of animal is it? share a skill, share a view

4 3 Mountain High What is the highest place you’ve ever been?

Have a look at a map and see where is higher. Plan a trip with friends or family to climb this higher place!

Go to town Go to any town centre and you’d imagine there would be a lack of nature. Actually, towns are full of wildlife; it’s just a little harder to spot. Go to town and make a list of 10 different wild animals, plants or fungi you can see. Can you spot more than 10?

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Bouldering On the side of a small crag or on a big boulder, use any parts of your body to make your way from one side to the other.

Can you do it with only one leg or only one hand? Be sure to stay near the ground so it doesn’t hurt if you fall off!

River Deep What rivers have you explored before?

Find a river or stream near you and walk along its banks. What lives in this river? How fast is it flowing? How deep is it? How wide is it?

Where does it start and end? What plants grow here that don’t grow anywhere else nearby?

Who or what likes to visit the riverbanks?

What is the name of this river?

10 All nighter Construct a sturdy and camouflaged shelter in your garden that you can stay in overnight with friends or parents. What made it scary, exciting or uncomfortable? /ScoutActivityCentres

And if you liked those, see more at scouts.org.uk/sac/resources.

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Scout Shops recommend We provide all the specialist equipment on our Practical Skills Courses but recommend that you bring your own personal kit.

Whether you’re new to Scouting or want to freshen up your kit bag, our friends at Scout Shops recommend the following items to ensure you’re well prepared for a comfortable stay....

1

6

1. Scout backpacker tent Ref 104422 £43.55 2. Vango Alpha 300 tent Ref 104894 £59.00 3. Yellowstone insulated camping mat Ref 105001 £6.25

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7

8

3

4. V ango self-inflating camping mat Ref 100464 £22.50 5. Two season Vango Atlas sleeping bag Ref 104954 £18.00 6. Scout pillow Ref 102573

4 9

5

£4.00

7. Silverpoint Hunter LED head torch Ref 100516 £9.00 8. Petzl Tikkina head torch Ref 100549 £15.00 9. Three season Scout sleeping bag with pillow Ref 104862 £21.75

All profits

returned to

SCOUTING

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10. i.SCOUT embroidered hoodie Ref 101036 £25.00

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15

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11. Regatta women’s Heylin wicking t-shirt Ref 105042 £9.00 12. i.SCOUT wicking t-shirt Ref 105024 £16.00

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13. Lifesystems midge and mosquito repellent Ref 100712 £5.00 14. Lifesystems bite/itch relief Ref 100715 £4.50

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12

15. Craghoppers women’s Kiwi trousers Ref 100072 £27.00 16. Craghoppers men’s Kiwi trousers Ref 100111 £28.00 17. i.SCOUT beanie Ref 105023

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13

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£6.50

18. i.SCOUT baseball cap Ref 104625 £7.00 19. Regatta men’s crossland mid walking boots Ref 104668 £38.00 20. Regatta women’s crossland mid walking boots Ref 105038 £38.00

Miss this, miss out Your chance to win the full kit list worth over £200* as recommended by Scout Shops. Book onto one of our Practical Skills courses (see page 27) to be entered into a free prize draw – it’s that simple! * Terms and conditions apply see scoutactivitycentres.org.uk/ resources/termsConditions.asp for details.

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Here to make your life easier Scout Insurance Services

Scout Shops

If you need insurance for your trip this can be arranged through our insurance broker, Unity (Scout Insurance Services).

Unity is owned by The Scout Association and has over 80 years’ experience providing insurance cover to the Scout Movement. All Unity’s profits are returned to Scouting.

When you’ve booked your course, event or activity weekend, visit our shop.

We have a large range of affordable branded products to give you the best choice of what you need on any activity weekend. From boots to tents, whatever you are looking for, friendly and helpful staff are here to help and advise you.

For more information on how Unity can help you with your insurance needs, call 0845 0945 703, scoutinsurance.co.uk.

By purchasing through Scout Shops you are supporting the development of young people and adults as all profits are returned to Scouting.

01903 766 921, scouts.org.uk/shop.

YOUR CONFERENCE CENTRES

We own and operate two conference centres in London, hosting anything from Scout meetings and conferences to training, wedding receptions and events.

Visit towntocountry.co.uk for more information.

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Pounds in your pocket Take a look at our offers to make booking a little easier...

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off

20

off

For Wintercamp bookers on a return visit to

Camp fees or accommodation

Gilwell Park or Hawkhirst

Downe

T&Cs: For groups of up to 30 for 7 nights. 20% off camping or indoor accommodation, activities and catering, excluding special events. Valid until 31 December 2014.

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T&Cs: Applies to new bookings only or those not booked within 5 years. For groups of up to 30 for 7 nights. 20% off camping or indoor accommodation. Valid until 31 March 2014 for bookings throughout 2014.

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off

off

Accommodation at the Centenary Lodge at Youlbury

Scarefest

Gilwell Park

youlbury

T&Cs: Offer applies to leader and participant places.

Offer valid until 31 March 2014. Applies to new bookings only.

T&Cs: Offer applies to leader and participant places.

For bookings to stay mid-week. Offer valid until 31 March 2014 (for bookings made throughout 2014).

10

Did you know?

off

50% of the cost of NGB courses could be funded through the Development Grants Board. Visit scouts.org.uk/grants for more information and to download an application form.

Fundays

woodhouse park T&Cs: Offer applies to leader and participant places.

This offer is valid until 31 March 2014.

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General T&Cs: Offer must be claimed with specific centre mentioned. Offer must be mentioned at time of booking, quote PTE 2014. Offer may only be used once.

Subject to availability. We reserve the right to withdraw these offers at any time.

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Participate and share online Support and resources Not only will we be offering more practical skills based courses in 2014, but we are committed to providing you with resources, handy tips and programme ideas via our website and social media channels. We aim to support your experience pre and post visit and to encourage you to participate in adventure. Visit scouts.org.uk/sac/ resources for kit lists, campfire menus, Scouting Skills factsheets and other useful programme information.

Share a skill, share a view...

For more ideas and the latest news from our centres, why not follow us on Facebook and Twitter? Every Thursday we post a Scouting skill you might like to learn about.

Ever tried teaching your group how to tie knots with strawberry laces or tested your knotting skills by making a kite? We show you how...

Figure of 8 knot

Clove hitch

Reef knot

Bowline

Sheet bend

Friendship knot

And if you’ve got ideas we might learn from, show us and your friends at Facebook.com/ScoutActivityCentres.

Upload your skill for a chance to win an activity experience at one of our centres.

Every three months, our experts will choose a winner and award a prize. The winning idea may also be added to the resources section of our website.

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How to book We hope that our new and exciting courses inspire you to make a booking with Scout Activity Centres. There really is something for everyone. To book or for more information, please call the centre of your choice. See page 8 for contact details.

Booking terms and conditions

If the dates for advertised courses are not suitable, we will do our best to accommodate your requirements on a bespoke basis.

3. We reserve the right to move advertised dates and/or cancel courses.

Applications for all our courses will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that places will not be confirmed until a deposit is received. Contact the centre for details.

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1. Prices are correct at time of print.

2. Unless otherwise stated, prices exclude food and accommodation.

4. Minimum and maximum numbers apply – enquire with chosen centre.

5. Subject to availability.

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© 2013 The Scout Association, Reg charity no: 306101/SC038437

Burst out of the classroom School activity days and residential experiences.

• 9 centres across the UK •1 00 years’ experience of delivering adventure • I ndoor lodges with leader en suite rooms •O ver 50 activities that fit the National Curriculum Key Stages 2,3,4 and QCA schemes of work •P ackages including catering also available sac@scouts.org.uk scouts.org.uk/sac 0845 300 2549 @ScoutCentres

scouts.org.uk/sac

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