explorer
DESCRIPTION
Wheely good Assess success scouts.org.uk/pol The magazine for Explorer Scout Leaders August/September 2010 Tell us your b r i g ht i d e a s Are you down with DofE? The trusty soap box cartTRANSCRIPT
The magazine
for Explorer Scout Leaders
August/September 2010
scouts.org.uk/pol
Assess successAre you down with DofE?
Wheely goodThe trusty soap box cart
THRILLS AND CHILLS AND CHILLS AND CHILLS
Why the winter programme is worth planning for now
SHOUTTell us your
bright ideas
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 1 08/07/2010 16:12
IFC_Explorer_AugSept10.indd 6 06/07/2010 12:39
3scouts.org.uk/pol
Forwards, awards, rewards
4 NewsSection specifi c updates and forthcoming events
6 Journeys with purposeThe expedition section of the DofE awards
8 Plan for action Breaking down summer adventure to suit winter weather
10 How to make a soap box cartA step-by-step guide to a classic Scouting craft
14 Trading placesThe training requirements for District Explorer Scout Commis-sioners
16 Roving reportersHow Explorer Scouts made the news at camp
17 And the award goes to… A bright idea that resulted in a glitzy evening for all the Explorers in one West Lancashire District
18 Jamboree dreamsHazel joins the team and can’t wait to hit Scandinavia
Contents
Your Explorer Scout Section Working GroupAlex Minajew, UK Commissioner for Programme Charlotte Tow, Programme and Development Adviser
Contact them at:[email protected]
Programme Team, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QWTel: 0845 300 1818
ADVERTISINGRichard [email protected] Tel: 020 8962 1258
Cover image: Chlöe Campbell
FELLOWS DO WELL IN FELLSIt was half expedition, half wide game in July as Dragnet 2010 took over the Cumbrian Fells. The 35 mile challenge was won by Inglewood ESU from Cumbria who finished in ten hours, 55 minutes with two lives remaining. Well done to all who took part.
With summer already flying by, many Explorer Units have taken part in camps or embarked on adventurous outdoor activities, but it’s not long
until winter and time to get your programme prepared, writes Charlotte Tow
You may already be recovering from an exciting summer and looking forward to
what’s in store over the coming months. Despite the fact that the sun should be
shining, it is already time to start planning those winter activities. In this issue,
we look at how the adventure can continue throughout the winter.
Awards that deliverWith the Duke of Edinburgh scheme being a fantastic way for Explorer Scouts to
develop skills, gain an award and, most importantly, have fun, we look at the
expedition section of the scheme to see what needs to be completed and how
to organise it. Remember, the DofE awards are a ‘perfect match’ with the Chief
Scout’s Platinum and Diamond and Queen’s Scout Award, so encourage your
Explorers to think about how they can achieve this two for one.
Reward yourselfIt is worth reminding you of the annual extravaganza that is Gilwell Reunion.
We hope to see many of your faces at Gilwell Park on 3-5 September, to share
experiences, grab an influx of new programme ideas and discover ways to
develop Scouting across the board. With the event being open to all adults in
Scouting, it is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet many
new ones. For more information, visit www.scouts.org.uk/reunion
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 3 08/07/2010 16:12
4 Explorer August/September 2010
NewsA round-up of what’s happening in Explorer
Scouting. Send your stories, reports and
opinions to [email protected]
New resourcesAre you in need of new ideas for running Young Leader modules? Young Leaders’ Essentials Plus gives you a variety of methods to run any of the modules. It will help you keep the scheme flexible and exciting, while delivering all the information needed. The resource is available from Scout Shops for £5. www.scouts.org.uk/shop
Age range changeRemember that, from now, Explorer Scouts should
be moving on by the time they turn 18. This will
greatly help to clear up issues of child protection and
adult appointments. Encourage your Explorers to
move on to Scout Network, take out an adult
appointment or join Scout Active Support,
emphasizing the great flexibility that is involved. It is
also worth remembering the lower age range
change that came into effect last year. All Scouts
should now be in an Explorer Unit by the time they
are 14½.
Faith and awareness events for October/NovemberOctoberBlack History Month
World Blindness Awareness Month
1 Simchat Torah (Jewish)
4 World Animal Day
10 World Mental Health Day
16 Child Poverty Day
20 Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)
22 Pavarana/ Sangha Day
(Buddhist)
31 Halloween
November 1 All Saints Day (Christian)
5 Kathina Day (Buddhist)
12 Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)
14 Remembrance Sunday (UK)
14 World Diabetes Day
15 Anti-bullying week begins
16 Eid ul-Adha/The festival of
Sacrifice (Muslim)
20 Universal Children’s Day
16 International Day for
Tolerance
21 Birthday of Guru Nanak
(Sikh)
24 Martyrdom of Guru Tegh
Bahadur (Sikh)
25 Thanksgiving Day (USA)
28 First Sunday of Advent
(Christian)
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 4 08/07/2010 16:12
5scouts.org.uk/pol
Changes to YL missionsChanges have been made to Missions 1 and
3 of the Young Leaders’ Scheme, as described in Young Leaders’ Essentials. Mission 1 (page 24) has now been
altered to reflect the need for progression along the
Missions. Mission 3 (page 26) has also been changed so
that Young Leaders only have to plan and run one
sectional forum.
The updates can be downloaded as replacement pages
from www.scouts.org.uk/youngleaders and will be
reflected in future editions of Young Leaders’ Essentials.
Belt buckle proudYoung Leader DJ recently completed his Young Leader training after attending a first aid course. What did he get out of the training?
‘Well to start with, I now feel more confident working
with young people in the way that I know that I have
better knowledge to deal with certain situations. Having
completed my Young Leader training I’m continuing with
the four missions. I still see the fantastic leader that trained
me and work with her every week at Beavers.
To complete the training felt and still feels really good.
I feel more confident as a leader overall and I look forward
to taking out an adult appointment as soon as I can
next year.’
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 5 08/07/2010 16:12
6 Explorer August/September 2010
Journeys with purpose
Over the past few years there have been some changes to the criteria for the DofE expedition section and now is a great time to refresh your mind about these. Jess Kelly runs through the updates
ConditionsThe Expedition section is now assessed against 20
conditions (listed below). These make it clear to all those
involved in the section (participant, leaders, supervisor and
assessor) as to what is required. If for some reason an
expedition is not going to meet all of these conditions
then a variation request must be submitted to the DofE
Manager at [email protected]. If you want some
advice as to how to work with these please speak to your
County DofE Adviser or Country HQ.
DofE Expedition Conditions 1* Your expedition must be by your own
physical effort, without any motorised or outside assistance.
2 Your expedition must be unaccompanied and self-reliant.
3 Your expeditions must be supervised by an adult who is able to accept responsibility for the safety of you and your team.
4 Your expedition must have an aim.
5 You must be properly equipped for your expedition.
6 You must have completed the required training and practice expeditions.
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 6 08/07/2010 16:13
7scouts.org.uk/pol
AwArds
7 You must undertake at least one practice expedition at each level of the programme. You should do this in the same mode of travel and in a similar environment to the qualifying expedition.
8 You and your team must plan and organise your expedition.
9 You must be assessed be by an approved accredited Assessor to the DofE.
10* There must be between four and seven people in your team (eight people may be in a team for modes of travel which are tandem).
11 You must be within the qualifying age of the DofE programme level.
12* All the people in your team must be at the same level of assessment.
13* Your team must not include anyone who has completed the same or higher level DofE expedition.
14 Your overnight accommodation should be camping.
15 Your expedition must be the minimum number of days required for your DofE level.
16 Your expedition should normally take place between the end of March and the end of October.
17 Your expedition should be in the recommended environment for your DofE level.
18 Your must do the minimum hours of planned daily activity for your DofE level.
19 You should cook and eat a substantial meal each day.
20 You must create and deliver a presentation after your expedition to complete the section.
help facilitate the expedition experience. The Expedition
Assessor Accreditation Course dates are available from
www.scouts.org.uk/dofe.
Within Scouting (in England) an extension to this
deadline has been granted but by 1 April 2011 all DofE
qualifying expeditions must be assessed by an accredited
DofE Assessor. You know that someone is accredited by
them having an accreditation number and a photo ID card
which explains which levels they can operate at.
SupervisorsAll DofE expeditions also require a supervisor to be present
in the expedition area. This person is responsible for the
safety of the group and should work with the assessor to
ensure a successful expedition. The supervisor needs to
ensure that all Scouting rules are followed and that the
group are on track and happy. There is a one-day training
course for supervisors which will be launched within
Scouting in 2011 so keep looking at the training section
of www.scouts.org.uk/dofe for details of courses.
Assessment feesThe DofE have also introduced flat fees for the assessment
of expeditions within Wild Country areas when using the
Expedition Network Assessors. This fee is currently £45 for
a Silver assessment or £60 for a Gold assessment. This fee
will contribute to the expenses of the assessor but if using
an assessor from within Scouting this fee would not need
to be paid. However, it would be encouraged that the
team factor in the expenses of the assessor when planning
their expedition.
* Variations to these four conditions must be submitted to the DofE Head Office as a variation request or an adventurous project and will only be considered in highly exceptional circumstances.
AssessorsIn 2008 the DofE launched a new scheme for expedition
assessors with a view to this becoming compulsory for
anyone wishing to assess the section from 1 April 2010.
The scheme involves a one-day training course, some
pre-course online learning and a supported assessment
(post course). These courses are available both within
Scouting and through other providers such as DofE
regional offices. The course equips the new assessor with
the skills to assess a group against the 20 conditions and
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 7 08/07/2010 16:13
8 Explorer August/September 2010
Plan for actionSo you reach the end of
the summer term and
start to ask your Explorer
Scouts what they would
like to do this winter. They
all say that they’d love
to continue to do all the
adventurous activities that
they enjoy outdoors in the
summer. What do you do?
Ben Richards has some
suggestions
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 8 08/07/2010 16:13
T he programme doesn’t have to change
greatly as you enter the winter months, but if
you’re less able to get outdoors and cover all
the adventurous activities your Explorer have
become accustomed to, there are creative ways you can
still provide adventure when the shorter days set in. Of
course, many outdoor activities naturally lend themselves
to the winter months: a good hike is always far more
exciting in the dark; fire lighting and wide games are also
a staple part of a Unit’s winter programme.
Break it downBut how do you fit in kayaking, raft building, caving,
and all the other adventurous activities that Explorer
Scouts love doing? You could try breaking down your
adventurous activities into smaller parts. Here are a few
examples:
Water activities Run an evening on river and water safety. You could
contact organisations like Water Aid to give a talk
about water quality around the world. Ask your
Explorer Scouts to collect tins, boxes and other junk
for an extreme junk modelling project and try to build
a boat that floats. This would allow you to look at
boat shapes and designs, and experiment in making
things float.
Rafting Get your Explorers to build traditional rafts in the
fastest times possible and have teams of Explorers
racing them in the style of a sedan chair rally. You
could even try to make the most elaborate rafts
possible. Which design works best?
Caving As a Unit, discuss the equipment you need to go
caving. Perhaps you could try to run an entire evening
in the dark using only the light from headtorches.
You could also ask your Explorer Scouts to bring
in cardboard boxes and create your own indoor
caving system.
Ropes and knots At first, this may seem boring to Explorer Scouts, but
encourage them to find a different knot to do the
same job as one they already use. For example, what
could they use instead of a clove hitch to start a
square lashing? How about challenging them to
design a gateway complete with test models in
preparation for summer camp?
There are also numerous navigation and camping based
activities you could do indoors with your Explorer Scouts
to prepare them for hikes and expeditions in the warmer
periods, when they work towards the various section
awards.
This breaking down method can be extended to so
many other activities if you look at the constituent parts.
Try looking on Programmes Online where there are
many activities that can be done throughout the year
which could be linked to your more traditional outdoor
activities. Try a keyword search to narrow down the
results. You’ll be surprised how many interesting ideas
come up if you type ‘rope’, ‘water’ or ‘climb’ into the
search.
There are also plenty of people around Districts and
Counties that can visit your Unit to talk about their
experiences doing adventurous activities. They could take
your Explorer Scouts through the basics of an activity as
well as discussing all the various safety aspects that will
mean saving time later and give a heightened sense of
excitement when it comes to actually doing the activity in
the warmer weather.
Breaking down your traditional summer outdoor
activities can help you to maintain the momentum
throughout the winter term and give you lots more new
and interesting activities to try out and inspire your young
people.
Programme Planning
Plan for action
www.scouts.org.uk/polmore info
9scouts.org.uk/pol
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 9 08/07/2010 16:13
How to make a soap box cartIt’s a classic Scouting craft, but has it stood the test of time? Explorer
Scout Leader Phil Ashton gets out the toolbox to provide this handy
guide to a project your Explorers will love
10 Explorer August/September 2010
F orever trying to get that ‘golden nugget’ of an
idea that would grab the interest of the Unit,
I was looking for something that would keep
them active, teach them new skills and was
relatively cheap. I remembered from my youth making
a kart from bits of wood and some pram wheels. Easy,
I thought, and went immediately online to find a treasure
trove of information from Scout Groups who were
currently competing in their homemade karts. I put the
idea to the Explorers and they went for it. Buoyed by the
response, I mentioned it to the District to see if we could
encourage other Units to join in, and they were up for
it too, so a challenge was born.
Hitting the nail on the headGetting agreement was the easy part, but then began the
design and construction of the carts. We used plans from
www.kartbuilding.net as the basis for ours, but the great
thing about soap box cart building is the variety of designs
that are possible. These basic steps will see you right:
1 Soap box carts should only need basic tools that are
in most households: hammer, hand saw, metal
hacksaw, drill, adjustable spanner, measuring tap,
screws, nails, nuts and bolts. Don’t overestimate how
much your Explorers will know… we had to cover
knocking in nails safely as well as measuring timber to size.
2 The carts should be pushed by team members and
only steered by the driver. Therefore design your
cart (and course) to use downhill sections for
gathering speed, and make the steering mechanism
simple, using a length of rope or the driver’s feet.
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 10 08/07/2010 17:29
11scouts.org.uk/pol
A soAp box cArt project will:
• Promoteteamwork• Teachbasicengineeringskills• Enablecompetitionthatisn’tonlydependentonphysicalability
• AllowtheUnittotakepartineventsthathappenaroundthecountryandthroughouttheyear.
TheNationalScoutcarRaces,whichthisyeartookplaceinManchesterarejustoneexampleofralliesthatareopentoScoutteams.EastSussex,Cheshire,Cumbria,andSheffieldhaveorganisedeventsinthelast18months.Ifyouwanttogiveitago,butdon’twanttobuildyourowncart,theNationalScoutPedalCarOlympicsatThriftwood,EssextakesplaceinJanuaryeveryyearandprovidesthecarts.Andfortheultra-serious,ScoutteamsareknowntotakepartineventsrunbytheBritishPedalCarChampionship,whichisorganisedbyRugbyExplorerScoutLeader,JeremyFeatherstone.
eventsNational Scoutcar Races | ContactGaryHollingshurstaboutfutureevents|[email protected] Scout Pedal Car Olympics | www.thriftwood.org.uk/eventsNational Pedal Car Championships | www.pedalcars.info
3 Typically on a simple wooden cart there are no
brakes. As a result, the carts are designed only for
slow speeds. You could incorporate bicycle brakes,
but this does complicate the design and build, so allow
time for testing and modification.
4 Build in some learning challenges. This activity is an
education in itself, but it’s worth adding to the
challenge by creating some rules that will bring out
other skills. We insisted that the carts were made from
almost entirely found or free items and gave a four week
period to allow for scrounging. Our Explorers managed
well with wood and fixings but struggled with wheels. We
ended up with pneumatic wheelbarrow wheels, which
fastened simply with a bolt through the centre.
5 Finish with style. Once you’ve got your cart
roadworthy, it’s time to make it look the part.
As you’ll see from the photos on this page, there
are no limits when it comes to styling, so let the Explorers
customise their carts in a way that is personal to them.
Scouts on poleWith the Explorer section best suited to longer projects
you can really get your teeth into, it’s no wonder the
response we had was so good. ‘I was surprised how much
speed I was able to get up,’ said Jessica, 16. The chance to
personalise their design appealed to Peter, 17, who said
‘We went for a streamlined blue chassis, and couldn’t
resist the go-faster stripes’.
How to...
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 11 08/07/2010 17:30
All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland). www.scouts.org.uk/shop
01903 766 921
ex
Great for putting small valuables in, even your mobile phone. You can slip your belt through the loop or clip it to your belt or rucksack.
Summer Camp BadgeRef 1028103
£1
A new badge to celebrate summer camp wherever you are in the country.Size: 8cm x 5.5cm
Ever popular, the i.Scout T-shirt is ideal for camp this summer and comes in four colours. A full range of new items is available on our website.Sizes S-XXL (S-XXXL in black only)Colours: Black, purple, kiwi, tangerine,pink.
i.Scout T-Shirt Ref 1026102R
£8
Accessory BagRef 1027421
£2.25
Campfire WoggleRef 1027194
£1.50
A fun woggle that can be worn round the campfire this summer. Multi-coloured image of a glowing campfire. Material: Leather
A new baseball cap for Explorers with the section logo. There is even a knitted version in case it gets cold.
Explorer Baseball CapRef 1027226
£5.75
Great savings in time for summer camps. Save £5 on men’s and women’s activity shorts.Sizes: Men’s 26”-46” waistWomen’s 8-26
Great savings in time for summer camps. Save £5 on men’s and women’s activity shorts.Sizes: Men’s 26”-46” waistWomen’s 8-26
Sale
Men’s Activity Shorts Women’s Activity Shorts Ref Men’s 1006973R Women’s 1006992R
Mens 26” and 28” £13 all other sizes £15 while stocks last.
Take advantage of our exclusive Scout rates and BOOK your adrenaline-fuelled trip today to THORPE PARK.
As the nation’s Thrill Capital, THORPE PARK is the ‘must do’ destination for adrenaline junkies! SAW – The Ride and SAW Alive, the world’s most extreme live action horror maze, will test the nerve of all who dare experience them. Want more? Brave the ‘Unholy Trinity’ of Stealth, Colossus and Nemesis Inferno for a truly nerve-shredding day out!
Register now to receive regular news, offers & competitions. You could WIN a FREE* group visit for your Scouts to any one of our UK attractions!www.groupfundays.co.uk/scoutsmagazineWhy don’t you join us on facebook?www.facebook.com/groupfundays*See website for terms & conditions.LEGO, the LEGO logo and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group ©2010 The LEGO Group SAW - 2004 © SAW PRODUCTIONS. INC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TU5108_Scout Ad.indd 1 08/07/2010 12:38
www.wintercamp.org.uk
7-9 January 2011
100 - 10 AC winter camp supplement advert 2010.indd 1 19/3/10 09:21:32explorer_8910FINAL.indd 12 08/07/2010 16:14
All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland). www.scouts.org.uk/shop
01903 766 921
ex
Great for putting small valuables in, even your mobile phone. You can slip your belt through the loop or clip it to your belt or rucksack.
Summer Camp BadgeRef 1028103
£1
A new badge to celebrate summer camp wherever you are in the country.Size: 8cm x 5.5cm
Ever popular, the i.Scout T-shirt is ideal for camp this summer and comes in four colours. A full range of new items is available on our website.Sizes S-XXL (S-XXXL in black only)Colours: Black, purple, kiwi, tangerine,pink.
i.Scout T-Shirt Ref 1026102R
£8
the loop or clip it to your
Ref 1026102R
Accessory BagRef 1027421
£2.25
Campfire WoggleRef 1027194
£1.50
A fun woggle that can be worn round the campfire this summer. Multi-coloured image of a glowing campfire. Material: Leather
A new baseball cap for Explorers with the section logo. There is even a knitted version in case it gets cold.
Explorer Baseball CapRef 1027226
£5.75
Great savings in time for summer camps. Save £5 on men’s and women’s activity shorts.Sizes: Men’s 26”-46” waistWomen’s 8-26
Great savings in time for summer camps. Save £5 on men’s and women’s activity shorts.Sizes: Men’s 26”-46” waistWomen’s 8-26
Sale
Men’s Activity Shorts Women’s Activity Shorts Ref Men’s 1006973R Women’s 1006992R
Mens 26” and 28” £13 all other sizes £15 while stocks last.
Take advantage of our exclusive Scout rates and BOOK your adrenaline-fuelled trip today to THORPE PARK.
As the nation’s Thrill Capital, THORPE PARK is the ‘must do’ destination for adrenaline junkies! SAW – The Ride and SAW Alive, the world’s most extreme live action horror maze, will test the nerve of all who dare experience them. Want more? Brave the ‘Unholy Trinity’ of Stealth, Colossus and Nemesis Inferno for a truly nerve-shredding day out!
Register now to receive regular news, offers & competitions. You could WIN a FREE* group visit for your Scouts to any one of our UK attractions!www.groupfundays.co.uk/scoutsmagazineWhy don’t you join us on facebook?www.facebook.com/groupfundays*See website for terms & conditions.LEGO, the LEGO logo and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group ©2010 The LEGO Group SAW - 2004 © SAW PRODUCTIONS. INC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TU5108_Scout Ad.indd 1 08/07/2010 12:38
www.wintercamp.org.uk
7-9 January 2011
100 - 10 AC winter camp supplement advert 2010.indd 1 19/3/10 09:21:32 explorer_8910FINAL.indd 13 08/07/2010 16:14
14 Explorer August/September 2010
Trading places
Are you a District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC)? Are you thinking about taking on the role? Do you know what’s required in terms of training for the role? Rosie Shepherd has all the information on the DESC Wood Badge
T he role of District Explorer Scout Commissioner
is a key one in the management and
development of the section. If your District
doesn’t have one, are you the right person for
the role? The DESC:
• manages the Explorer Scout programme
• ensures the Young Leader Scheme is open to all
• reviews the structure of Explorer Scouting in the District
• ensures there are enough leaders and they are well
trained
• is responsible for the finance of the section
• works with the DESA to keep records updated
• communicates effectively with young people and
relevant adults in the District.
Training aims to help you to develop the skills and
knowledge needed for you to be successful in your role.
Because training is role specific, when you change roles
you may need to complete different training. However,
this doesn’t mean that you have to start from scratch!
The DESC role is fundamentally different from the
Section Leader role, since it is a management position, so
different training is required.
For every role there is a set of required modules to
complete. The Adult’s Personal File shows you which
modules need to be completed for each role. If you
already have a Wood Badge for another appointment you
will only need to complete some of these modules for
your new role.
Validation’s what you needBecause Scouting recognises prior learning, knowledge
and experience completing a module doesn’t necessarily
mean having to go on a training course. You do, however,
need to validate every module that you are required to do.
Validation is the process of demonstrating that you can
put your skills and knowledge into practice in your
Scouting role.
The DESC Wood BadgeA DESC Wood Badge is a manager’s Wood Badge with
some additional elements. These are the modules that
need to be completed:
1 Essential Information2 Personal Learning Plan4 Tools for the Job (Managers)5 Fundamental Values of Scouting6 Changes in Scouting7 Valuing Diversity8 Skills of Leadership9 Working with Adults
10 First Aid12 Providing a Balanced Programme
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 14 08/07/2010 16:14
15scouts.org.uk/pol
17 Activities Outdoors19 International20 Administration (Managers)21 Growing the Movement (Managers)22 Section Support23 Safety for Managers and Supporters24 Managing Adults25 Assessing Learning
If you are changing roles, and already have a Wood Badge
for your previous role, you will not need to re-validate all
of these modules.
Section Leader to DESCYou will need to re-validate these modules:
2 Personal Learning Plan12 Providing a Balanced Programme (unless
your Section Leader Wood Badge was in an Explorer Scout role)
You will need to complete these modules for the first time:
4 Tools for the Job (Managers)20 Administration (Managers)21 Growing the Movement (Managers)22 Section Support23 Safety for Managers and Supporters24 Managing Adults25 Assessing Learning
Manager (eg DC) to DESCYou will need to re-validate these modules:
2 Personal Learning Plan4 Tools for the Job (Managers)
20 Administration (Managers)21 Growing the Movement (Managers)23 Safety for Mangers and Supporters
You will need to complete these modules for the first time:
12 Providing a Balanced Programme17 Activities Outdoors19 International
What if I didn’t finish my Wood Badge in my own role?If you completed some modules, then use the information
above to work out whether they are ones that you need
to re-validate. You will also need to complete any other
modules that are part of the DESC Wood Badge that you
have not already completed.
Look in the Adult’s Personal File or the factsheet Adult Training: Change of Role (FS330092). A full role description for a DESC can be found in FS330048.
more info
As DESC, the development and safety of all Explorer Scouts in the District is your responsibility
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 15 08/07/2010 16:14
16 Explorer August/September 2010
F or many people this District camp was a great
way of starting their Scouting experience. A
selection of Explorers from different Units
became the ‘press’ for the day, asking Beavers,
Cubs and Scouts what they liked best about the camp.
From many of the replies, we found that most people’s
favourite bit was meeting new people and gaining friends.
For others it was the theme of the camp – the Movies
– which impressed them and gave everyone a chance to
dress up in wacky outfits and have their photograph taken
by the Hollywood sign.
Lights, camera, adventureThere were a range of different activities for all ages.
These included sumo suits (You Only Live Twice), zip wire
(Indiana Jones), assault course (The Great Escape), a
cinema showing Grease and many more. All the activities
were extremely popular and climbing, canoeing, archery
and sumo wrestling were huge hits.
Ashes to ashesCampfire was a really memorable night, with everyone
joining in singing and dancing. There was a part of the
campfire where a Scout Leader led a short performance.
Ashes gathered by Scouts from campfires around the
world since 1933 were sprinkled into the flames. This act
was really special, as it reminded us what Scouting is all
about: different people of all ages, cultures and genders
coming together to share one passion.
Overall, this camp was a great success and enjoyed by
many. Unfortunately we will be too old to attend the next
District Camp but cannot wait to take part in the next
stage in Scouting and become members of the Network.
We’re sure that the next camp, in 2012, will top this one
due to Scouting being a great experience for everybody.
PrEss PackIf your Explorer Scouts want to review an activity or event for Explorer, get them to send 350 words to us at [email protected] with ‘Explorer Scout Supplement’ in the subject line.
roving reportersAt the Southampton City District Camp, Explorer Scouts were given the
challenge of being ‘press’ for the duration, to give them an important role
and a challenge for the weekend that was out of the ordinary. Reporters
Emilie and Joanna filed this story
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 16 08/07/2010 16:15
17scouts.org.uk/pol
And the award
goes to…When a member of the Explorer Scout Team in South Ribble
had an idea, the response was simply, ‘Great, get it organised.’ And so, as Rachael Sides tells, the Xscars awards night was born
I t all started by wanting to hold an
Oscars-style night to celebrate South
Ribble Explorers. But trying to find a
hotel or restaurant to host a party for
teenagers proved tricky. Only one place showed any
interest, a small hotel outside Leyland. That was one
job down, hundreds more to go.
After numerous meetings we decided on eight
awards that would be presented on the night.
These were:
• Best knotter
• Best map reader
• Most charitable Explorer Scout
• Most accident-prone
• Best camp cook
• Vainest Explorer
• Explorer Scout of the year
• Unit of the year
Mystery prizewinnersNominations were left up to the Unit leaders
who had to justify their nominee in a few short
sentences. These were collated and passed to
our anonymous judging panel. Nominees
were kept anonymous so there would not
be any bias towards certain people or
Units. The winners were chosen and
kept under lock and key until the
night. We also arranged for a magician to perform and
he kindly taught two Explorer Scouts (Tom and Danny)
an illusion to perform in front of everyone.
The event crept up on us very quickly and before we
knew it we were putting the final touches to the table
plan. Everyone looked fantastic, dressed in black tie,
ball gowns and cocktail dresses. After dinner and the
dazzling magic show (Tom and Danny received great
applause for their magic trunk trick) it was time for the
big moment.
That winning feelingAs the winners were announced, the excitement was
uncontrollable. Each winner had to fight off tough
competition to be crowned the victor. The final award
went to Endurance ESU and was collected by the whole
Unit.
We used Xscars as a celebration of all the skills and
talents of South Ribble Explorer Scouts. It allowed us to
show older Scouts who we are and what we do, and
gave older Explorers the chance to meet some Network
members as they prepare to move on.
Good practice
Shout outHave you had a bright idea? Tell us about it at [email protected] with ‘Explorer Scout supplement’ in the subject line.
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 17 08/07/2010 16:15
18 Explorer August/September 2010
Hazel was selected to represent Wokingham in the Berkshire Royals Jamboree Unit. As well as meeting some ‘dude’ people, she’s discovering that there’s lots to do
M y uncle went to a Jamboree way back,
and it sounded pretty cool. Last year
I went to WINGS [international camp in
Windsor] and it was amazing, and
because the World Scout Jamboree is on an even bigger
scale, I thought it must be pretty epic. When I found out
two of my best friends were going for selection too,
I really wanted to go, because I thought it’d be awesome
to go to Sweden with them, assuming, of course, they’d
get in.
On my ownBecause they’re so good at everything, I just assumed
I hadn’t got in and they had. When I got the call saying
I got in, I was psyched. But to find out that they didn’t
get in and I had, I considered dropping out, because they
mean so much to me, and I didn’t want to go without
them. Being told I was the only one in the District going
also scared me. But then I felt kind of proud, knowing that
I was the only one from my District going. It made me feel
special.
You are not aloneSince being selected I’ve discovered that although my
brilliant friends aren’t going, loads of other people are,
and they’re really nice too. They make me laugh, and I get
a big grin when I know I’m about to see them. I’ve made
friends, and I can honestly say some of them are the
Jamboree dreams
Status updates1 June • like • comment
Hannah is cramming for exams, going to Unit meetings and bonding with the group. Now it’s time to polish some cars wearing bright green and sky blue, the BirmingJam Unit’s colours!
Rhys is decorating biscuits, abseiling the height of Ben Nevis and thinking that trousers are the way forward for his Unit.Email [email protected] to suggest a Jamboree Dreamer.
dreamsfunniest people I’ve ever met. I’d trust some of them with
my life. I’ve also learnt that you bond doing the most
random things, and that there are some pretty dude
people out there, that you haven’t met yet.
There’s an awful lot to do, and we’re going to have a lot
of camps to prepare us. I’m scared about getting lost: I’m
not the best at directions. I’m pretty good at leading
people, and I try to make sure everyone’s involved.
Running out of wordsNow that the Jamboree is just over a year away, I actually
physically can’t wait. It’s gonna be so good, I can’t even
explain it.
explorer_8910FINAL.indd 18 08/07/2010 16:15
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: CANOEING • CLIMBING • COASTEERING
GORGE WALKING • KAYAKING • SURFING • CAVING • WHITE WATER RAFTING
TEAM BUILDING • ASSAULT COURSE/ LOW ROPES • FIELD SKILLS
Nant Y Pobty Farm Coed Y Bryn, Llandysul Ceradigion, SA44 5LQ
Phone: 07787123761 [email protected]
Adventure Beyond is a family run centre
based in West Wales. We have venues and camping or bunk house accommodation
in St Davids, Cardigan Bay, Brecon Beacons.
Jethro MooreAdventure Beyond
IBC_Explorer_AugSept10.indd 6 06/07/2010 12:40
OBC_Explorer_AugSept10.indd 6 06/07/2010 12:40