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The magazine
for Explorer Scout Leaders
June/July 2010
scouts.org.uk/pol
Happy underground
A caving diary
You and themScout Active Support can really help both
REASONS TO BE CHEERFULTO BE CHEERFUL
We report on a year of growth for Explorer Scouting
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WELCOME
In her last entry for Explorer, Gemma Veitch is saying goodbye. They say itÕ s not over
until the É hang on, Gemma, what are you doing with that microphone?
As most of you will be aware I have now left The Scout Association to move
to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. I have had such a fantastic time over the past
three years and had the privilege of meeting quite a number of you during
my time here.
The Explorer Scout section is amazing (although I may be biased about that!)
and as adults working with Explorer Scouts we have the chance to support
young people at a time of life when their worlds are expanding and they are
preaparing to face the greater pressures of adulthood.
Over the past few years I have been extremely impressed with the standard
of programmes and activities available for our 14-18 year olds. The events I have
attended have been varied and brilliant fun!
New facesCan I also take this opportunity to welcome Charlotte Tow to The
Scout Association. Charlotte is taking on the role of Programme
and Development Adviser and will now be the first point of
contact for the Explorer Scout section. You can contact Charlotte
at [email protected]. I am sure you will make her very
welcome.
Thank you all again for the incredible memories over the past few years.
New lady in town!
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
4 The fastest-growing sectionExplorer Scouting is growing; we try to fi nd out why
7 Getting the bestCan you help new leaders by becoming a Training Adviser?
8 Scout Active Support... and you How working with Active Support Units can add value
10 Scout Active Support... and them
Activities can provide a focus to help 18 year-olds continue their Scouting journey
12 Life in the slow laneGo narrow boating to revolution-ise your summer camp
14 Going downThe day the Jesters went caving
16 Book clubResources you ought to have
17 Postcard adventuresYour international stories wanted
18 Jamboree dreamsRhys is in, but what’s he offering?
REUNION 2010Bookings are now open for this yearÕ s Gilwell Reunion event, held at Gilwell Park over the weekend of the 3-5 September. The event is open to all adults in Scouting.
For more information about the event go to www.scouts.org.uk/reunion
Charlotte Tow
Contents
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4 Explorer June/July 2010
The fastest-growing section
The census results for 2010 are in, and itÕ s good news for the Explorer Scout section. All thirty-eight thousand of us, writes Elis Matthews
Coasteering in Cornwall
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GOOD PRACTICE
T here are more UK teenagers in Scouting now
than at any point in the last decade. Explorer
Scouting was, of course, not in existence in
2001, when dwindling Venture Scout numbers
were recorded at 19,250. In this year’s census results,
numbers of Explorer Scouts have risen to 34,689, a
growth of 8.5 per cent on last year’s count.
When the figures were released in April, national and
local press reported the boom, zeroing in on the fact that
Scouting is increasingly popular among teenagers. Since
the introduction of the Explorer Scout section, numbers
have been growing yearly, with large numbers of males
and females joining and staying in the section.
Number crunchingThe overall growth of Scouting in the 2010 census was 3.7
per cent (17,562 more adults and young people). In the
Explorer section, that amounts to 2,713 more young
people, a rise that is in no small way down to the hard
work put in by leaders and supporters in 2,291 Units who
run varied programmes of exciting activities.
The table below shows the growth level of male and
female Explorer Scouts and suggests that this year’s spike
in additional boys may be down to the so-called ‘Bear
Effect.’ The announcement 12 months ago of adventurer
Bear Grylls as the Movement’s tenth Chief Scout caused
young males with lofty aspirations of living wild to both
join the adventure and stick with it.
2008-2009 2009-2010
M F T M F T
778 776 1,554 1,710 1,003 2,713
3.4% 10.1% 5.1% 7.3% 11.9% 8.5%
Growth of Explorer Scouts split by gender
Why they love itNews of the growth was covered on BBC London and on
national radio stations, as well as in countless local
newspapers and media outlets. Recruited to talk about
Scouting, Explorers Grace and Alexander enthused about
a mix of activities and a world of fun. Speaking about the
experience, Grace said, ‘To begin with it was kind of
daunting, but as we did more and more work I got more
comfortable with it and began to enjoy it.’
To Alexander, the secret of Explorer Scouting’s success
lies in the activities: ‘Nowhere else could you live in the city
and still get chances to go rock climbing and abseiling
without going out of your way.’ He joined Scouting in the
last year, aged 15 when a friend invited him along. ‘He
was always banging on about it, so I decided to take him
up on his offer. I went to an evening session and have
never looked back since. The friends I have made and the
things I have done will surely stay with me for the rest of
my life.’
ItÕ s grown up northThere is no one-size-fits-all reason for the rise in numbers;
an adventurous programme, better communication
between sections, the creation of more Units and
population variance all play their part. Two examples from
north England show that different initiatives bear fruit and
that it’s not all about numbers.
>>
The proportion of growth among girls remains
impressively high, but it’s the surge in boys that can be
taken as a concrete success story.
Numbers of girls are on the up
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6 Explorer June/July 2010
In Carlisle, the Ayers Explorer Unit experienced growth
of 30 per cent. Explorer Scout Leader Eddie Ward puts this
down to a steady flow from Scout Troops, plus an influx of
‘teenagers joining Scouting for the first time, some at 17.’
Eddie has also seen a trend among his Explorers to proudly
tell friends about the eclectic mix of opportunities, which
they post on social networking sites. They’re just as willing
to tell Explorer about their adventures.
Rachel, 16, enthuses: ‘I’ve had so many opportunities to
try out new, challenging and adrenaline pumping activities
such as glacier walking in Switzerland, coasteering in
Newquay and endurance challenges across Cumbria. All
my friends are dead jealous - it just goes to show Scouting
is equipped for the modern day and it’s not all campfires,
badges and knots.’
Simply the bestIn South Ribble District, West Lancashire, it’s been
a different kind of year, but no less successful. District
Explorer Scout Commissioner Martin Sumner has seen
no numerical growth, with numbers staying the same as
2009, but he sees it as a process of refinement and
development rather than growth for growth’s sake.
‘We’ve continued to bring new Explorers in, but we’ve
also got rid of some who were treating it more like a youth
The fastest-growing section>>
Growth on the grapevine If youÕ ve grown Explorer Scouting and would like to share your secrets get in touch with us. Email [email protected] with Ô Explorer Scout SupplementÕ in the subject line.
club, and not bothered about being Scouts.’ This fine
tuning has resulted in more Explorers achieving DofE and
Chief Scout’s Awards and more potential leaders for
the future. The quality of the Programme being offered
means that there’s no need to advertise Explorer Scouting
as word of mouth generates enquiries from outside
of Scouting. ‘There’s no tool more powerful than Explorers
telling their friends,’ confirms Martin.
The futureÕ s brightThe next big project for many involved in Explorer
Scouting will be the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden,
but Martin is keen to offer international Scouting to all his
brood. ‘I try to take ours abroad in the mid point between
Jamborees. We went to Kandersteg last year and had
a wonderful time. Next year I’m arranging an international
camp for the Explorers who won’t make it to Sweden.’
For Alexander and Grace, there’s plenty to look forward
to. ‘We’ve got a summer camp in Derbyshire and hiking
competitions,’ says Grace. Alexander chips in ‘It’s all an
adventure, to be honest. I know that whatever my
Unit lines up will be fun and full of surprises.’
An adventurous programme has attracted new Explorer Scouts
in droves
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Training advisers
Getting the bestTraining Advisers play a vital role in the training of Scout volunteers. Rosie Shepherd explains what they do, and why it makes a difference
T raining Advisers are some of the most
important people in adult training, and most
learners would agree that having a good
Training Adviser has a big impact on their
training experience.
If you would like to help people who are new to the
Explorer Scout section to really settle in and enjoy their
new role then becoming a Training Adviser is a practical
way to help them out.
What does a Training Adviser do?The role is to support learners through the Adult Training
Scheme, from start to finish. This includes meeting them
to decide what learning they need to do, helping them to
access suitable learning, and signing off completed
modules (validation).
As one learner said in a recent questionnaire: ‘My
Training Adviser was fantastic. She was not only there for
validation but offered practical and sensible advice on
numerous occasions based on her knowledge and past
experience.’
How much time does it take?This is one of the most flexible roles in Scouting, and the
time it takes depends on the number of learners that you
support. Some Training Advisers support one learner at a
time; others support more. It’s up to you. As a guide, on
average learners meet with their Training Adviser six times
during the three years it takes to complete their
Wood Badge.
How do I become a Training Adviser?If you think you might be interested, the first step is to talk
to your County/Area Training Manger, or Assistant District
Commissioner (Adult Training) in Scotland. They will be
able to tell you more about how training is organised in
your local area, and what kind of support you would have
as a Training Adviser.
The training requirement for the role is to complete
Module 25 Assessing Learning (Training Adviser). This will
give you the necessary tools and skills to do the role. If you
are a District Explorer Scout Commissioner you may
already have completed this module.
‘A good Training Adviser can be so motivating and
encouraging and makes the whole training experience a
good one’ was the feedback of one newly appointed
Explorer Scout Leader.
Train upDownload resources for your own training at www.scouts.org.uk/learnersresources or purchase from the Scout Information Centre Ð 0845 300 1818 | [email protected]
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Scout Active Support... ... and you
Do you need more adult help? Are there
skills missing from your leader team? Have
you got enough money? Do your
Explorers want to get involved in new
projects? Then read on for more
information about Scout Active Support
Active Support Units could pass
on specialist skills like sailing to Explorer Scouts
8 Explorer June/July 2010
What is Scout Active Support?Scout Active Support is a way for adults to provide
support to local Scouting in a flexible way. Scout Active
Support – like Explorer Scouting – is divided into Units. A
Scout Active Support Unit is based at Scout Group, District
or County level, and there can be more than one Unit at
each level.
How is a Scout Active Support Unit set up and utilised?The responsible Commissioner must appoint a Scout
Active Support Manager when he or she has
identified support needed within the Group, District
or County.
The function of the Unit should ideally link to the
Group, District or County Development Plan. A service
agreement should be written that lays out the support
that the Unit will provide over the coming 12 months
such as covering leader absence, supporting international
expeditions, and the support the Group, District or County
will provide to the Unit (such as provide first aid training,
pay membership fees and so on).
Group Scout Leader, District Commissioner,
County Commissioner or nominee
Scout Active Support Manager
Scout Active Support CoordinatorScout Active Support Coordinator
Scout Active Support Unit
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Scout Active Support... ... and you
Do you need more adult help? Are there
skills missing from your leader team? Have
you got enough money? Do your
Explorers want to get involved in new
projects? Then read on for more
information about Scout Active Support
Scout Active Support Units
could pass on specialist skills
like sailing to Explorer Scouts
8 Explorer June/July 2010
What is Scout Active Support?Scout Active Support is a way for adults to provide
support to local Scouting in a flexible way. Scout Active
Support – like Explorer Scouting – is divided into Units. A
Scout Active Support Unit is based at Scout Group, District
or County level, and there can be more than one Unit at
each level.
How is a Scout Active Support Unit set up and utilised?The responsible Commissioner must appoint a Scout
Active Support Manager when he or she has
identified support needed within the Group, District
or County.
The function of the Unit should ideally link to the
Group, District or County Development Plan. A service
agreement should be written that lays out the support
that the Unit will provide over the coming 12 months
such as covering leader absence, supporting international
expeditions, and the support the Group, District or County
will provide to the Unit (such as provide first aid training,
pay membership fees and so on).
Group Scout Leader, District Commissioner,
County Commissioner or nominee
Scout Active Support Manager
Scout Active Support CoordinatorScout Active Support Coordinator
Scout Active Support Unit
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Scout Active Support Units
can help at Group level,
whether it’s by organising
catering or helping at camps
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SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORTSCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT
How can Scout Active Support help an Explorer Scout Unit?A Scout Active Support Unit can do anything that supports
Scouting. It is a way for adults to volunteer some time to
Scouting in a flexible way that suits them. The ways that
Scout Active Support can aid Explorer Scouts are almost
endless; below are a few examples.
An Explorer Scout Unit is planning an international
expedition. The District Scout Active Support Unit
could support them in planning the trip, including
fundraising.
A County Scout Active Support Unit could provide
opportunities for Explorer Scout Units across the
County to gain experience of water activities
by coordinating six experience days annually.
A District Scout Active Support Unit could work with
the Explorer Scout Units in the District to coordinate
events outside of usual meeting times specifically
for Explorer Scouts.
A District Scout Active Support Unit could be a source
of extra adult help in leader absence, or to teach skills
that the existing leader team do not hold, such
as pioneering.
UNIT SETUPContacting your District Commissioner about local Scout Active Support Units is probably the quickest route to the Scout Active Support Manager. If no Unit exists, this may prompt the DC to start a new Unit to support your need.
For more information, see www.scouts.org.uk/activesupport
If you have any good news about your partnership with a Scout Active Support Unit, we would love to hear about it. Please email [email protected]
What else can a Scout Active Support Unit offer?Scout Active Support is another option for young people
to become involved in once they turn 18. Scout Network
offers those aged 18-25 access to the higher levels
awards, such as Queen’s Scout Award, while joining a
local Scout Active Support Unit presents them with a
choice to give something back to Scouting and perhaps
remain involved with supporting their old Explorer Unit on
a flexible basis.
Scout Active Support can work both ways: if your
Explorer Scout Unit is looking to get involved with a
project, there might be a Scout Active Support Unit based
at a local campsite who are looking for extra manpower
to finish a building project.
Scout Active Support Units are great contacts for
passing on traditional Scouting skills to the Explorer Unit
that you may not have yourself. They could be a good
source of local historical knowledge, and be able to deliver
programmes on a range of subjects, increasing the variety
you can offer in the programme.
A Scout Active Support Unit could offer you support
during a camp, doing badge assessments, backwoods
cooking, conservation project, administrative support,
parent liaison, find out how a Unit local to you can
support your Explorer Scout Unit.
*Though the term ‘County’ is used here for simplicity, Scout Active Support happens equally in Areas, Islands, Bailiwicks and Scottish Regions.
2
1
3
4
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10 Explorer June/July 2010
Scout Active Support É ... and themEver been in ‘that’ dilemma? Members of your
Unit are approaching 18 and you’re trying to
encourage them to stay involved in Scouting.
Work or university beckons, and perhaps
relationships are flourishing. They have no inclination to
join or help set up the local Network, and aren’t interested
in helping with a section. What do you do?
One answer could be to appeal to their interests and
offer them an opportunity to keep the adventure Scouting
offers while being more flexible in their involvement.
How so? Three words: Scout Active Support.
Activities Ð the flexible adult roleProviding your Members with opportunities to try new
things is one of the fundamental approaches to
programme planning. Incorporating adventurous activities
into your programme builds interest and enthusiasm in
things that many young people never get a chance to try.
Indeed, it is one of the reasons why many young people
join the Movement. Of course, you know that. But it can
also be a way to get them to stick with it when life
changes and they no longer have the time to be ‘regular’
attendees.
Ensuring that young people not only have the
opportunity to try activities, but also the chance to meet
and work with local Scout teams focused on these
activities can be an ideal route to keeping them involved
beyond the date they would normally decide to leave.
It opens up the opportunity for them to stay involved in
Scouting as a flexible member of an activity Scout Active
Support Unit, leading activities for other members of their
County or District. Enabling them to continue learning an
activity that they enjoy while supporting others in
accessing it can be vital in encouraging them to make the
transition into leadership at a future date. At the same
time, it provides a valuable resource to every other leader
in your District and County who can call on their skills
on a flexible basis.
Who to talk toMost Counties or Regions will have their own experienced
activity teams, who operate as Scout Active Support Units.
They can help you run an adventurous activity, and may
even run a programme of events themselves. They will
provide you with advice and support on how to get
involved in an activity and possible locations to do it.
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SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT
The important thing is allowing them the opportunity to
meet your Explorers. By doing so, it will ensure that your
young people are aware of the other roles that they can
take on in Scouting when it’s time for them to move on
from the Unit.
Alternatively, there are more general Scout Active
Support Units. The Unit members are likely to have a
wealth of experience and skills, and may be able to advise
you on how to run an adventurous activity, or at least
where to begin. If your Unit has agreed that they want to
focus on a specific activity, and the skills exist, you could
talk to your District Commissioner about amending the
Scout Active Support Unit’s service agreement to support
young people in gaining the necessary skills. Again, ensure
that your Members get a chance to meet and work with
the Scout Active Support Unit. This will enable them to see
what the Unit does, and make it a viable route to consider
when they leave.
First step to leadershipBy remembering that there are other roles available as
adults in Scouting and ensuring young people are aware
of them and meet current members in those roles, we can
encourage more to stay involved beyond the age of 18.
And once they start to support Scouting as an adult, there
is always the possibility that they will make the leap across
to leadership.
JUST ASK!Get the whole picture at www.scouts.org.uk/activesupport
With adventurous activities a massive
reason why teenagers join, donÕ t
underestimate the role they can play
in keeping Explorer Scouts in Scouting
after they reach 18. Andy Melia
explains how specialised Scout Active
Support Units could be just the ticket
SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT
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12 Explorer June/July 2010
Year after year we go off to camp, predominantly staying in tents. Why not change the scenery and embark on a water-based odyssey with a narrow boating holiday, asks Tom Hylands
Narrow boating may be viewed as a quaint activity that doesn’t fit with the notion of a modern Movement. However, you can’t underestimate the number of skills and experiences that piloting a boat along a canal requires: navigation and route planning; steering and precision; working the locks; discovery; self-sufficiency; teamwork; cooking and the appreciation of heritage and culture.
Narrow boating
Adventure A-Z
Life in the slow lane
Getting startedThere are many Scout-friendly companies that offer
reasonable prices for weekends or longer. If you look to
the National Community Boats Association (NCBA), it
won’t take long to find an association in your region that
can offer this activity.
As an Explorer Scout, Alec Stanworth from Eastcote,
London, experienced both weekend and week-long
expeditions on narrow boats, the most recent on the
Grand Union Canal. He said: ‘The best part is the fact that
there is always something to do, whether it’s steering the
boat, being out on the locks or just generally helping out.
I never got bored!’
Pace yourselfThere are also chances to do activities as the journey goes
on. The majority of canals travel through towns giving the
opportunity to include activities such as ice skating and
bowling. You are never far from ‘civilisation’ and there will
generally be plenty of conveniences, such as supermarkets.
Alec comments: ‘Narrow boating has a nice pace of life.
You’re not hurrying to write a programme on the spot
and there are so many opportunities to do additional
things’.
In order to offer narrow boating, the person in charge
needs to have a leadership activity permit for narrow
boating. Both the NCBA and Royal Yachting Association
(RYA) run courses which can give valuable skills towards
gaining a permit. Also check www.scouts.org.uk/activities
for details of training and assessment opportunities. The
A-Z of Activities will give you all the relevant links and
rules. The Narrow Boating factsheet (FS120655) contains
more details and essential information.
Narrow boats, broad ProgrammeThe major plus for setting your camp on a narrow boat
is that it’s easy to tie into all areas of the Balanced
Programme. For Outdoor and Adventure, the core skills
of planning and navigating are right there onboard, but
also whenever you venture away from the towpath on
hikes and explorations. Also, there’s nothing stopping
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Activities
A-Z of activities: www.scouts.org.uk/a-zCommunity Boats Association: www.national-cba.co.ukBritish Waterways: www.britishwaterways.co.ukNational Directory of Waters: www.scouts.org.uk/waterways
more info
you mooring up at an appropriate location and going
off for a night in tents.
For community, there would be opportunities to get
involved in the life of the waterways, with service projects
directed by the lock-keeper or canal authority.
Creatively, you could engage the Explorers in painting
landscapes, composing folk songs about their cruise or
cooking in the often-cramped galley on the boat.
In terms of values and relationships, the challenges
presented by living in close proximity mean your Unit will
need to foster positive relationships and respect each
other to live in harmony during the holiday. These lessons
can be valuable in future Explorer Scout activities
and are worth exploring.
Take the plungeNarrow boating has a lot to offer a Unit, so why not give
it a go for a day or a weekend? If you have fun then
it’s time to go for a week.
Changing locks or assisting the lock keeper can be an activity in itself
EXPLORER_FINAL.indd 13 12/05/2010 15:15
Going downExplorer Scout Leader Alan Martin recounts an underground adventure with his Jesters Unit, and uncovers a hidden world of cascades and waterfalls
14 Explorer June/July 2010
The green suits were a hit, so was the boat
O n Friday night at 6pm nine of us leave the
Henderson Scout Hall in Kilmarnock, six
Explorers and three leaders. We’re off to the
North Yorkshire Dales National Park where
we stay at a fantastic place called The Dump – the club
headquarters of the Bradford Potholing Club near
Horton-in-Ribblesdale. After four long but fun hours, we
arrive, empty the bus and prepare our rooms. After Jim’s
famous hot dogs and a few hours of chat, it’s bedtime.
Early startNext morning, we’re woken at 7.30am and enjoy a hearty
fried breakfast, and after making our sandwiches for
lunch, we set off to the first cave of the day – Upper Long
Churns near Selside. We get out of the bus and put on
green, waterproof suits with hardhats and torches – our
uniform for the day. We walk up to the cave entrance and
prepare to go underground.
Goodbye daylightAs soon as we enter the cave, we can hear the waterfall
roaring at the other end of it and it doesn’t take long for
us to get our feet wet. This quickly spreads to other areas
as we descend further into the darkness of the churns.
Wading through the water, which is extremely cold, starts
off easy but the narrower the cave gets, the faster the
water flows and the harder it is to move forward against it.
We get to a point where we’re helping each other climb a
water cascade and the current is too strong for the smaller
Explorers, so we turn back towards daylight, where we
meet other cavers about to attempt the churns themselves.
At that point we head back to the bus, get out of our wet
EXPLORER_FINAL.indd 14 12/05/2010 15:15
ACTIVITIES
15scouts.org.uk/pol
Caving factfileThe UK has four major caving regions, each known for their own specific type of cave: • South Wales: Very little vertical
development; some very extensive cave systems.
• Mendip Hills: Limited vertical development; very pretty caves and a fair amount of water.
• Derbyshire: Many fossil caves and navigable mines; muddy.
• Yorkshire Dales: Largest UK cave region; large caves and potholes, many with extensive passages and large volumes of water.
British Caving AssociationThis is the national governing body, which provides guidance and news about the activity. www.british-caving.org.uk
Do I need a permit?If youÕ re going to offer caving as a Scout-led activity, yes. See the A-Z of Activities for more information at www.scouts.org.uk/a-z and the Caving factsheet (FS120451).
What if I canÕ t cave myself?Contact a caving club near the location of your choice. Many will offer caving experiences and have experiences of taking schools and Scout Groups down into the systems. Again, refer to the A-Z and follow the correct procedures. You can find caving clubs at www.trycaving.co.uk
gear and drive to Ingleton to Bernie’s Café for a much
needed hot chocolate and giant Yorkshire puddings.
In the afternoon, we take on another cave, Yordas –
Main Chamber. Yordas is much larger, with an
impressive waterfall at the back. The chamber’s inside is
impressive, 50ft high with the walls reflecting light from
the head-torches onto the water running down. It’s not
as wet as the churns, but there’s still a foot of water
all around to walk through. We get back to the bus
after a quick session of green suit grass sliding.
Back at The Dump, after a shower and a sizeable
chicken curry dinner, we relax in the sitting room by the
fire and talk about what has happened that day and
what we would like to try again next time. 24 hours
later we’re back in Kilmarnock, shattered but smiling.
Isn’t this what Scouting weekends are all about?
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16 Explorer June/July 2010
Book clubWe take a peek inside the new books to support you in your role
Tell us what you think of the new booksEmail us at [email protected]
Faith and awareness events for August/SeptemberAugust 5 Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)
11 First day of Ramadan
(Muslim)
12 International
Youth Day
15 Assumption of
Blessed Virgin Mary
(Christian)
26 Women’s Equality
Day (USA)
September 1 Installation of Sikh Scripture
in Harmandir Sahib (Sikh)
8 International Literacy Day
9 Rosh Hashanah (Jewish
New Year)
10 Eid Al-Fittr (Muslim)
18 Yom Kippur/Day of
Atonement (Jewish)
21 International Day of Peace
22 World Car Free Day
23 Start of Succot (Jewish)
23 Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
Nights Away£8.50, item code: 1027818
Spending nights away from home is central
to the Scouting experience. The new and
improved Nights Away has everything you need
to run a successful residential experience for
all age ranges in Scouting. With chapters on
health, budgeting, catering, choosing your
venue and even running your daily activities
you’ll wonder how you managed camp without
it. The light and compact format also means
it’s easy to keep in your rucksack.
Includes a dedicated section on Explorer Scouts.
The Unit Programme Plus: Vol. 2£5, item code: 1027887
This new addition to the Programme resource
family is packed with a fresh range of exciting
and ready-to-run activities. The perfect
companion to Programme Plus: Vol 1,
it will help you plan a balanced programme
every week. Specifically designed to cover all
Programme Zones and badges, themes covered
include conservation, global and skills.
And the classicsɕ A Complete Guide to Scouting Skills,
£9.99 (1027759)
• The Unit Programme, £5 (1024635)
• Unit Programme Plus: Vol. 1, £5 (1024636)
• Unit Essentials, £5 (1024634)
To order any of these and the full range
of books, certificates and
clothing visit www.scouts.org.uk/shop
EXPLORER_FINAL.indd 16 12/05/2010 15:16
17scouts.org.uk/pol
Postcard adventuresThereÕ s still time to tell us of your worldwide Explorer trips, so send us your pictures, plans and trailfinding highlights
INTERNATIONAL
T he October/November issue of
Explorer is our international
compendium, to shed light on how
many miles Units have covered across
multiple continents. Timed to coincide with
the Join-in-Jamboree resource, we will be
featuring as many local expeditions and
service projects as we can, but we need to
hear from you to make that happen.
The method1. If you’d like to contribute send an email
to [email protected] with your name, Unit
name, District and destination. Do this by 30 June 2010.
2. Then get your Explorers writing about
the trip and send by 27 August 2010 to
the same address. You are encouraged
to include links to photos and videos
in your submission.
3. We’re also seeking hints and tips from
leaders who have organised trips abroad.
Do you have experience which could help
your fellow leaders? Maybe you were there
when things went wrong. What did you
do? We want real advice from the horse’s
mouth, so do get in touch and we look forward to
reading the results.
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18 Explorer June/July 2010
Jamboree dreams
Status update1 June • like
Since being selected, Hannah has packed hundreds of bags to raise money for the Unit, and got soaked washing cars in the rain. SheÕ s edging closer to Sweden. If you know someone whoÕ d like to be featured in Jamboree Dreams, let us know at [email protected]
dreams
I t’s been my ambition for as long as I can
remember to attend a World Jamboree. I was a
day visitor in 2007, and being with so many Scouts
from all over the world was fantastic.
Hat in the ringI applied to my County in January and attended a selection
day in March. I didn’t know anyone else and my mate
George was going on the second selection day, so I
couldn’t rely on him. I was nervous because I was one of
the youngest there, and everyone really wanted to be
picked, but with only 36 places, some of us would be
disappointed.
Safari so goodThe day was a mix of team-building games and I was
excited, but it was strange doing team-building with all
these people I’d never met before. We had to create a
frozen picture of a theme given us by the leaders, who
were watching our every move. We worked together to
come up with a safari scene, forming a jeep out of chairs
and our bodies. Some of the games were very up close
and personal, but they helped us to bond and by the end
of the day I felt more relaxed around the other hopefuls.
There was a two week wait before the Unit Leader
called to tell me the good news. I was so happy. George
also got a place, and now we’re focused on becoming
part of the Unit and coming up with fundraising ideas.
There’s a World Cup sweepstake, which I’m finding prizes
for, and I’d like to write to local businesses for sponsorship.
Something to offerI think I’ll bring camping skills to the Unit. I’ve done quite
a bit, and I’m good at making camp gadgets. But I’ve
never camped for three weeks before, so I’ve got to work
up the stamina. Speaking different languages might
be a challenge too. But I can’t wait for my Swedish
dream to be a reality.
Rhys, 13, is currently moving on from his Scout Troop in Chingford to the local Explorer Scout Unit, and his sights are firmly set on the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden
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