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Transcript of Explorers Supplement
The magazine
for Explorer Scout Leaders
December 2010/January 2011
scouts.org.uk/pol
Looking goodMake
death masks
This is the lifeA survival
camp in Scotland
KITTED OUT KITTED OUTWe get you ready for 2011
NEWTraining Modules
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 1 11/11/2010 14:32
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Another year over
4 NewsA round-up of what’s happening in the section
6 Say what you wantExplorer Scout Forums: why they might work for you.
8 ‘You look like death’Ayers Explorers make decorative masks
10 New activity resolutionLet our listing be your launchpad into new adventures
12 Highland (fun and) gamesNidderdale Explorers go coastal in Scotland
15 Your Programme, Your VoiceThe results are in from the latest survey
16 Badge in focusThe Science and Technology Activity Badge
17 Who ya gonna call?New partnership with Save the Children
18 Jamboree dreamsOur next dreamer is Steven from Norfolk
Charlotte Tow’s new year resolution is to spread the word about the exciting opportunities available to Explorer Scouts across the UK. She introduces this issue
Welcome to the New Year issue of Explorer. I hope that the winter months
continue to be as exciting and adventurous as those in warmer weather. In this
issue, we look at the benefits of running Explorer forums and how they can be
part of a fun programme. Use the New Year as a reason to see what your
Explorers have enjoyed about the past Scouting year, and what they want to get
from the next one.
New year, new lookYou may also notice that this issue has a slightly new look. We hope to be able
to share plenty of programme ideas with you and put a focus on what you’ve all
been up to. Take a look at the upcoming challenge events that are happening
around the country and hopefully see you at some of them.
If you have anything you wish to see included in the supplement, or have any
great stories and ideas to share with others within the section, get in touch at
Sub zero GilwellMany of you will be getting excited about Wintercamp, which kicks off
on 7 January at Gilwell Park. Your Explorers will be able to take part in many
activities, from outdoor Quasar to sphering and a digger challenge.
Don’t forget that there are also many activities just for leaders – go to
www.wintercamp.org.uk for more information.
Explorer Scout Support TeamThe Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QWTel: 0845 300 1818
ADVERTISINGRichard [email protected] Tel: 020 8962 1258
Cover image: Peter Howard
Contributors: Hilary Walker, Eddie Ward, Kim Harris, Tom Hylands
GET ONLINE, GET MOREYou can read all six magazine supplements on the main Scout website at www.scouts.org.uk/magazine
Contents
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4 Explorer December 2010/January 2011
news
Young Leaders news: A reminderA few of you have asked about how many Young Leaders are allowed in each section. We recommend a maximum of three per section, to make sure that all Young Leaders have a chance to take a full part in the leadership team and get properly involved in running the section. As always, common sense is the key and as long as your Young Leaders are having fun and developing, everyone’s happy.www.scouts.org.uk/youngleaders
scouts.org.uk is going through a revamp and beta pages to support the Network section are available to view and look through. These include the most up to date information, a new menu system and a fresh look and feel. Look for the ‘Information and Resources’ area at www.scouts.org.uk to see for yourself.
scouts.org.uk is going through WWWhat’s going on?
Queen’s Scouts honouredThe latest class of Queen’s Scouts received their
awards from UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt at a
plush reception in London’s Science Museum. Chief
Scout Bear Grylls also popped in for lunch with the
award holders as part of his tour of London and the
South East. This year’s national reception will be the last
in the current format. Future certificate presentations
will be organised and hosted at a Regional and/or
Country level.
The National Scout Service and Parade will be held at
Windsor Castle on Sunday 1 May 2011. Those Explorers
who have recently achieved their Queen’s Scout Award
will receive an invitation to attend in January. To avoid
disappointment, encourage them to RSVP as soon as
possible (before the deadline).
See you in Sweden?Day visitor tickets are now available
to purchase from the Swedish
Jamboree team. Adult day
tickets for 28 July – 6 August
cost 150SEK (approx £14). For
more information and to buy
your tickets visit
shop.worldscoutjamboree.se
Day visitor tickets are now available
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 4 11/11/2010 14:32
New modules for leaders
Is there a night away, sleepover, camp or residential experience on your
horizon? No matter what type of overnight experience you are planning
or helping out with, it is essential that you have the right tools for the job,
says Samantha Marks
For more about training – [email protected] more about Nights Away Permit Scheme – [email protected]
more info
The Scout Association now offers two modules
to enable you to provide overnight experiences
with confidence. In order to become more
flexible and relevant in the training available,
Module 16: Nights Away has changed and a new Module 38: Skills for Residential Experiences has been created.
Module 16: Introduction to Residential ExperiencesThis gives an introduction to the place,
value and organisation of residential
experiences, and their importance in
Scouting. This will be a shorter version
of the obligatory module that all
section leaders need to complete.
Module 38: Skills for Residential ExperiencesThis focuses on the skills to plan and run
a successful residential experience for
young people. It reflects the skills needed for
a Nights Away Permit and aims to help
leaders gain new skills and consolidate
their knowledge.
These changes will give you more flexibility and
choice over the training you receive.
The Nights Away Permit Scheme remains a separate
national scheme, so while these modules aim to give
you all the knowledge you need, if you want to gain
a Nights Away Permit, you will still need to be assessed
separately (you don’t need a Nights Away permit
to get your Wood Badge).
Remember though, that there are no pre-requisites for
gaining a Nights Away Permit – you don’t have to attend
either of these courses to get one. In fact, if you have a
Nights Away Permit then you can automatically validate
both of these modules without attending any training.
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 5 11/11/2010 14:32
6 Explorer December 2010/January 2011
Say what you want
Forums within the Explorer section are often viewed, by both leaders and young people, as unappealing, boring or simply impossible. And while adventurous activities, camps or international trips are the obvious highlight of the year, forums are a great way to find out exactly what the young people want to do and what they thought about previous activities
What is a forum?A forum is a chance for leaders and Explorers to discuss
the way the Unit is run and the content of the
programme for the upcoming term or year. A major
focus of the Explorer section is allowing young people
to make leadership decisions and take a big part in
running the Unit. Many will wish to play an increasing
role in planning and organising events. The forum is the
perfect way to do this and will encourage Explorers to
think about all the factors involved in programme
planning, as well as getting them excited about, and
engaged with, the opportunities that are available.
Flexi-timeThere are many ways that a forum can be run and, as
always, flexibility is the key. Forums should be run at
least once a year, but may also be done termly. They
can be run at the beginning of the year, to discuss what
is coming up, or at the end to reflect on the year gone
by and plan ahead. They may be attended by all
Explorer Scouts, or by a few representatives (remember
to get the views of the whole Unit).
Although a forum can be run in the style of a formal
meeting, it is often more useful to create a casual
atmosphere or make it part of a wider activity or event.
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BEST PRACTICE
Form oF Forum‘The forum we use is based on the Executive Committee system from Venture Scouting days. Young people are elected to sit on an exec, and expected to fulfil their roles to have an input into programme planning, running the Unit, managing equipment and every are of the Unit’s life. The committee feel empowered and take their roles seriously, and the upshot is that as leaders we have a group of switched on and motivated Explorers to call on when we need help with something,’Hilary Walker, Matrix ESU, Aylesbury
This will help maintain interest and encourage Explorers
to express their views. Why not hold the forum at the end
of a camp to see what the Explorers would like to do
moving forward?
IdeasThere are many ways to make forums appealing to both
you and the Explorers.
1. Hold a debate. Split the Explorers into two groups and
get each one to come up with a programme idea
around a particular zone. You can even allocate the role
of chairperson or have a judging panel.
2. Get the young people to pick random items out of a
bag and come up with as many programme ideas as
possible related to that item. Then get the Unit to pick
which ones they want to do and get planning.
3. Run a game show. A good method of doing this is to
survey all members in advance about the recent
activities they have undertaken and things they would
like to do in the future. You can then run a Family Fortunes style game show allocating points based
around the answers guessed. The prize could be the
opportunity for the winners to plan the programme for
a particular meeting.
4. Split the Unit into six groups – one for each Programme
Zone. Then task them with planning at least one
programme for the term around that zone. This will
ensure that the Explorers are doing things they want to
do, and feel integral to the running of the Unit.
All in all, forums are essential in making sure that Explorer
Scouting is relevant and fun for all young people. Give one
a go and see how many amazing thoughts and ideas your
Explorers come up with!
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 7 11/11/2010 14:33
8 Explorer December 2010/January 2011
‘You look like death’
Ayers Explorer Scout Unit from Carlisle, Cumbria are one of the UK’s most mobile Units, often out and about. We caught up with them during a rare meeting at the Scout hut, where they were trying out a new activity – death masks
SummaryDeath masks are castings taken of the face just after a
person has died. The ancient Greeks made casts out of
gold, while others, like the Egyptians and early Europeans,
opted for plaster or wax. Often death masks were made
of royalty or other influential figures like artists, poets and
philosophers. From these casts, sculptors could create
busts or statues in the person’s honour.
Zones• Values and Relationships
• Skills
What you need• Elastic bands
• Petroleum jelly
• Cotton wool pads
• Straws
• ModRoc plaster of paris bandages (you will find lots on
eBay)
• Scissors
• Bowls of water and paper towels.
Instructions1. Tie back hair (elastic bands will do).
2. Cover face with petroleum jelly, use liberal amount on
eyebrows to prevent sticking to the plaster.
3. Place cotton pads on the models’ eyes.
4. Provide straws for breathing.
5. Cut the bandages into small strips.
6. Dip the bandage in the water.
7. Apply bandages carefully in thin layers, smoothing as
you go to ensure detail.
8. Once a few layers have been built up, leave to dry for
five to ten minutes before carefully removing the mask.
The mask will take several hours to dry fully and should
be handled carefully.
Tips and warnings• Put a plastic sheet or old towel on the floor to
catch drips.
• Make sure no-one runs about if the floor gets wet.
• Have towels to hand so that the models can wash their
faces afterwards.
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Matty, 16, said, ‘I wasn’t too keen on being a model to
start with, it was a bit gross covering my face with
Vaseline, but after that it was quite relaxing having the
mask applied.’ Alex, 14, added, ‘You have to trust your
team members but it was great fun. After I’d had my mask
made everyone else in my team wanted a go.’ Jessie, 16,
summed up a potential pitfall of the activity: ‘My mask
didn’t turn out too well as I couldn’t stop laughing. It was
good fun.’
For Explorer Scout Leader, Eddie Ward, this meeting was
a success: ‘Other than planning meetings we aren’t often
in the Scout hut, but we are always looking for new
programme ideas. This was really easy to do and the
materials didn’t cost much. I think the Explorers were
surprised how much fun they had doing this. They all
proudly took their masks home at the end of the night.’
He added, ‘With more time and materials it is possible
to use the plaster casts as a mould to make silicone or
latex masks too.’
Ayers and gracesAyers Explorer Scout Unit are very proactive in their use of
social networking and the internet, for both internal
communication and external relations and promotion.
Eddie explained, ‘We have two Facebook pages, one is
a private one for our members and leaders only, which we
use for discussion and planning activities. With a large Unit
this is a great help. The other page is our public one. We
have built up a great network of friends on our travels and
keep in touch with them via this page. It’s a great way to
share ideas and knowledge. Google Translate comes in
handy for the many Medialähettiläät! friends we made at
the Finnish Jamboree earlier this year.’
AYERS ONLINEFind Ayers ESU on these social networking sites:Twitterwww.twitter.com/AyersExtreme Facebookwww.facebook.com/ayersesuOr catch them on their blog at www.AyersExplorerScouts.org
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 9 11/11/2010 14:33
10 Explorer December 2010/January 2011
Every year countless events happen up and down the country for the Explorer section. Here we explore just a handful. Use our directory as a starting point to plan a new, exciting event into your calendar for 2011. Compiled by Tom Hylands
Apex Challenge
Where: West Yorkshire
When: 7 - 9 October 2011
What is it? A weekend challenge to
gain the most ‘apex’ points through
activities such as assault courses, skill
games and rock climbing.
www.apexchallenge.co.uk
‘Apex is one of the most professionally run events our Unit has been to, it’s a great weekend and I would recommend it to anyone!’ Eddie Ward, Explorer Scout Leader
Southern 50
Where: Greater London North
District, London
When: 19 February 2011
What is it? 50 mile, 50km or 30km
hike that tests orienteering skills,
teamwork and physical ability.
www.scouts-gln-southern50.org.uk
Sun Run
Where: Near Cheltenham,
Gloucstershire
When: 1 – 3 July 2011
What is it? A camp, a festival and a
race all in one for Explorers aged 15
and over. Combine a weekend
meeting people and enjoying a range
of activities on offer then complete
either a 26.2 or 13 mile run on the
saturday night.
www.sr-mc.co.uk
Ten Tors 2011
Where: Okehampton Camp,
Dartmoor
When: 14 – 15 May 2011
What is it? Challenging hike split into
three different distances ranging from
35 to 55 miles in Dartmoor National
Park.
www.exeter.ac.uk/tentors
Operation Dragnet
Where: Cumbria
When: July 2011
What is it? A weekend to travel 35
miles to the finishing point whilst
evading capture!
www.dragnet.org.uk
‘Dragnet is really competitive and great for getting to know people in your team really well. I am still reliving memories from when we had to camp out in torrential rain to running in and then the moment we found out we had won, all of the waiting had paid off.’ Andy, 18
Nottingham Monopoly Live
Where: Nottingham
When: July 2011
What is it? Competition to get around
the places on the Nottingham
Monopoly board.
www.monopoly-live.co.uk
Mersey Moot
Where: Tawd Vale campsite,
Merseyside
When: September 2011
New activity resolution
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What is it? A weekend camp for
Explorer Scouts, Network and Senior
Section Guides giving them the
chance to make new friends, try
specialised activities and take part in
‘the social gathering of the year’
www.merseysidescouts.com/moot
Sussex Downsman Hike
Where: South Downs, Sussex
When: 1 October 2011
What is it? A test of endurance with
hike categories at 45, 60 and 80 miles
www.downsman.com
Gilwell 24
Where: Gilwell Park, Chingford
When: 8 – 10 July 2011
What is it? 24 hours of fun-filled
activities at the home of UK Scouting
www.gilwell24.info
‘It’s a fantastic event that we return to every year. What other event gives you the chance to do everything from bricklaying to the high trapeze for 24 hours with 3,000 other scouts?’ Alex, 17
Theme Park Camp
Where: Surrey
When: September 2011
What is it? A camp, a party and a visit
to Thorpe Park all in one weekend!
www.summitnetwork.org.uk/tpc
Awesome 2011
Where: TBC, Wales
When: TBC, previously been held in
September
What is it? Awesome, or, The
All-Wales Explorer Scout activity
camp offers Explorer Scouts a
weekend of total outdoor adventure
www.scoutswales.org.uk/explorers/
awesome
Charnwood 2011
Where: Whatton House,
Leicestershire
When: 30 July – 6 August
What is it? International camp for
Scouts, Explorers and Guiding
equivalents.
www.charnwood.org
Haarlem Jamborette
Where: Spaarnwoude, Netherlands
When: 31 July – 9 August
What is it? Ten day international camp
for Scouts aged 10-16. Theme is
Energy Unlimited: World wide
wonders.
www.haarlemjamborette.nl
Roverway 2012
Truly international European Scout
and Guide event, where friendships
are made and adventures had. The
next one is in Finland in 2012. Involves
meeting, hiking, camping and
sharing. The strapline for the 2012
event is ‘see. feel. follow.’
www.roverway.fi
Faith and awareness events for February/MarchFebruary 2011 2 Candlemas Day (Christian)
8 , 15 Parinirvana – Nirvana day
(Buddhist)
8 Vasant Panchami (Hindu)
14 Valentine’s Day (Christian)
15 (20 Shia) Milad un Nabi (Birthday of
the Prophet Muhammad)
(Muslim)
18 Magha Puja (Buddhist)
28 Feb - 13 March
Fairtrade Fortnight
March 1 Hola Mohalla (Lunar
Calendar) (Sikh)
3 Mahashivratri (Hindu)
8 International Women’s day
8 Shrove Tuesday (Christian)
9 Ash Wednesday (Christian)
17 St Patrick’s Day (Christian)
19 Holi (Hindu)
20 Purim (Jewish)
22 World Water Day
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 11 11/11/2010 14:34
12 Explorer December 2010/January 2011
Highland (fun and) games
During the summer, Upper Nidderdale Explorers descended upon the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in Scotland’s remote west coast, and Unit Leader Kim Harris filed this report of coastal canoeing, birdwatching and lights out antics
Our base for this memorable summer
adventure was the home of renowned
Antarctic explorer Trevor Potts, a fantastic
centre currently rated as one of the coolest
campsites in Scotland and augmented by Trevor’s personal
collection of whale skeletons. Adventurous activities were
led by Rob Eagelstaff who, along with Trevor, has crossed
the Baring Straights in a kayak and emulated Shackleton’s
historic Antarctic voyage. Making up the team were
leaders Dave Hubbert and I, whose most significant
exploits took place on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
With 25 in the group and ages ranging from 18 months
to very forgetful, we decided to travel light. Armed with
two 20-seat minibuses, a long wheelbase Landrover, 15
canoes, two boat trailers, a gear trailer and what felt like
all our worldly possessions, we set out. For the 12-hour
journey the rain continued, easing briefly to allow us to
buy provisions at the last supermarket before the
Highlands closed in.
Making campScotland is made up of a very big hill broken into smaller
ones and some parts of our campsite were still above
water when we arrived. We erected the equipment tent
first and then forcibly ejected the Explorers which swiftly
resulted in a tidy and well set up encampment. The
following morning all that remained was to suggest a few
minor improvements such as groundsheets and the
advantage of using all of the tent poles provided before
the adventure could really begin.
On the waterCoastal expeditions in open boats are quite an
adventurous activity and much practice in the preceding
months took place to ensure that the basic skills could be
completely forgotten prior to arrival! Once at the centre,
we built up from on-shore training, to sheltered water
practice and on to inlet crossings, which enabled us to
restore knowledge and engage in some interesting
excursions towards the end of the week.
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 12 11/11/2010 14:34
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>>
‘While the Yorkshire Dales offer an excellent opportunity to learn basic skills in a safer and more tame environment, Scotland takes it to the next level and offers the element of challenge and danger that pushes you to develop your skills and reach your full potential. The trip has inspired me to continue working to become a more accomplished canoeist, and also help to teach younger members of our Scout group basic skills so that they can have the same adventure one day!’Charlie, Young Leader
A crucial skill when using open boats
on the sea is the ability to rapidly
construct a catamaran. Pairs of boats lay
a three-metre spar across each end
allowing a one metre gap between hulls.
These spars were secured with bungee
cord, pre-formed to have a monkey’s fist
on one end and a loop on the other. We called them
‘goolie thongs’, I’m not sure why. We aimed to get the
Explorers to construct a catamaran in 60 seconds, and as
leaders we felt more confident once this target had been
achieved.
Unidentified flying objectsEducational activity took the form of a visit to one of the
area’s oldest archeological sites as well as a talk on the
local eagles. The archaeologists, all university graduates,
were enthusiastic, describing their role as ’Making up ideas
about the possible use of a 3,000 year-old pile of stones.’
The lady from the RSPB accepted the inevitable voiceovers
of the film clips with good grace, but regrettably strayed
into the realm of midges. Some confusion ensued and by
bedtime one or two were quite concerned about midges
with a two-metre wingspan.
We learned a lot through the general hilarity of the
evening and the following morning were rewarded by two
golden eagles soaring over the Sound
of Mull. These subsequently turned out
to be RAF Tornado jets, but credit must
be given for the improved observational
skills.
Eat what you catchThe focus of the week was to provide a ’hunter gatherer’
experience and whilst the Explorers were enthusiastic,
I questioned our wisdom when watching them fish off
Kilchoan Pier. Amid noisy hilarity, huge lead weights were
cast in long distance challenges, lines of hooks whirled
indiscriminately and the locals sadly reeled in with no hope
of a fish supper. Within 15 minutes, 30 good mackerel
were landed, the leaders of course taking credit for
choosing the time and location. With plenty of driftwood
available a delicious late night snack ensued, cooked
on a beach fire worthy of a Viking funeral.
Shoreline wildlife proved interesting to study but we
experienced a minor setback when Dave launched his boat
following a lunchtime break in a remote cove. I can stand
up and paddle a boat but have never before seen anybody
do so hopping on one leg and shouting, I personally feel
that my suggestion to use his boat for the temporary
storage of shore crabs was a good one and trust that
once the injuries heal, he will too.
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 13 11/11/2010 14:34
Quotes of the campMy particular thanks go to young leaders Charlie and
Charlotte for their organisational ability, and for having the
foresight to purchase large quantities of Elastoplast when
the Explorers decided to buy knives at the village shop.
Many thanks of course to all of the leaders and equally
to our Explorers who were complemented on their
manners and behaviour many times by the besieged
villagers, they were a pleasure to be with. Passing
comments such as ‘Does my bum look big in this [climbing
harness]?’ or ’Why are all the signs in English and in
French?’ will stay with us for a long time.
LOL in the darkFinally, for any Explorers that might be reading this, if you
want to send a clandestine late night message to your
boyfriend or girlfriend, don’t forget that texting illuminates
both tents. That does tend to give the leaders a bit of a steer!
Highland (fun and) games>>
All profi ts go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).
01903 766 921
Size 45mmThe award medal on a ribbon lanyard with safety break.
With the Be Prepared logo, this is suitable for a laptop with a 15” screen.
Warm hoodie with i.Scout printed on the sleeve and chest.
Scout laptop bagRef 1027383
£15
Designed as a mini daysack, this may be used by any age group and is easy to slip through a belt or trouser loop. Would make a great stocking fi ller.
Kelly Green i.Scout Hoodie Ref 1027995R
£23
Scout Medal with ribbon Ref 1028360
£2.50
Hot Pink i.Scout Hoodie Ref 1027208R
£23
Warm hoodie with i.Scout printed on the sleeve.
NEWAccessory bag with Scouts Be Prepared logoRef 1027421
£2.25
‘I learned first-hand the dangers of the waters and how to overcome them on the sea. The best bits were the end of the day when we sat around the fire cooking fish we had caught, apples and marshmallows. I really like the special bond between the leaders and the Scouts.’ Harry, 16
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 14 11/11/2010 14:34
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YPYV
The Programme Team recently ran a Your Programme, Your Voice (YPYV) questionnaire about Scouting magazine and its supplements and received nearly 3,000 responses
T his questionnaire was designed so that we
could gauge readers’ feelings about the
magazine and its content. Questions ranged
from what readers think of the content in both
the main magazine and the supplements, to the type of
adverts that are featured.
To provide feedback to you as a valued member of the
Movement we have listed highlights of the results along
with suggested changes that will be implemented as part
of the review:
Highlights• Most of our readers look forward to receiving the
magazine, and will read over 50% of it.
• Over 50% of respondents find the magazine relevant
to their role, and feel that the content in it isn’t just
for new leaders.
• Most feel that receiving the magazine bimonthly
is the right frequency.
• Most are happiest receiving the magazine as a hard
copy, rather than electronically. However it is worth
noting that Scouting and its supplements are all
available online. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine
• People would like to see more Scouting skills, activities
and ‘how to’ guides in the magazine and supplements.
• Most find the supplement and its content useful
to their role.
One of the results of the questionnaire is the
standardisation of the content in the supplements, so that
similar content can be found in comparable places in each
supplement. A further outcome is the creation of a pool
of writers which will relieve the pressure on current
contributors and provide a wide range of expertise. If you
are interested in writing for the magazine and its
supplements please email the editorial team at
YPYV surVeYsYour Programme, Your Voice (YPYV) is a regular online questionnaire created and run by the 6-25 Programme Team. Questions are asked about the Programme and other related issues on a regular basis. Members are alerted by email when there is a new YPYV available. To participate, please make sure your email address is on record on the Membership database.
Do you receive the correct supplement? Do you receive ScoutingPlus – our weekly news email? If the answer is ‘no’ then perhaps you should check and/or amend your details on our Membership database at www.scouts.org.uk
Your Programme, Your Voice
All profi ts go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).
01903 766 921
Size 45mmThe award medal on a ribbon lanyard with safety break.
With the Be Prepared logo, this is suitable for a laptop with a 15” screen.
Warm hoodie with i.Scout printed on the sleeve and chest.
Scout laptop bagRef 1027383
£15
Designed as a mini daysack, this may be used by any age group and is easy to slip through a belt or trouser loop. Would make a great stocking fi ller.
Kelly Green i.Scout Hoodie Ref 1027995R
£23
Scout Medal with ribbon Ref 1028360
£2.50
Hot Pink i.Scout Hoodie Ref 1027208R
£23
Warm hoodie with i.Scout printed on the sleeve.
NEWAccessory bag with Scouts Be Prepared logoRef 1027421
£2.25
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 15 11/11/2010 14:34
16 Explorer December 2010/January 2011
In this country, the subject of weather is never far from our lips. As we know, Scouting never stops and winter weather can provide great opportunities to complete the Science and Technology badge by focusing on meteorology
M any of the Explorers may have already
gained the Scout Meteorologist Badge,
so let them share what they already
know; then get out there and observe,
measure, learn and have fun.
The Met Office website has some great information about meteorological observations, forecasts and maps. www.metoffice.gov.uk
Get measuringSplit the Unit into groups to design and build a
meteorological measuring device. Each group can then
explain what aspect of weather the device measures and
how it works.
Search for ‘weather’ on Programmes Online to find how to make some example weather instruments. www.scouts.org.uk/pol
The Explorers can then use their equipment to observe the
weather and see the patterns that occur. It may be worth
getting them to take their devices home so that they can
take measurements each day, and satisfy the 25 hours of
participation required. Get your Explorers to think about
why observations are so important to forecasts.
Produce a weather mapWith the observation complete, it’s time to show off their
results and skills. Spend a Unit meeting getting Explorers
to produce a weather map, including fronts, rainfall and
isobars. They can research the features of a weather map
then display the results of their observations on the map,
in the most creative way possible. If different Explorers
have been focusing on different aspects of the weather,
group them together to produce a map showing the
various things that meteorologists have to consider when
producing a forecast.
Film a weather forecastGet the Explorers to present their results in the style
of a TV weather forecast. Use the maps produced in the
previous meeting as the basis for their forecast. They can
then get creative in showing what the weather has been
like, how clouds are formed and their meteorological
effect. The Explorers can work individually or in groups,
nominating one ‘presenter’ and each will have two
minutes to present their forecast. If possible, film them
and share with the rest of the Unit, or even another
Group within the District.
To finish, discuss as a group the benefits of using
weather maps to plan Scouting activities and the
occasions when weather may influence what
the Unit does.
CALL OUTHave Explorers in your Unit recently gained a badge or completed part of an award? Is there a badge you would like to see featured in the supplement? Share your methods or what you have been doing with others in the section. Email your ideas to [email protected], with ‘Explorer Badges’ in the subject line.
Science and Technology
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 16 11/11/2010 14:34
17scouts.org.uk/pol
An invitation to join Save the Children’s Emergency Superhero Network
E very year, more than 60 million children are
caught up in emergencies. Whether it’s an
earthquake, famine, drought or war, children
are the worst affected and we need to get help
to them, fast.
Save the Children have been responding to emergencies
since 1919, so are experts in helping people prepare for,
and recover from, emergencies. They work in over 20
emergency situations each year and played a leading role
in the response to both the Haiti earthquake and
Pakistan floods.
How you can helpThe Emergency Superhero Network (ESN) offers Explorer
Scouts a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the
crucial first days and weeks after an emergency strikes,
when the clock is ticking on children’s lives.
When you sign up to the network, you’ll receive a range
of emergency resources and activity suggestions. As soon
a there is a new emergency, the ESN will contact you to
explain what’s happened and how they’re helping. You’ll
also be asked to fundraise. Any money you raise will make
a huge difference because many of the life-saving supplies
we need are simple, and cost very little.
How many different uses for…?During an emergency, people have to be resourceful and
survive on very little. A simple tarpaulin might be used
to shelter a family, build a temporary school or use
as a temporary water container.
Give each Explorer an everyday object like a bucket or
sheet and ask them to list or describe as many uses for it
as they can. Using all the resources, the Unit could then
build their own emergency shelter or camp, with
everything a family needs to be safe and protected.
MORE IDEAS AND JOIN THE ACTIONSave the Children’s superheroes raised over £350,000 for our Haiti Appeal, helping them get children the shelter, food and safety they desperately needed.
It’s simple to join in: call Save the Children on 020 7012 6400 or email [email protected]
Who ya gonna call?
EXPLORER FINAL.indd 17 11/11/2010 14:34
18 Explorer December 2010/January 2011
Jamboree dreams
Venture Abroad to the Jamboree
If you’re interested in seeing the delights of a World Scout Jamboree for yourself, but you’re not in the IST, you could take advantage of one of the Day Visitor programmes courtesy of our travel partner, Venture Abroad. They have a variety of packages that could suit your Unit. Check out www.scouts.org.uk/ventureabroad for full details.
dreams
the Jamboree campsite in Rinkaby.
• Kristianstad, the nearest town to the Jamboree site lies
on the Hammer Lake and the Helge River.
• The coldest temperature ever recorded in Sweden was
in Vuoggatjamle in 1966 at a staggeringly cold-52.6°C.
• There are six languages recognized and spoken in
Sweden: Swedish, English, Meankieli, Sami, Romanian
and Yiddish.
Top moment The funniest moment we’ve had as a Unit so far would
have to be, in my opinion, turning Don’t Stop Believing into the combine harvester song. [Ed - Maybe you had
to be there?]
Steven, 16, is part of Norfolk’s Central WHO? Unit, and once over the shock of being selected, he quickly got down to learning about the destination country
T o be chosen to go to the Jamboree was really
surreal. Surely there had been a mistake, but
when I recieved the confirmation letter in the
post, and realised I was actually going I was
on cloud nine for two days.
Training runWe’ve done two training weekends and have another
planned. Activities we’ve done include bulding shelving
units, making dining shelters, skinning rabbits, team-
building activities, and many more. Alongside the training
camps we’ve held social and fundraising events, which
have let me get to know people better, and all of which
have been much fun. More training is planned so that
we all feel prepared for the Jamboree itself.
Getting to know youComing from one Explorer Unit, it’s been interesting
getting to know people in another. I’ve found out that
some members are very accident prone, others snore
(including me), and some of us like to have long lie-ins!
I’m sure there’ll be done of that in Sweden as there will
be too much to do.
Swotting up on SwedenThings we’ve discovered about Sweden so far are:
• Sweden is connected to Denmark via the Oresund
Bridge, a bridge we will travel across to get to
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