And we’re off….
I’ve just submitted a small quantity of Nights away Notifications to ‘The Boss’. It’s the first one I’d like to tell you about here. Before I do though just a quick update on various things around the District.
I’m still looking for help to set up a district Shooting league. It’s been on the back burner too long, and as an action from our last meeting definately something I want to sort out.
There’s also some interaction from different Troops with various camps and hikes being organised and shared which is fantastic news. Many thanks to all concerned.
Forward Planning
With Summer Camp planning now well underway for most of you it’s not too early to start looking into the sometimes difficult Autumn term. To be honest it’s quite busy from a County and National perspective.
It’s a good time to start replenishing fund raising funds after the expense of summer. Why not try Tea Prepared the Scouting version of a coffee morning? This could also tie in with the Scouts Fundraising Activity badge.
It’s something different that could fill a couple of Troop nights in the Autumn, and lead to a few quid in the bank.
Badges and awards
Of course it’s important that once badges are completed that the Scouts are properly rewarded, and on my next batch of visits I’ll be looking at how activities are being recorded for Scouts, whether it’s on paper, a spreadsheet, or OSM, and how quickly badges are given out. There should be no excuse for not giving these out within a month. If youre having problems getting hold of badges then let me know. Don’t forget that as well as the district badge secretary there is also a badge shop at Farnham that stocks badges, uniform, and various publications if you need something in a big hurry. There’s also Glasgow Scout shop, whom offer a comprehensive range of badges with a turn around time of less than a week.
Stuck for ideas?
Thats what I’m here for. I’m currently working with a Troop to help get a Expedition off the ground for Scouts to to a trip to the Isle of Wight. Early stages yet, but theyre looking at doing a complete circuit of the island for their Expedition Challenge. Way over and above what they need to do, but it’s certainly a challenge!
Nights away experiances
Camps to you and me….
Another Troop is going on their first Nights away experiance in over a year. This is what I’ve just done the paperwork for. Don’t forget it’s a requirement that All Scouts are offered at least one night away each year. Doesn’t matter if they take you up on it, but it must be offered. Ideally you should be offering more than that, but we all have busy lives.
The overnight camp I’m running should be fun, and I’ll do an update in a couple of weeks with lots of photos of scouts enjoying themselves on a different campsite from what the Leaders are used to, in the sun. It’s an option you have. If you need an extra leader at short notice, or to help you with an activity then please give me a try.
Don’t forget you don’t have to be under canvas for it to count. Thats why it’s called a Nights away experiance. There’s nothing wrong with holding a sleepover in your (or somebody elses) HQ in the district. for example one Troop does an overnight with Jamboree on the Internet. If you need help, let me know.
Does anyone want to have a go at the Forester Activity badge, or the Pioneer badge? County resources are available, and no Leaders are required from individual Troops. Also there’s the option for Scouts to go caving, or canoeing, or climbing…. ask me for details.
A thank you
I just wanted to put up a Scouting success story. Three years ago I was contacted by someone who had never done Scouting before. Vanessa Berni, a German Cheerleading Instructor, contacted me at 1st Liss wanting to help out. Vanessa joined as a section Assistant and has thoroughly enjoyed herself at the Troop. She has had many Scouting adventures and experiances from her first time lighting fires without matches, to paddling a canoe to the delights of a nights away at Gilwell Winter Camp. With a great sense of humor she’s made a huge impact on the Troop there, but now very sadly has to go back to Gremany. Vanessa has already made contact with a German Scout Group and we hope to hear more form her in the future.
It’s not quite viral…..
but people are starting to look here. If there’s something you want me to put up then just let me know the details.
See you all soon.