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Emlyn – Scouts show leaders how to camp

Before the camp started the patrols had been hard at work. They had selected and prepared equipment ready for camp, planned a menu for the whole weekend and purchase the food and sundry items.  The Patrol Leader (or nominated Scout) had to ensure the menu was within budget, offered a balanced diet and would be enjoyed by the whole patrol.

From 6pm on the last Friday of June patrols arrived at Bragger’s Wood. Each drew lots to secure a site that would be their home for the next 69 hours. The patrols set up their camps to a lay out to their own design. There sites included a sleeping tent (or two), a dining shelter, a store tent, fire area and chopping area.

On Saturday the patrols were set the previously undisclosed tasks of cooking scones in a cardboard oven and making a map of the site. The 29th and 9th Cobras were notable by failing to produce a fire big enough to create a cardboard oven inferno.

The three course evening meal must be prepared using fresh ingredients and cooked on an alter fire. Earlier in the day Scouts had collected and prepared wood for the fire. The Scouts, lead by their Patrol Leaders demonstrated safe and skilful use of axe and saw.

As 6pm approached judges were selected to sampling the Scouts’ cooking. There is usually a joke here about these judges taking their lives in their hands. This joke is very much redundant. Eating the Scouts’ cooking is only dangerous if you tell Lin Gibson the Scouts’ cooking is nearly as good as hers.

This year had some impressive food including chicken stew, beef stews, lemon chicken and spaghetti bolognese. One patrol had forgotten to include a starter in its menu. Showing their inventive side the patrol produced a starter from the ingredient it had.

The evening ended with an Explorer Scout organised wide game in the campsite’s woodland.

Sunday started with a broad and inviting selection of breakfasts for the judges to score. This fuelled the patrols to demonstrate their navigation skills on a hike on the nearby moorland. It was a hot day and the patrols managed there water supplies to avoid dehydration. Only two teams left the prescribed route and the remainder got to all the waypoints in a timely manner.

Congratulations to all the Scouts that took part.  All had good working camps so with the addition of the other activities at Emlyn they have achieved the camping requirements for the Outdoor Challenge and the Patrol Leaders demonstrated the camping skills for the Outdoor Plus Challenge. Only the first aid sections left to do! These Challenges are hefty contributions to the Chief Scout Gold Award.

Thanks to Stuart and helpers for organising Emlyn, the judges, Lin Gibson for catering for the judges, the leaders, parents and other Scouts who helped prepare the patrols for the competition and most of all the competing patrols.

It is important to remember Emlyn is open to every patrol in the district or any teams, within the age constraints, a troop can enter.

Emlyn may not boast the headline grabbing activities other camps do but it develops team work and leadership and hones Scouting skills that make activity camp work. Most of the skills demonstrated and refined at Emlyn are key life skills and are as essential to a successful Queen’s Scout expedition as mountaincraft. Some of my best memories of as a member of a very active Scout troop were just being at camp with other Scouts. I know I am not alone in this thought. I believe failing to offer Scouts a place at Emlyn denies them a significant part of the Scouting experience.

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Logerheads

Nine bases; starting with storming the Bastille and planting the French flag on the ramparts.

The others on a French theme were: Following the route of the peasants march and finding treasure in the Chateau; Capturing the Scarlet Pimpernel; Painting a picture in the style of Mattise, Playing Petanque; Cooking Crepes; Building a Barricade; Making a Lego Eiffel Tower and meeting the “Montgolfier Brothers” with their hot air balloons.

As an extra, each Team made their own banner in the style of the revolutionary bands.

Grey Owls’ introduction to the Beavers was interrupted by the famous peasant “Les Miserable” but that didn’t stop the Beavers taking the idea on board and coming up with some great work.

After Lunch with hotdogs, provided by Lin of the Cub section, the afternoon sports session stared with a Penalty Shoot Out but Grey Owl soon realised that the exposure to the Sun was getting too much for the Beavers and the activities ended with them sitting on a water balloon, followed by a water fight in which everyone including Grey Owl, Les Miserable and the DC got wet.

The presentation was in the shade Paddys’ Place with each team holding their splendid Banners and balloons. First they let all the balloons fly. Then they all received certificates and their Adventure badge for taking part. They deserved them because had joined in with such enthusiasm and had done much good work. Well done to the team from the 2nd Colony who won the Trophy.

The day at Wilverley was shared with the Cub Section who were finishing their David’s Challenge Competition. There was great co-operation between the two Sections and  thanks go to Pat and her helpers for making it all possible.

My thanks must also go to the Beaver Section Leaders, the Explorer young leaders, Active support and all the parents that helped before the event and on the day. Hard work but good fun had by all.

Grey Owl

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Fly On The Wall

On the Friday evening another leader called. He wanted to talk over some concerns he had. Grey Wol and I consider it a compliment and are always willing to help. On Saturday there are always the checking up and preparations to be made but also a visit to Grey Wol’s Mum as we were totally committed on the Sunday. Late afternoon we had a phone call from Lisa. She hadn’t seen us for ages and wondered if she could call round. We have known Lisa since she was a young Cubscout at the 13th right through to her Explorer scouting. Well it was nearly midnight when Lisa left. She will be a qualified Doctor in four months time but is still involved in Scouting. We had lots to talk over.

After our late night, Sunday morning dawned grey and bleak with a chilly wind. We picked up Kane, Endeavour’s only competitor in the Cross Country and drove to the Sports Centre. Kane was pleased to see his old Troop the 9th and after helping me to give some shelter to the organisers stood talking his old friends. The numbers for the event were down this year but sometimes leaders and our young people are over committed, however there was good parent support and the event went well. The Sports Committee have lost one or two trusty members recently especially Doreen who has been at every Cross Country since it was started – she was missed and our thoughts are with her.

We dropped Kane home, he had run himself into the ground trying to keep up with the Ellis twins and needed rest and recuperation. After a spot of lunch ourselves it was off to the Theatre.

The “High Five” Concert was organised to support the Wessex Heartbeat Appeal which is our District charity this year. The performers were from local schools and dance and music groups all between five and twenty years of age. The Explorers were all there waiting for us including Ben who had been at the County Youth Conference all weekend and had had rushed back to be with us. While we were waiting in the Foyer for instructions one of our lost friends, Josh, saw us and came in to have a friendly chat he had left after an upset but he was obviously pleased to see us again.

Our duties were to give out programmes and goody bags to family groups and to rattle our buckets for donations to charity. After helping with the preparations we were taken below stage for some refreshments and then dispersed in the foyer and around the theatre to do our job. Some worked in pairs some independently. When the show started we gathered in the balcony to watch the performance. The show was to a very high standard with dancing, music and singing, the work that had been done by the young people, their teachers and trainers, was amazing and the Show was really enjoyable.

After the Show we were all in the foyer rattling our buckets until the last of the audience had left. We had been at the theatre form 3.00 o’clock until 10.30. Ben left early and also Joe who had a foreign exchange student arriving that night. The Explorers were polite happy and smart throughout. We had a nice message of thanks from the organisers and a credit in the programme. Our bucket collection raised £1,360 – Yes I think you can say a busy and worthwhile weekend.

Fly

 

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Halloween Ghost Train

Some of you had realised that with the time span now extended to nine days I was beginning to find it a strain both physically and mentally. In great scouting spirit a number of leaders and associates came to offer their help and support. I am very grateful to them.

This year 47 young people from City District took part and what had seemed just a few days before could be a flop, turned out to be one of the best ever. The Exbury staff were amazed at their politeness, good behaviour and enthusiasm and the feedback from the public was very positive. They will all receive a “thank you” letter from Exbury and a voucher for entry to the Gardens for their family.

In the midst of our efforts came the sad news that Lee had died. That morning I gathered them together and told them what had happened and that Lee would have wanted them to do their very best. They certainly did that and continued to do it throughout the week.

One particular Explorer deserves a special mention. A few weeks before the event Nigel asked if I knew of anyone with acting experience who could act as a stand-in for him or his colleague Stuart, who give a humorous commentary as the Train does its’ half hour journey round the Gardens. Jeff Brixton (“JJ” to us) does amateur dramatics and volunteered his services. It meant learning a lengthy script and putting over the humour. This he did very successfully on a number of occasions during the week. I am glad to say that Exbury have rewarded him for his efforts.

Our highlight came on the last afternoon when we hi-jacked the Train!
The full team of Scout ghosts appeared on the Station and an announcement was made to the passengers. Colin our DC appeared and presented Nigel with a “Thanks Badge” from the District. He was very moved by this, especially, as we found out later, that this was his last day as an Exbury employee.

Thank you to all who took part it was a splendid effort throughout from the District. Exbury have bought us an Event Shelter in appreciation. The scouts collecting at North Station received £382.69 which has been given to “Clic Sargent” one of our regular charities.

What about next year – well as always, if they change their minds, we’ll Be Prepared.

From ”Jack o’ Lantern”
aka Geoff Johnson,

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Enterprise Explorers

As a way of rounding off this course, and putting to use the skills learned, a trip on the River Hamble was planned for the weekend of 20/21 October encompassing an overnight stay at Cricket Camp. This gave the Explorers a chance to try some different water to that of the Itchen, where we normally paddle.

Saturday morning saw the intrepid group of Explorers, with the ESL and the DESC, set off from Swanwick public slip and head up river. An Explorer from Relentless ESU also joined with us. Tides were checked and we were on a rising tide, although it did not particularly feel or look like it. A steady pace saw us progress up river soon passing the jetty at Manor Farm. Weather was overcast but grey. We were heading for Botley. At Fairthorne Manor it became apparent that the tide was not rising very quickly – time for a short stop. Soon after this point it was a case of getting out and walking the kayaks up river on a couple of sections – just not enough water under us. Botley was reached and time for lunch.

After lunch we continued up to the mill at Botley and had a play on the small weir before returning back down river to the jetty at Manor Farm. What a difference in water levels!! We now had plenty of water. We got out at Manor Farm and carried our kayaks through the park to Cricket Camp where we set up camp for the night. The fire pit was set up, burgers and sausages cooked over the open fire. A short walk around Manor Farm, in the dark, and then back to the open fire. By now the weather had turned and the rain had started which continued to gradually get heavier so a relatively early night for all. Sunday morning up and break camp ready for collection by parents at 1000 hours.
A very successful short trip locally that has given the Explorers a taste of what they can do. Time to look to next year and doing some more trips now that they have the skills.

Dave McKeeman

ESL Enterprise

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Beat Bullying

If you would like to get involved we have a number of options.

1.    Sign up for Sectional resources. Please include the address you would like us to send these . There will be a limited number of hard copy resources (400 of each) so they will be sent out on a first come basis. They will be sent out in early October, so you have a chance to run some activities before Anti-Bullying

 

2.    Attend online training to help you think about anti- bullying, so you feel confident in delivering anti-bullying sessions with your young people. These will be held across a number of evenings, and all you need is a computer and broadband access to the internet.

 

3.    Become Cybermentors. We are also looking for explorer units who would be willing to trial the Cybermentors programme. So if you think that might be you, sign up in this section.

 

The link to the survey is:

http://q.scouts.org.uk/s/S2AwEjwTimqEkop

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Exbury Ghost Train

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We have again been invited to haunt the Ghost Train this year. It will happen all over the half term holiday. Last year over 60 scouts and explorers took part and I had help from at least 10 leaders. Exbury’s donation to the District was £450 worth of climbing equipment soon to be put to use on Summit. Each scout who took part has received a thank you letter and a complimentary ticket for their family to visit the Gardens.

The notices will be going out soon and I am looking forward to another very tiring but very enjoyable week with our young people. Adult help would always be welcome.

If you want more information phone me on 023 80771121.

Geoff Johnson of Endeavour

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Fly goes to a Wedding

David had been a member of the Seahawk Venture Unit of the 13th Group when they were in the old West District. They were an unruly bunch, a bit wayward at times but did some really good things. Above all they had a real friendship and loyalty to one-another and loved their Scouting. 6 members of the old Unit were there, two ex-leaders and some who were in the Unit before or after David and his friends. Naomi, Jason and “Bob” were around at the changeover to Explorer Scouting.

Keiron, now leader of Network, was Best Man and Harris and James were ushers. James and Gemma, who now live in Australia, had come all this way just

for the Wedding. The old friends from the Unit stood solidly together and worked hard, determined to make the occasion a success for David and his Bride.

This Picture includes 9 Queen’s Scouts

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If anyone doubts the good things that Scouting brings about they should have witnessed this happy reunion of a group of old friends from 15 to 20 years ago.

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David met Lynda on a Cycling Meet and it wasn’t that long before he moved his Tree Surgeon business down to Plymouth where Lynda is a teacher. After the Wedding they mounted a tandem and cycled off to the wild blue yonder.

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I am sure that we all wish David and Lynda every happiness in their lives together on their Bicycle built for two.

 

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Gillwell 24

Saturday morning 0900 hrs and the start of the 24 hours of activities. On offer was a wide variety of activities – zorbing, shooting, mountain boarding, AA driving school, scuba diving, trapeze, bushcraft, wood work, fun fair, power kites, internet café, radio station, disco, climbing, cinema, information tents to name some.  Being the ten year anniversary of Explorers, chocolate cake was on offer at the opening ceremony where the latest Scout ambassador was revealed – Ed Stafford. For those who don’t know who this is, this is the chap who walked the length of the Amazon http://www.walkingtheamazon.com/

This year the weather was not really in our favour. The Gilwell site was already a bit of a mud bath on arrival. This steadily got worse as the weekend went on. The rain came and went and then really started in the early hours of Sunday morning resulting in a flooded campsite with many tents under water. 0500 hrs found the leaders up and serving bacon and sausage rolls to not only our own Explorers but also a group from Reigate whose site was completely flooded out and under a couple of feet of water.  The benefits of networking and establishing links around the Scout family. Their leader, Tom, was a former leader in Southampton during his University days. Draw parallels with Glastonbury and IOW.

So 0900 hrs Sunday morning the event closed and we all headed home, very wet, very muddy and very tired. Certainly a weekend to be remembered and, despite the rain and the mud, one that the Explorers really enjoyed.  Next year is already in the diary.

Dave McKeeman

ESL Enterprise

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Hampshire Scouts Photographic Competition

There will be a prize for each age group of entrants:
A.  Beavers or Cubs
B.  Scouts or Explorers
C.  Network or Adults

We have been donated 3 prizes (photo vouchers) to the value of £100 each by London Camera Exchange, Southampton – so what are you waiting for?

When submitting your photo’s please ensure that they:
Are adventurous and fun – we’re not after the posed certificate & uniform shot
Conform with POR, ie. All required safety equipment is worn in the photo
You have permission of any people in your photos to use them.
Are of a good quality

Submit your pictures on a CD/DVD/memory stick before 30th September 2012 for your chance to be in it to win it. Send your photos (marked Photo Comp 2012) to us at the County Office, Ferny Croft Scout Centre, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QY.

Here are some technical tips for taking better, sharper pictures.

Be ready to take the perfect photograph

The opportunity for the perfect photograph happens when you least expect it. Keep the camera within easy reach. You may not have time to fiddle about with the settings so keep the camera set on its standard automatic mode. If using a special feature like macro, switch back to automatic before putting away.

Keep the camera steady

If the camera moves while the picture is being taken the photograph will appear blurry due to camera shake. This is not usually a problem on a bright day, but when the light dims the camera takes longer to capture enough light and this is when holding the camera steady becomes very important. The best way to hold a camera is with both hands with your elbows tucked in to your body for further support. If you have something to rest against, such as a tree, then use that for extra support.

Remember to focus

The camera analyses the image automatically to bring the subject of the photograph into sharp focus on the camera sensor. If the subject is not focused sharply then the image will be blurry. In bright conditions automatic focus works quickly and accurately. In poor light it will take longer to find focus and can make mistakes, resulting in an out-of-focus picture. To help avoid this, ensure the camera has a good focus before taking the picture. On a phone, take extra time and look at the screen to make sure before shooting. On a camera, press the shutter button part way to focus. The camera will beep when it thinks it’s ready. Keep the camera steady and framed on your subject, look at the rear screen and it will usually indicate what area of the image it has in focus. Check the correct part of the image looks sharp and take the picture, otherwise restart the process.

Use a flash

If you are taking a picture of somebody against a bright background your subject may appear dark. Switch the flash on manually to provide extra light on your subject.

Competition Rules

  1. You must own the photo and ensure that you have access to photo permission forms for everyone in the photo. (You do not need to send them).
  2. Entrants may submit more than one photo but no more than twenty. Where more than twenty photos are submitted only the first twenty will be entered into the competition. Disc’s and memory stick will not be returned.
  3. By submitting your photograph you give permission for it to be used by Hampshire County Scouts for scouting purposes. This includes but is not limited to: promotional material, the annual report, the county website, press releases to the media and displayed.
  4. Images may be digitally enhanced to remove spots or scratches, but not manipulated. Entrants can enhance the picture to make it brighter, clearer etc, but not manipulate the content. The judges reserve the right to exclude any image they believe may have been excessively treated so as to alter its authenticity.
  5. All entries will be judged by a panel of judges. Their decision is final. The prizes for best photos are as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged.
  6. All entries should be labelled with the authors name, age group and Scout Group/District/County role.  If you are entering in group 3 (adults) then please include your membership number as well.
  7. Have fun!

Check List:
Have you included your name, scout group and age group? Please specify which category you belong to A, B or C.
Please include an e-mail address so that we can acknowledge receipt of your entry.
The images are of a manageable size – large enough to be of good quality but not so large they take hours to open!  Recommended size no larger than 6-8MB