Hotliner - November 2010

1! Clwyd Area Scouts Hotliner

ARE YOU WELLSUPPORTED?

Earlier in the year Clwyd Area held a ‘Health Check’ consultation, with questionnaires being sent out to every adult Member in the Area. Area Commissioner David Jones tells us about the resultsThe questionnaires have been returned and you are eagerly awaiting the important news... who won the draw!? Read on to find out!

The purpose of the questionnaire was that the Clwyd Area Executive wants to review the role, direction and focus of the Area to best serve all

the members, including young people and adults in North East Wales. The focus is to improve the support to your Scout Group, Unit and District with the primary question being:-

‘What is the best structure in North East Wales to deliver support to Scouting through the next decade?’

As you can imagine there was a wide range of views; extending from immediate concerns and achievements within sections in a Group to broader issues extending to national policies.

News & information for everyone in Clwyd Scouts - Issue 25: November 2010


It came as no surprise that the activities considered most beneficial were the ‘traditional’ Scouting activities of camping and outdoor activities (encompassing the many different skill sets in these activities) delivered through a balanced planned programme. You believed this helped develop life skills, tolerance, team building and positive values.

The list of activities the Scouts liked most echoed your views. The full list is exhaustive but to give a flavour...

Archery, rifle shooting, climbing/abseiling, rope obstacle courses, hands on activities and games, hiking, camping, survival skills, visits to fire stations, helicopter units, cooking, back packing, sailing, canoeing, wide games and activities never done before.

You would like to offer other activities but felt constrained in a number of ways either by cost, a perception that the rules governing such activities are too prescriptive, lack of leaders and training. This was an important indicator as to how the Area can act as a catalyst to help you over come these constraints whilst ensuring the highest level of compliance with safety. Safety and excitement are not mutually incompatible!

From the returns it was clear that few adults in Scouting have a single role and the range of roles extended from helpers to commissioners with additional roles of training

advisor to group caretaker! A thread running through the returns, and in particular the question concerning ‘greatest need’, was the number of adults helping.

The Local Development Officer initiative has started to address this issue and again this concern will help to focus the role of the Area and the Districts to support this. Finance was

an issue but not the primary one.

In relation to the Group’s role in the District most returns

indicated participation in District events with activities that encourage Scouts and Leaders to mix but there are indications that some

Groups, either by choice or otherwise, feel on the

periphery of the District. This may or may not be of concern but it will form part of the review.

“Area should be closely linked to Districts at organisational level for training and larger activities which small groups can attend while they build and their leaders gain experience.”

At Group level the Area appeared to have little impact. This is not surprising given the responses to the previous question where the immediate focus is within the Group extending

to the District at times. Reflecting back to the activities that Scouts and Leaders appreciate and the number of adults

helping these are issues that the Area might well focus on to facilitate at local level rather than Area level. Coordination of training was seen as

an important function of the Area with a flexible approach to meet training needs.

In the questions of how the roles of District and Area impact on the Group there were

Llangollen District Explorer Scouts in Moscow

Wrexham Maelor Hospital gets Scout badge


firm ideas, many centred on support and advice. District events bringing together Groups featured significantly with some enthusiasm for larger Area events at Scout and Leader level to reinforce cohesion between the Districts. Recruitment, retention and training of Leaders/Adults featured prominently. Referring back to the multiple roles of the Leaders/Adults it will be a challenge to give this support and advice as well as organise the activities that are key to the success of Scouting with young people. It is this challenge this review is addressing. There was also a view that the Area should respond to demographic changes in North East Wales in relation to size and geography of the Districts.

“Area should cease to exist, Districts could be strengthened and groups get additional support from full-time officers at Welsh Scout Council level.”

It was clear that Groups viewed the District as a positive vehicle for Scout activities with proactive section ADCs being seen as key coordinators. Leader training and support along with social opportunities featured largely in the responses along with acknowledgement of Leader/Adult contributions. Responses indicated the role of the Area is beneficial in training, organising events such as Motiv8 and periodically events such as the centenary camp and coordination of national and international events.

Your highlights during the year encompassed

every aspect of Scouting with the emphasis on the achievements of Scouts and Leaders. This section reinforces the determination of the executive to focus on how these highlights can be replicated throughout the Area. You believed that the Explorer

Scout section offered opportunities for a wide range of experiences and

the first steps into leadership both within and outside the movement.

The District is a powerful force to coordinate events and bring together Explorer Scouts for activities. Some thought that the District should play a larger role in

the organisation of units. The Area was seen as a facilitator for DofE,

Queenʼs Scout activities, Explorer belt, and national and international visits.

The Network would benefit from better communication and a calendar of events with more District involvement. It should be noted that there is an ongoing review of the Network in Wales with a desire on how to bring the many positive and proactive activities of the Network to a wider constituency.

It was not a surprise that paperwork featured significantly in the ʻtasksʼ to pass on. How this

ʻburdenʼ might be reduced will feature in the review. It may be that the paperwork will still be there but the effectiveness enhanced and the purpose given greater clarity.

The response to the questions on training were considered and constructive both in the benefits and areas you thought could be changed. Meeting people and hands on experience featured again and again. Some thought that

YOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

“Having 5 Scouts achieve Chief Scout’s gold

and move to Explorers and help as young

leaders”

“Seeing the group go into its third decade

in strength with excellent leaders.”

“Summer camp with Freedom Network.”

“Getting a new GSL!”

“Establishing a Beaver colony and visiting

Gilwell Reunion for the first time.”

All Wales Scout Camp


certain modules could be completed through E-learning and training sessions could be more focussed. Visiting other Groups would be helpful to Leaders with little or no experience in Scouting. Additional training centred on the skills needed to deliver activities, first aid and cascading training.

Professional support is seen as a positive aspect with a wider role than just administration; Leader recruitment and retention and organisation of events were indicated along with activity authorisation coordination.

There was good support for the Area to be involved in events that brought Scouts and Leaders together from all of North East Wales.

There are many positive suggestions on change in Scouting; some could be implemented locally, others were in the national context. Reduction of bureaucracy unsurprisingly appeared more than once and there were thoughts on the necessity of the requirement of a faith belief. Links with neighbouring Counties and the size of Districts provoked some thought. Financial remuneration for leaders might also be considered along with a uniform review.

There will be further individual and Group consultations in a variety of forums, including AGMs, in the summer and autumn culminating in a District and Area consultation day in late October. News and information as it happens in the next edition of Hotliner, via the website and email.

Now for the news you were really waiting for, the draw: first out of the hat were 1st Broughton, second were 1st Marchwiel, and finally 1st Moss. Congratulations to those and many thanks to all who took the time, reflected on the questions posed and returned the questionnaire.

A final comment: ʻKeep it fun and adventure for everyone young people and adults alikeʼ.

David [email protected]

Email addressesWeʼre pretty sure that quite a few people have incorrect email addresses listed on MMS, the Membership database. Weʼd be really grateful if people could log on to MMS via scouts.org.uk and check that their records are up to date.The following are emails that have been bouncing - is one yours...?

[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@boyton52.wannadoo.co.ukmark.deblaquiere@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected][email protected]@[email protected][email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

































































































As you may be aware, Freedom Network has been growing over the past year, and we have seen an increase in numbers as well as an established programme for the members aged 18-25.

Freedom Network, previously known as Flintshire Network, is the Flintshire area Scout Network for men and women aged 18 - 25. Meeting on the first Tuesday of every month we do a wide range of activities, from horse riding to surfing lessons, or a weekend away somewhere across the country, or even the world. As a group we aim to please everyone, so the programme is designed by the members for the members, so if there is something you've always wanted to do then this is your chance to do it.

Anyone can join, even if you have never been a member of Scouting. During your time in Network you will have the chance to complete your Duke of Edinburgh awards, as well as take up the Queen Scout Award, you will also have the opportunity to take part expeditions abroad, for example the Explorer belt award, but again only if it is something you want to do. If you have any questions or would like any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us. Please feel free to pass the info on to anybody aged 18-25 that may be interested.

Visit our website to see what we have been up to over the past year.

[email protected]


Manager Activity Permit SchemeMike Dawson has been appointed as Manager Activity Permit Scheme or MAPS. Mike's main role will be to manage the availability of permit assessments within the Area, supporting activity Assessors and those applying for permits alike.Mike told us, ''The first job will be to get a register together of who actually has a current permit and for what activity. From the register we would know when permits needed renewing and arrange reassessments accordingly, as well as new courses. ''I am also finding out what neighbouring Areas and Counties have in the way of Assessors in different activities to increase what we can offer in Clwyd.''

If you have a question about Activity Permits, contact Mike on 01978 359499 or email [email protected]

New Clwyd Dragon Award co-ordinatorThe Area Commissioner has asked Jim Butcher to co-ordinate the Dragon Award for Clwyd, in the absence of an Assistant Area Commissioner (Scouts).

Jim will have a supply of Dragon Award cards, and will be able to

provide you with badges on receipt of proof of completion.

When you or one of your Scouts has completed an award, send your record Card to Jim, stating clearly the Award achieved, not forgetting your name and address.

You can contact Jim on 07930 585943, email [email protected], address Jim Butcher, 1 Rosemary Crescent, Rhostyllen, Wrexham, LL14 4BE.

Clwyd Area Scouts would like to invite

YOU!to their Area Annual General Meeting

at the Nick Whitehead Theatre, Glyndwr University,Wrexham at 7.30 on the 24th November

Presentations from Llangollen District Scouts on their expedition to Russiaand from K2 Explorer Scouts on their trip to Switzerland






Since the year 2000, the main camping field

has been properly drained, the main building

has been completely renovated, the Dr Clarke

building has been completely renovated,

special needs access has been vastly improved

and an activity and agility course has been put

in situ.

In total the cost of all this work has been in

excess of £110,000, with funds coming from the

ENFYS Funding Organisation, The Peoples

Millions Lottery fund, Flintshire Community

Fund, Flintshire County Council Development

Grant Scheme, plus smaller donations from

private individuals. In kind donations have been

made by Marshalls of Llay, Buckley Bricks,

Hansom Quarries and many other local firms

from North Wales.

The work has been done by volunteer

committee members assisted by many Scout

Groups and individuals from Flintshire. Other

parties involved have been The Princes Trust

and Bank of Scotland volunteers.

As well as Scouts who visit the site, also

gaining from the redevelopment will be

members of other youth organisations, local

community groups and schools, all benefitting

from a clean and safe environment to carry out

outdoor activities, plus comfortable conditions for

training and catering.

The future’s a lot brighter for Cox Wood campsite

Wrexham Districtʼs Cox Wood campsite has recently had quite a bit of work going on. The biggest step forward is the installation of mains electricity which now allows for a bigger scope of activities and developments - and lighting without the worry of the batteries dying out!

The Dee Lodge building is a perfect indoor venue now even with a built in projector. A new kitchen has been put into another building giving the site two kitchens.

The mains electricity has also made possible an indoor shooting gallery to add to the sites existing archery range.

Gladstone Update


Development NewsMy name is Mark Winson. I am your Local Development Officer (LDO) and am part of the Welsh Scout Council development initiative. Funded from outside of the Scout Association, there are six LDOs that now cover Welsh Scouting; I work in Clwyd and Montgomeryshire.

Applications for me to come and work with you are now invited for the term beginning April 2011. If you complete the “Expression of interest form” opposite, I will make arrangements to come and visit you. Alternatively, you could run a development project of your own, run by your group with my advice. Just give me a call.

Hereʼs whatʼs been happening recently...

1st GRESFORD This project was to recruit new adults into the existing well attended Beaver Scout Colony. Alison Gillespie the existing BSL is leaving and needed to recruit a new leader team to take over from her. A busy recruitment evening fired the enthusiasm of the locals and parents, whereupon four new leaders and four new helpers were found. Vetting and training completed, the new leaders are now undertaking training to provide a balanced programme, which will mean that Alison can retire knowing the section is being well cared for. Welcome to Gary Evans, Laura Millard, Karen O'Toole and Catherine Goss, four of the key new adults. 1st CORWEN (Owain Glydwr) A second visit to this rural town after the creation of the now well established Beaver Scout section, has allowed for the creation of a new Cub Scout Pack. This has been awaited by those Beaver Scouts that are now due to “swim up" and provides a future for Corwen Scouting. The new BSL Emma Statham is very keen and capable, being supported by mums Tracey and Eleanor. It is hoped that this team can be expanded over the following term.

2nd SHOTTON (St Ethelwolds) This brand new Beaver Scout section has astounded everyone. Early tasters in two of the local schools supported by masses of publicity proved unsuccessful with only a few adults and children attending the subsequent open night. Opinion was to shelve the project but with the

help of St Ethelwolds church and two more outlying schools, the project was re-launched and now attracts over 20 children each week supported by 4 new leaders & 4 helpers. The new joint BSLs, Kirstie Chester & Susan Bonney have taken this new section to the next level already and are now providing their own programmes after completing training and vetting. They are supported by ABSLs Sian Halewood &

Kerys Morgan and a band of five helpers. 1st WREXHAM June Smithʼs Cub Scout Pack has benefitted from two in school taster sessions and associated open night, along with a newspaper article and local promotion. It has been fortunate to secure a new ACSL and helper so far, an upcoming days work in the university will hopefully add to this and further improve the numbers in the Pack. 6th PRESTATYN After struggling along as a one man band, Steve Rimmer CSL and Gareth Sandilands GSL have secured the help of two new CSLs and an additional helper. Work through two of the local schools also provided the pack with addition numbers (now totalling 17 youngsters). Local displays in leisure centres and Scouting magazines delivered to hairdressers and doctors surgeries, posters to the library and newsagents in the town have all helped towards this. An article for the local newspaper has also been submitted by Gareth.

DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PLANNING A new part to the LDO project has been launched this term. Assistance in constructing a development plan has been taken up by three of the Clwyd districts. After a series of meetings Wrexham Llangollen and Denbighshire are close to completing their plans for the next year, this new project is now being offered to Groups also.


Name Appointment

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

Use this form to register an expression of interest for Local Development Officer involvement in a development project; it can be completed by any Section leader, GSL, ADC or DC in Scouting.

This form should be returned to the Scouts-Wales office at;The Old School, Wine Street, LLANTWIT MAJOR. CF31 1RZTel; 01446 795277 Or [email protected] you need any help or advice in completing this form, please contact Mark Winson (see back page) or your District Commissioner.

AddressAddress Contact detailsContact detailsContact details

Daytime Evening

Landline

Mobile

Email

Postcode

Area CLWYDCLWYD DistrictDistrict GroupGroup

Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.Brief description of development need e.g. Open Beaver Section.

Preferred Day for Section meeting (tick)

M T W T F S S

Signed Date


How training worksHere's a quick guide to how the Adult Training Scheme works1. Recruitment A new adult is recruited into Scouting and agrees a Job Description. The job description will underline that there is a commitment to training. They will initially be given a provisional appointment.

2. Training Advisor The new adult will be allocated a Training Advisor (TA). This person will guide the new adult through the process of training.

3. Stages of Training Within 5 months of provisional appointment, the new adult should complete 'Getting Started' which consists of Modules 1, 2 and 3, and attend an Appointments Committee interview. They will then receive their full appointment. Within 3 years they should have completed the next stage of their training and e awarded the Wood Badge. There then follows a commitment to Ongoing Training of five hours a year.

4. Modules and Validation Module 2 is the Personal Learning Plan. The new adult will sit down with their TA and put together a plan of what training they need to do. There may be some Modules where the new adult can move straight to validation without attending a course. Validation checks that the adult has the knowledge covered by the Module. The TA will complete the validation with the new adult and the Module will be signed off.

5. Courses There will be several Modules which the new adult will need to attend a course for. Dates of courses already planned are on the facing page, and also on the Clwyd website. TAs will inform the Area Training Manager of which courses are needed so they can be put on. Once the adult has attended the course, they can be validated by their TA.

6. Booking If the new adult needs to come on one of the courses, they should contact Pat Royle, the Area Training Manager, in plenty of time. Email [email protected] or phone 01244 543920.

7. Payment All Adult Training courses are now free of charge due to funding obtained by the Welsh Scout Council.

8. Regular Modules will be repeated throughout the year on different days and times

9. What to Bring Bring pen and paper to take notes. Uniform is not necessary, but activity wear is usual, and something warm is needed in cold weather. Ladies, please don't wear heeled shoes. Bring a packed lunch if the course is all day. Refreshments are provided.

10. Questions Contact Pat if you have any questions.

Remember, all Leaders are now required to undertake a minimum of 5 hours training a year, and hold a First Aid certificate (the minimum being First Response). First Aid training can count towards the 5 hours. All Leaders can do the training courses, even if they have a Wood Badge.


CLWYD BEAVERS CUBS SCOUTS EXPLORERS NETWORK TRAININGNOVNOVNOVNOVNOVNOVNOVNOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

16 Clwyd Modules 2 & 3 18 Clwyd Module 1 - Essential Information

19 Wrexham Cubs Ten-pin bowling comp

20 & 21 Clwyd Module 10 First Aid23 Clwyd Module 9 - Working with adults

24 AREA AGM25 Clwyd Module 11 - Administration

28 Chester Module 25 Assessment3-5 First Aid Training REC Level 2 (Hafod)

6 Wrexham District Carol Service

7 Freedom Network

10 Wrexham Cub dinner Rhosnesni High

11 Clwyd Module 2515 Clwyd Module 8 - Skills of leadership

8&9 Frostbite Cruise 8 Freedom Network sleepover1 Freedom Network Love Match


AREA TEAMAREA TEAMAREA TEAMAREA TEAM

Area Commissioner David Jones 01244 570122 [email protected]

Area Training Manager Pat Royle 01244 543920 [email protected]

AAC Cubs Nicola Gamlen 01244 543374 [email protected]

AAC Communications David Morris (Moz) 07779 272340 [email protected]

AAC International David Morris (Moz) 07779 272340 [email protected]

Activity Permits Mike Dawson [email protected]

Area Chairman Vacant

Area Secretary Vacant

Area Treasurer Brendan Prophet 01978 721048 [email protected]

Field Commissioner Clive Bracewell 01352 714789 [email protected]

Development Officer Mark Winson 07825 632500 [email protected]

DISTRICT COMMISSIONERSDISTRICT COMMISSIONERSDISTRICT COMMISSIONERSDISTRICT COMMISSIONERS

Flintshire Pat Royle 01244 543920 [email protected]

Llangollen Roger Cragg 01978 861593 [email protected]

Vale of Clwyd Andy Collin 01745 330551 [email protected]

Wrexham Jan George 01978 361520 [email protected]

CAMPSITE BOOKINGSCAMPSITE BOOKINGSCAMPSITE BOOKINGSCAMPSITE BOOKINGS

Gladstone Eric Gardner 01244 533046 [email protected]

Coxwood Brian Doyle 01978 290380 [email protected]

Cae Llwyd Gerry Kellett 07930 103090 [email protected]

Rowallan Tracey Johnston 01352 735269 [email protected]

Chirk Bunkhouse Denise 01691 777916 [email protected]

RESOURCESRESOURCESRESOURCESRESOURCES

Scout Information CentreScout Information Centre 08453001818 [email protected]

Wrexham Scout Shop and Resource Centre

Uniform, clothing, equipment, publications, badges & programme materialOpen Weds 6.30-8.30 Wrexham Scout HQ, Station Approach, WrexhamUniform, clothing, equipment, publications, badges & programme materialOpen Weds 6.30-8.30 Wrexham Scout HQ, Station Approach, WrexhamUniform, clothing, equipment, publications, badges & programme materialOpen Weds 6.30-8.30 Wrexham Scout HQ, Station Approach, Wrexham

Clwyd website www.clwydscouts.org.ukwww.clwydscouts.org.ukwww.clwydscouts.org.uk

© Clwyd Area Scouts 2010Hotliner is edited by Moz, AAC Communications

Hotliner - November 2010

Documents

Transcript of Hotliner - November 2010