SUB . UMBRA . FLOREO.

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I recently had the opportunity to attend the National Congress of the Brazilian Scouts Union (BSU) in the City of San Luis. It was a great experience in many ways. I was able to get up close to one of the largest National Scout Organizations of our Interamerican Region. I was present at the seminar that presented the new Youth Program materials that Escoteiros do Brazil fully developed, using, as a basis, the regional proposal. I also attended seminars for the Lobihno Branch (Cub) and the Pioneiro Branch (Rovers), where Alessandro Garcia, National Commissioner of Educational Methods, assisted by members of his team, introduced new materials, explaining the way they were developed and how they should be implemented in Scout groups. I was also present at the presentation of new materials for the Management of Adults, where it was explained in detail how to work with them and the advantages of doing so in accordance with the provisions.These, and other points, were of great value to me. I met several people, all very valuable and had a great Scout spirit. The common denominators in all these members of the UEB is the great care they have to Scouting, the passion they devote to the tasks assigned, and their strong desire to bring the Movement to more Young people of their enormous country.

However, the greatest learning I experienced during this visit had to do with language.

In Brazil, they speak Portuguese, a language that shares its origin with the Spanish language, my native language. Both languages share many words, but some are totally different. With such similar languages, I assumed it would be easy to communicate, but it was not and required paying attention. I would not have managed to make contact or learn many interesting things if I had not completely focused my mind on what my partner was saying. New words appeared in conversation, yet I discovered their meaning without resorting to the dictionary by understanding the context. So, I discovered the meaning of words like “maluco” (crazy) and “oficina” (workshop). This led me to reflect on what is, or should be, human relations.

We share with those around us many things, which are very similar in many respects, but differ completely in others. And, if you want to learn from someone else and make a connection, attention should be paid, not only in what he is saying, but also in his thinking.

This may sound obvious, but it is not. Many of our problems arise because, instead of building on our similarities, we focus more on our differences. When we find a difference with someone else, we build barriers around us, which gradually become true fortress walls.

I’m sure everyone around us has more in common with us than we think.

Building peace begins with discovering and learning from others, discovering what makes us alike, and learn from our differences.

Be prepared to serve

Raul Sanchez VacaRegional Director

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Ever since psychology was interested in studying intelligence, we lived in the belief that people who are good at math are worthy representatives of this topic. Thus, we set aside the rest who have talent for music, sports, dance, and other areas.

A psychologist named Howard Gardner proposed that there was no “universal intelligence” and we all possessed different types of intelligence. In some cases, these intelligences were developed enough to be appreciated without any problems, such as Mozart and his musical intelligence, but other individuals had to focus on developing at least one of them.

The interesting thing in identifying our own intelligence is that it will help us know what area we can excel in. For example, if I have bodily-kinesthetic intelligence and I like dancing, I probably decided to dedicate myself to becoming a professional dancer. In addition, knowing the intelligence that excels in us can also help us acquire new knowledge which is mandatory in school and in our day to day lives. That is, we can use it as a cannel of communication. For example, if we have linguistic intelligence, it would probably be easier to study biology concepts or explaining writing to another person.

On the other hand, Gardner said that, in addition, we have developed intelligences in nature, and humans are able to develop this other intelligence from kids, so that when we are adults, we won’t have just one or two channels of communication, but we can acquire knowledge directly from the relevant intelligence. That is, if we want to learn math, we should use the logical-mathematical intelligence without resorting only to the one we have developed from the beginning. This can be accomplished through various activities, such as active participation in the Scout movement, through which we can develop different kinds of intelligence to discover later.

Gardner identified eight intelligences:

- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence - Logical-Mathematical Intelligence- Musical Intelligence - Intrapersonal Intelligence- Linguistic Intelligence - Spatial Intelligence- Interpersonal Intelligence - Naturalist Intelligence

Do not miss the next issue to learn about each of the intelligences.

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THE APPLE

HOW THE APPLE HELPS THE WHOLE BODY“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a well-known English saying. It happens that this saying makes a lot of sense as an apple has many attributes leading to good health. The apple is a fruit which comes from a special tree.

The apple has always been an important food in temperate climates and is possibly the oldest, cultivated tree. It can be eaten with or without the skin, it is known for its culinary diversity, and it is possible to use it to prepare vinegar, cider, preserve, juice, liquids, salads, and tarts. It has had prominence in history in which there are frequent references, one of the first being from the Bible when Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden for eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge and were expelled by God. Years later, in contemporary times, a falling apple inspired the English physicist, Isaac Newton, to develop his theory of gravitation and the law of universal gravitiy.

The apple is a type of fruit which retains its nutritional value for a longer period than other fruits. At the begining of the 17th century, winter apples were one of the few foods that could be harvested at the end of autumn and stored in a compartment without freezing. This meant that they could also be traded for longer periods given that they retained their properties. In fact, apples can last longer once cut as a result of radiation which reduces the deteriorating agents. Apples are rich in pectin and sugar vitamins (fructose, glucose, saccharin). They also contain medical properties found in laxatives and help against certain digestive disorders such as inflamed stomach, acidity, diarrhea, constipation, and gastroenteritis.

It is worth knowing that drinking apple juice increases the production of acetylcholine in the brain, according to a study made by the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (UML). Acetylcholine is essential for the neurotransmitters in improving memory. Neurotransmitters, as well as acetylcholine, are chemicals which produce nerve cells that transmit messages to other nerve cells. This communication between cells is vital for the health of the whole body as it helps prevent Alzheimers and aging of the brain cells.

The benefits of the apple:

Cosmetic: Given its binding properties, the apple has been used since ancient times as a facepack, to eliminate impurities, and firm the skin.

Diuretic and purifier: Apples are excellent for eliminating body fluids and for their content of cystene, arginine, and malic acid in helping to eliminate body toxins.

Non toxic: Apples are without toxicity when the seeds are removed. As with all rosaceous fruit, apples contain acids which, when combined with gastric juices, produce cyanide, albeit in very small quantities.

Apple vinegar: This benefit of the Apple has the most properties and is used both internally and externally to relax muscles and to reduce skin irritation and allergies in general.

Friend of the heart: The high degree of methionine, phosphorus, and its soluble fiber are major constituents in the control of cholesterol. Similarly, the contribution of histidine vasodilator (naturally produced amino acid) is also helpful in lowering blood pressure in cases of hypertension.

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The following article was based on notes from the book, “Manual of the Rock,” for the Scout or someone who is adventurous. If you ever put into practice some of these methods, either with 100% effective results or very near it, in almost any situation, one of these ideas can work.

1. Remember the sun (more or less) rises in the east and sets in the west. However, the exact position of the sun depends on the season and the latitude, consequently it is not always precise.

2. Remember clouds move, generally, from west to east. (This is only an approximation and does not apply in all circumstances.)

3. Position a stick vertically. Make note of the shady area. Wait a while and note where the shade has changed. A line between the two spots generally points east and west. Following this, you can identify the direction of the sun and where is north.

4. Look for moss. Normally it can be found facing north (where there is shade and humidity) where it is likely to grow more abundantly at the base of trees or on rocks. Tree branches facing south grow better.

5. To make a compass, convert a pin into a magnet by rubbing the pin in the same direction and manner against the magnet to generate magnetism. Jab the pin into a piece of Styrofoam, which is nothing more than the white material used for protection of materials in shipments, and put it into a container of water. Similarly, you can place the pin on toilet paper so that it floats on the surface, and once the paper is wet, the needle will face north.

6. Look for spider webs. They are likely to be found on the south side of trees.

7. In the northern hemisphere, if it is night and the sky is clear, it is usually possible to see the North Star. The star is pointing north. It is positioned between two brilliant constellations, Cassiopeia (in the form of a W) and Ursa Major (in the form of a car or saucepan).

Try these tips in places you know where north is so that, when you walk through a really difficulty place, you will know your compass is accurate. Have fun while doing these exercises!

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In 1912, Baden Powell met with Villamil Benalcazar (initiator of the Scout movement in Panama) and a group of schoolmasters to form the Panama Scout movement.

On November 28, 1914, The Panama Scout Movement was formed under the name “The Corps of Explorers,” presided over by Jose Mercedes Villamil Benalcazar.

The initial ceremony took place at the Plaza de Francia in Las Bovedas. “The Corps of Explorers” was divided into brigades, each consisting of ten scouts. The leaders were called “Decurions.” The first brigades were located in Santa Ana, San Felipe, The National Institute, and in Caledonia.

The National Scout Association of Panama was created with a view to developing education, culture, ecology, and civic and moral values free from political interests, and ready at all times to help with humanitarian causes, whether in the community, nationally, or internationally. This is the philosophical basis which defines the world Scout movement and was established by the World Scout Conference.

The Panama Scout Movement is the most important educative youth movement in Panama and integrates young people of both genders from all social backgrounds.

Educated adult men and women, conscious of their responsibilities, have contributed to the future of the country by creating a just and dependable society through developing the youth’s ethical and moral values. This has resulted in its members acquiring spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical skills which have benefited local, national, and international communities.

The National Scout Association of Panama is divided into regions covering the entire geography of the country. Each region has districts that are integrated by Scout groups and each group has children, youth, and adult Scouts in the following sections:

JUNIOR SECTION (Cub Scouts) 6 to 11 years.MIDDLE SECTION (Scouts) 11 to 15 years.INTERMEDIATE SECTION (Venturers) 15 to 17.SENIOR SECTION (Rovers) 17 to 20 years.

Currently the National Scout Association of Panama has 2,282 members with positive growth ambition.

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The opportunity to come to Kandersteg came up when a friend talk to me about this International Scout Centre. Due to different reasons he couldn’t come, so, taking advantage of the opportunity to see something different, I showed up.

I had a big surprise when I was accepted; I’m the first person from Uruguay to come. I came without any idea of how everything was going to be, I came wanting to discover.

When I arrive, everything was very strange for me: the food, the people, the language, the place, the customs, I was in totally new world. However, with the passing of days, KISC became my new home, to the point where it seems like I’ve known my team mates all my life, we became close friends.

As a “Pinkie” you never stop, there is always something to do or some way to have fun. During some weeks life takes a wild rhythm! Everybody is always smiling at you and wants to talk to you.

I’ve met more people here than in my entire life, to date. The is no doubt that the best experiences this summer have been to trek the alpine scenery and the August 1st celebrations, Swiss national day, it was incredible!.

Kandersteg is a magical place; it feels like completely apart from the real world. Life is lived in a different way here, simpler, with lots of fun and learning to work as a team.

I believe everybody wants to see the world, but this is not just about cities and buildings, but about what it is lived here in Kandersteg. Every day you get to know someone new from a distant part of the world with whom you share experiences and culture, and that, I believe, is the best way to get to know the planet.

This is a unique opportunity for every scout to live an unforgettable experience, to make many friends from all around the world and to grow a lot as a person.

As we say in Kandersteg, here we live the dream!

Martin GoyenecheScout Movement of Uruguay

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White logo on black background.

Purple logo on white background.

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While the fact that one book sold more than another does not provide any objective information about the quality of either book, man can not help being attracted by the best-seller lists, whether it be books, records, movies, or whatever.

To accommodate this attraction, we will see an exciting list of works sold throughout history (not counting the sagas).

1. The Bible (Between 2.5 to 6 billion copies sold)It is estimated to have sold between 2, 500,000,000,000 and 6,000,000,000,000 copies in 438 different languages.

2. Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong (Between 800 million to 6.5 billion copies sold)The only book to rival the Bible, in terms of sales, is the Book of Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong.

3. Zidian Xinhua - Chinese Character Dictionary (400 million copies sold)The Xinhua Zidian (its literal translation is “Dictionary of Characters in the New China”) is the best selling Chinese dictionary in the world.

4. Poems of Chairman Mao (400 million copies sold)If the Book of Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong is the second best selling book, then two books written by the most famous president of the Republic of China ranked fourth and fifth place in our top ten book list.

5. Articles of Chairman Mao (252 million copies sold)

6. The Quran (200 million copies sold)The holy book of Islam appears as the sixth best-selling book of all time.

7. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (200 million copies sold)The first novel from the list found in the seventh.

8. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (150 million copies sold)This great work of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, is considered a single work.

9. Scouting for Boys by Baden-Powell (150 million copies sold)Scouting for Boys: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship is the fundamental book of the Scout Movement authored by General Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the youth movement, and whose first complete edition appeared in London in 1908.

The rights of the work are guarded by the British Scout Association until 2011, in compliance with the 70 years of death of the author and time in which the work falls under public domain.

10. The Book of Mormon (130 million copies sold)Another religious book closes the top ten bestseller. In this case, it is the Book of Mormon, published in 1830, and has sold 130 million copies worldwide.

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Some fifty people participated at the opening of The Messenger for Peace Project which took place in February at Hotel Fort Young, one of the most prestigious hotels in Dominica. The meeting was attended by The Head of State, Dr. N. J. O. Liverpool and his wife, Madam Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Brazil, Her Excellency Jennifer Margaret Aird, three Chief Scout ex-Commissioners, and members from the public and private sectors of Dominica society. Other groups, including uniformed island officials, clerics, and academics were among those invited by the Association to witness the initiation of The Messenger for Peace Project by the Interamerican Scout Region.

The Messenger for Peace Project is an initiative of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) involving Scouts from around the world in the promotion of peace. The donor of the fund is Her Majesty King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Over the next, some $40 million will be available to all National Scout Associations. The Dominica Scout Association was selected to launch the initiative in our region. All the speakers referred to the dignity of the initiative and congratulated the Association on its selection of this Project. A message from the Regional Office was read by former Chief Scout Commissioner, Mr. Edward Henderson.

The official opening of the Project was made by Her Excellency, Mrs. Jennifer M. Aird, whose father was one of four individuals who founded Scouting in Dominica in 1929. Her Excellency surprised the meeting with a commitment to donate $1,000, which was immediately followed by a donation of $500 from the Domini Corporation. A moving percussion rendering was then made by the Percussion Group from the St. Luke primary school, which included a number of Scouts from the school Scout group.

The event was well managed and parts of the occasion were covered by Marvin Television. The Secretary, Charmaine Brumant, thanked all those present and those that made donations, especially their Excellencies, the Madam Ambassador, the Project Organizing Committee, and the staff of Hotel Fort Young for donating the celebrations to the Scout Association. This and other expressions of gratitude were received from the enthusiastic public.

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On October 31, 2011, while a new born baby was crying, the population reached 7 billion. The concern of the Secretary General of the United Nations, with a daily increasing world population and less concern of the environment, has mirrored the concerns about the “demographic explosion.”

The arrival of the seven billion human beings on the ever-revolving blue planet has aggravated the sense of the “human clock.” The population took a hundred years to increase from 1 billion to 2 billion, thirty years to increase from 2 billion to 3 billion, and twelve years to increase from 6 billion to 7 billion. When contrasting the population growth with falling natural resources, the seven billion person population daily consumes two to three times the water in Lake Kunming in Beijing, and that is before taking into account the alarming fall in available, cultivatable land, energy resources, and minerals. Furthermore, there is increasing demand for food, energy, employment, education, and social welfare. The latter obliges governments of different countries to take on ever more onerous social commitments.

There is an abundance of food in developed countries while billions in the developing world agonize over hunger. Some countries feel helpless confronted with the demographic explosion, while others are trying to reduce their population.

The United Nations has called upon all countries to tackle poverty, inequality, the rights of women, sexual education and reproduction, urbanization, migration, the participation of youth in anti-social behaviour, and the problems of the aged. In accordance with the data on population as of 2011, the demographic explosion is a matter of grave concern, but at the same time, gives rise to opportunities and challenges.

The former must be taken advantage of and the latter should be overcome. All countries must face up to this common problem. At the multiple of seven billion, even insignificant difficulties become serious.

Through united efforts by the seven billion, the challenges can be overcome. The international financial crisis has brought together countries in an effort to confront the challenge.

The Japan nuclear crisis has brought fear across the globe. This demonstrates how seven billion people worldwide share in the same disasters and joys. As with development opportunities, the world community must work as one to counter challenges and improve the annals of world history for a greener and brighter future. There must be pure air, harvestable crops, protected areas, and living forests with unexplored areas, thereby maintaining equilibrium between the environment and development. Under the slogan, “One World, One Dream,” these aims have to encompass home, community, and country until the hope for greening of the planet can be established.

The Earth and its 7 Billion in habitants

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The Peruvian Scouts, as foreign travelers, lived the great adventure from December 28 to January 3, called “Centenary Jamboree, “ a big challenge undertaken by the Association of Scouts of Peru.

It looked like a distant date on the calendar, as if the day would never come, but in reality, the work began long before the first tent was installed at the Jamboree.

The patrols, communities, and clans showed their teamwork, delegating responsibilities and accepting, with a smile, new challenges that were presented every day, putting into practice the teachings of our founder, Baden-Powell. Not to forget about the Heads of Delegations, who also have leading roles in this Jamboree, were seen running, dancing, singing, or rappelling, always with his delegation without rest.

This was an experience that will remain in the minds and hearts for the life of all participants. We summarize the adventure of the Jamboree as an experience enduring in union, friendship, brotherhood, challenge, service, party, solidarity, joy, and nostalgia.

The General Coordinator of the Centenary Jamboree thanked the Peruvian and foreign delegations for their participation in the VIII National Jamboree - Centenary Jamboree, and can’t wait for their participation in the next Jamboree.

Centenary Jamboree “Scout Brotherhood”

“It was very important for the Jamboree Organizing Committee of the Centenary Jamboree of the Scouts of Peru and III National Rover Moot to have the presence of many sister Nations. I want to thank you for the effort that has ensued to organize their respective delegations and the opportunity they have given to their young members to start great friendships with the young Peruvians, recognizing brothers of the same promise and law. We are also secure in that the experiences by those who joined our International Service Team will also be a constant testimony to the value of doing things with goodwill and the satisfaction of mission accomplished.”

Be Prepared!

Víctor A. Cuestas Olivos General CoordinatorCentenary Jamboree - Scouts del Perú

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More than 40 people of the National Team and Rovers of Scouting in Uruguay met outdoors to attend the National Team Seminar.

The place had all the conditions to enjoy nature and a lot of Scout spirit. One by one the participants arrived, backpacks full of things to have a good weekend, but especially eager to learn and discover.

The seminar started with the group listening to an interesting paper called “Understanding our Work in a Chaotic World” given by Mr. Leonel Groisman, a lecturer who runs the company Uruguayan Negotiated Agreements. We heard how to identify how our world has changed and how we have moved from a linear world (Newtonian) to a chaotic world – from a world where almost everything could be predicted and defined by linear equations, to a chaotic one where everything is unpredictable. An important part of this new chaotic world are social networks that weave and reveal the influence that our actions cause to others. We concluded that, as Scouts, our actions affect the people around us, and many we will never know.

Following, Raul Sanchez, the Regional Director of the World Scout Bureau – Interamerican Region, preformed a workshop which identified that Scouting is an organization that seeks to become an institution. That means taking on various aspects and, above all, be willing to renew, not only issues such as the Youth Program, but also the structures and decision-making processes. We learned more about the concept of governance and its importance in Scouting.

Sunday was a presentation of the draft “Youth Renewal Program” in Scouting in Uruguay, presented by Jorge Fernandez, a Scout external consultant, who was in charge of project formulation. During his presentation, he showed the audience the background of the project and the various stages of implementing it. The project was well received by participants, who were enthusiastic to start immediately.

The members present from the National Executive Council gave their comments following the presentation of the project. They shared their information about it and invited all to join the team that will be conducting the renewal process.

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Did you know that, globally, the number of people with disabilities and special needs is close to 650 million? Adults and disabled children are stigmatized from birth and are more likely to be victims of exclusion, concealment, abandonment, detention, and abuse.

Once again, the Scout Association of El Salvador, through its representative, Cesar Alberto Pérez Meléndez, a member of the Scout Group 125, Tehuacan City of San Vicente, presented this in an international meeting, this time in UAE States, in the Emirate of Sharjah, from February 3 to 14.

The theme of the meeting revolved around people with special needs and focused on items such as inclusion, inclusion projects, and development projects for those with special needs and how the Scout Association of El Salvador is concerned about the integrity of these people.

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MARZO / MARCH

31 (1-4) 1er Jamboree Scout Centroamericano1st Central American Scout Jamboree El Salvador

31 (1-4) Evento Centroamericano de Sección MenorCentral American Cub Scouts Event Costa Rica

ABRIL / APRIL

(31) 1 - 4 1er Jamboree Scout Centroamericano1st Central American Scout Jamboree El Salvador

(31) 1 - 4 Evento Centroamericano de Sección MenorCentral American Cub Scouts Event Costa Rica

13 - 15 Reunión Subregional de Métodos Educativos*: CentroaméricaSubregional Metings of Educational Methods*: Central America Guatemala

27 - 29 Reunión Subregional de Métodos Educativos*: AndinaSubregional Metings of Educational Methods*: Andean Venezuela

MAYO / MAY

18 - 20 Reunión Subregional de Métodos Educativos*: Cono SurSubregional Metings of Educational Methods*: Southern Cone Argentina

25 - 27 Reunión Subregional de la Red de Desarrollo Institucional: CaribeSubregional Meeting of the Institutional Development Network: Caribbean Saint Vincent

JUNIO / JUNE

16 - 17 Reunión del Comité Scout InteramericanoInteramerican Scout Committee meeting Canada

22 - 24 Reunión Subregional de Métodos Educativos*: CaribeSubregional Metings of Educational Methods*: Caribbean Trinidad & Tobago

29 - 30 (1) Reunión Subregional de la Red de Desarrollo Institucional: CentroaméricaSubregional Meeting of the Institutional Development Network: Central America El Salvador

JULIO / JULY

(29-30) 1 Reunión Subregional de la Red de Desarrollo Institucional: CentroaméricaSubregional Meeting of the Institutional Development Network: Central America El Salvador

20 - 22 Reunión Regional de la Red de ComunicacionesRegional Meeting of the Communications Network Colombia

27 - 29 Reunión Subregional de la Red de Desarrollo Institucional: AndinaSubregional Meeting of the Institutional Development Network: Andean Colombia

AGOSTO / AUGUST

17 - 19 Reunión Subregional de la Red de Desarrollo Institucional: Cono SurSubregional Meeting of the Institutional Development Network: Southern Cone Brasil

31 (1-2) Taller Regional de Crecimiento (Español)Regional Workshop on Growth (Spanish) Panamá

SEPTIEMBRE / SEPTEMBER

(31) 1 - 2 Taller Regional de Crecimiento (Español)Regional Workshop on Growth (Spanish) Panamá

7 - 9 Seminario Regional de Métodos Educativos (Español)Regional Seminar of Educational Methods (Spanish) Costa Rica

14 - 16 Taller Regional de Crecimiento (Inglés)Regional Workshop on Growth (English) Barbados

21 - 23 Seminario Regional de Métodos Educativos (Inglés)Regional Seminar of Educational Methods (English) Guyana

CALENDARIO REGIONALREGIONAL CALENDAR

* Red de Programa de Jóvenes y Red de Adultos en el Movimiento Scout* Youth Programme Network and Adults in Scouting Network 15

This newsletter was made by the contribution and the efford of:

• Luis Bethancourt• Ramón Guerra• Vivian Huacuja• Scott Teare

Visita:www.lacvox.net

You can be part of the Official Newsletterof Interamerican Region

Send us your stories about any activity that has taken place in your National Scout Organization so the world will know it.

Tell us at: interamerica@scout.org

• Víctor A. Cuestas Olivos• Alejandro Bueso• Ronald Richardson• Bonti Liverpool• Elizabeth Espinosa

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