OURADVENTURE.Somerset Scout’s Annual Report

2011/12

somersetscouts.org.uk/adventure

Making friends, mountain hill walking, sailing, camping, pioneering, caving, water, zorbing, climbing, fun

you. i. us.Membership numbers across

the County are up once again and ahead of the national average. The January census

revealed a youth membership of 3841 and an adult membership of 962. Overall Somerset grew by 2.9% during 2010. This is important for it is people that make Scouting and it is the people that made 2010 a very memorable and successful year for us.

Last October Somerset Scouts were awarded Voluntary Service of the year by South Somerset District Council and I have been honoured to take the “Oscar” to many meetings and presentations to remind everyone that the investment

they give to scouting is recognised in the wider community.

Much of 2010 was spent looking forward to the World Scout Jamboree of 2011, youth participants, Contingent Leaders and International Service Team members were selected, training camps held, funds raised and individuals from across the County bonded into cohesive units, “Apple” and “Cheddar”.

World Jamboree aside 2010 was a great year, competitions were held for all sorts of activities from sand castle building to camp cooking, chess and drafts to Field Shooting. Somerset had a very successful team at the national rifle shooting competition. Well done to

all who participated and especially to those who organised and supported the many activities that add so much value to Scouting. I was also delighted to join Watchet Sea Scouts at their Royal Naval Inspection, one of less than 100 naval accredited Sea Scout Groups in the Country. The review highlighted many aspects of Sea Scout life and the report that followed confirmed an outstanding Sea Scout Group.

St George’s Day services gave us a great opportunity to renew our promises and to recognise some of the individuals who give so much, so generously to Scouting. For it is leaders and supporters that Scouting relies on to help equip so

Making friends, mountain hill walking, sailing, camping, pioneering, caving, water, zorbing, climbing, fun

2/3somersetscouts.org.uk/adventure

We’re adventure, challenge and fun for over 4,700 people in Somerset

many people with skills for life. Young people and adults have training and development opportunities and we are committed to increasing the range and scope of these opportunities in the coming year.

Scouting isn’t all camping, hiking, sailing and cooking though. These are the basic principles that Scouting was founded on and still play a major part in our programmes, but we are also looking to the future, Internet Safety – Think You Know training - delivered to equip Scouts for the digital age in which we live continues to be rolled out to every Scout Troop and Explorer Unit in the County and nationally the My Body My

Choice programme, designed specifically for Explorers is another example of how we blend traditional activities with the needs of 21st Century living.

The introduction of Scout Active Support as a replacement for Scout Fellowship was concluded at the end of 2010, maintaining the ethos of a fellowship but accommodating those who wish to support Scouting in a more formal way. Without regular weekly meetings, Active Support are to be commended for the contribution they continue to make to Somerset Scouting – perhaps joining them is something you could consider?

To each and every one of you, for

the support you give to Scouting, both directly and indirectly I thank you, for as I said at the beginning, people make Scouting what it is today and it will be people that make Scouting what it will be tomorrow. With visible support from the community and a growing membership base coupled to a programme that remains true to the core principles yet includes new dimensions appropriate to the 21st Century I am sure we will see Scouting generally and in Somerset in particular grow in the coming year.

Thank you and remember you are Somerset Scouts.

Shaun Dale, County Commissioner

young peoplescout every day

Beavers

The Beavers have had an exciting year with it being the 25th anniversary of Beaver Scouting in 2011.

Birthday celebrations have been happening all over. We have been running a Beaver 25 badge design competition and awarding badges to those who have completed the exciting 25 challenges. It’s great to see so many young people around the county enjoying and celebrating this landmark year with these fun events and awards. My Thanks goes to Tricia Sedgebeer, Assistant County Commissioner Operations, for all the hard work she and her team put into making Somerset’s Beaver 25 a wonderful event in September at Ilton.

Here’s to the next 25 years of Beaver Scouting as we continue to provide an inspiring County programme and support for our brilliant network of Beaver leaders and the youngest members of our movement that they work with.

In just two summer months Somerset Scouts enjoyed 2500 nights camping

International

World Scout Jamboree has been a huge focus for us this year. With two units – Apple and Cheddar

- representing the county at the event in August, we spent a great deal of time in 2010 and 11 making sure this adventure of a lifetime ran smoothly.

The extraordinary stories of their adventures are reaching us in great number and it is a constant pleasure to facilitate, with the support of the whole Somerset team, this wonderful international opportunity.

But it’s not just about the World Scout Jamboree. Groups from Somerset have been running their own international trips to Portugal, Normandy and France to name but a few of the locations visited this year. It’s really exciting to see this international scouting happen.

We offer a helping hand to leaders wishing to run international trips through our enjoyable M19 course and, of course, we are looking ahead to 2015 as we plan and support leaders and young people in applying for and attending the next World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

Mandy WilliamsAssistant County Commissioner for Beavers

Stuart TalbottAssistant County Commissioner for International

scout every dayCubs

Scouts

Dried spaghetti and marshmallows were used to build towers in February at the County Cub Quiz

held near Ilminster. This is just the kind of wacky fun our Cubs love to have and we’ve been having fun at all sorts of events this year.

Our Jamboree visit day in May was enjoyed by 84 young people and their leaders giving all an exciting taste of the adventure to come when they join the Scout section. All the Cubs had a go at orienteering, archery, zip wire, monkey bridge, drumming, studio crafts and branding.

As well as marshmallow orientated fun at the Quiz in February the Cubs enjoyed feely boxes, a mini catapult challenge, picture rounds in the questions quiz and puzzles. The winners were 1st Poldens from Sedgemoor District. Cubs also took part in a Chess and Draughts competition.

More girls now enjoy Scouting in Somerset than ever before and our fully inclusive programme

of county events continues to serve the young people in this, our largest section. We’ve been cycling at the mountain bike challenge, cooking at the County Cooking Competition the finest cuisine ever to grace a two pot gas burner I am sure and the County Jamboree gave our scouts the opportunity to come together to camp, learn and have fun together in 2010.

As we continue our search for an Assistant County Commissioner for Scouts we also enter a time for review of our county scout programme. One which includes reviewing, for the benefit of our young people, the way our County Jamboree works. With consultation, creativity and some determination I am confident that the coming year is a good opportunity to continue to create an outstanding county jamboree that can be enjoyed by more young people and adults.

somersetscouts.org.uk/adventure 4/5

Pete DivallDeputy County Commissioner for Programme

Claire TalbottAssistant County Commissioner for Cubs

y

Explorers

Our Explorer Scout section continues to flourish. The second annual county Moot in May 2010 was a

resounding success with increased numbers of young people attending. The significant number of willing and talented adults from all over the county who volunteered to assist at this hectic and demanding camp did a brilliant job and we are fast establishing the Moot as a relevant, balanced, exciting, sociable, sleep–free, activity based event which Explorer Scouts hate to miss.

During the course of the year, a large group of Explorers from all over Somerset worked tirelessly together in two units to become Somerset Apple and Somerset Cheddar Cheese units for their trip to the World Scout Jamboree. By April 2011, they were well on their way to being the ‘finished products’ and were looking forward to the exciting adventure ahead of them.

In October 2010, Young Leaders were invited to attend a weekend training event at Huish Woods with the emphasis on mastering basic Scouting skills. Explorers and Young Leaders also enjoyed the very popular ‘Road Safety and Driving Skills Day’ at the Bath and West Showground in March. Everyone participated in a driving lesson, thanks to a number of local driving instructors who kindly volunteered their services. During the day there was also the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a coach and an HGV lorry. The police attended as well as the Fire Service who brought along their simulator training vehicle and classrooms sessions were run throughout the day to give information and advice to Young Leaders regarding road safety work with younger sections. It was, however, noticeable how quickly everyone left the showground at the end of the day when the Assistant County Commissioner for Explorer Scouts climbed up into the cab and took control of the Framptons HGV... Explorer Scouts definitely have a strong sense of self-preservation!

aged 6 to 25years young

h

hs

cc Liz Henderson

Assistant County Commissioner for Explorers

Network

Network is growing fast. As Explorers reach 18 they now have the opportunity to reach into Network

Scouting in Somerset and continue their adventure until 25. Yeovil currently has a huge number of Explorers coming up to Network age and we have been working hard this year to facilitate a Network provision in the district. It is really exciting to see so many young people waiting to join us in the coming year.

Network is a unique section. As a member led section the Networkers run and manage their own programme and, thus far, this has happened with great success. Our Summer Camp is now a regular staple in our expanding and varied programme alongside our Masquerade Ball and a scrambling weekend held in early February in Snowdonia. Network is what you make it and this year it’s members have made it great. They continue to do so and many members, remarkably, retain leadership positions in groups, districts and at county level.

I am delighted with the growth of the Network section and hope that Explorers are able to look to us as the next step and one that they can’t wait to take.

Scout Active Support

Gareth Davies, a member of the Sedgemoor SAS astride a horse at the Sedgemoor District Cub

Camp in 2010. Active Support units around the county continue to do exactly what it says on the tin and support scouting in a variety of ways.

Whether it’s helping run the Sutton Bingham Scout sailing resource near Yeovil, helping to put together a strategic communications plan or dressing as a pirate to entertain Cubs around the camp fire the SAS’ role is many fold and vibrant in Somerset.

But as well as taking part in sweet selling at the County Jamboree, aiding and abetting teapot heists and volunteering for sections such as the Huish Woods Service Crew, the SAS do keep themselves entertained as well.

Regular events for SAS members take them around the county both to their own camps and visiting those of others. Quite what Gareth Davies will dress up as at the next Sedgemoor Cub Camp, however, is as yet an unresolved matter.

somersetscouts.org.uk/adventure 6/7

We’re delivering cutting-edge

internet protection training for our

youth members valuing their safety

Clare GrantAssistant County Commissioner for Network

SomersetScout Active Support

our vision

8

for tomorrow...Scouting has changed over the last

decade. We changed the way we look and do things. We introduced a new uniform, programme and training

scheme. We became smarter at how we deliver Scouting through better support for volunteers and enabling people to volunteer flexibly.

As a result, Scouting today is growing. We are more diverse with more communities turning to Scouting for opportunities, activities and expertise. Young people are now taking a greater role in decision-making locally and nationally. They have become the face and voice of Scouting, and our Young Leaders are helping to deliver great programmes.

Our campaigning work has shown that we are relevant and engaged in issues affecting today’s society. We’re more sound and focused as an organisation, with a clearer idea of who we are – delivering everyday adventure. We’ve improved the way we take decisions as well as our centres and facilities. But all of these achievements didn’t happen by chance. Our Members took responsibility for bringing about the changes we all knew were necessary.

Over the past two years, we have been thinking about what the next decade of Scouting might look like. What the new challenges will be and how we can work together as a Movement to meet them. As a result of this work, we have developed a new vision for the future, taking us to 2018.

• Empowered• Valued• Proud

Scouting in 2018 will• Make a positive impact in our communities

• Prepare young people to be active citizens

• Embrace and contribute to social change

Scouting in 2018 will be• Shaped by young people in partnership with adults

• Enjoyed by more young people and more adult volunteers

• As diverse as the communities in which we live

Members of Scouting in 2018 will feel s

h

f

g

B KKKKK FFFFFFB BBBB BBB BB BBBHBF BK KH

somersetscouts.org.uk/adventure 8/9

for tomorrow...l

k

s

h

d

KKFBBBH

To me scouting means fun and adventure. It's all about meeting new people and making new friends. This year has been the best scouting year for me and I have made the most amazing friends.

with young people at

the heart of what we do

“ “

Em, Burnham

“ “

"Its all about making new friends and letting them join your scouting family, looking out for each other and learning new skills along your journey from Beavers through to

leadership and also having a bit of fun mixed in as well."

“

“

Scouting to me is an adventure. An adventure

that I feel everyone should have the opportunity

to experience, enjoy and remember forever. I only

started 3 years ago and I’ve never looked back! You

meet so many amazing people in this buzzing, happy

environment and are around supportive people all

having fun while learning at the same time.

Jess, Wiveliscombe

Ben, Highbridge

Our leaders are so supportive. My leader Ben is a legend - he is always cracking jokes and always has a smile on his face.

“ “

Jonnie, Puriton

Scouting is my life and the

fondest memories I hold are all

down to scouting. I don’t know

where I would be without it.

To me scouting means fun and

family but also adrenaline and

adventure, new experiences

and the craziest opportunities. I

wouldn’t have life any other way.

““

Becky, Wellington

Scouting is great because you

can enjoy being outdoors doing

adventurous activities with the best

people who become your closest of

friends. I can be myself as people

around you have the same attitude

towards the adventurous things we

get up to. Scouting also gives me a

great sense of achievement. From

completing the Ten Tors challenge to

the satisfaction of helping out as a

young leader.

“

“

James, Wellington

Somerset’steamOur team is over a thousand

strong. All volunteers, all working tirelessly to deliver scouting around the county

and working in partnership with the young people they support. Every member of our leadership team, whether they be an occasional helper or the County Commissioner, is valued at the same level. Their contributions and efforts regarded with the same gratitude for whatever it is you are able to give. And it is a remarkable team that achieves so much for and gives so much to communities across the county.

Supporting the many volunteers in our Scout groups and our seven districts in Somerset is the County Team. We welcome to it this year Mandy Williams as Assistant County Commissioner for Beavers and Tricia Sedgebeer as Assistant County Commissioner for Operations. “We thank you for all you are doing. You have a wealth of experience and alongside our existing ACCs, Liz Henderson, Claire Talbott, Clare Grant, and Stuart Talbott we are grateful for the fantastic events you have organised for the young people and the excellent work you are all doing,” Pete Divall – Deputy County Commissioner for Programme.

Our County Media Team has also grown and is welcomed this year as an integrated part of county management working to facilitate communications, foster the Somerset Scouts brand and to feed an expecting world with positive scouting PR. As a county we now publish a bimonthly newsletter, maintain a lively website, create exciting media content from our county events, operate two social media channels, create opportunities for publicity in local media, manage technical communication resources and work closely with The Scout Association nationally in pioneering internal communications

strategies for Scout counties. We welcome to the team Mike Turner as Web and Digital Media Manger and are grateful for the extraordinary level of skill and dedication he brings to the position. We also welcome Rebecca Byrne as District Media Development Manager for Yeovil and is too a passionate and highly valued contributor.

The work of the team’s freelance contributors is also extremely valuable and we thank Peter Venn, Bertie Bugden, Sharon Parkman, Luke Cutter, Jessica Morgan, Jonnie Dibble, Charlie Drakeford and Gareth Davies for all that they do. “I must thank the Media Team, especially Richard and Mike. What an asset we have in these two extremely enthusiastic young people. Their enthusiasm has now started to encourage other young people into the development and promotion of the movement within the County and we need these young peoples’ views if we are to keep the County’s scouting vibrant and relevant,” Colina Hine – Deputy County Commissioner for Development.

Our development objectives for this year are clear with many new housing developments springing up around Somerset we intend to hold recruitment drives in these areas working closely with our Regional Development Officer Bradley Wills. Brad is putting together a team of young people to champion our scouting in the community and as our scouting continues to grow so does our programme.

Each section enjoys numerous programmed events at both district and county and we are working now to improving those events, making them relevant, well managed, vibrant and successful for your enjoyment. But it isn’t without the dedicated support of our District Commissioners that we are able to work together as a county in delivering these events and we are

delighted to welcome new District Commissioners for South, Taunton and Frome. The role of the District Commissioner is a very important part of the County Team so many thanks to you for taking on the challenge.

The challenge of delivering adult training in the county continues to sally forth. The statistics speak for themselves: 53 Wood Badges were earned for completion of Scout Leader Training in 2010/11 and over 1141 training modules were delivered during the year with over 1316 modules validated for the 475 adults currently undergoing training. 376 of our adults have personal Training Advisers allocated.

We have also been delivering on-going learning. 180 adults attended some form of on-going learning in 2010/11 and, as well as Safeguarding training which needs to be refreshed on a 5 yearly cycle, we are delighted to report that 192 adults attended Safeguarding training. Protection of our young people and indeed our adult leaders is of paramount importance to us.

Our annual gathering of Training Advisors was very constructive this year and our successful training programme is only made possible because of the efforts of these dedicated people. There are now 74 training Advisors across Somerset working with our Local Training Managers, the Training Delivery team and administration team.

As we look forwards we are embracing our 2018 vision. We are working towards it and constantly seeking to review and update our ideas to meet the expectations of this decade as a cohesive team. We want to thank you for being part of that team and all that you do for Scouting in Somerset to make the great adventure possible.

10/11

Our adult volunteers inspire

3,841 young people in Somerset

on their adventure

somersetscouts.org.uk/adventure

Members of the County Team preparing filming for this year’s AGM video at Huish Woods in August

somersetscouts.org.uk/adventure

Visit our website and help

Scouting reach further

We are passionate about

giving adventure to

young people in Somerset.

With your support we can

continue to provide unique and

life-changing opportunities to

people in your communities.

The Somerset County Scout CouncilTangier Scout and Guide Centre

Castle StreetTaunton

Somerset, TA1 4AS

www.somersetscouts.org.ukfacebook.com/somersetscouts

twitter.com/somersetscouts