explorer

The magazine

for Explorer Scout Leaders

August/September 2010

scouts.org.uk/pol

Assess successAre you down with DofE?

Wheely goodThe trusty soap box cart

THRILLS AND CHILLS AND CHILLS AND CHILLS

Why the winter programme is worth planning for now

SHOUTTell us your

bright ideas

explorer_8910FINAL.indd 1 08/07/2010 16:12

IFC_Explorer_AugSept10.indd 6 06/07/2010 12:39

3scouts.org.uk/pol

Forwards, awards, rewards

4 NewsSection specifi c updates and forthcoming events

6 Journeys with purposeThe expedition section of the DofE awards

8 Plan for action Breaking down summer adventure to suit winter weather

10 How to make a soap box cartA step-by-step guide to a classic Scouting craft

14 Trading placesThe training requirements for District Explorer Scout Commis-sioners

16 Roving reportersHow Explorer Scouts made the news at camp

17 And the award goes to… A bright idea that resulted in a glitzy evening for all the Explorers in one West Lancashire District

18 Jamboree dreamsHazel joins the team and can’t wait to hit Scandinavia

Contents

Your Explorer Scout Section Working GroupAlex Minajew, UK Commissioner for Programme Charlotte Tow, Programme and Development Adviser

Contact them at:[email protected]

Programme Team, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QWTel: 0845 300 1818

ADVERTISINGRichard [email protected] Tel: 020 8962 1258

Cover image: Chlöe Campbell

FELLOWS DO WELL IN FELLSIt was half expedition, half wide game in July as Dragnet 2010 took over the Cumbrian Fells. The 35 mile challenge was won by Inglewood ESU from Cumbria who finished in ten hours, 55 minutes with two lives remaining. Well done to all who took part.

With summer already flying by, many Explorer Units have taken part in camps or embarked on adventurous outdoor activities, but it’s not long

until winter and time to get your programme prepared, writes Charlotte Tow

You may already be recovering from an exciting summer and looking forward to

what’s in store over the coming months. Despite the fact that the sun should be

shining, it is already time to start planning those winter activities. In this issue,

we look at how the adventure can continue throughout the winter.

Awards that deliverWith the Duke of Edinburgh scheme being a fantastic way for Explorer Scouts to

develop skills, gain an award and, most importantly, have fun, we look at the

expedition section of the scheme to see what needs to be completed and how

to organise it. Remember, the DofE awards are a ‘perfect match’ with the Chief

Scout’s Platinum and Diamond and Queen’s Scout Award, so encourage your

Explorers to think about how they can achieve this two for one.

Reward yourselfIt is worth reminding you of the annual extravaganza that is Gilwell Reunion.

We hope to see many of your faces at Gilwell Park on 3-5 September, to share

experiences, grab an influx of new programme ideas and discover ways to

develop Scouting across the board. With the event being open to all adults in

Scouting, it is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet many

new ones. For more information, visit www.scouts.org.uk/reunion


4 Explorer August/September 2010

NewsA round-up of what’s happening in Explorer

Scouting. Send your stories, reports and

opinions to [email protected]

New resourcesAre you in need of new ideas for running Young Leader modules? Young Leaders’ Essentials Plus gives you a variety of methods to run any of the modules. It will help you keep the scheme flexible and exciting, while delivering all the information needed. The resource is available from Scout Shops for £5. www.scouts.org.uk/shop

Age range changeRemember that, from now, Explorer Scouts should

be moving on by the time they turn 18. This will

greatly help to clear up issues of child protection and

adult appointments. Encourage your Explorers to

move on to Scout Network, take out an adult

appointment or join Scout Active Support,

emphasizing the great flexibility that is involved. It is

also worth remembering the lower age range

change that came into effect last year. All Scouts

should now be in an Explorer Unit by the time they

are 14½.

Faith and awareness events for October/NovemberOctoberBlack History Month

World Blindness Awareness Month

1 Simchat Torah (Jewish)

4 World Animal Day

10 World Mental Health Day

16 Child Poverty Day

20 Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)

22 Pavarana/ Sangha Day

(Buddhist)

31 Halloween

November 1 All Saints Day (Christian)

5 Kathina Day (Buddhist)

12 Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)

14 Remembrance Sunday (UK)

14 World Diabetes Day

15 Anti-bullying week begins

16 Eid ul-Adha/The festival of

Sacrifice (Muslim)

20 Universal Children’s Day

16 International Day for

Tolerance

21 Birthday of Guru Nanak

(Sikh)

24 Martyrdom of Guru Tegh

Bahadur (Sikh)

25 Thanksgiving Day (USA)

28 First Sunday of Advent

(Christian)


5scouts.org.uk/pol

Changes to YL missionsChanges have been made to Missions 1 and

3 of the Young Leaders’ Scheme, as described in Young Leaders’ Essentials. Mission 1 (page 24) has now been

altered to reflect the need for progression along the

Missions. Mission 3 (page 26) has also been changed so

that Young Leaders only have to plan and run one

sectional forum.

The updates can be downloaded as replacement pages

from www.scouts.org.uk/youngleaders and will be

reflected in future editions of Young Leaders’ Essentials.

Belt buckle proudYoung Leader DJ recently completed his Young Leader training after attending a first aid course. What did he get out of the training?

‘Well to start with, I now feel more confident working

with young people in the way that I know that I have

better knowledge to deal with certain situations. Having

completed my Young Leader training I’m continuing with

the four missions. I still see the fantastic leader that trained

me and work with her every week at Beavers.

To complete the training felt and still feels really good.

I feel more confident as a leader overall and I look forward

to taking out an adult appointment as soon as I can

next year.’



Journeys with purpose

Over the past few years there have been some changes to the criteria for the DofE expedition section and now is a great time to refresh your mind about these. Jess Kelly runs through the updates

ConditionsThe Expedition section is now assessed against 20

conditions (listed below). These make it clear to all those

involved in the section (participant, leaders, supervisor and

assessor) as to what is required. If for some reason an

expedition is not going to meet all of these conditions

then a variation request must be submitted to the DofE

Manager at [email protected]. If you want some

advice as to how to work with these please speak to your

County DofE Adviser or Country HQ.

DofE Expedition Conditions 1* Your expedition must be by your own

physical effort, without any motorised or outside assistance.

2 Your expedition must be unaccompanied and self-reliant.

3 Your expeditions must be supervised by an adult who is able to accept responsibility for the safety of you and your team.

4 Your expedition must have an aim.

5 You must be properly equipped for your expedition.

6 You must have completed the required training and practice expeditions.


7scouts.org.uk/pol

AwArds

7 You must undertake at least one practice expedition at each level of the programme. You should do this in the same mode of travel and in a similar environment to the qualifying expedition.

8 You and your team must plan and organise your expedition.

9 You must be assessed be by an approved accredited Assessor to the DofE.

10* There must be between four and seven people in your team (eight people may be in a team for modes of travel which are tandem).

11 You must be within the qualifying age of the DofE programme level.

12* All the people in your team must be at the same level of assessment.

13* Your team must not include anyone who has completed the same or higher level DofE expedition.

14 Your overnight accommodation should be camping.

15 Your expedition must be the minimum number of days required for your DofE level.

16 Your expedition should normally take place between the end of March and the end of October.

17 Your expedition should be in the recommended environment for your DofE level.

18 Your must do the minimum hours of planned daily activity for your DofE level.

19 You should cook and eat a substantial meal each day.

20 You must create and deliver a presentation after your expedition to complete the section.

help facilitate the expedition experience. The Expedition

Assessor Accreditation Course dates are available from

www.scouts.org.uk/dofe.

Within Scouting (in England) an extension to this

deadline has been granted but by 1 April 2011 all DofE

qualifying expeditions must be assessed by an accredited

DofE Assessor. You know that someone is accredited by

them having an accreditation number and a photo ID card

which explains which levels they can operate at.

SupervisorsAll DofE expeditions also require a supervisor to be present

in the expedition area. This person is responsible for the

safety of the group and should work with the assessor to

ensure a successful expedition. The supervisor needs to

ensure that all Scouting rules are followed and that the

group are on track and happy. There is a one-day training

course for supervisors which will be launched within

Scouting in 2011 so keep looking at the training section

of www.scouts.org.uk/dofe for details of courses.

Assessment feesThe DofE have also introduced flat fees for the assessment

of expeditions within Wild Country areas when using the

Expedition Network Assessors. This fee is currently £45 for

a Silver assessment or £60 for a Gold assessment. This fee

will contribute to the expenses of the assessor but if using

an assessor from within Scouting this fee would not need

to be paid. However, it would be encouraged that the

team factor in the expenses of the assessor when planning

their expedition.

* Variations to these four conditions must be submitted to the DofE Head Office as a variation request or an adventurous project and will only be considered in highly exceptional circumstances.

AssessorsIn 2008 the DofE launched a new scheme for expedition

assessors with a view to this becoming compulsory for

anyone wishing to assess the section from 1 April 2010.

The scheme involves a one-day training course, some

pre-course online learning and a supported assessment

(post course). These courses are available both within

Scouting and through other providers such as DofE

regional offices. The course equips the new assessor with

the skills to assess a group against the 20 conditions and



Plan for actionSo you reach the end of

the summer term and

start to ask your Explorer

Scouts what they would

like to do this winter. They

all say that they’d love

to continue to do all the

adventurous activities that

they enjoy outdoors in the

summer. What do you do?

Ben Richards has some

suggestions


T he programme doesn’t have to change

greatly as you enter the winter months, but if

you’re less able to get outdoors and cover all

the adventurous activities your Explorer have

become accustomed to, there are creative ways you can

still provide adventure when the shorter days set in. Of

course, many outdoor activities naturally lend themselves

to the winter months: a good hike is always far more

exciting in the dark; fire lighting and wide games are also

a staple part of a Unit’s winter programme.

Break it downBut how do you fit in kayaking, raft building, caving,

and all the other adventurous activities that Explorer

Scouts love doing? You could try breaking down your

adventurous activities into smaller parts. Here are a few

examples:

Water activities Run an evening on river and water safety. You could

contact organisations like Water Aid to give a talk

about water quality around the world. Ask your

Explorer Scouts to collect tins, boxes and other junk

for an extreme junk modelling project and try to build

a boat that floats. This would allow you to look at

boat shapes and designs, and experiment in making

things float.

Rafting Get your Explorers to build traditional rafts in the

fastest times possible and have teams of Explorers

racing them in the style of a sedan chair rally. You

could even try to make the most elaborate rafts

possible. Which design works best?

Caving As a Unit, discuss the equipment you need to go

caving. Perhaps you could try to run an entire evening

in the dark using only the light from headtorches.

You could also ask your Explorer Scouts to bring

in cardboard boxes and create your own indoor

caving system.

Ropes and knots At first, this may seem boring to Explorer Scouts, but

encourage them to find a different knot to do the

same job as one they already use. For example, what

could they use instead of a clove hitch to start a

square lashing? How about challenging them to

design a gateway complete with test models in

preparation for summer camp?

There are also numerous navigation and camping based

activities you could do indoors with your Explorer Scouts

to prepare them for hikes and expeditions in the warmer

periods, when they work towards the various section

awards.

This breaking down method can be extended to so

many other activities if you look at the constituent parts.

Try looking on Programmes Online where there are

many activities that can be done throughout the year

which could be linked to your more traditional outdoor

activities. Try a keyword search to narrow down the

results. You’ll be surprised how many interesting ideas

come up if you type ‘rope’, ‘water’ or ‘climb’ into the

search.

There are also plenty of people around Districts and

Counties that can visit your Unit to talk about their

experiences doing adventurous activities. They could take

your Explorer Scouts through the basics of an activity as

well as discussing all the various safety aspects that will

mean saving time later and give a heightened sense of

excitement when it comes to actually doing the activity in

the warmer weather.

Breaking down your traditional summer outdoor

activities can help you to maintain the momentum

throughout the winter term and give you lots more new

and interesting activities to try out and inspire your young

people.

Programme Planning

Plan for action

www.scouts.org.uk/polmore info

9scouts.org.uk/pol


How to make a soap box cartIt’s a classic Scouting craft, but has it stood the test of time? Explorer

Scout Leader Phil Ashton gets out the toolbox to provide this handy

guide to a project your Explorers will love


F orever trying to get that ‘golden nugget’ of an

idea that would grab the interest of the Unit,

I was looking for something that would keep

them active, teach them new skills and was

relatively cheap. I remembered from my youth making

a kart from bits of wood and some pram wheels. Easy,

I thought, and went immediately online to find a treasure

trove of information from Scout Groups who were

currently competing in their homemade karts. I put the

idea to the Explorers and they went for it. Buoyed by the

response, I mentioned it to the District to see if we could

encourage other Units to join in, and they were up for

it too, so a challenge was born.

Hitting the nail on the headGetting agreement was the easy part, but then began the

design and construction of the carts. We used plans from

www.kartbuilding.net as the basis for ours, but the great

thing about soap box cart building is the variety of designs

that are possible. These basic steps will see you right:

1 Soap box carts should only need basic tools that are

in most households: hammer, hand saw, metal

hacksaw, drill, adjustable spanner, measuring tap,

screws, nails, nuts and bolts. Don’t overestimate how

much your Explorers will know… we had to cover

knocking in nails safely as well as measuring timber to size.

2 The carts should be pushed by team members and

only steered by the driver. Therefore design your

cart (and course) to use downhill sections for

gathering speed, and make the steering mechanism

simple, using a length of rope or the driver’s feet.


11scouts.org.uk/pol

A soAp box cArt project will:

• Promoteteamwork• Teachbasicengineeringskills• Enablecompetitionthatisn’tonlydependentonphysicalability

• AllowtheUnittotakepartineventsthathappenaroundthecountryandthroughouttheyear.

TheNationalScoutcarRaces,whichthisyeartookplaceinManchesterarejustoneexampleofralliesthatareopentoScoutteams.EastSussex,Cheshire,Cumbria,andSheffieldhaveorganisedeventsinthelast18months.Ifyouwanttogiveitago,butdon’twanttobuildyourowncart,theNationalScoutPedalCarOlympicsatThriftwood,EssextakesplaceinJanuaryeveryyearandprovidesthecarts.Andfortheultra-serious,ScoutteamsareknowntotakepartineventsrunbytheBritishPedalCarChampionship,whichisorganisedbyRugbyExplorerScoutLeader,JeremyFeatherstone.

eventsNational Scoutcar Races | ContactGaryHollingshurstaboutfutureevents|[email protected] Scout Pedal Car Olympics | www.thriftwood.org.uk/eventsNational Pedal Car Championships | www.pedalcars.info

3 Typically on a simple wooden cart there are no

brakes. As a result, the carts are designed only for

slow speeds. You could incorporate bicycle brakes,

but this does complicate the design and build, so allow

time for testing and modification.

4 Build in some learning challenges. This activity is an

education in itself, but it’s worth adding to the

challenge by creating some rules that will bring out

other skills. We insisted that the carts were made from

almost entirely found or free items and gave a four week

period to allow for scrounging. Our Explorers managed

well with wood and fixings but struggled with wheels. We

ended up with pneumatic wheelbarrow wheels, which

fastened simply with a bolt through the centre.

5 Finish with style. Once you’ve got your cart

roadworthy, it’s time to make it look the part.

As you’ll see from the photos on this page, there

are no limits when it comes to styling, so let the Explorers

customise their carts in a way that is personal to them.

Scouts on poleWith the Explorer section best suited to longer projects

you can really get your teeth into, it’s no wonder the

response we had was so good. ‘I was surprised how much

speed I was able to get up,’ said Jessica, 16. The chance to

personalise their design appealed to Peter, 17, who said

‘We went for a streamlined blue chassis, and couldn’t

resist the go-faster stripes’.

How to...


All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland). www.scouts.org.uk/shop

01903 766 921

ex

Great for putting small valuables in, even your mobile phone. You can slip your belt through the loop or clip it to your belt or rucksack.

Summer Camp BadgeRef 1028103

£1

A new badge to celebrate summer camp wherever you are in the country.Size: 8cm x 5.5cm

Ever popular, the i.Scout T-shirt is ideal for camp this summer and comes in four colours. A full range of new items is available on our website.Sizes S-XXL (S-XXXL in black only)Colours: Black, purple, kiwi, tangerine,pink.

i.Scout T-Shirt Ref 1026102R

£8

Accessory BagRef 1027421

£2.25

Campfire WoggleRef 1027194

£1.50

A fun woggle that can be worn round the campfire this summer. Multi-coloured image of a glowing campfire. Material: Leather

A new baseball cap for Explorers with the section logo. There is even a knitted version in case it gets cold.

Explorer Baseball CapRef 1027226

£5.75

Great savings in time for summer camps. Save £5 on men’s and women’s activity shorts.Sizes: Men’s 26”-46” waistWomen’s 8-26


Sale

Men’s Activity Shorts Women’s Activity Shorts Ref Men’s 1006973R Women’s 1006992R

Mens 26” and 28” £13 all other sizes £15 while stocks last.

Take advantage of our exclusive Scout rates and BOOK your adrenaline-fuelled trip today to THORPE PARK.

As the nation’s Thrill Capital, THORPE PARK is the ‘must do’ destination for adrenaline junkies! SAW – The Ride and SAW Alive, the world’s most extreme live action horror maze, will test the nerve of all who dare experience them. Want more? Brave the ‘Unholy Trinity’ of Stealth, Colossus and Nemesis Inferno for a truly nerve-shredding day out!

Register now to receive regular news, offers & competitions. You could WIN a FREE* group visit for your Scouts to any one of our UK attractions!www.groupfundays.co.uk/scoutsmagazineWhy don’t you join us on facebook?www.facebook.com/groupfundays*See website for terms & conditions.LEGO, the LEGO logo and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group ©2010 The LEGO Group SAW - 2004 © SAW PRODUCTIONS. INC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

TU5108_Scout Ad.indd 1 08/07/2010 12:38

www.wintercamp.org.uk

7-9 January 2011

100 - 10 AC winter camp supplement advert 2010.indd 1 19/3/10 09:21:32explorer_8910FINAL.indd 12 08/07/2010 16:14

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland). www.scouts.org.uk/shop

01903 766 921

ex

Great for putting small valuables in, even your mobile phone. You can slip your belt through the loop or clip it to your belt or rucksack.

Summer Camp BadgeRef 1028103

£1

A new badge to celebrate summer camp wherever you are in the country.Size: 8cm x 5.5cm

Ever popular, the i.Scout T-shirt is ideal for camp this summer and comes in four colours. A full range of new items is available on our website.Sizes S-XXL (S-XXXL in black only)Colours: Black, purple, kiwi, tangerine,pink.

i.Scout T-Shirt Ref 1026102R

£8

the loop or clip it to your

Ref 1026102R

Accessory BagRef 1027421

£2.25

Campfire WoggleRef 1027194

£1.50

A fun woggle that can be worn round the campfire this summer. Multi-coloured image of a glowing campfire. Material: Leather

A new baseball cap for Explorers with the section logo. There is even a knitted version in case it gets cold.

Explorer Baseball CapRef 1027226

£5.75



Sale

Men’s Activity Shorts Women’s Activity Shorts Ref Men’s 1006973R Women’s 1006992R

Mens 26” and 28” £13 all other sizes £15 while stocks last.

Take advantage of our exclusive Scout rates and BOOK your adrenaline-fuelled trip today to THORPE PARK.

As the nation’s Thrill Capital, THORPE PARK is the ‘must do’ destination for adrenaline junkies! SAW – The Ride and SAW Alive, the world’s most extreme live action horror maze, will test the nerve of all who dare experience them. Want more? Brave the ‘Unholy Trinity’ of Stealth, Colossus and Nemesis Inferno for a truly nerve-shredding day out!

Register now to receive regular news, offers & competitions. You could WIN a FREE* group visit for your Scouts to any one of our UK attractions!www.groupfundays.co.uk/scoutsmagazineWhy don’t you join us on facebook?www.facebook.com/groupfundays*See website for terms & conditions.LEGO, the LEGO logo and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group ©2010 The LEGO Group SAW - 2004 © SAW PRODUCTIONS. INC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

TU5108_Scout Ad.indd 1 08/07/2010 12:38

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7-9 January 2011

100 - 10 AC winter camp supplement advert 2010.indd 1 19/3/10 09:21:32 explorer_8910FINAL.indd 13 08/07/2010 16:14


Trading places

Are you a District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC)? Are you thinking about taking on the role? Do you know what’s required in terms of training for the role? Rosie Shepherd has all the information on the DESC Wood Badge

T he role of District Explorer Scout Commissioner

is a key one in the management and

development of the section. If your District

doesn’t have one, are you the right person for

the role? The DESC:

• manages the Explorer Scout programme

• ensures the Young Leader Scheme is open to all

• reviews the structure of Explorer Scouting in the District

• ensures there are enough leaders and they are well

trained

• is responsible for the finance of the section

• works with the DESA to keep records updated

• communicates effectively with young people and

relevant adults in the District.

Training aims to help you to develop the skills and

knowledge needed for you to be successful in your role.

Because training is role specific, when you change roles

you may need to complete different training. However,

this doesn’t mean that you have to start from scratch!

The DESC role is fundamentally different from the

Section Leader role, since it is a management position, so

different training is required.

For every role there is a set of required modules to

complete. The Adult’s Personal File shows you which

modules need to be completed for each role. If you

already have a Wood Badge for another appointment you

will only need to complete some of these modules for

your new role.

Validation’s what you needBecause Scouting recognises prior learning, knowledge

and experience completing a module doesn’t necessarily

mean having to go on a training course. You do, however,

need to validate every module that you are required to do.

Validation is the process of demonstrating that you can

put your skills and knowledge into practice in your

Scouting role.

The DESC Wood BadgeA DESC Wood Badge is a manager’s Wood Badge with

some additional elements. These are the modules that

need to be completed:

1 Essential Information2 Personal Learning Plan4 Tools for the Job (Managers)5 Fundamental Values of Scouting6 Changes in Scouting7 Valuing Diversity8 Skills of Leadership9 Working with Adults

10 First Aid12 Providing a Balanced Programme


15scouts.org.uk/pol

17 Activities Outdoors19 International20 Administration (Managers)21 Growing the Movement (Managers)22 Section Support23 Safety for Managers and Supporters24 Managing Adults25 Assessing Learning

If you are changing roles, and already have a Wood Badge

for your previous role, you will not need to re-validate all

of these modules.

Section Leader to DESCYou will need to re-validate these modules:

2 Personal Learning Plan12 Providing a Balanced Programme (unless

your Section Leader Wood Badge was in an Explorer Scout role)

You will need to complete these modules for the first time:

4 Tools for the Job (Managers)20 Administration (Managers)21 Growing the Movement (Managers)22 Section Support23 Safety for Managers and Supporters24 Managing Adults25 Assessing Learning

Manager (eg DC) to DESCYou will need to re-validate these modules:

2 Personal Learning Plan4 Tools for the Job (Managers)

20 Administration (Managers)21 Growing the Movement (Managers)23 Safety for Mangers and Supporters

You will need to complete these modules for the first time:

12 Providing a Balanced Programme17 Activities Outdoors19 International

What if I didn’t finish my Wood Badge in my own role?If you completed some modules, then use the information

above to work out whether they are ones that you need

to re-validate. You will also need to complete any other

modules that are part of the DESC Wood Badge that you

have not already completed.

Look in the Adult’s Personal File or the factsheet Adult Training: Change of Role (FS330092). A full role description for a DESC can be found in FS330048.

more info

As DESC, the development and safety of all Explorer Scouts in the District is your responsibility



F or many people this District camp was a great

way of starting their Scouting experience. A

selection of Explorers from different Units

became the ‘press’ for the day, asking Beavers,

Cubs and Scouts what they liked best about the camp.

From many of the replies, we found that most people’s

favourite bit was meeting new people and gaining friends.

For others it was the theme of the camp – the Movies

– which impressed them and gave everyone a chance to

dress up in wacky outfits and have their photograph taken

by the Hollywood sign.

Lights, camera, adventureThere were a range of different activities for all ages.

These included sumo suits (You Only Live Twice), zip wire

(Indiana Jones), assault course (The Great Escape), a

cinema showing Grease and many more. All the activities

were extremely popular and climbing, canoeing, archery

and sumo wrestling were huge hits.

Ashes to ashesCampfire was a really memorable night, with everyone

joining in singing and dancing. There was a part of the

campfire where a Scout Leader led a short performance.

Ashes gathered by Scouts from campfires around the

world since 1933 were sprinkled into the flames. This act

was really special, as it reminded us what Scouting is all

about: different people of all ages, cultures and genders

coming together to share one passion.

Overall, this camp was a great success and enjoyed by

many. Unfortunately we will be too old to attend the next

District Camp but cannot wait to take part in the next

stage in Scouting and become members of the Network.

We’re sure that the next camp, in 2012, will top this one

due to Scouting being a great experience for everybody.

PrEss PackIf your Explorer Scouts want to review an activity or event for Explorer, get them to send 350 words to us at [email protected] with ‘Explorer Scout Supplement’ in the subject line.

roving reportersAt the Southampton City District Camp, Explorer Scouts were given the

challenge of being ‘press’ for the duration, to give them an important role

and a challenge for the weekend that was out of the ordinary. Reporters

Emilie and Joanna filed this story


17scouts.org.uk/pol

And the award

goes to…When a member of the Explorer Scout Team in South Ribble

had an idea, the response was simply, ‘Great, get it organised.’ And so, as Rachael Sides tells, the Xscars awards night was born

I t all started by wanting to hold an

Oscars-style night to celebrate South

Ribble Explorers. But trying to find a

hotel or restaurant to host a party for

teenagers proved tricky. Only one place showed any

interest, a small hotel outside Leyland. That was one

job down, hundreds more to go.

After numerous meetings we decided on eight

awards that would be presented on the night.

These were:

• Best knotter

• Best map reader

• Most charitable Explorer Scout

• Most accident-prone

• Best camp cook

• Vainest Explorer

• Explorer Scout of the year

• Unit of the year

Mystery prizewinnersNominations were left up to the Unit leaders

who had to justify their nominee in a few short

sentences. These were collated and passed to

our anonymous judging panel. Nominees

were kept anonymous so there would not

be any bias towards certain people or

Units. The winners were chosen and

kept under lock and key until the

night. We also arranged for a magician to perform and

he kindly taught two Explorer Scouts (Tom and Danny)

an illusion to perform in front of everyone.

The event crept up on us very quickly and before we

knew it we were putting the final touches to the table

plan. Everyone looked fantastic, dressed in black tie,

ball gowns and cocktail dresses. After dinner and the

dazzling magic show (Tom and Danny received great

applause for their magic trunk trick) it was time for the

big moment.

That winning feelingAs the winners were announced, the excitement was

uncontrollable. Each winner had to fight off tough

competition to be crowned the victor. The final award

went to Endurance ESU and was collected by the whole

Unit.

We used Xscars as a celebration of all the skills and

talents of South Ribble Explorer Scouts. It allowed us to

show older Scouts who we are and what we do, and

gave older Explorers the chance to meet some Network

members as they prepare to move on.

Good practice

Shout outHave you had a bright idea? Tell us about it at [email protected] with ‘Explorer Scout supplement’ in the subject line.



Hazel was selected to represent Wokingham in the Berkshire Royals Jamboree Unit. As well as meeting some ‘dude’ people, she’s discovering that there’s lots to do

M y uncle went to a Jamboree way back,

and it sounded pretty cool. Last year

I went to WINGS [international camp in

Windsor] and it was amazing, and

because the World Scout Jamboree is on an even bigger

scale, I thought it must be pretty epic. When I found out

two of my best friends were going for selection too,

I really wanted to go, because I thought it’d be awesome

to go to Sweden with them, assuming, of course, they’d

get in.

On my ownBecause they’re so good at everything, I just assumed

I hadn’t got in and they had. When I got the call saying

I got in, I was psyched. But to find out that they didn’t

get in and I had, I considered dropping out, because they

mean so much to me, and I didn’t want to go without

them. Being told I was the only one in the District going

also scared me. But then I felt kind of proud, knowing that

I was the only one from my District going. It made me feel

special.

You are not aloneSince being selected I’ve discovered that although my

brilliant friends aren’t going, loads of other people are,

and they’re really nice too. They make me laugh, and I get

a big grin when I know I’m about to see them. I’ve made

friends, and I can honestly say some of them are the

Jamboree dreams

Status updates1 June • like • comment

Hannah is cramming for exams, going to Unit meetings and bonding with the group. Now it’s time to polish some cars wearing bright green and sky blue, the BirmingJam Unit’s colours!

Rhys is decorating biscuits, abseiling the height of Ben Nevis and thinking that trousers are the way forward for his Unit.Email [email protected] to suggest a Jamboree Dreamer.

dreamsfunniest people I’ve ever met. I’d trust some of them with

my life. I’ve also learnt that you bond doing the most

random things, and that there are some pretty dude

people out there, that you haven’t met yet.

There’s an awful lot to do, and we’re going to have a lot

of camps to prepare us. I’m scared about getting lost: I’m

not the best at directions. I’m pretty good at leading

people, and I try to make sure everyone’s involved.

Running out of wordsNow that the Jamboree is just over a year away, I actually

physically can’t wait. It’s gonna be so good, I can’t even

explain it.


ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: CANOEING • CLIMBING • COASTEERING

GORGE WALKING • KAYAKING • SURFING • CAVING • WHITE WATER RAFTING

TEAM BUILDING • ASSAULT COURSE/ LOW ROPES • FIELD SKILLS

Nant Y Pobty Farm Coed Y Bryn, Llandysul Ceradigion, SA44 5LQ

Phone: 07787123761 [email protected]

Adventure Beyond is a family run centre

based in West Wales. We have venues and camping or bunk house accommodation

in St Davids, Cardigan Bay, Brecon Beacons.

Jethro MooreAdventure Beyond

IBC_Explorer_AugSept10.indd 6 06/07/2010 12:40

OBC_Explorer_AugSept10.indd 6 06/07/2010 12:40

explorer

Documents

winter programme

explorer augustseptember

explorer units

dofe awards

winter activities

scout association

queens scout award

programme charlotte