focus - the magazine for volunteer managers in scouting februaru/march 2010

scouts.org.uk/focus

FocusJuggling actSingle parents in Scouting speak up

The magazine for volunteer

managers in Scouting

February/March 2010

Axe to grindWhy do we struggleto pass on our Scouting skills?

WHAT’S YOUR

EVERYDAY ADVENTURE? EVERYDAY ADVENTURE?

Inspiring ideas for accessible Scouting

focus_FINAL.indd 1 13/01/2010 13:59

IFC_Focus_FebMar.indd 6 12/01/2010 14:27

Welcome

3scouts.org.uk/focus

Your Adult Support TeamMark Flexman, UK Adviser for Adults in Scouting, Ben Storrar, Programme and Development Adviser (Adults in Scouting)Contact them at:[email protected] [email protected]@scout.org.uk

Adult Support TeamThe Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford;London E4 7QW; Tel: 0845 300 1818

ADVERTISINGRichard Ellacott [email protected] Tel: 020 8962 1258

County: Although in some parts of the British Isles Scout Counties are known as Areas or Islands - and in one case Bailiwick - for ease of reading this publication simply refers to County/Counties. In Scotland there is no direct equivalent to County or Area. In Scotland, Scouting is organised into Districts and Regions, each with distinct responsibilities. Some ‘County’ functions are the responsibility of Scottish Regions, whilst others lie with Scottish Districts. The focus of responsibility is outlined in Scottish variations from POR.

Need more adult volunteers?Encourage your Groups to involve parents in their camps and activity days this summer. Find out more at www.scouts.org.uk/thebigadventure

Focus would like to challenge all of you to make your imaginations stretch as far as possible in the

ways you manage your individual areas

Even the most experienced manager in Scouting will tell you how important it is

to change and take on new ideas. Just as the Movement changes, we need to

change with it.

This issue, UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt challenges you to think

differently about your AGM and make it something that fits with everything we

stand for as an Association. Meanwhile, Natalie Tomlinson takes us through the

ways you can use Scouting’s positive message to market and recruit in your

area.

Engaging parents We also look at the challenges facing parents in Scouting and some of the key

things to remember when recruiting adults.

On page 10 the Adult Training Team offers advice on ways to share

knowledge of traditional Scouting skills. We hear more about the transition to

Scout Active Support on page 12. Not to be outdone, our Diversity Team looks

at how managers can make Scouting accessible for all.

The only limit to possibilities in Scouting is ourselves, and as Henry David

Thoreau said: ‘the world is but a canvas to our imaginations.’

Keep me up to dateAs always, I want to hear about your experiences at [email protected] For

news, and information for managers in Scouting, please visit www.scouts.org.uk

The challenge ahead

4 Feet on the groundTry this trusted adult recruitment method

6 Access all areasAccessibility is about more than just special needs says Sheridan Allman and Claire Welch

8 Mum’s the wordWe hear from two single parents in Scouting

10 Why Scouting Skills matterAre practical skills a dying art in Scouting? We show how Counties and District are reversing the trend

12 Making the change We report on Bedford’s transition to Scout Active Support

14 Coming of age Clarifi cation on the upper age limit for Explorer Scouts

15 Can AGMs be an everyday adventure?

Yes! says Wayne Bulpitt

In Focus


4 Focus February/March 2010

When it comes to recruitment, many leaders automatically

think of young people and instantly dismiss the need as

their Group is full. However, it is once again the recruitment of

adults that is a top priority for Scouting in 2010.

The principle is simple. By recruiting more

adult volunteers, we can bring the 30,000

young people on our joining lists into

Scouting and start to open more Groups

across the country.

There are many ways which Gilwell Park can support

you in your recruitment work, from leaflets, flyers and

posters to events and practical advice on how to talk

to people about helping out.

Whilst the thought of approaching someone about

volunteering may be daunting, this six step approach

to adult recruitment offers a good starting point:

1 Define the job that needs to be doneIf you are asking someone to help you, ensure you

actually have something for them to do. People need a role;

they don’t want to be used as just another pair of hands

when someone remembers they are there.

2 Identify the skills neededMuch of the help you might need may not necessarily

need a particular skill, just a willing and enthusiastic person.

For example, this could be the person who makes the

squash, cuts the grass, drives the mini bus and so on.

However, there will be times you will need someone with

more specialist skills, such as accounting, writing a press

release or leading on specific badge work.

3 Generate a list of those who can do the job

If you ask parents and others who are close to the Group for

their occupation and hobbies, you will have a good idea of

who to approach for particular tasks.

4 Target the best choiceIt may be that you have a number of people who you

feel could fulfil the role, or just one or two. Whichever it is,

consider external factors that may impact on them. For

example, if you are expecting someone to help out over a

weekend, do you know whether they do shift work or have

other young children to care for?

5 Ask someone to help youWhen asking for help, you need to be specific and

realistic. Do not say something will only take an hour when

it could take much longer.

6 Offer support and welcome them into Scouting

Make their experience an enjoyable one and hopefully they

will come back for more!

Six steps to success

Feet on the ground Feet on the ground Six steps to

Feet on the ground Six steps to



Recruitment

Think about your approach Quite often, someone will be happy to help out but may

want to test the water first. One leader said that he had

approached someone to become the social secretary but

they said no. However, when asked if they would organise

the summer barbeque they agreed and, when this was

successful, they then organised the Christmas party. Often

giving a person a job title scares them off but if you ask

them to help on a project-by-project basis the likelihood is

that they will say yes.

The best examples of effective recruitment come about

when people have thought about their approach and

followed the steps on the opposite page – keep your

approach personal and relevant.

How we can helpEvents such as The Big Adventure (www.scouts.org.uk/

thebigadventure) have proved a success. They have shown

that the most effective way of turning adults on the edge

of the Group into volunteers is to give them an active role

in the planning and running

of a residential experience.

Ensure your Group takes part

from 1 May to 31 August this

year to see how effective the

method is for yourself.

The No-Nonsense Parents’

Guide to Scouting is a free

resource that has proven to be

extremely popular in

encouraging parents to help

out. You can also order a

No-Nonsense Leaders’ Guide to Working with Parents which gives you all the tools

and information necessary to

work efficiently with parents.

The new Communications Centre, available at

www.scouts.org/brand is a great new resource which

enables you to download or order a number of different

recruitment materials. Enter your details into a fixed

template and simply print off. See page 68 of this issue

of Scouting for more information.

Take a look at www.scouts.org.uk/recruit which

provides a variety of ways in which you can plan and

implement an effective recruitment campaign or event.

For each method, you will find a brief overview and where

possible, case studies, support

material and web links for further

information.

Good luck and remember

to share your success stories at

[email protected]

Feet on the ground



Accessall areas

Sheridan Allman, UK Adviser for Diversity, and Claire Welch look at what accessibility really means for managers in Scouting


Diversity

Accessibility Guidelines for Written Resources (FS250062)Disabled Access to Buildings (FS270002) Please contact [email protected] with any further queries

more info


Attracting volunteers and then keeping

them in Scouting is a challenge for all

volunteer managers. To be successful, we

need to make sure that we remove any

barriers that could put them off or act as a hindrance

to undertaking their role effectively. This is why we

need to do all we can to make individuals feel

welcome, valued and supported.

Accessibility means so much more than ‘special

needs’. It includes our ability to gain access to

anything or anyone that we want, such as a service, a

Jamboree, an event, a website or written materials.

Creating an open, welcoming and comfortable

atmosphere for anyone to operate in regardless of

their gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith,

social status or ability is important to The Scout

Association. This is essential if we are to develop as a

diverse organisation.

Challenging, where needed, the attitudes of those

we manage is vital if Scouting is to continue to evolve

as a relevant, diverse and dynamic youth movement in

the 21st Century.

Environment plays a big part in accessibility. We all

know that Scouting operates in both old and new

buildings and in buildings that are not always

Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant.

However, what is important is how hard we try to

make our environment accessible to as many people

we can. There are grants that support this both from

Headquarters and external funders.

Social as well as the formal interaction we have in

Scouting should be true to the accessibility principle.

Social networking sites and other more modern

technologies have increased people’s access to one

another.

Sensitivity is very important in this area but it should

not become a barrier. We all need to feel comfortable

asking questions to help us become more aware and

to remove any obstacles that prevent people from

accessing Scouting.

Individual needs should inform planning and delivery

at all times and in all places and at all events.

Be prepared to step up to the challenge of raising

awareness around accessibility with those you

manage.

Information to support accessibility is widely

available from The Scout Association. There are a

number of factsheets that are downloadable from the

website. Furthermore, the Scout Information Centre

can point you in the right direction.

Legal compliance should not be the main driver for

inclusion, as we know the fundamental values of

Scouting underpin this area of work – we have a duty

to others

Inclusion is built on asking questions, not making

assumptions or acting on stereotypes.

Think hard, think creatively, think you can!

Yes, you do need to review your systems and ways of

working to enhance access for all.



Mum’s the word

What’s it like to be a parent in Scouting? Louise Coates and Vix Wallis share their experiences, pressures and expectations



Flexible Scouting

Although parents face many challenges, support from their Group, District or County can help them to be fully involved in Scouting. For more information read the No-Nonsense Parents’ Guide to Scouting available at www.scouts.org.uk/parents

more info

The support of parents is vital if Scouting is to

work locally. Recruiting parents to Scouting

roles is a key task for managers in Scouting.

And as parents have a large number of

additional pressures, flexibility is essential. Thinking about

what parents have the time and skills to do is as

important as recruiting people in the first place.

Vix Wallis, Explorer Scout Leader, Fenham ExplorersAs a single parent my circumstances are quite unusual.

I was involved in Scouting for nearly 20 years before

I became pregnant with my first child. I had no intention

of giving up Scouting. However, I realised the difficulties

of being not only a parent in Scouting, but a single

parent too.

Many asked why I continue with Scouting under such

difficult circumstances, especially when Scarlett was a

baby, but Scouting is the only social support structure

I have in the absence of family. The help and support

of friends in Scouting is invaluable.

Simple way to support parents • Single parents often struggle financially. Does the

Group/District have spare equipment or other essential

things Scout leaders may need?

• Encourage provision for single parents (crèches, job

sharing etc.) at large organised events (including

national events).

• Take over the occasional weekly unit night, or run

a programme for a few weeks

• Ensure that new single mothers have support when

their baby is new born. Could you provide maternity

cover or a babysitter?

• Have flexible meetings (think about location and

timings).

• Make training easy and accessible – does it have

to be a weekend? Could you ask a Network member

or another leader to run some activities for the

children of single parents? Some Scout leaders are

trained nursery workers – could they be persuaded to

help?

• Offer to carry out simple tasks to help with activities

(do the shopping for camp – shopping takes a long time

with a toddler, or maybe go the night before to put

up some tents).

• Do your meetings have to take place weekly, or does

every leader have to be there every week? Is there the

possibility of job share? Could you offer a different role

with less time commitment if someone is struggling

with weekly meetings, for example summer camp

organiser, or fundraiser?

• Do you have appropriate facilities at your buildings?

Is there a baby change unit or a room for feeding or a

larger toilet that a pram/pushchair could be taken into?

• Make sure that single parents can take part in all

activities, including nights out with other leaders.

Louise Coates, ABSL, 5th Leek (St Mary’s R.C) As a lone parent, I’ve had quite a challenging experience

in Scouting. I’ve encountered issues such as being told I

can’t go to the County international camp as my two year

old would be too much trouble.

If crèches are not suitable for the event in question

allow leaders (or even young people with children) to take

an extra adult with them purely to look after their child

while they go off and do their Scouting. But please make

sure that the leader is not charged for this if possible.

Hopefully the people organising the event can afford to

fund these people attending as we need to support all

parents in Scouting.

More recently I have had issues trying to separate my life

as a Beaver Scout Leader from that of a Cub Scout parent.

It’s important to let them get on with running the Pack

and for me to stand back.

Lone parents have a big commitment to their children

but it doesn’t mean their enthusiasm for Scouting is less

than that of any other leader. If all lone parents quit we

would be very short of leaders indeed!



Flexible Scouting

Although parents face many challenges, support from their Group, District or County can help them to be fully involved in Scouting. For more information read the No-Nonsense Parents’ Guide to Scouting available at www.scouts.org.uk/parents

more info

The support of parents is vital if Scouting is to

work locally. Recruiting parents to Scouting

roles is a key task for managers in Scouting.

And as parents have a large number of

additional pressures, flexibility is essential. Thinking about

what parents have the time and skills to do is as important

as recruiting people in the first place.

Vix Wallis, Explorer Scout Leader, Fenham ExplorersAs a single parent my circumstances are quite unusual.

I was involved in Scouting for nearly 20 years before

I became pregnant with my first child. I had no intention

of giving up Scouting. However, I realised the difficulties

of being not only a parent in Scouting, but a single

parent too.

Many asked why I continue with Scouting under such

difficult circumstances, especially when Scarlett was a

baby, but Scouting is the only social support structure

I have in the absence of family. The help and support

of friends in Scouting is invaluable.

Simple way to support parents • Single parents often struggle financially. Does the

Group/District have spare equipment or other essential

things Scout leaders may need?

• Encourage provision for single parents (crèches, job

sharing etc.) at large organised events (including

national events).

• Take over the occasional weekly unit night, or run

a programme for a few weeks

• Ensure that new single mothers have support when

their baby is new born. Could you provide maternity

cover or a babysitter?

• Have flexible meetings (think about location and

timings).

• Make training easy and accessible – does it have to be

a weekend? Could you ask a Network member or

another leader to run some activities for the children of

single parents? Some Scout leaders are trained nursery

workers, or other child care worker – could they be

persuaded to help?

• Offer to carry out simple tasks to help with activities

(do the shopping for camp – shopping takes a long time

with a toddler, or maybe go the night before to put

up some tents).

• Do your meetings have to take place weekly, or does

every leader have to be there every week? Is there the

possibility of job share? Could you offer a different role

with less time commitment if someone is struggling

with weekly meetings, for example summer camp

organiser, or fundraiser?

• Do you have appropriate facilities at your buildings?

Is there a baby change unit or a room for feeding or a

larger toilet that a pram/pushchair could be taken into?

• Make sure that single parents can take part in all

activities, including nights out with other leaders.

Louise Coates, ABSL, 5th Leek (St Mary’s R.C) As a lone parent, I’ve had quite a challenging experience

in Scouting. I’ve encountered issues such as being told I

can’t go to the County international camp as my two year

old would be too much trouble.

If crèches are not suitable for the event in question

allow leaders (or even young people with children) to take

an extra adult with them purely to look after their child

while they go off and do their Scouting. But please make

sure that the leader is not charged for this if possible.

Hopefully the people organising the event can afford to

fund these people attending as we need to support all

parents in Scouting.

More recently I have had issues trying to separate my life

as a Beaver Scout Leader from that of a Cub Scout parent.

It’s important to let them get on with running the Pack

and for me to stand back.

Lone parents have a big commitment to their children

but it doesn’t mean their enthusiasm for Scouting is less

than that of any other leader. If all lone parents quit we

would be very short of leaders indeed!



Why Scouting Skills matter

Adults thinking of volunteering often feel they do not have the necessary practical skills. If they can’t use a compass or hold an axe in the right way, how can they become a leader? The Adult Training Team suggests

how you as a manager can support the process of passing on these skills

and training new adults

focus_FINAL.indd 10 12/01/2010 12:03


Scouting skills

‘I want kids to learn to start fires without matches,

build camps and climb mountains,’ our Chief

Scout said last year. ‘Our ancestors had these

skills for generations and now we are in danger

of losing them.’ None of this is possible however, unless

we have well trained leaders who feel confident about

teaching these skills.

Training teams across the country are therefore looking

at how they can work together with other District and

County teams to pass on those Scouting practical skills to

a new generation.

County and District skills daysMany Counties and Districts are now running skills days as

an annual or bi-annual events. Greater London North East

for example, had a Go For It Day; Humberside have a

Dabble Day and Surrey and Carmarthenshire have both

held similar skills days. Each welcomed over 100 leaders

who wanted to develop their skills.

But who is best placed to lead these events? Experts are

often older leaders, supporters, and specialist training

teams. A successful format is to run ‘drop-in’ sessions

where leaders can try their hand at learning a new skill, or

hone their existing skills. In Croydon they back up the

learning with their own skills book which the leaders can

dip into as part of running their section. There is also a

new book: A Complete Guide to Scouting Skills published

in March and available from www.scouts.org.uk/shop

Building a team Again, we are hearing that Counties are now recruiting a

team of people with specialist skills to be instructors.

Some are also appointing County Advisers for Skills, so

that the development of practical skills becomes part of

the County’s plan.

Choosing the format Some teams, such as West Lancashire’s, are running adult

Scouting skills courses (West Lancashire call theirs ‘Get

Knotted, Get Lost, Get Stuffed and Get Me Out Of Here!’)

to teach and refresh some basic knotting, map reading

and backwoods cooking. Many Districts also arrange

workshops as part of District’s ‘skills and chills’ weekends

for adults.

Most County teams, including Lincolnshire, are

incorporating practical skills into sectional training courses.

Often this involves having dedicated trainers for modules

covering practical skills, nights away and activities

outdoors.

In Maidstone East, the passing on of skills has evolved

over time. A couple of years ago they started with a

practical skills stall outside training courses and offered

things like mini pioneering, stoves, lamps, knots,

whippings, maps and compass work. Six months later

they offered a practical skills workshop, and they have

now run a practical skills day.

Joint events with young peopleIn Greenford District they run courses aimed at the young

people but leaders also attend to develop their skills too.

Courses include, camping, pioneering, water activities,

hiking, map and compass, hand, axe and knife, shooting,

archery as well as expedition training. By running them

with the young people and adults, the leadership gains

the knowledge on how to pass on the information to

young people as well as learning the skills themselves.

Many District camps now include practical skills within

their programme, making it a learning experience for

adults and young people alike. In some Districts they also

try to incorporate a practical skills session at their monthly

District meeting.

Passing it on We are all clear about the value of Scouting skills, so that

our leaders can in turn pass them on to our young people.

As managers in Scouting please try to incorporate it into

your development plans, encourage your leaders to

develop their experience and use the skills of the teams

around you to make it a reality.

focus_FINAL.indd 11 13/01/2010 14:07


All profi ts go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).

Making change happen

Bedford has had an extremely active and very

supportive Scout Fellowship for many years.

It supported the District in three distinct ways

- as the Service Crew for our District Campsite;

running our District Scout Shop and supporting District

events such as St George’s Day and our annual sponsored

Bridge Walk.

Inevitably, there is a crossover of personnel between the

three activities, however the Fellowship has always

provided consistent support for the District, and continues

to do so as a Scout Active Support Unit.

Starting off At the last Fellowship AGM the Chairman decided to retire

and a successor had not been put in place. Graeme Watt,

the District Commissioner, and as ADC (General Duties) I

had agreed that development of the Fellowship would be

on our list of priorities, and we agreed that this would be

added to my responsibilities. Then came the launch of

Scout Active Support and this gave us a much more

flexible way forward.

Responsibility for Scout Active Support now rests with

the District Commissioner rather than an elected

Committee. Given that there was no Chairman but an

active Fellowship, the decision was relatively easy – a brief

exchange of emails saw an agreement to ‘go for it’ and

the job of District Scout Active Support Manager was

added to my existing ADC (General Duties) appointment.

Getting things moving A meeting of the Fellowship Executive Committee was

scheduled for a few days after my appointment. Having

briefed the members I went along to the meeting where

the Executive Committee eagerly agreed to the change

happening straight away.

The only administrative task was for the Executive to

pass a resolution agreeing to pass its funds to the District

and close its own Bank Account. I left the meeting with a

cheque which was passed on to the District Treasurer to

be ring-fenced in the District Accounts as Scout Active

Support Unit funds.

Continued areas of support The three strands of support provided by the Unit continue

and I am currently looking to appoint Active Support

Coordinators for the Service Crew and the Scout Shop

elements. The Executive Committee act as the

Coordinators for our events and social activities. Our

District Appointments Secretary meanwhile keeps all the

membership records. One issue that we were able to

address easily was the status of our supporters – people

who supported the Fellowship by taking part in social and

fundraising activities but for whatever reason were neither

Have you made the move from

Fellowship to Scout Active

Support? Peter Davies (Scout

Active Support Manager)

explains how Bedford made

the transition and provides

useful tips for those about

to do the same

focus_FINAL.indd 12 12/01/2010 16:21

All profi ts go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).

Scout Active Support Scout Active Support

01903 766 921

i.Scout WoggleItem code: 1026134

£2

This recently revised sweatshirt has several new features.

It comes with an elasticated hem to give it more shape, contrast-ing purple piping on the cuffs,

neckband and hem, plus the of-fi cial Scouts logo embroidered on

the chest. Made from easy care polyester/cotton, it is now also

available in larger sizes. Sizes XS-XXXXL

Scout Active Support

Polo Shirt Item code: 1027238R

£13.50 Sizes S-XXL

Scouts Be Prepared

SweatshirtItem code:

1026981R

£16

Scout Active Support

ScarfItem code: 1027248

£5.25

ScoutsBe Prepared

65 Litre Rucksack

Item code: 1027425

£45With adjustable

back system

Members nor Associate Members. It was felt

that it would be most appropriate for them to

be registered as District Occasional Helpers,

thereby reducing paperwork and not running

the risk of losing anybody!

All in all, the transition has been totally

seamless. I was keen initially to keep the word

‘Fellowship’ in the Unit’s title. However the

Members were so taken with the whole idea of

moving things forward that once 31 December

2010 comes around we will officially become

Bedford District Scout Active Support Unit.

What happens next?I will be working with our District Explorer Scout

Administrator and our local Network. We’ll be

identifying Explorers coming up to 18 who may

be interested in joining the Scout Active Support

Unit in addition to the Network. I am also trying

at the moment to find a volunteer to take

on a Coordinator role to recruit 18-25 year old

members.

If you have a story worth sharing with others,

please let us know at

[email protected]

Peter Davies is ADC(GD) and Active Support Manager for Bedford District Scout Council.

more info

focus_FINAL.indd 13 12/01/2010 16:21


For more information please refer to www.scouts.org.uk/vbs or contact the Programme Team via the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 or [email protected]

more info

Coming of ageFrom July 2010 Explorer Scouts will be required to move on from the section on or before their 18th birthday. Gemma Veitch provides the background

O ver the past few years we have received

feedback from the Movement showing the

current age flexibility, up to 18½ years old,

causes confusion in the Explorer Scout

section. This is particularly in relation to:

• lack of clarity as to the need for a CRB/Access Northern

Ireland disclosure*SV at 18 years old

• whether an individual can hold an adult appointment

and be an Explorer Scout at the same time – giving rise

to conflicting responsibilities and confusion about their

status

• confusion surrounding sleeping arrangements for

someone aged 18 to 18½ years old when on an

Explorer Scout event with fellow Explorers aged

between 14 and 18 years old

• the fact that The Scout Association’s Permit Scheme

applies to those aged 18 years old and over

• uncertainty regarding the position of Explorer Scout

Young Leaders aged between 18 and 18½ years old.

With the implementation of this change from July 2010

the above issues will be clarified.

How does this effect you? Although this change does not take effect until July 2010

it is worth thinking about it now and use the opportunity

to produce a strategy for moving Explorer Scouts on. It is

important that everyone takes on the responsibility to

ensure that these Members are supported and have full

understanding of the opportunities they have within the

Movement.

*SV Note: The legislation regarding the availability and applicability of disclosure checks is different in Scotland. For further details please contact Scottish Headquarters on 01383 419073 or [email protected]

focus_FINAL.indd 14 13/01/2010 14:08


News

To find out more about bringing everyday adventure to life where you are, visit www.scouts.org.uk/brand

more info

Just how do you turn an Annual General Meeting into an everyday adventure? With a little imagination, youth input and by inspiring people across your community. UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt challenges us to think differently

O n my travels around the UK I have seen many

examples of successful Annual General

Meetings. The best conduct the business

quickly and efficiently and then use the

opportunity to showcase the adventure of Scouting.

Focus on achievement For a Group, this is an ideal opportunity for you to engage

with parents, perhaps by involving their children in the

meeting and by celebrating your activities throughout

the year.

I would suggest that the more successful recruitment

is done discreetly by talking with participants rather than

making waspish remarks about lack of volunteers from the

top table. This is very embarrassing to sit through and puts

people off attending.

For Districts, and Counties your target audience should

be decision makers and influencers within your

community. In addition to the ‘chain gang’ (mayors and

dignitaries) why not be a little more creative? Invite along

members from other parts of your communities that you

wish to influence, including donors and potential donors.

The most successful meetings keep the

business brief and feature lots of input from

young people highlighting their achievements over

the past year and plans for the future.

Talking adventure As Scouting’s Everyday Adventure brand becomes ever

more recognised and associated with us, we need to keep

talking about it and bringing it to life in our planning,

activities and promotional work.

Don’t forget when planning your weekly and termly

programmes to ensure that they are also packed with

everyday adventure. Moreover, ensure that your contact

with parents and members of your local community at

whatever level also reflect this. Let’s use Annual General

Meetings to celebrate our great adventures!

Can AGMs be an everyday adventure?

focus_FINAL.indd 15 13/01/2010 14:09

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

OBC_Focus_FebMar.indd 6 12/01/2010 14:33

focus - the magazine for volunteer managers in scouting februaru/march 2010

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