Romsey District Scouts Homepage | News Index Page

Woodsmoke Edition 448

October 2006

Articles by 15th of month to
Are you a member of the supporters club? Click here for information.
SCRAP HEAP CHALLENGE
Eight teams of Cub Scouts, from around the district, gathered at 10th headquarters on Sunday for the competition to select who would represent Romsey District at the County event next month. The rules are quite strict, and the total age of all six team members had to total a maximum of 54 years.
The youngsters were all read a story and then had to make a model(s) from the mountain of scrap available to them. Cardboard boxes, paint, glue, adhesive tape, material, lace, pens, glitter etc were all provided, to aid the creations. The hall was a maelstrom of noise and activity as they got down to work. They had two hours for their construction (with the necessary break for refreshments and some fresh air). All those present seemed to have had a really enjoyable afternoon.
The judges were not only looking for creativity in their model making, but also their ability to work as a team. The story was Jack and the Beanstalk, and their imaginations were amazing. The models ranged from over 6ft high to 5ft long and smaller sizes too. There was a thatched roof (made from straws), harps ranging in size from miniscule to enormous, wondrous castles with flags, steps, turrets and windows - some sitting amongst the clouds, fabulous bean stalks and even spectacles.
They all had to explain their models and how they related to the story and the overall standard was very high. Speaking as a judge, it was very difficult to decide who was the best – they were all so good, but we both agreed that by a very short head, 4th Romsey (Bramshaw) were the winners and we wish them every success in the County competition in Waterlooville in November
New Explorer Young Leaders Leader
I am pleased to confirm that Becky Williams has agreed to take on this role (subject to approval by the warrants committee) in addition to her similar role with the guides. This is great news for us as it means Becky is already experienced in a similar role. Becky is also already experienced with Explorers and has helped at a large number of recent Romsey Explorer Activities including the trip to Switzerland. I know Becky will do a great job, welcome to the team Becky.
Becky can be contacted at e-mail: telephone (Home) 01794 501550 or (mobile) 07712372791.
One of the immediate challenges for the District is to identify all the Young leaders who are between 14 and 18, whether they are currently part of an explorer unit or not. This will ensure Becky can make contact with them and arrange for them to complete the appropriate leader training modules and where they are not already linked to or part of an explorer unit this can be arranged if the young leaders wish. In return this should mean as a result of the training the young leaders are more effective, and better able to support the young people they lead and leaders they assist. Plus hopefully this will be the start of a long ‘career’ as leaders for them.
Please can GSLs and ESLs notify Becky of the names and contact details of all young leaders between 14-18 who are working within their Group,
Many thanks.
Robin Taylor-Milton, District Explorer Scout Commissioner
THE COUNTY BALL
This was a novel project for the Hampshire County team, and Romsey District quickly found a stalwart band of enthusiasts to support the venture. An excellent venue was chosen at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, home of Hampshire cricket team, and guests were invited to a three course banquet, followed by a dance.
The District Commissioner, the District Chairman and other guests made up a table of 10 and travelled together in style in a luxury minibus, all decked out in their best gear with black ties and long dresses and looking forward to dancing the night away.
Guests were received by the County Commissioner and entertained with live music as they mingled in pre-dinner drinks. They were also entertained and amused by a magician who made his way among the guests and demonstrated sleight of hand with cards and other items. An excellent meal soon followed, with outstanding service from the young team of waiters/waitresses.
After the meal a disco provided the music for dancing for the rest of the night, with carriages at midnight. Those who did not want to dance, and those who became exhausted, were able to visit the casino tables also provided and enjoy a little harmless gambling. Punters made a fixed donation to charity and in exchange were given a supply of chips with which to gamble. Win or lose, one was never at risk of parting with any more money, and any winnings were only a paper profit as no real money changed hands. It was a great way to play at gambling, with no risk, and help charity at the same time.
The project was conceived as a fund-raising event to finance activities in the centenary year 2007, but it was so successful that the Romsey team hope it will happen again next year.
Autumn 2006
Adult Training
Scouting’s Adult Training scheme is designed to be as flexible and simple as possible, whilst allowing existing leaders to take credit for their experience and Scouting knowledge. Each module separates the ‘learning’ from the ‘validating’ (or “proving you know it”!). (Anyone who is familiar with NVQs will appreciate this distinction!) In many cases, our existing leaders will probably have enough experience (and evidence of that experience) to go straight to the validation stage without the need to do any further training. To demonstrate this, over the next editions of Woodsmoke, we will be reviewing the Adult Training Modules and listing the ‘validation criteria’ to show just how easy they could be to achieve!

Module 1: Essential Information

Aim of the module: To provide the basic information to ensure that adults in Scouting are aware of the Purpose, Principles and method of Scouting, are aware of the structures of Scouting and do not put themselves or others at risk due to lack of knowledge.
1. Could you carry out a Risk Assessment of a meeting place?
2. Could you draw or describe the District/County structure and know who to go to for information or advice?
3. Do you know how to respond to an accident/incident in Scouting?
4. Could you brief an adult new to the Movement on the Promise, Law and fundamentals of Scouting?
5. Could you explain the key policies of the Scouting (Equal Opportunities, Child Protection and Safety)?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to two or more of these questions, and could have a chat with a Training Advisor about the fundamental principles of Scouting, you could validate Module 1! (Yes, it’s that easy!)

Module 2: Personal Learning Plan

Aim of the module: to create an individual plan for each leader based on their prior experience and the needs of their role, including sources of ideas, training and support where required.
To create your own Personal Learning Plan (PLP), you will sit down with a Training Advisor and review the modules you need to complete appropriate to your Scouting role. You can decide if you want to do a training course, e-learning or workbook (where available) for each module, or if you feel you have enough evidence and experience simply to ask the Training Advisor to validate the module. Your PLP then becomes your working document to keep track of your progress.

Module 3: Tools for the Job (Section Leaders)

Aim of the module: To provide the basic information on a leaders area of responsibility and where to go for support and ideas.
1. Can you plan and run an activity appropriate to your section, and explain why games are important in your section?
2. Can you plan and run a ceremony for your section?
3. Can you plan and run a game suitable for your section?
4. Could you list some sources of ‘ready made’ programme ideas?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to two or more of these questions, and could describe to a Training Advisor the main features of your section, you could validate Module 3!
For more information or to discuss your training needs, contact our DC, Darren Reed, or one of Romsey District’s Training Advisors:
Claire Sutton at
Jean Beauchamp at
Angela Evans at
Mike Baxter at
The full Adult’s Personal File with details of all the modules is available to download from Scoutbase at www.scoutbase.org.uk/support/training/learners.htm
Dates for forthcoming module training courses running in Hampshire can be found on the Hampshire website at www.scouts-hants.org.uk then follow the Adult Training link, then the Courses link.
Many Adult Training Modules are linked to OCN (Open College Network) credits so could count towards another qualification too!
Claire Sutton
ADC PR
......
“Adult Training Drop-In Session, including Module 3, Saturday 18th November, 9.30am at 9th Romsey (Wellow) Scout HQ - All welcome!
Enquiries please contact Claire Sutton on 023 8025 1887"
Explorers in Switzerland
We have just returned from a great 10 day trip to the International Scout Centre at Kandersteg (1176m above sea level) in Switzerland with 15 Romsey Explorer Scouts. The centre is located at the end of the steep valley in the Alps, with dramatic scenery. We stayed in well equipped dormitory rooms at the centre eating our breakfast and evening meal in their dining room.
Day one included a warm-up hike to Lake Oeschinensee (1500m), a clear blue glacial lake, which claims to be the prettiest lake in Europe. Most of the explorers swam in the Lake- very refreshing or you could just say very cold! Our major expedition was a seven hour+ hike to the Blumlisalphutte (2840m), gaining over 1600m of height. This was on a beautifully sunny day and was a magnificent achievement for all. We stayed overnight in the mountain hut before returning the next morning. The hut is in a superb location just below one of the glaciers.
The following day (not wishing to allow our newly developed muscles to waste away) we headed off for a hike over a glacier. Other activities in the week included paragliding, sledging, day visit to Berne (capital city), snow +ice climbing which included a stay in another mountain hut, white water rafting, ten pin bowling, open air swimming (in a pool) and climbing wall.
Ok, so you can detect we all had a great time the leader team included. We are hoping to arrange another Romsey Explorer trip to Kandersteg within the next few years. Triads and Lockerley Explorers also had their own very successful summer camps. Phew what a great summer for Romsey Explorers.
Our thanks to Al and Gemma for all their work with Triads Explorer Unit. By the time you read this they will probably have returned to their native Scotland and we wish them well for the future.
Robin Taylor-Milton, District Explorer Scout Commissioner

CAN YOU HELP?
We need someone (or sometwo) to come and help us with the administrative bits which are inevitable in a large, successful district like ours. You don’t need to have ever been involved in Scouting before, just an interest in the role we play and have a little time to spare. You won’t have to wear uniform, and there’ll be the opportunity to come to other events, if you’d like to.
We can guarantee you’ll enjoy being part of the team and although the pay’s not great, we do pay expenses.
Please give David Sutton a ring on 01794 502817
or email him at
It’s official – 10th are the “Brains of Romsey”
At District Quiz Night on 14th October, 10th Romsey stormed off with all the prizes making them clear winners of Brains of Romsey 2006. They obviously came determined to win because they fielded three teams in the event, and even brought out their GSL to add weight, and it was his team that came out final winners. And on top of that the GSL also won a raffle prize! It was clearly one of those nights.
Woodley Hall was packed for the event with teams competing on questions about the past, knowledge of the world, sport and music among others. They were also asked by quiz master David Sutton to identify well known places viewed from the unusual angle of space, and challenged on their knowledge of fictional detectives.
A break in the proceedings half-way through was time for supper, and Kay and her team of ladies served an excellent two-course meal in a slick and efficient manner.
The Mayor of Test Valley and his wife Maria attended and the Mayor drew the supporter’s club winners for the month of October. There was also a raffle for many excellent prizes, some of which were kindly donated, and the Mayoress kindly drew the winning numbers. The Mayor of Romsey was represented by his Deputy, Councillor Mark Cooper accompanied by his wife and 12-year-old son, Peter. The parting comments of all indicated that they had a very enjoyable evening, and District Funds should benefit by something approaching £500. This will assist in keeping next year’s levy on Groups as low as possible.

Romsey District Scouts Homepage | News Index Page