International Matters – October 2015 ………………………………………………………………………………………….…… For all

Pakistan Scouts rally to support earthquake rescue and relief efforts

On 26 October 2015, a powerful 8.1-magnitude earthquake rocked the border of Pakistan, causing more than 300 deaths and injuries to at least 2500 people. Thousands of houses were damaged across the country as a result of the earthquake. The day after the earthquake, Rahila Hameed Khan Durrani, the newly-elected Chief Commissioner of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association (PBSA) visited Peshawar Scout Headquarters and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Boy Scouts Association as a show of support for the Scouts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA and others, who are actively engaged in the rescue of the survivors. After being briefed on the situation, Rahila Hameed visited the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar and enquired about the well-being of the women and children affected by the earthquake. She was impressed by the assistance being extended by the Peshawar, Khyber Agency and Matta Scouts, and encouraged them to help the survivors to the best of their abilities. Scouts at Swat Valley, one of the badly affected areas, are also helping the survivors to search for their belongings from among the rubble of damaged buildings, and providing them with shelter and necessities. Some blocks of the Pakistan Scouts Cadet College are also severely affected by the earthquake. Classes are now being conducted in makeshift classrooms. There is an urgent need to rebuild these blocks in view of the approaching winter. Scouts have once again shown to affected communities that they can rise to the occasion to provide the support that is required.

For latest updates on the earthquake rescue and relief efforts, follow the PBSA on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pakscouts/?pnref=story

………………………………………………………………………………………….…… For all Cub Scout Leaders

129 Hertfordshire Cubs from 22 Packs located in 12 Districts are now proudly wearing two new badges:

The Cubs met at either Freman College in Buntingford or Oaklands College in St Albans during either the Saturday or the Sunday of the 17/18 October weekend. They had a great time drawing logos of international charities, investigating energy use, communicating with Scouts in 6 continents, learning about survival after floods and earthquakes and questioning the origins of their own clothing and various foodstuffs found in their local supermarkets.

Many thanks to Shelley Ward, Vicki Gibbon and Steven Thomsett for organising the two events. We hope to repeat the experience next year – but in more Hertfordshire locations. ………………………………………………………………………………………….…… For all Leaders, Explorer Scouts & Network members

Now is the time of the year when serious planning for trips abroad should be taking place. The choice of mini-Jamborees and camps overseas is plentiful.

9th National Scout Jamboree 2016 Sri Lanka Scout Association with a history of 103 years will be holding the 9th National Scout Jamboree in Jaffna from 20-26 February 2016, which also coincides with the centenary of in Jaffna. Chief Commissioner Prof. Nimal de Silva said that this is the first time a National Scout Jamboree is being held in the Northern Province and requested the support of everyone to make it successful. The Jamboree expects to welcome an estimated 10,000 Scouts, both local and overseas. The Jamboree site is in the Jaffna Peninsula where the historical fort located. The palmyrah tree signifies the Northen Province with abundant palmyrah products. It is located 400 kilometres from Colombo and is accessible by road, rail and air.

XXV Central American Camporee, Guatemala 18 – 24 March 2016 175 USD including food This is aimed at 11 – 15 years [email protected] www.scouts.org.pt

Iceland National Jamboree, Ulfjotsvan Scout Centre 17 – 24 July Camping, Hiking, Sports and cultural activities 2,000 young people between the ages of 10 – 22 years 350 Euro to include food [email protected] www.jamboree.is

Russian Scout Jamboree, Borodino 2016 20 July – 2 August 2016 We are scouts from National Organization of Russian Scouts (NORS). Every four years we gather scouts from all over the country to have the Jamboree. It is a significant meeting for the scout movement in Russia, and we are always glad to see scouts from other countries at this event to feel the world family unity, solidarity, and support. http://www.jamboree.ru/index/english/0-4

Explorer Belt – 2016 23 July – 6 August 2016 EB Hungary 2016 is an explorer belt expedition for over 16 year old Explorer Scouts and Scout Network. You will travel around the country in a small team while completing your explorer belt award. The total cost for the trip is £750. Please contact [email protected] or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ebhungary2016 for more information.

Drop into 2016 26 July – 4 August 280 Euro This time the camp is based on the number “5” and has the title “Give me Five”. Scouts and guides 13-17 years old are invited to take part in this camp All UK bookings to be made to Chris Noble at e-mail: [email protected]

Central European Jamboree 2016, Poland 4 – 14 August 2016 CEJ 2016 will take place in Wroclaw, a city located in the south-west part of Poland. The motto of CEJ 2016 is “The Art of Scouting”. Art is something that can connect scouts, give them the possibility to express their own thoughts and develop various skills. Twitter: #cej2016 Facebook.com/cej2016 www.cej2016.pl

Michigan International Camporee, North America 24 July – 31 July 2016 Once every four years Scouts from all over the world travel to Michigan for two weeks of international fellowship and fun, the first week in home stays with Michigan Scout families and the second week camping together at MIC. Compared to some jamborees, an MIC is a relatively small event, with less than 1000 participants. That allows participants to get to know each other. However, over 1/3 of the youth participants at an MIC are from outside of North America. Participating Scouts and Venturers not only meet U.S. and Canadian Scouts. They meet and get to know Scouts from all over the world. http://www.micamporee.org/

Finjamboree, Finland 20 July – 28 July 2016 The Guide / Scout camps, such as a Finnjamboree, in Finland are fun and well-organized camps, which actually take place in the forest! Presence of nature is an essential part of our Guiding/Scouting. The camp site will be a pop-up tent village in the woods build by service team and participants. There are cold showers and hot saunas, places for swimming and for camp fires. Boys and girls, men and women work together to create a good experience for all.

http://www.roihu2016.fi/in-english/ [email protected]

Lower Austrian Jamboree, 1 – 11 August 2016 3,000 young people aged 10 – 20 years (International guest above 13) 300 – 330 Euro [email protected] www.pinakarri.at

Akela 2016, Johannesburg, South Africa 5 – 9 August 2016 Join Scouters from across the world for fun, share experiences and learn new skills and help celebrate the centenary of Cubing in South Africa [email protected] www.scouts.org.za www.facebook.com/sascout

Senior Scout Adventure 2016, South Africa 10 – 22 December 2016 The Cederberg, South Africa Scout patrols over the age of 15 but not turned 18. The cost will be in the region of 3,000R. Also welcomes Scout patrols over all over 18’s http://www.scouting.org.za/adventure/

World Scout Moot, 25 July– 2 August 2017 Will you be 18-25 in summer 2017? Join the UK Contingent heading to Iceland for the Moot for your next international adventure! All participants will get the opportunity to explore Reykjavík before heading to Úlfljótsvatn Scout Centre for a program packed full of outdoor activities, workshops and challenges. For more information please visit www.scouts.org.uk/moot

Inter-American Scout Camporee, Ecuador 2017 [email protected]

31st Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree, Mongolia 27 July – 2 August 2017 12 – 17 year old participants in patrols of 9 with a leader. Cost $200 including food. [email protected]

10th Serbian Jamboree 27 July – 2 August 2018 10th Serbian National Jamboree, www.jamboree.rs

Next month we will be taking a look at International Opportunities available in the U.K. Jamborees, joining an IST or a day out with the Cubs are all possibilities to meet Scouts from overseas visiting us here on our doorstep.

………………………………………………………………………………………….…… And don’t forget – if you are travelling abroad next year with Scouts or as an individual ask Peter Makewell for a Visits Abroad Pack now by email to [email protected] or call 07931 543185