Welcome Hi, I’m David Holmes and I’m County Scout Network Commissioner. I’d like to welcome you to Durham Scout Network, the section for all 18-25 year olds. This is the most flexible section in Scouting. It’s run by its members, doing exactly what its members want. That could be anything from walking in the Lake District, to International events, to refurbishing areas of your local campsite. There is bound to be something in Scout Network for you. Most importantly, Scout Network is your section, so the more you put in the more you’ll get out. It is most definitely what you make it. This document has been designed to give you all of the information you need. If you get to the end and still have some questions or even better want to get involved and find out what we’re doing, then please feel free to contact me at [email protected] I look forward to meeting you soon. What is Scout Network? If you're 18 to 25 you can get the most out of your Scouting by joining Scout Network. As a member you get to take part in all the usual great Scouting activities such as camping, climbing, orienteering, as well as working on projects helping to support your local community. If you choose you can also get more closely involved in working with the younger Sections and providing them with the same kind of opportunities you've had through Scouting. As a member of Durham County Scout Network, you automatically become a member of the national Scout Network and can attend any Scout Network meetings/events across the UK – as long as you let them know you’re coming! Our members meet in local Networks around the County. The members decide on the programme they run and organise the activities themselves. It’s designed to be flexible so that you can get involved with as many local networks as you like. From time to time, as a County Network, we will organise events so you get to meet other people outside of your Local Network, and would ask that you support these too. If you want to know where your nearest local Network meet feel free to drop me an email at [email protected] What Awards can I do in Scout Network? Along with the three Self Development Areas, International, Community, Skills and Development, a number of awards are also available to Scout Network members. The Queen’s Scout Award The Queen’s Scout Award is the ultimate award in Scouting and focuses on the completion of skills, physical activity, service, expeditions and residential projects. You’ll also get the opportunity to attend the National Scout Service at Windsor Castle along with the Queen’s Scout Reception - experiences to remember! The Chief Scout’s Diamond Award The Chief Scout’s Diamond Award follows the Chief Scout Platinum award and is made up of four Challenges including Skills, Physical Recreation, Community Service, an Expedition and nights away. Partnership Awards There are currently three partnership awards: Environment, Faith and International. To complete these, an activity needs to be undertaken with another section or external organisation. The Explorer Belt Award The Explorer Belt Award is a challenge of a lifetime – a chance to take part in a ten-day expedition that brings a real understanding of a different country, its people and way of life. It’s 'the antidote to the package holiday' - travelling through a new country, completing projects, working as a small team and meeting local people. You will actually get a belt if you complete it. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Closely linked with the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award and the Queen’s Scout Award is the Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) Programme. Both D of E and Scouting Awards follow similar criteria and so by doing one it is likely you will have achieved the other. For more information and full requirements please speak to your leader or visit; https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=8 Being an adult in Scouting Safeguarding As an adult in Scouting you have a responsibility to ensure that young people are protected from harm. The Young People First ‘Yellow Card’ is the resource you need to make sure that you follow all the advice to keep young people and yourself, safe from harm. You should be provided with a ‘yellow card’ (the latest version) as soon as you join the Scout Network. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks As you join Scout Network you will be asked to complete a Personal Enquiry. Included in the Personal Enquiry is the Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please complete the appropriate form promptly and return to your Network leader. Membership A National Membership Fee is payable every 12 months which covers insurance, administration and all the other costs we have in running Scout Network. The Membership Fee for Durham Scout Network is the standard County Capitation fee, payable in January, unless of course you are already a leader and have this paid for you elsewhere. Everything else is pay as you go. Resources There are many different resources, including the one you’re reading, which support the Scout Network section. The resources include: Network Essentials The guide to Scout Network – everything you will ever need to know about the section. Taking the Lead A resource to help you get to grips with your role as a member of the Scout Network and what you can gain from the section. This includes activities from programme planning tools to application forms and CVs to standing for election as part of the Network Committee. www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead Reach the Top! Resources to support the Queen’s Scout Award which includes all the information you need, case studies and the certificate request form for when you have completed it! www.scouts.org.uk/qsa Uniform The Scout Association is a uniformed organisation. The Scout Network uniform consists of the following: The Scout Promise On My Honour, I promise that I will do my best To do my duty to God and to the Queen, To help other people And to keep the Scout Law The Scout Law A Scout is to be trusted. A Scout is loyal. A Scout is friendly and considerate. A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts. A Scout has courage in all difficulties. A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property. A Scout has self-respect and respect for others. How to stay up to date To make sure that you get sent emails, newsletters and alike on news and information which is relevant to you, you must make sure that your contact details, especially email address, is kept up to date on the Membership Management System. Your Membership Number is printed on your Membership Card which you will receive through the post shortly after joining Scout Network, along with your first copy of Scouting magazine. Durham Scout Network also has a member only Facebook group that you’ll be invited to join once you’re a Network Member. Checking your Membership Information The information held about you and your membership: Network 5 golden rules 1 Get involved Scout Network is run by its members, so take control and get involved. Become the chair of your Scout Network or simply organise an activity. 2 Gain skills It could be climbing, canoeing or horse riding - but Scout Network gives you the chance to gain new skills and teach others. 3 Meet other people Take the opportunity to meet other Scout Network members from around the County or even nationally at events throughout the year. 4 Earn awards The Chief Scout’s Diamond Award, Queen’s Scout Award, D of E, and the Explorer Belt are all available and will provide you with memorable and rewarding experiences. 5 Keep in touch Keep in touch with your Scout Network, if you don’t hear anything then let someone know - we might have out of date details for you. Joining Information So if you want to join, it’s really easy. If you are already a member of the association, with a current membership number, just send an email to [email protected] with your current details and we can add you to Network and invite you to our Facebook group where all of our communication takes place. If you are an Explorer Scout moving on, ask your Explorer Scout Leader for an Occasional Helper form. Fill it in, ticking the Scout Network box, get them to verify your Disclosure and Barring Service check and send it in to the County Office at Moor House. Then, drop us an email to let us know you have sent it. If you are new to Scouting all together, drop us an email and we can reply with the forms you need and then we’ll just need to meet up to get the CRB identification signed, you’ll be registered onto the system and away we go! You can always view the website at www.durhamscouts.org.uk/network/ 1 Get involved Scout Network is run by its members, so take .