Summer Term 2018 Follow Us to Follow Other Groups’ Adventures

‘I wanted to do something in the outdoors that would inspire and empower others’ Scout Ambassador, page 42

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18-070.indd 1 12/02/2018 14:48:55 The Brieﬁng: Chief Scout

Published by The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW Tel: 0345 300 1818 Fax: 0208 433 7103 Email: scouting [email protected] Website: scouts.org.uk/magazine Registered charity number: 306101 (England and Wales)

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Tel: 0208 1813 151 Website: scoutadventures.org.uk

Tel: 0345 040 7703 Welcome back to Scouting! Fax: 0345 040 7705 Email: [email protected] Website: scouts.org.uk/insurance I’ve always said that Scouts are shining a long walk? From trekking across lights in their communities. The moors to hiking under a full moon, incredible difference you make to the our special feature reminds us of the lives of those around you is one of the transformative power of putting one Tel: 01903 766921 things that makes me so proud to be foot in front of the other. Email: [email protected] Website: scouts.org.uk/shop Chief Scout. And, of course, it all goes back to our Promise to help others. Finally, I’m so pleased to introduce It is important to note the differing structures of UK Scouting in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern polar explorer Dwayne Fields, our Ireland. However, for ease of reading, this magazine refers to all variations of ‘County’-level groupings This issue you’ll meet Scouts who newest Scout Ambassador. The story simply as County. have gone on to become teachers, of his journey from Jamaica to the

At Scouting magazine, we make every effort to ensure nurses, and even the CEO of a charity. North Pole, via Palmer’s Green Scouts, that our content is accurate, complete and up to date It goes to show that the values you is one of the most amazing you’ll ever at the time of going to press. Occasionally, inaccuracies may occur. develop in Scouting really do stay with read. I know that you’ll make him feel

You can read Scouting magazine and Make.Do.Share. you throughout your life. But serving incredibly welcome. magazine online at scouts.org.uk/magazine. Follow others is a two-way street. Not only us on scouts.org.uk/facebook. You’ll also ﬁnd us on Twitter @UKScouting and on Instagram @Scouts do you learn skills along the way, but And whether you’re heading into the it also makes you feel great and leads wild this summer, learning new skills or to better wellbeing. I’m reminded of supporting your community, remember

Scouting magazine is produced by our founder Robert Baden-Powell’s to take pride in everything you do. Immediate Media Branded Content on behalf of last message: ‘The real way to get The Scout Association 2nd Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, happiness is by giving out happiness to Bristol BS1 3BN imcontent.co.uk other people.’ Read the inspirational stories about Scouts in Grimsby and Copyright 2018. The Scout Association Bristol and you’ll see why this still rings true today.

This magazine can be recycled, for use in newspapers and packaging. Please remove any gifts, samples or Talking of wellbeing, what better way Printed in the UK on FSC® wrapping and dispose of it at your certiﬁed stock. local collection point. to refresh the mind and body than Bear Grylls, Chief Scout

The Brieﬁng: Updates

Ambassador summit provides opportunity to plan

In December 2017, seven of our Scout Commissioner Hannah Kentish, Chief They’re now looking at ways to Ambassadors joined Chief Scout Executive Matt Hyde, Chair Ann Limb improve the public perception of Bear Grylls and senior volunteers at and Deputy UK Commissioner Mark Scouting, bring it to new audiences and 65 Queen̕s Gate for a special Scout Tarry. All were working to ﬁnd ways help recruit more adult volunteers. summit. As well as welcoming our to help more young people from every latest ambassador, polar explorer background gain the skills they need to ‘I’m so proud of our Scout Dwayne Fields, the team discussed succeed in life. Ambassadors,’ says Bear Grylls. ‘They plans for 2018 and beyond. are all such inspiring role models for There have been many highlights over young people, displaying the values, The line-up included Tim Peake, Ed the past year, from Steve Backshall generosity of spirit and optimism that Stafford, Steve Backshall, Megan and Helen Glover’s summer Scout makes Scouting so special. Each in Hine, Julia Bradbury, Dwayne Fields adventure in the Lake District to their own way shows how courage, and Anita Rani, as well as UK Chief the launch of Tim Peake as a Scout determination and teamwork can help Commissioner Tim Kidd, UK Youth Ambassador in October. you achieve your goals in life.’ St. George’s Day Awards 2018 On 22 April 2018, the outstanding have earned their Queen’s Scout Award, achievements of people across the those who have gained the top adult Movement will be celebrated at Windsor awards, and those with Gallantry Award Castle. Dating back nearly 80 years, ‘A nominations for bravery and heroism. Day of Celebration and Achievement’ is For a list of all members who will receive held annually by gift of Her Majesty the awards at this year’s celebration, visit Queen. Recipients include those who scouts.org.uk/awards.

5 The Brieﬁng: Updates

Coming Soon: New Young Leader resources

New log books will soon be available for Explorer Scout Young Leaders to record their progress, as well as a new ‘Preparing to Lead’ booklet for adult volunteers keen to train and support Young Leaders in their section. During the consultation on the draft 2018-2023 strategic plan, increasing the number of young people in leadership roles was identiﬁed as a priority. To boost our volunteer numbers, we need to encourage leadership early.

To access the resources, keep an eye on scouts.org.uk/youngleaderresource.

Prepare for GDPR With new data legislation coming into effect on 25 May 2018, Updates to POR it’s time to get organised and review how you manage personal data as part of your role within Scouting Following consultation with volunteers, some changes have been made to The General Data Protection Regulation this data, how you use it, and how Scouting’s Policy, Organisation and (GDPR) is new legislation designed to you delete it. In May, we’ll be updating Rules. In the Appointments Process give greater data protection and rights the data protection rules in POR. If chapter, Regional Commissioners, to individuals. It’s really important you’re a member of a local Executive Regional Training Managers and that everyone who handles data, Committee, then as a Trustee you have Regional Administrators have been whether at a Group, District or County/ a shared responsibility with your other added to the Appointments Table. Area/Region level, understands the Trustees to act upon GDPR. We will Notable updates have also been made implications of the new legislation. also be providing a toolkit to support to the Commissioner’s Commendation Regardless of your role, start thinking your compliance. In the meantime, the Award and to the Beaver Scout uniform about the personal data you hold, such Information Commissioner’s Ofﬁce (ICO) diagram, where a new leadership as contact details, medical information has put together a wide range of tools stripe has been included. For more or any individual’s personal information. and resources to help you prepare. information, visit scouts.org.uk/por. Think about where and how you store Visit ico.org.uk to access these.

6 7 The Brieﬁng: Updates

Scout brand review: improving our perception

We know we still need to be clearer with our reach, relevance, and enhance the public on who we are and what we our reputation. We want to develop do. Since the update in the last edition of a brand that makes the beneﬁts of Scouting magazine and the identiﬁcation Scouting clearer, leads to more effective of perception as a priority in the recent recruitment and works better online. consultation on our strategic plan, we are now progressing with a review of the Subject to testing and approval, the Scout brand. new Scout brand, brand centre and templates will be launched in mid-May Seventeen years on from the launch of 2018. Further updates will be provided our current logo, proposals for a new in ScoutingPlus. At this stage, we would brand position, logo and visual identity caution against making any major are in development and are currently investments in branded materials until being tested. The aim is to increase the launch. Report proves Scouting has positive impact

As Scouts, we already know that Scouting develops socially engaged young people, and the results of our 2017 Impact Report back this up.

We are now extremely proud to share that, compared with other young people their age, 14-17-year-olds in Scouting were more likely to be outward-looking and tolerant of others. They were also

The new YouShape 18% more likely to be curious about the postcards can be bought world around them, and more likely to from Scout Stores now! take an active role in their communities. Scouts volunteered for 54 more hours New YouShape activity cards available than other young people, and appeared to be more socially engaged, with 26% A huge thank you to all who took of cards contains a range of fun and more likely to vote in the next general part in forums and activities as part engaging activities you can try with your election and 16.1% displaying pro- of YouShape 2018. February may be young people, to initiate a conversation environmental behaviours. over, but getting feedback from your about what they would like to see more young people is always important, and less of in their programme going Scouts were also 32.2% more likely and seeing their ideas come to life will forward. To purchase a set of cards, to engage in physical activity and make it all the more rewarding. If you visit scouts.org.uk/youshapepostcards. 17.3% more likely to express a sense of haven’t already taken advantage of Alternatively, you can download belonging. For more information on the our YouShape postcards, you can now a free digital set at scouts.org.uk/ study, you can access the full report at purchase a set at Scout Store. Each set downloadableyoushapepostcards. scouts.org.uk/impactreport.

7 Motivate, challenge & inspire

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0333 321 2149 [email protected] www.pgl.co.uk/scouting The Brieﬁng: Volunteer roles in Scouting

Matt Sanderson Chris Taylor Graham Cooper Spotlight on Media Development Managers Across the UK, local Media Development Managers are sharing Scouting’s stories and showing the world all that Scouting can do. We take a closer look at what the role entails

Every day, amazing things happen in Matt Sanderson, County MDM, great fun to work with, and my Scouting. Be it challenging expeditions, Cumbria Scouting week is never the same! I also life-changing community projects, or ‘Being an MDM gives me the chance have a full-time job so being an MDM participation in global events, Scouts to tell the story, and to help other means I can volunteer my time flexibly make tremendous contributions locally people tell the story, of what Scouting’s – it’s great!’ and around the world. The role of the doing for young people in the County. Media Development Manager (MDM) It’s really satisfying showing what it Graham Cooper, MDM, is to spread the word about these has to offer and what great fun young Flintshire Scouts, Wales stories. By showing the public all the people have taking part in the different ‘It’s great being able to show off some ways in which Scouting benefits young activities we offer. The important thing, of the amazing things that Scouts in people, we can recruit more volunteers of course, is supporting other people my District get up to and getting word and ensure even more young people to do what many people see as my out to people who may not realise can enjoy the opportunities. role, ie getting the stories out there. just how active Scouts are. Running The role is really about encouraging my own video production company What does the role entail? young people to tell their own stories.’ means we have the opportunity to The MDM shines the media spotlight utilise video, and we’ve found this on local stories that highlight Chris Taylor, Deputy County to be a fantastic tool that can reach Scouting’s key elements. Working Commissioner, East Lancashire Scouts much bigger audiences, especially on alongside young people – the best ‘For me, being an MDM is one of the social media. It is a great way to show spokespeople for Scouting – the MDM best roles in Scouting! I get to hear off the exciting things we get up to. I seeks out good news stories, develops about all the truly amazing things that also really enjoy the feedback we get. content (from press releases to videos), are going on around East Lancashire, Knowing that some people have joined and pitches stories for print, online, as well as promoting Scouting to the Scouting because of articles I’ve sent to radio and TV outlets. They create a public. Being an MDM has taught the papers is really rewarding.’ plan, monitor coverage, review output, me how to make great videos using and work with other volunteers and just my mobile phone, take awesome With the A Million Hands Big Moment young people to generate and reuse pictures and be able to talk much coming up, why not reach out to your content and share resources, to create more confidently – all skills that I use local MDM to get coverage on your on-brand coverage that demonstrates in other areas of my life too. The thing young people’s stories? our messages and values. I enjoy most about it is, quite simply, the people. Whether it’s working For more information about So what’s it like being an MDM? We with great journalists or other media the role, visit scouts.org.uk/

Illustrations: Jonathan Allardyce spoke to a few members to ﬁnd out. volunteers in my team, they are all mediadevelopmentmanager.

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The Glasgow Scout Shop is owned & operated by Clyde Regional Scout Council, a Registered Scottish Charity SC010415 The Brieﬁng: Answered Ask Team UK The UK Chief Commissioner and his team answer your questions about the District Commissioner role, international trips and more!

Illustrations: Patrick George

I have completed the census for this year and see lots more data has been requested around our young people. Team UK: Why is this and how will it be used? Understanding the disabilities and additional needs of our youth members Tim Kidd UK Chief Commissioner helps us to constantly improve access to [email protected] Scouting and we ask that the nature of

Hannah Kentish the disability or additional need is UK Youth Commissioner identiﬁed. Monitoring these categories [email protected] informs the support, training and Kester Sharpe guidance needed and helps us identify Deputy UK Chief Commissioner key external bodies we need to work [email protected] with to better support the full games and activities as preparation. Mark Tarry participation of all young people. You could set various stages and Deputy UK Chief Commissioner [email protected] Having an accurate record also assists lengths for different age groups and with our strategic plan beyond 2018. have age-appropriate bases and Amir Cheema UK Commissioner for Adult Support Tim Kidd activities along the route. Why not build [email protected] UK Chief Commissioner in some practical skills development

Alex Peace-Gadsby with young people working in mixed Chief Commissioner of England I’m planning a Group camp and some section teams? These could include [email protected] District Explorers are coming to help. pioneering with a purpose or looking Graham Haddock How can I ensure an adventurous after and using knives and axes. Make Chief Commissioner of Scotland programme when the only permits sure the activities are age appropriate [email protected] we all have are Nights Away? and you have done risk assessments. Gareth Watson Everyone can have an adventure at Chief Commissioner of Wales Prif Gomisiynydd Cymru camp without the need for permits. Use the weekend to develop new skills [email protected] You don’t always need one to deliver a among your leader team. You could

Stephen Donaldson high-quality outdoor and adventure invite other leaders from the District or Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland programme. Encourage the Explorer neighbouring Groups to join you and [email protected] Scouts to lead some adventurous pass on their skills and experience. Jack Maxton activities for the younger members like International Commissioner blindfolded trails through the woods, a Above all, have fun and the young [email protected] wide game at night for the Cubs ending people will reﬂect on their weekend of Graeme Hamilton with toasted marshmallows, and a adventure for weeks afterwards. Good Acting UK Commissioner for Programme [email protected] campﬁre, or a night hike for the Scouts. luck. Do write and tell us how it went. Graeme Hamilton Alex Minajew UK Commissioner for Safety Hiking at Terrain Zero is also very Acting UK Commissioner for [email protected] achievable and you can build in some Programme >

11 The Brieﬁng: Answered

The District Commissioner role in appoints the Deputy District my District is vacant. It looks like Commissioners following the a role that I might be suited to but DC’s recommendation. it seems like it’s a big role that has Kester Sharpe and Mark Tarry lots to do. Are there any ways that Deputy UK Chief Commissioners it can be made easier? District Commissioners (DCs) lead I’d like to organise an international and manage the District team. trip for my section but I’ve never Traditionally, it’s been a role filled by done this before. Where do I begin? one person, but this doesn’t have to be Last year, amazing volunteers like you the case. There are many different gave nearly 9,000 young people the options to get the right person or team opportunity to have an international managing the District and ensuring all adventure. This is amazing, but we the DC’s responsibilities are carried out. know there are young people who Can I count some recent extra want to travel with Scouts and are learning outside of Scouting towards One option is to have a ‘Team District missing out. my Wood Badge, or will I still need to Commissioner’, where a team of people complete a training module? (no more than three) are appointed To get started with planning a trip, At Scouts, the key principle for adult to carry out the DC role. The County I recommend getting in touch with learning is that learning is optional but Commissioner appoints the team and your Assistant County Commissioner validation is essential. the roles are equal in status and weight. (International). They will know all the The County Commissioner also defines ingredients needed for a fun, safe, Any prior learning, experience and each team member’s duties from the life-changing trip abroad and are in a existing knowledge is recognised and outset so that each has a clear outline position to support you in planning can be counted towards completing the of what aspects of the role they are a great adventure. Wood Badge. It’s not necessary for you responsible for. to attend training if you can clearly There are loads of national Scout show that you’re able to meet module Another option is to appoint one or Jamborees hosted by other countries objectives by demonstrating your skills more Deputy District Commissioners every year. These are great for a in your Scouting role. to assist the DC. A Deputy DC’s duties first-timer as there is a price, are defined by the DC at the time programme and location to suit The same applies to relevant learning of appointment; they may have a most adventurers. If you’re keen outside Scouting while you are a specialist role, such as focusing on to put your own programme volunteer. Validation can be done in a supporting adults, recruitment or together, look at some international number of different ways; ideally, it training. The County Commissioner Scout centres. There are plenty should be unobtrusive and take place across Europe that are suitable while you carry out your role naturally. for all ages. You should get in touch with your More information on visits abroad can Training Adviser and discuss what is the be found at scouts.org.uk/international best way to validate the learning you and remember, whether it’s a Cub have completed. getaway or an Explorer expedition, Amir Cheema you can contact the International UK Commissioner for Adult Support Team at [email protected] or the International Active Scout Ask a question Support Unit at [email protected]. If you have a query for Team UK, head Jack Maxton to scouts.org.uk/connect and complete International Commissioner the online form.

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Walesby Forest_B456846_1mg.indd 1 03/02/2017 10:30 Features Eight great articles to inspire you and your section this summer

16 School of thought A Scout Group in Bristol is working towards community cohesion with the help of some new recruits

24 All we’ve achieved With the new strategic plan almost ﬁnalised, we look at everything we’ve achieved over the past four years 29 Scouting their way to success We introduce you to four inspirational members whose Scouting roots have helped them make a real difference 34 A new member of the gang Hermione Drew shares her experience of juggling volunteering with starting a family 37 Gift aid One Scout Group in Grimsby is bringing much-needed joy to victims of domestic abuse 42 Inspired by the great outdoors Meet our new Scout Ambassador, the remarkable polar explorer Dwayne Fields 46 In praise of the long walk We take a look at why Scouting and walking are such perfect partners 52 Beyond our borders Read all about three overseas community impact projects that Scouts have embraced

Inner-city Scouting

School of thought By working in partnership with a local primary school, 1st Dings in Bristol thought they had simply found themselves a home. Little did they know that in doing so they’d be making strides towards community cohesion and offering a whole host of new opportunities to local parents

Words: Aimee-Lee Abraham | Pictures: Francesca Jones

It’s Thursday evening in Bristol and hail is hammering against ‘We were keen to work with Somali parents in Bristol, for the windowpanes of Hannah More Primary School. The example,’ Georgie explains. ‘Not only was there an initial streets are frosty and glum and half of the Scout Group has problem with translation, many Somali parents were been struck down with a strain of flu, but for those who unfamiliar with the concept of volunteering as a whole. remain, it doesn’t matter. Tonight, Scouting’s newest We had to wait for the right opportunity to reach that recruits will be choosing the kinds of activities they’d like to community, and we had to innovate.’ try, ripping pages from magazines, designing their own adventures in the knowledge they can happen here. Next, After 18 months of searching, Georgie and team found they’ll fashion hot-air balloons from bin bags, and collapse Hannah More, a local primary school known for its inclusive in a giggling heap. Meanwhile, parent volunteers will stay approach. Having heard about another pilot Group at a long after the session has finished, sharing Scout nearby Muslim school, Headteacher Sue Ramsay was excited Programme ideas, or simply catching up. at the prospect of broadening pupils’ horizons through Scouting. Easing the financial strain on the Group, she There is never a dull moment here at 1st Dings – a pilot offered up their school hall free of charge and set about Group trialled to fill a huge gap in local opportunities for spreading the news by plastering the local area with posters young people – but it took time to get to this stage. It was and roping in community development expert Ruth clear Scouting had potential here, offering refuge and Cochrane to act as a mediator between the Movement and release to those at a loose end in the hours between school the parents. Though everyone fully expected pupils to enjoy and bedtime. It was also clear there was a genuine need for the sessions, they did not anticipate the positive effect the outdoor adventure, with overcrowding and a shortage of Group would have in bringing parents closer together. green space impacting the wellbeing of local families. ‘Our children are naturally very cohesive. They mix very well,’ Sue explains, ‘but we’re aware parents may stay within their But, as the Group’s current leader Georgie Hudd explains, own groups if we don’t do something to help. Scouting articulating why Scouting might be able to help develop presents a chance for that to happen.’ skills to enable young people to succeed was not always easy. How do you reach out to parents who have never If it proves sustainable, this Group could be a real success come across Scouting before, let alone convince them of its story. So far, partnering with a close-knit school like Hannah benefits? How do you overcome multiple language barriers? More seems to be helping with adult recruitment, by And, in an area where tensions can arise between different allowing Georgie to reach out to a whole new generation of cultural groups, how do you serve each community equally leaders and helpers, who may never have come across well, and make sure disputes never spill over into Scouting? Scouting otherwise. >

17 Inner-city Scouting

When we visit, Bintu, a young helper whose also made a bowl of inedible cornflakes and a Above: Hannah siblings attend the Group, is calmly instructing the pretend plate of toast with jam. The pair tuck into More Primary School in Bristol younger members. Rolling up her sleeves, their imaginary meal and in-between bites Phil doubles as a home kneading through clay, she quietly encourages tells me that this quality contact time with his son for 1st Dings them to persist whenever their attentions wander. is what drew him to Scouting. Initially he had ‘no Scout Group In the future, she wants to train as a paediatrician idea what to expect’, but as he saw Dominic’s so she can help other young people. For now, confidence develop, he began training to become Facing page: she’s just trying to make it through her GCSEs a Beaver Leader. Through its while gaining work experience along the way. engagement This desire to chase new skills is fuelling her Since then, Phil has been here week in, week out of the younger generation, the interest in Scouting. Here, she gains useful and, like most of the other parents, has found new Scout Group hands-on experience with young people. himself unexpectedly hooked on the sheer is helping to possibility of it all. ‘Dominic is quite a timid bring community At one end of the table, Bintu’s youngest sibling, character. In the beginning he was reluctant to cohesion to Ibra, is fashioning a snow monster out of clay. join in if any older kids were around. But in the The Dings At the other, Beaver Dominic is proudly displaying last few weeks I’ve noticed a real change. Initially, the imaginary breakfast he’s created with his dad, I was quite happy sitting on the sidelines just to Phil. Assembled on top of the bin-bag tablecloth make sure he wasn’t anxious being left by is a toaster, complete with a moveable lever, and himself. But over time I’ve become hooked and two hollowed-out compartments for the bread. If now I really want to see the Group succeed. The it were real, Dominic is certain his creation would numbers fluctuate, of course, but I’m optimistic be top of the range, costing ‘at least £60’. He’s we’ll get there in the end. I’d love to grow the >

18 Inner-city Scouting

‘Parents are experts at knowing what each of their communities needs’ Georgie Hudd, Scout Leader

19 Inner-city Scouting

‘It’s shown that Scouting exists beyond our own meeting place, that our Group is part of something much bigger.’ Georgie Hudd, Scout Leader

20 Inner-city Scouting

Above: Scout section so that Dominic can experience more with herself in terms of providing references and Leader Georgie children his own age… At the moment it’s quite doing admin tasks, because she hasn’t done Hudd helps the mixed and we often have to combine sections to those things before,’ explains Georgie. ‘But every group to make make it work,’ he says. week I’m receiving emails full of ideas she’s collages initiated herself, which most leaders will agree is Laura, whose daughter Courtney is one of the unheard of. She’s up for the training. She’s up Facing page: The parents of 1st Group’s only Scouts, has similar motivations. She for helping at residential trips. In the longer Dings Scouts are works long hours and struggles to connect during term, we’re hoping to build up her skill set so just as hooked on their frantic midweek evenings. ‘On weeknights it’s she can feed that knowledge back into her Scouting as the a case of rushing home to make dinner for us both, community.’ young people! frantically eating it, then going to bed and realising we haven’t had chance to have a proper Though it’s too early to leave the Group unaided, conversation. During this hour at Scouts, we talk the prognosis is positive. Despite the growing things through and try new things together… As pains and the teething problems, the hall grows long as she’s happy, I’m happy. That’s why I’m here.’ fuller by the week. And though there have been occasional clashes between parents who want to For other members of the Group, being here has handle the Scout Programme differently, parents also led to unexpected new skills, developing a who may not otherwise cross paths can often be confidence that has not been felt for years. For seen sharing stories and passing Tupperware boxes Mags and her son Jack, for example, Scouting full of snacks between the gym benches. It’s a has provided a newfound sense of purpose no small gesture, but one that bodes well for one could have anticipated. community cohesion in a neighbourhood where social isolation and division is a real risk. Best still, ‘When Mags came to the Group she had no as volunteers grow more confident and sure, word qualifications. She has very little confidence in is spreading at rapid speed. >

21 Inner-city Scouting

‘Rather than trying to translate everything doors. ‘She’s always packing her bag for Scouts Above: Parents ourselves, we’re working with parents to get the the night before,’ she laughs. have become eager volunteers, using message out, and it seems to be working,’ says the sessions to Georgie. ‘After all, parents are experts at knowing Witnessing the Group in action, it’s hard not to spend quality time what each of their communities needs. Those feel hopeful about the direction in which the in the presence who were tentative are starting to get involved, Movement is headed. By embracing the of their children; and going on an away day has helped to put challenges and working to create a diverse base The Dings, a everything into context. It’s shown that Scouting of volunteers, the Group is showing adults who community built exists beyond our own meeting place, that our may not recognise themselves in Scouting that from within; Youth Group is part of something much bigger.’ they have a place here; that they too have skills to Shaped programme planning at its share and friendships to build upon. ‘These finest At the end of the Group session, Basmala puts Groups are not easy to set up, but they’re so her sculpture to one side and dives into her needed,’ says Georgie, smiling. ‘It’s our job to mother’s outstretched arms, certificate in hand. show young people and adults from all walks of This week, she was given an award for life that we absolutely do see them as important improving her English, and her mum thinks – that everyone is rooting for them.’ coming to Scouts may have played a role in boosting her confidence to speak outside the As we exit the building, Basmala is twirling in the classroom. She laughs as she describes their new distance, and Dominic is reluctant to put on his Thursday morning routine, which has become coat. It seems they may have already found a notably smoother since 1st Dings opened its home here.

22 Did you know; As well as the National Memorial to Scouting, a special tree in our grounds remembers Jack Cornwell after whom the ‘The Cornwell Scout Badge’ is Learn, Discover and Remember named. Surrounded by some 30,000 trees, in Having successfully developed its learning There are lots of fun things to take 150-acres of woodland, the memorials programme over the last few years, the part in at the Arboretum every day, Arboretum, which is free to enter, welcomes and many activities completed on at the National Memorial Arboretum around 15,000 young people each year on site could be used to help each provide a rich tapestry of stories of organised group visits. The learning activities at section of your Group complete a heroism, tenacity, teamwork and the Arboretum promote a sense of national pride variety of Challenge and Activity dedication for your Group to explore. in our history whilst helping young people develop Awards, including: an empathy and understanding of other cultures • Adventure Challenge Awards and beliefs. Featuring a mixture of inside and • Skills Challenge Awards From memorials made of glass designed to outdoor activities, the programme is varied and represent the seas of the world, a silver eagle • Photographer Activity Badges includes bookable activities such as World War I • World Challenge Awards constructed from 1,000 hand-forged feathers, and and World War II Explorer Days, Acts of the Burma Railway Memorial made from • Hikes Away Activity Badges Remembrance, Guided Tours, Evening Torch-Lit • Teamwork Challenge Awards 30-metres of original track, to the GCHQ memorial Tours and Medal Explorer Days, a variety of free which features lines of secret code to decipher; self-led activities are also available. there is lots to see and discover on an adventure at the Arboretum, a living growing tribute to all In 2018, your Group will also be able to participate those who have served our Nation. in interactive activities to mark the Centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force and the Centenary of the end of the First World War.

Facilities at the National Memorial Arboretum • Specialist on-site learning team • Award-winning Remembrance Centre • Two classrooms in a separate learning centre • Two children’s playgrounds / activity areas • FREE coach / mini bus parking • Outdoor discovery shelters • Woodland pond dipping habitat To ﬁnd out more, or to book, visit www.thenma.org.uk or call 01283 245 100

National Memorial Arboretum Croxall Road, Alrewas, T: 01283 245 100 Part of The Royal British Legion Stafordshire DE13 7AR E: [email protected] www.thenma.org.uk Charity No. 1043992 Scouting Strategy All we’ve achieved In the lead-up to the launch of our 2018-23 strategic plan, we look back at our achievements as a movement over the past four years: read on to ﬁnd out how we’ve done

Words: Helen Pearce | Illustration: Ralph Spegal

With the launch of our new strategic plan fast approaching, when they turn 18 is one of our greatest sources of adult we thought it would be worthwhile to reflect on our volunteers. Increasing the number of Young Leaders will not successes and challenges over the past four years. In 2014, only increase our Explorer numbers, it will also improve we committed to grow, be more inclusive, make a bigger programme delivery immediately and lead to long-term impact in our communities and become more youth shaped adult volunteer numbers. by 2018. And thanks to your dedication, we’ve done just that. Below, some of our lead volunteers talk about all we’ve ‘In order to continue to grow beyond 2018, we need to achieved against our Scouting for All objectives as of the support Groups that are missing sections and make sure 2017 census, and what we need to focus on now. that sections are operating at capacity. We have 7,238 Groups in total but we are missing some 1,000 sections. If those existed at an average size, we would have 18,000 Growth more members.’ Mark Tarry, Deputy UK Chief Commissioner ‘Scouting succeeds when we offer opportunities to as many young people as possible. Key to the growth of the Inclusivity Movement is the recruitment of enough adult volunteers to Amir Cheema, UK Commissioner for Adult Support open new sections, and to provide a great programme ‘Scouting continues to become more reflective of the supported by amazing section leaders. diversity of UK society. In 2014, 22% of our membership was female and today, 27% is female, reaching 100,000 ‘In 2014, we recorded 104,427 adult volunteers in Scouting. girls for the first time. We have also increased representation The 2018 census data is currently being processed and will from minority and ethnic groups. Scouting in the Muslim be available in the 2017/2018 annual report in September community is growing and, in early 2017, we recorded over but, as of 2017, we have 154,000 adults in Scouting. This is 3,500 members in local Groups supported by the Muslim our highest-ever number of adult volunteers. Encouragingly, Scout Fellowship across the UK. the number of front-line section leaders and section assistants had increased by 6.5%. 2017 was also our 12th ‘Since 2014, we have started Scouting in nearly 650 areas of consecutive year of growth. deprivation. These initiatives enable even more adults and young people to enjoy the adventure of Scouting and create ‘In 2014, we recorded 432,000 young people in Scouting spaces for young people of different backgrounds to mix and in 2017, this number had increased to 457,000. and build friendships. We also celebrate our LGBT members Realistically, we are unlikely to hit our target of 500,000 with presence at Pride events across the country every year. young people by 2018/2019 but what we’ve seen is steady incremental growth and this is unusual for youth ‘In January 2017, we set up the Inclusivity Advisory Group to organisations today. We need to keep that up – more than advise, challenge and inform the future strategic approach ever, we need great leaders to deliver great programmes. to inclusivity. The Group is made up of adult volunteers as well as experts from external organisations, and ensures that ‘Following Cubs100, we saw an increase in Cub numbers of underrepresented voices are included in this process. In 1.3% and Young Leaders are on the up, with an increase of 2015/2016, we partnered with the disability charity Scope to 6%. Encouraging Explorer Scouts to take on leadership roles support disabled young people to fully participate in >

24 457,000 In 154,000 young people in adult volunteers Scouting 648 in Scouting more areas of Over deprivation 27% 56,000 of our membership YouShape badges is female earned

81% 700,000 of the public hours of believe Scouting is community impact open to people of 173 action taken District and County Youth all backgrounds Commissioners appointed Our achievements by 2017 census Scouting Strategy

‘It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure Scouting really is “for all” beyond 2018’ Amir Cheema, UK Commissioner for Adult Support

Scouting. The work resulted in 29 new sections opening and ideas about how to improve Scouting. Over 56,000 over 360 new young people welcomed into Scouting, as YouShape badges have been earned since 2014.’ well as the development of guidance and resources.

‘Public perception of our diversity is steadily improving too. Community Impact In 2016, 71% thought Scouting was open to people of all Graeme Hamilton, Acting UK Commissioner for Programme backgrounds; in 2017, it increased to 81%. To support us ‘Since the launch of A Million Hands, our social impact with public perception, we’ve recruited a great team of campaign, in 2015, over 4,600 Scout Groups have Scout Ambassadors including astronaut Tim Peake, registered. That means 247,000 young people have had the Countryﬁle presenter Anita Rani, polar explorer Dwayne opportunity to take part in high-quality social action on four Fields, Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, survival expert big issues of our time. When we conducted our annual Megan Hine, adventurer Steve Backshall and Olympic rower survey of adult members we found that the number of Helen Glover. They’re helping us recruit more members from Scout Groups delivering community impact had risen from a range of backgrounds. 25% in 2015 to over 56% this year.

‘We need to continue to think about how we can actively ‘The campaign is delivering for two reasons: firstly, it’s and positively drive diversity. It’s everyone’s responsibility to embedded in the Scout Programme, with opportunities for ensure that Scouting really is “for all” beyond 2018.’ young people to do it as part of their termly programme rather than something extra. And secondly, it’s supported by strong partnerships. A number of great partners came on Youth Shaped board in 2014 to provide expertise and support. This great Frankie Smith, Deputy UK Youth Commissioner teamwork was recognised when the campaign won ‘Scouting works better when young people shape their ‘Cross-Sector Partnership of the Year’ at the Charity Times experiences. That’s something we have always known and Awards 2016. we’ve made great progress in ensuring that more young people are shaping Scouting across the Movement. ‘As a measure of the campaign’s success, over 1,400 projects have been logged and 90,000 Community Impact ‘A major step forward has been the appointment of 173 badges have been earned, recognising over 700,000 hours District and County Youth Commissioners who are driving of action. There are now 16,000 Scouts trained as Dementia this change locally. Just as significant is the uptake of the Friends. We’ve shared this news with the world too. Over revamped Sixer and Patrol Leader resources – it’s in our Sixes 1,000 pieces of media about A Million Hands were and Patrols where our future leaders get their grounding generated, reaching over 90 million people.’ and one of the things that makes Scouting so unique. After extensive consultation with both adults and young ‘There is now a wider Youth Commissioner Team, with four people in the Movement, we will be launching the new new assistant UK Youth Commissioners appointed in 2017 strategic plan for 2018-2023 in spring 2018. We will whose remits reflect the four areas of the Youth Shaped continue to focus on Inclusivity, Community Impact, Youth Scouting strategy: Programme, Leadership, Management Shaped Scouting and Growth through three pillars of work: and Governance. At a national level, it’s also great to report People, Perception and Programme. that 25% of UK Trustees are now young people. For more information on the 2018-2023 strategic plan, ‘Our yearly YouShape events have been held across the UK, including research and blogs from senior volunteers, visit attended by young people and they’re generating brilliant scouts.org.uk/beyond2018.

26 Dots Raise Lots dots raise lots Raise lots with dots this May and explore braille with our free alphabet cards. Get your groups involved and combine learning, creativity and fun to complete elements of badges. Sign up now at rnib.org.uk/dotsscouts or call 0345 345 0054 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to fnd out more.

7*4*54$065"%7&/563&403(6, 50%08/-0"%:063$01: 03 3&26&4 5 :063 13*/5 &% (6*%&0/ Careers in Caring

Scouting their way to success In a movement built on supporting others, it’s no wonder so many Scouts go on to do such meaningful work. We speak to some inspirational members about Scouting’s inﬂuence on their community-orientated careers

Interviews: Jacqueline Landey | Illustrations: Tracy Turnbull

Danielle Chowdary – Teacher

Before moving on to Explorer Scouting What have been some of the most Which Scouting skills have been at the age of 15, Danielle was a Young rewarding moments of your career? useful in your life and career? Leader at her brother’s Beaver Colony. Passing my NQT year, having my first Confidence, organisational and Today, she transfers her Scouting skills classroom and class, positive feedback teamwork skills. Scouting helped me to into her teaching. from parents and children, and when take part and made me realise it’s OK children who find learning challenging to not be an expert right away. What made you want to become suddenly pick something up and are a teacher? excited by it. The end of the school What is the greatest bit of wisdom I enjoy working with children, wanted year is the most rewarding. There is a you learnt from a Scout Leader? to be a teacher and have always sense of achievement in knowing I To be myself, make sure I do what I thought making a difference in some helped these children through their want to do, and that I can make a way is important. Teaching is a job I learning journey. I look forward to difference to other people by doing the can do that in. finding out how they carry that on. smallest of things. >

29 Careers in Caring

Kate Wells – Social, Emotional and Mental Health teacher

Kate attended her first, rather muddy, Was there something about the way before. Scouting and teaching are the Scout camp at just three months old. those skills were shared in Scouting same in that respect; we get to pass Her dad was a Scout Leader/Group that left a lasting impression? skills, knowledge and values on to Scout Leader, and her mum an Akela. Repetition helps skills stick, but the others. In Scouting we are able to play Following in her mum’s footsteps, Kate hands-on ‘give it a go’ approach a positive role in someone’s childhood, is an Akela today, alongside her work Scouting offers is a great tool for shaping who they become and that as a Social, Emotional and Mental teaching. We learn the most through was something I really wanted to be Health (SEMH) teacher. our mistakes; Scouting offers a able to do full time. platform to try something out. As a Which Scouting skills have been leader, I let my Cubs make mistakes. What have been some of the most useful in your life and career? If it doesn’t work out, I give them a bit rewarding moments of your career? Beyond the admirable skills of fire more information or refine a skill, then When children join our school they lighting and tent erecting, I’ve learnt let them try again, then get the joy of often come with a tricky educational leadership, problem solving and celebrating with them when they get it background and usually assume they’ll teamwork skills, and gained a great – that’s my favourite moment: the Cub get the same approach when they join sense of logic. Most valuably though, that can’t, then suddenly can. us. I absolutely love watching them I’ve learnt perseverance. This has been realise that we like them and want particularly useful in my career. As an Did Scouting inspire you to them to be at our school, that this is a SEMH teacher I have to problem-solve contribute positively to society? safe space where it is OK to make and think on my feet – being able to Definitely. I get a real buzz (as any mistakes. Those mistakes won’t change do this with a calm head is entirely due teacher does) from seeing a child our opinion of them, which isn’t an to my life in Scouting. achieve something they couldn’t experience they’re familiar with.

30 Careers in Caring

‘At university, I realised the diference Scouting had made – I was more independent than most…’ Simrit Kudhail

Simrit Kudhail – Medical student and photographer

Simrit Kudhail joined Scouts when he when I’ve made patients laugh even At university, I realised the difference was six years old. Today, he’s qualifying though they were in pain. Scouting had made – I was more as a medical doctor and works as a independent than most, be it planning photographer to boot. Which Scouting skills have been meals or having the confidence to chat useful in your life and career? to new people. Why did you want to be a doctor? My interest in medicine started with Partly wanting to help people and my first-aid training, and my What does success mean to you? loving science, but more than anything, photography developed through my I don’t like to define success as an end I wanted to challenge myself. Scouting Scouts Speak Up training and work goal. I see it more as the small victories was all about challenging myself and I with the UK Media team. that make up a journey. That might be guess that mentality never left me. sitting down and doing two hours of Was there something about the way studying without getting distracted. What have been some of the most those skills were shared in Scouting Those small successes will (hopefully) rewarding moments of your career? that left a lasting impression? get me to graduation, which will get Getting into med school was Scouting taught me skills I could use in me to my first day as a doctor, which rewarding, but strangely some of my all aspects of life. Many school skills will get me to whichever medical most rewarding memories have been can’t be applied in the same way. specialism I choose. >

31 Careers in Caring

‘That’s why we do it; so we’ll be enriched, rewarded and hopefully make a diference’ David Barker

David Barker – Charity CEO

Driven by a passion to do something Which Scouting skills have been where you’re going to start ﬁrst. meaningful, David Barker has worked useful in your life and career? Then get a really good team behind in the voluntary sector for years. Today, Leadership skills have been the key you. By surrounding yourself with he’s the Chief Executive of Crohn’s and one. Many of the skills I use most I brilliant people, you’ll become brilliant Colitis UK and District Explorer Scout learnt through Scouting, from yourself. Commissioner. Having joined as a Cub, teamwork skills to knowing how to he’s been a Scout almost all his life. bring out the best in people. What is the greatest bit of wisdom you learnt from a Scout leader? Did Scouting inspire you to What advice do you have for Talk to young people as they are. contribute positively to society? volunteers who feel overwhelmed Just be yourself – laugh, enjoy it, have No doubt. Scouting gives you a sense by the challenges of balancing fun. That’s why we do it; so we’ll be of community. When I was a Cub work and volunteering? enriched, rewarded and hopefully doing a community project, clearing Prioritise. Focus on the things that make a difference. If we harness that, out the duck pond in the village or matter the most. Don’t try to eat the we can continue to be a powerful force litter picking, that inﬂuences you. whole elephant all at once – decide for good in the world.

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In My Experience

A new member of the gang Hermione Drew, producer of St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show, talks about volunteering when pregnant and as a ﬁrst-time parent

Words: Hermione Drew | Illustration: Ben Pearce

My volunteer role in Scouting is quite an active one, both crucial. He does everything he can to help me keep my physically and in terms of time commitment. Twice a week Scouting commitments. We have worked together to divide and on most weekends from September to February, I am up our parenting duties so we can keep up our other passions teaching dance and songs, and running around a theatre or in life and where possible involve our family in them too. rehearsal space after 120 young people. When I found out I was expecting my ﬁrst child, I was thrilled, but it also made But it wasn’t all easy. While my husband could cover most me pause and consider how it would impact my volunteering. things when I needed to be out, breastfeeding was not one To me, Gang Show was already ‘my baby’ and so it was never of them and sometimes trying to feed using a bottle proved a question of giving up my role, but just how I could make challenging. So he started bringing our daughter up to the two work together. rehearsals for feeds at certain times, or I’d pop home.

Telling the rest of the volunteer team was one of the ﬁrst The other area of strain was keeping up when I was never things I did. Their support and understanding has been so getting more than two hours’ sleep at a time! The sheer important. Working as a team to plan how we would exhaustion can at times make you feel like you can’t do it manage things if I was less able to do my role as my anymore! I found I was especially tired in the evenings when I pregnancy progressed was very reassuring for me. It was also would normally have done lots of emailing and admin for my helpful for the team to be clear on how elements of the show role. So when I was on maternity leave, I learnt to get better would progress if I needed to be absent unexpectedly. at using the time during the day when my daughter was napping. It’s surprising how much you can do in 30 minutes if Luckily, I had a fairly easy pregnancy and so even the week you really put your mind to it! That way, in the evenings when before my due date, I ran a weekend residential for the I was exhausted, I could let myself crash out. volunteer team at Gilwell Park – just with my hospital bag packed in the car and my husband nearby in case we had to Sadly, the after-rehearsal pub drinks with the adult team each disappear suddenly! week, which had been a longstanding tradition, had to change. As a team, we chatted and looked at a compromise. Then my daughter was born! I found people often expected We didn’t want to lose that important team-bonding time, that I’d stop or do less, but my volunteer role is such an nor did we want those volunteers without children to feel important part of who I am that it’s not something I can give their experience had changed. We agreed we would all make up. I was back at meetings a few weeks after my baby was an effort once a month to go to the pub after rehearsals. born and being up most of the night meant I was on email responding to things at 4am just a few days after she was Many of the team have had children and juggled that with born (oh the joys of newborns!). their volunteering, and their support and experiences helped me feel encouraged that I could do both too. For me, one of For me, this was a way of not losing my previous identity the the wonderful things about volunteering in Scouting is the moment my baby arrived. Having a supportive husband was emphasis on and inclusion of family.

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Scouting Magazine_Rebranding_v3.indd 1 19/01/2018 11:06 Hidden Gems

Gift aid One small suggestion from a Scout has spawned a burgeoning community project where homemade gift bags bring much-needed joy to victims of domestic abuse

Words: Laura Steiner | Pictures: Jo Denison

The table is full of intricate and quirky charms: little silver with fine wool using a technique called ‘knit and knot’. stars, different coloured hearts, red Monopoly houses and It’s a cold Tuesday night and the Scouts of 1st Healing Scout yellow buttons. There are also threads of every colour, and Group in Grimsby are busy making jewellery. These golden bracelets. At one end of the table, a pair of hands is accessories will go inside the gift bags they’re preparing for using pliers to open a thick silver chain. On the other side, a the Grimsby Women’s Refuge. The refuge falls within the pair of eyes squint while fingers carefully thread a string North East Lincolnshire branch of Women’s Aid and acts as through a golden heart. Someone else is covering a bangle a safe house for women and children who are fleeing >

37 Hidden Gems

‘It feels really good because you know you’re helping people who are in very difcult situations’ Emily, Scout, 1st Healing Scout Group

domestic abuse; a place where they can live free guest speaker. While Louise is always on the Above: The Scouts from violence. lookout for projects that will have an impact on of 1st Healing the local community, the idea of working with work tirelessly to knit scarves, create Scout Section Leader Louise Drakes is the adult the refuge came from her son, Will. Will is a jewellery and fill driving force behind the gift bag project. Whether member of the 1st Healing Scout Group and has gift bags for the she’s out collecting old pieces of jewellery to been part of the Movement since he was a Cub. residents of the up-cycle or saving any piece of material she can lay His idea to make gift bags for the refuge came Grimsby Women’s her hands on (extra fabric? ‘Perfect for a small after finding out that a mother of a fellow Scout Refuge headband!’), Louise is constantly thinking about was working there. new items to put in the gift bags and more ways of inspiring her Scouts to use their creativity to When Will first pitched the idea, Louise was help others. quickly convinced and what started out as a small Christmas project, with 10 gift bags in December ‘As leaders, we bring our own skills and our own 2016, has quickly grown into a fully fledged craft into the Group,’ says Louise while she ‘knits community impact project. For Mother’s Day and knots’ a bracelet and prepares the room for a 2017, the Group delivered 20 gift bags to the

38 Hidden Gems

refuge and for Christmas 2017, a total of 30 gift project, is the issue of domestic abuse in the Above: As well as bags were lovingly made and delivered. community. Janice Woods from Women’s Aid is spreading goodwill, ‘It’s a very important action,’ says Louise. here to talk to the Scouts about the impact of 1st Healing Scouts also learn about ‘Women at the refuge do receive donations over domestic abuse. ‘It’s very important for us to the seriousness of Christmas but these are very personal gifts that have the speaker here tonight because that’s domestic abuse we make for them.’ what’s going to help the Scouts really understand with the help of why we’re doing what we’re doing,’ says Louise. Women’s Aid A quick look inside their meeting place and representative, there’s no doubt that everyone is committed to Domestic abuse is not an easy subject to address Janice Woods making the very best gift bags they can. Henry, with young people, so Janice framed the who’s in charge of the music tonight (making a conversation around the subject of bullying. speaker out of a pink plastic cup), is busy adding extra charms to a bracelet. Afeef has already ‘At some point or another in your life, you’ve all ﬁnished three necklaces tonight and two parents experienced bullying. Is that a good or a bad have stayed this evening to help knit scarves. thing? Is it something we do?’ Janice asks the But beyond the creativity, and at the core of this group. The Scouts are all quick to respond with a >

39 Hidden Gems

resounding ‘no’ and then go on to give different From a woman at the refuge: explanations as to why bullying is so harmful. ‘Young people like you are an inspiration’

‘It can make people very sad,’ says Henry. ‘People who get bullied can get mental health issues,’ adds Lilly. ‘My children and I have been in refuge for almost six months, and will remain in refuge until a safe place to live ‘It’s like hammering a nail into a fence and then taking the is found for us. When we ﬁrst arrived we had very little. nail out when someone says sorry,’ says Ben. ‘You take the We were in the position of having to rebuild our lives and nail out but the hole is still there and then you have to live forget about the things we had to leave behind. To be given with that hole.’ a gift bag of any kind was superb – even the toiletries were appreciated greatly. Some women have absolutely nothing It is instances and observations like this that make Tracy when they come here; only the clothes they stand in. Kelly, the former Grimsby Cub Leader and an occasional helper for the Scout section, feel incredibly optimistic about ‘The beneﬁt of addressing the topic of domestic abuse with the impact of this project on both the community and the young people is awareness. Some young people may not young people involved. realise what abuse is. It doesn’t have to be physical; it can be emotional as well. Also some young people may be ‘I think the young people feel very proud,’ says Tracy. being abused without even knowing it, because it’s all they ‘It’s always great to feel that you’re involved because that’s have ever known. It’s important to be able to point them in really what Scouting is all about, it’s about getting involved the right direction if they need help and show them who in the community and about teaching young people skills.’ they can turn to.

To make sure the project includes the community on a ‘If you know someone who is suffering from, or witnessing, larger scale, Louise has invited the town to participate by domestic abuse then listen to them and give them donating different materials. She’s approached people reassurance that they are not to blame. Try to encourage through the Healing Community Facebook group and the them to contact the appropriate agencies that can offer results have been astounding: all sorts of craft supplies and professional support. broken or old jewellery have been donated. ‘Word has gotten out and the people of Healing are very appreciative,’ ‘I’d like to say to 1st Healing Scout Group: thank you so says Tracy. ‘When I chat to people around town, they know much for the wonderful gift bags and donations that you about the work the Group does, the information definitely give to Women’s Aid and for all the hard work that you do. gets around.’ Young people like you are an inspiration to others and bring so many smiles to the faces of families that would otherwise As for the Scouts themselves, creativity and craft making is struggle and go without.’ exciting and, according to Louise, it tends to have a very positive impact on the Scouts’ mental wellbeing, helping them feel confident and more relaxed. But the biggest accomplishment comes from being able to help. ‘It feels really good because you know you’re helping people who are in very difficult situations,’ says Emily, who’s been part of Scouts since she was a Cub.

That help comes in the form of gift bags containing items such as shampoo, soap, socks, handcrafted jewellery and knitted scarfs. But the real service is the commitment and the genuine care from the 1st Healing Scout Group every time they ‘knit and knot’ a new bracelet with their community in mind.

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Inspired by the great outdoors

Our newest Scout Ambassador, polar explorer Dwayne Fields, has led a remarkable life – after moving to London from Jamaica at the age of six, he escaped gang violence to become the ﬁrst black Briton to walk to the North Pole. Here, he shares his story

Words: Helen Pearce | Pictures: Mohamed Abdulle

Dwayne’s love of the outdoors stems from the first six years and there was nothing; just a concrete space which was of his life, when he lived with his much-loved great- about three metres by six metres. I thought “Where’s all the grandmother in the idyllic, lush Jamaican countryside. grass, where are the trees, where’s the greenery?” This was ‘We lived in a really rural part of the island. There were definitely not home. trees, woodland and open fields all around us,’ remembers Dwayne. ‘At three years old, I had the freedom to go out ‘At school, I didn’t fit in. I spoke differently, and at lunchtime and walk through the woods and climb trees and mess I didn’t understand what any of the foods were, or what the around in puddles of water. For me, it was the perfect, right foods were to order. I really just wanted to fit in. I perfect beginning’. remembered reading somewhere that female woodlice keep their babies on their stomach, and for me, that was the In 1988, six-year-old Dwayne was uprooted and sent to live most fascinating thing in the world. So, one day I picked up with his mother in London, a part of the world that could this handful of woodlice and I ran over to some kids at not have been more different from the one he had known school and I said “Look, some woodlice!” and everyone just since birth. ‘I remember the day I flew to the UK,’ says ran away. I felt so alone.’ Dwayne. ‘I got off the plane and I remember seeing my mum in a bright purple tracksuit with these big ‘80s A welcome change earrings. This was Heathrow Airport. I’d never been Dwayne was first introduced to Scouting by chance. anywhere like it. There were crowds everywhere. It was He went along to Palmer’s Green Scouts with a friend one loud. It was massive. I was petrified.’ day before being dropped off at home and was encouraged to join in. ‘It was an environment where it was normal to Dwayne struggled to settle into London: ‘I would wake up include everyone,’ he explains. ‘It felt really good to be at all hours of the night because I missed home, I missed my welcomed into something. I felt for the first time since great-grandmother and I missed the sunshine. moving to the UK that I’d found something that was for me. Whether we were making a bridge out of wood and rope or ‘In Jamaica, I had all the space and freedom a young child finding ways to navigate some kind of obstacle course, could want. The very first thing I did when we arrived at my these were skills that I was fully versed in and was able to mother’s house was run to the back window. I looked out take part in. I felt like I fitted in.’ >

43 Scout Ambassador

‘Young people today are missing the ability to be at one with nature and follow their instincts… Scouting can ofer all these skills.’ Dwayne Fields

Despite his sense of belonging at Scouts, in his teens and in with cramps all over, but I remember thinking that I was early adulthood, Dwayne continued to struggle with his outdoors and doing exactly what I wanted to do. And that identity and his place in the world. However, through felt good!’ Scouting, he’d realised that he was good with his hands. At 23, he spent many solitary months building a moped A few months later, having returned from rowing across the from scratch. One day, shortly after the moped was Atlantic, Ben Fogle and James Cracknell announced that complete, some boys in his neighbourhood stole it. they were going to walk to the South Pole and were looking for a third person to join the team. ‘It’s like they were ‘I was determined that that moped was going to come back shouting my name!’ says Dwayne. with me that very night,’ explains Dwayne. ‘I had literally put blood, sweat and tears into it. I found out where it was and ‘I sent in an application, but I was too late. They asked if I went down there. The boys were taking it apart!’ would consider going to the North Pole instead. And I thought well, I’m Jamaican, I’m pretty sure a pole’s a pole!’ After an altercation, one of the boys pulled a gun on Dwayne and fired. ‘I remember he cocked the gun, I heard a And so, in 2010, Dwayne became the first black Briton to bang and I thought, “Yep, I’ve definitely been shot”.’ walk to the North Pole. ‘It was gruelling. And I don’t think I realised how boring it would be!’ he laughs. ‘When we Where next? finally arrived, I looked down and thought, “Gosh, that patch Luckily for Dwayne, the gun misfired. And this experience of snow is exactly the same as the one 400 miles back!” But completely changed the course of his life. He admits that you know what? It was my goal and I achieved it.’ after the incident he was tempted to retaliate, but he decided to take a different path. ‘I realised that if I did do Dwayne now has plans to walk across Antarctica, the Sinai, anything, it would be me perpetuating that same the Amazon and the Gobi Desert. ‘I just want to see and behaviour,’ he reflects. experience the world. I want to bring that experience back to people who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to see it,’ For some time, Dwayne stayed away from his friends. He he explains. spent a lot of time thinking about what he wanted to do with his life. ‘It was a really difficult time,’ he says. ‘I had to Dwayne is thrilled to be part of Scouting once again and he think back to a time when I recognised myself and that was feels strongly that Scouting has an important role to play in the five-year-old boy in the woods in Jamaica. I wanted to today’s society. He says, ‘I think that young people today do something in the outdoors that would inspire and need more experiences that bring them together. These empower others.’ experiences help them develop interpersonal, teamwork and planning skills. Young people today are missing the ability to Dwayne explains that when he made this decision, he was be at one with nature and follow their instincts. That’s a skill thinking about inner-city young people. ‘The same type of in itself; being able to listen to and safely follow your young person who pulled a gun on me, the same kind of instincts. Scouting can offer young people all these skills.’ people that I grew up with. Those were the people I wanted to influence in a positive way.’ Dwayne is joining Chief Scout Bear Grylls along with the other Scout Ambassadors, Ellie Simmonds, Tim Peake, Helen Dwayne’s journey to becoming a polar explorer began with Glover, Anita Rani, Steve Backshall, Megan Hine, Chris completing the Three Peaks for charity with a friend. ‘I was Evans, Ed Stafford and Julia Bradbury, to help promote in a lot of pain,’ remembers Dwayne. ‘I was really suffering Scouting nationally.

44 Scout Ambassador

Clockwise from top: Our new Scout Ambassador, Dwayne Fields; a young nature-loving Dwayne in his new London setting, a stark contrast to his Jamaican origins; kite-buggying with a member of the Hampshire Scouts Expeditions (HSX) Antarctica.

45 The Power of Walking

In praise of the long walk We walk, we wander, we explore. It’s in our Scout DNA. But why do we do it? Why do humans do it? We celebrate the beneﬁts and power of walking, alone and as a movement

Words: Jacqueline Landey | Illustrations: Lucy Waldman

We walk for countless reasons. To stretch our legs, to get Walking your way to wellness from A to B, to exercise our bodies, to relax our minds. Some call it the perfect exercise. It’s enjoyable, free, We do it to take in the scenery, to walk the dog, to break environmentally friendly, and accessible to people across the in new shoes. fitness spectrum, from energetic Beavers to laid-back leaders. Young and old alike, walking helps us maintain a At times we do it to clear our heads, at others to generate healthy weight, increase good cholesterol, reduce blood ideas. We do it to look good, to feel good, to save money, pressure, and build healthy muscle and bones. to save the planet, to avoid looking for parking. We do it to walk off a meal, or to work up an appetite. Sometimes we But getting young people reaping the benefits of walking is walk to work; sometimes we walk to avoid work. more than just a good idea; the dangers of inactivity are severe. Recent NHS statistics show that over half of UK We walk to challenge ourselves, or to march for what we adults, over one in five children in Reception, and one in believe in, and as Scouts, we go in search of adventure. three children in Year 6 are overweight or obese.

But it’s easy to take the privilege of functioning feet for According to the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, young people granted, the freedom and power of inbuilt vehicles steering should be active for at least an hour every day, for both us through the world. We forget that we were once toddlers physical and mental health. While an active lifestyle teetering to stand, struggling to put one foot in front of the decreases the risk of developing numerous diseases, walking other, to take our first steps. simultaneously improves mood, memory and sleep quality. It also reduces stress, anxiety, fatigue, and helps those who Just as those first steps were met with applause, here we are depressed to recover, while reducing the risk of celebrate walking once again – as a means to greater developing depression by 30%. physical, mental and spiritual wellness, and sometimes, a way to a better world. And as Scouts know from experience, walking in green >

The Power of Walking

When enough feet come together, a walk becomes a march, and a march becomes a movement. spaces is said to help even more. Mental health charity Mind Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, Tibet conducted a study that found self-esteem levels of 90% of Ascending Mount Kailash is forbidden; some believe this its participants had increased after a walk in a green Tibetan mountain must be circled 108 times to erase the environment. Walking is also thought to improve creativity. sins of a lifetime. Mount Kailash is sacred to many Hindus A recent Stanford study found that a person’s creative and Buddhists. The 32-mile trek takes approximately three output increases by an average of 60% when walking. days and reaching the summit is said to lead to nirvana – the final goal of Buddhism, a transcendent state free from It’s socially beneficial too. Mind Chief Executive Paul Farmer suffering, desire and sense of self, in which a person is praises exercise as ‘an opportunity to strengthen social released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death networks, talk through problems with others or simply and rebirth. laugh and enjoy a break.’ The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru But all this is not to say that those without walking ability Snaking through subtropical jungle, cloud forest and can’t reap similar benefits. You can support young people ancient ruins, this popular trail leads to the lost city of the of various abilities with alternatives such as wheelchair Incas. According to experts, the Incas were an advanced basketball or adaptive rowing, or by helping wheelchair- South American civilisation that built the trail five centuries users explore the outdoors in the way Disabled Ramblers ago to prepare pilgrims for their arrival into ‘the castle in do. Disabled Ramblers assists mobility-challenged people the clouds’. to get out into the countryside with the help of able-bodied support members, making the joy of gliding through the The Incas worshipped multiple gods and deities linked to fresh air a pleasure available to all. As one rambler put it: the natural world. Many of today’s secular pilgrims walk ‘I never say, “Let’s go for a walk”. It’s always, “Let’s go for the trail as an ode to nature too. With Amazon jungle an adventure”.’ skirting the trail and the snow-capped Andes draping the sky, the trail is a 26-mile feast of staggering scenery. After Walking the way of a pilgrim four days of trekking, pilgrims reach the sacred city just as Beyond offering physical and mental health benefits, the sun rises. walking provides opportunities for deep reflection. For centuries, people around the world have embarked on long, The trails to Kumano Kodo, Japan often arduous journeys in the name of spiritual growth. There are a number of trails that lead to Kumano Kodo. These pilgrimages usually entail some form of separation Located in Japan’s Kii Peninsula, some routes offer views of from an individual’s everyday life to journey to a sacred the Pacific; others weave through bamboo forests or place, sometimes at a sacred time. mountains laced with streams. Overlooking seemingly endless valleys, often shrouded in mist, it’s not hard to see Although individuals’ motivations vary (across and within why the Shinto shrine is associated with nature worship. faiths, and outside of religion too), one way to see a pilgrimage is as an external expression of an inner journey As old as Japan itself, Shinto is an aspect of Japanese life towards spiritual discovery. connecting people to the ancient past. Often practised alongside Buddhism, Shinto believes in the essential From the Muslim hajj to Mecca, to a Hindu pilgrimage to goodness of people and honours kami, sacred spirits linked Varanasi, to a Christian crusade to Lourdes, embarking on a to the natural world. journey to connect – with the world, with your god or with yourself – is a longing that travels across borders. This small Nowadays the pilgrimage attracts not only Shinto and sampling of pilgrimages from around the world is testament Buddhist practitioners but also hikers, history and nature to that. lovers from around the world. >

The Power of Walking

El Camino de Santiago, Spain Walking as a movement, marching for a better world In medieval times El Camino (also known as the Way of When enough feet come together, a walk becomes a St James) was a predominantly Christian pilgrimage. Today, march, and a march becomes a movement. Throughout people from all walks of life embark on the trail, taking history people have come together to protest against various routes to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, injustice and to walk for what they believe in. where the remains of the apostle St James are said to lie. Great marches have toppled dictators, pressured the The most popular of these routes is the French Way. Lined powerful into ending wars, and led to societies becoming with religious, cultural and artistic monuments, the trail a little bit fairer than they might have been. offers opportunities for spiritual and creative reflection over a six-week period, more or less. Scouts have been part of these movements. We’ve protested against discrimination, marched for rights and Although some still walk the trail for religious reasons, many walked for peace. Just last year, an image of a Girl Scout embark on the pilgrimage as a personal response to an coolly confronting a far-right protestor at a rally in the Czech experience that calls for a period of reflection – illness, a Republic went viral, becoming a symbol of peaceful defiance change of direction, or perhaps the death of a loved one. in the face of hate.

Walking for a worthy cause And just as we’ve come out to march against hate, we’ve Many commit to long walks in the name of causes that go taken to the streets to stand up for love. Each year at Pride, beyond the personal – raising money for charity, creating Scouts around the UK gather to celebrate the fact that love awareness around an issue, or bringing people together. unites us. In Scouts alone, these walks happen every day. Pride is a celebration of individuality within a supportive Notably, Adam Dawson walked 1,492 miles from Lizard movement. Emily, an Explorer Leader, thinks of Pride as a Point to Dunnet Head, the southernmost to the way ‘to show that as a movement, we are accepting of all.’ northernmost points of the UK, to raise money for the UK Davina, a District SASU Member, said, ‘as a transgender Scouts Hardship Fund – a fund enabling Scouts and Guides person, attending Pride helped me to better myself and in difficult financial circumstances to attend World Scout have more confidence in doing more for people in Scouting.’ Jamborees. Adam’s sons had been active Scouts and so he wanted to do something for the Association that had had Globally, Scouts recognise the power of walking as a ‘such a major and positive impact’ on them. movement, from the Scouts in Ghana who organised a Walk for Peace in the lead-up to elections, to the Scouts in Belize It was also because of Scouting that 19th Swindon Scout who walked the length of their country to promote a culture Group walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats – or rather, of peace. its equivalent distance. The Group spent 21 hours walking, lapping a church hall 28,000 times, to raise funds for Cancer And in May 2018, Scouts around the world will take part in Research UK. Each member walked an average of 1,000 Jamboree on the Trail (JOTT). Scouts everywhere are invited laps, to collectively tally up the 780 miles that fall between to take part. Be it a walk in the park or a hike up a the two points. mountain, what counts is walking towards a better future through Scouting. And when their former District Commissioner Paul Leeper passed away, Scouts from Romford District organised a So, pull on your walking boots, rally up some young people sponsored hike that raised over £18,000 to donate to Saint and let’s carry on walking together. And when you’re out of Francis Hospice, where he was treated. With 550 members breath, let these words from Baden-Powell remind you why taking part, Group Scout Leader Julie Leeper said: ‘This was we do it: ‘No one can pass through life any more than he Scouting as he loved to see it – everyone coming together can pass through a bit of country, without leaving tracks to support a great cause, challenging themselves and having behind, and those tracks may often be helpful to those a great time.’ coming after him, in finding their way.’

Global Impact

Above: Young people in Cambodia enjoy just one of the many books donated by Bookbridge Left: Kaira Konko gets its very own hand-hygiene demonstration from the Hampshire Explorers Beyond our borders

If you’re planning a community impact project, there’s no reason to limit your plans to your own turf. Instead, let these three international projects inspire you and your section to achieve true greatness in places that need it the most

Words: Helen Pearce | Pictures: Alan Hands, Letitia Northcott and Marvin Takel

Scouting has always encouraged young people’s natural By including community impact in our programme, we curiosity and it’s this curiosity that leads to the aquisition of develop kinder, more tolerant individuals who are better knowledge and a thirst for adventure. This curiosity also skilled to make a positive contribution to society. Many opens their eyes to the world around them. Looking around, Scouts have taken their commitment to community impact it’s plain to see there are problems in our world today, but beyond the borders of the UK. These three inspiring projects rather than turning our backs on challenging issues, as involve UK Scouts working with Scouts from other countries Scouts we focus on ﬁnding solutions and making the world to make an impact on our global community while learning a better place. about other cultures and global issues. >

53 Global Impact

Project 1: Kaira Konko, Soma, The Gambia fellowship (which is now a Scout Active Support Unit) to In 1989, a Hampshire Scouts Expedition (HSX) spent six look at long-term objectives for the centre and provide weeks building classrooms in the Gambia. Through this trip support from the UK. Since the formation of Kaira Konko great friendships were formed and two years later, HSX Scout Active Support Unit, the centre has gone from sponsored four Gambian Scouts to participate in Hampshire strength to strength. Venture One, an international camp. The Kaira Konko Scout Group, which today has over one When the time came for the Gambian Scouts to head home, hundred Scouts, meets every Friday evening at the centre. Marion Christmas, who at the time was the Assistant Group The aim is to offer every Scout a better education, a sense Scout Leader at 2nd Bentley Scout Group in Hampshire, of community and a brighter future. For instance, during asked them what, out of all the things they’d seen while in those times when the electricity goes off in the village, Kaira the UK, they would most like to have back home in The Konko gives Scouts the opportunity to do their homework Gambia. ‘A Scout Centre like Ferny Crofts (the Hampshire at the centre, where there are lights powered by solar panels Scout centre in the New Forest)’, they replied. installed on the lodge roof.

So, Marion and the 2nd Bentley Scout Group decided to The centre is also used as a base for Scout Explorer and make it happen. They fundraised money in Hampshire to Network expeditions and as accommodation for visitors to build a Scout centre in Soma in The Gambia. The land was Soma, including teachers and NGOs working on projects in purchased and the Gambian Scouts built Kaira Konko Scout the local area. Any proﬁt that is made from guests is Centre, which ofﬁcially opened in 1998. In 2002, Marion reinvested in Kaira Konko to improve facilities and Scouting wanted to formalise the support in the UK so set up a equipment and spent on community projects.

54 Global Impact

Facing page and left: Explorers work alongside Gambian Scouts on vital community projects. Of course, no matter how pressing the project at hand is, there’s always time for a quick kick- around…

‘Our initial goal was to make the centre self-supporting and visit the UK in 1992, and who is now the centre manager, we succeeded by 2007. We now look at community projects manages the community projects and is the main point of and improving the quality of Scouting by providing contact for expeditions. He was awarded an honorary MBE programme support to the Gambian Scouts,’ says Jackie in 2012 for devoting 20 years to the Kaira Konko project, Heath, who joined the initial fellowship in 2002, and as an building up the Scout Movement in Soma and supporting Explorer Leader has since taken eight groups of Hampshire educational projects in the area. ‘He knows what projects Explorers on expeditions to Kaira Konko. work well and understands the community’s needs. We are very passionate about the fact that our projects are driven During the expeditions, UK Scouts undertake community by need in the community. We don’t produce any white projects in and around Soma, working alongside Gambian elephants,’ says Jackie. Scouts and using funds raised by supporters in the UK. The aim of these expeditions is to give these Explorers the So far, projects completed by expeditions have included opportunity to experience the challenges of living in a setting up libraries in schools (and cleaning and sorting developing country ﬁrst-hand while developing skills such as donated books in order to ﬁll them), buying paint and independence, leadership skills and the ability to work in a painting the Soma mosque, building toilets at the back of team. ‘The UK Scouts work directly with the Gambian the mosque, repairing homes that have been damaged in Scouts. It’s a real partnership and a wonderful opportunity the rainy season, teaching in schools and setting up for Scouts from both countries to get to know each other community gardens. properly,’ says Jackie. For more information about Kaira Konko Scout Centre, Lamin Kinteh, who was one of the original four Scouts to visit kairakonko.com. >

55 Global Impact

Above: Scouts Project 2: Bookbridge expanding to include English language lessons in the UK sort Almost 10 years ago, a group of German Scouts and teacher training, with the centre becoming a through the visited a Mongolian Scout camp on an financially self-sufficient heart of the community. thousands of international trip and noted that the local children donated books had a real thirst to learn English but had very few The German Scouts set up Bookbridge as a while their Cambodian books and limited resources. Back in Germany, registered charity that aims to improve children’s counterparts wait the Scouts started to collect books and within a access to education in developing countries by to help unpack few years, had succeeded in raising enough establishing learning centres, training teachers the boxes money and collecting enough books to open the and providing children’s books for use in the first learning centre in rural Mongolia. centres. As a result of this work, young people and local Scouts have the opportunity to learn The centre in Mongolia had a dramatic impact on English, build self-confidence, and develop the local community, with access to books practical skills through these learning centres.

56 Global Impact

‘The important thing is that we’re teaching our young people about global issues and other cultures’ George Devine, International Scout Support Unit Manager

Officially a charity, Bookbridge continued to open learning Project 3: Scouts Against Malaria centres across the Asia Pacific region in partnership with In early 2015, delegates at the 8th Hampshire International local Scouts. They also partnered with UK Scouts who workshop were asked to list the top 10 problems that were started a drive to collect English books for the centres. Over affecting the planet. Disease was at the top of the list; AIDS, the last five years, UK Scouts have collected, sorted and the Zika virus and the hidden killer, malaria, were mentioned packed over 100,000 children’s books in aid of Bookbridge. most often.

By learning about the issue and working with Bookbridge, The delegates realised that as Scouts they were in a unique UK Scouts can achieve their Community Impact Staged position to help communities in malaria-affected areas. They Activity Badge and Global Issues Badge, while making a could utilise links with local Scout Groups usually attached difference to fellow Scouts and other young people in to schools that could help with the distribution of nets and Mongolia, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. education; why it’s important to use the nets and how to use the nets correctly and safely. Bookbridge learning centres are the hub of the local community. ‘The centres are run by local entrepreneurs as Until 2014, Marvin Takel was Assistant Scout Leader at 8th ﬁnancially self-sustained social enterprises. These are local Camberley Scouts in Surrey. Over several years of people empowered to make local decisions based on local expeditions to Uganda, he developed extensive knowledge need,’ explains Alan Hands, who is a Bookbridge Book and insight into the country and so, in 2015, he discussed a Champion. His role involves building international bridges to possible initiative with representatives of the Ugandan Scout enable Scouts in the UK to donate books to learning centres Association. The initiative was welcomed by the Ugandan in the developing world. Scouts and they committed to support it logistically.

This year a group of Explorer Scouts followed the books that And so, Scouts Against Malaria was launched. Scouts they had sourced, collected, categorised and dispatched to Against Malaria’s mission is to provide programme ideas and their final destination in Mongolia. On the trip, the Explorer resources to teach young people about malaria and its Scouts spoke to over 6,000 Scouts at the workshops they effects. They are then encouraged to raise funds in order to ran in the ‘Better World’ zone of the Asia Pacific Jamboree. supply African Scouts with mosquito nets that they can They also spoke to senior Scouting volunteers from across distribute to vulnerable families in Sub-Saharan Africa. An the Asia Pacific region, spoke on local media outlets, helped estimated 43% of people at risk of malaria in Sub-Saharan deliver training to the Bookbridge centre managers at their Africa don’t have access to malaria nets or insecticides. annual gathering, and visited the newest Bookbridge centre, By learning about malaria and what can be done to limit its which opened in 2017 on the fringe of the Gobi Desert. impact, young people can make a difference and save lives while broadening their minds and learning about the world. Since returning to the UK, they have become pro-active advocates for Bookbridge, attending Gilwell Reunion, ‘When I was first approached about this project, I raised assisting in the Programme Zone, and visiting Scout Groups some questions about whether it was the right thing for us where they speak to other young people about how they as an organisation to become what was to all intents and can get involved. There are now 23 centres across Mongolia, purposes, an aid agency. That’s not what we do, we do Cambodia and Sri Lanka open and thriving. education,’ admits George Devine, Manager, International Scout Support Unit. For more information about Bookbridge, email ukscouts@ bookbridge.org. ‘However,’ he continues, ‘I liked the principle of getting UK >

57 Global Impact

Scouts involved and becoming more aware of the informed of where the nets have been Above: Mosquito affects of malaria and what it was doing in other distributed, the information is uploaded to the nets are distributed parts of the world. I feel strongly that we need to website so that interested fundraisers can see to families in Bugembe, remember that our role is education and personal exactly where in the world their efforts have Uganda, while development. The important thing is that we’re helped those in need. UK Cubs learn teaching our young people about global issues, how mosquitos as well as teaching them about other cultures, Local African Scouts allocate the mosquito nets pass malaria on and if the spin-off of that is that we’re helping to individual homes in their communities. The to humans and people who are in need, that’s brilliant, but it’s Scouts meet the family and teach them the attempt erecting not the main objective.’ importance of using the net and how to set it up their very own correctly. They then keep in contact with the mosquito nets Once Scouts in the UK understand the issue, they families to ensure that the nets are maintained complete badge criteria to earn a Scouts Against and used correctly. For taking part in this Malaria Challenge Badge. The Scouts then initiative, the African Scouts also earn the Scouts fundraise £5 per badge, and after sending the Against Malaria Challenge Badge. money to Scouts Against Malaria they receive their badges. The corresponding number of For more information about Scouts Against mosquito nets is then supplied to the Scouts in Malaria, and how you and your Scouts can get Africa. Once Scouts Against Malaria have been involved, visit scoutsagainstmalaria.org.uk.

58 ENGRAVE A PERSONAL MESSAGE ON ONE OF OUR BRICKS

Single brick 210x105mm 2 lines of black text 16 characters per line Buy a brick and help provide opportunities for Square brick 210x210mm more young people 3 lines of black text 16 characters per line he Promise Path is a brick trail that runs through the spiritual home of Scouting, Gilwell Park – it’s an uplifting new feature of the park built by supporters like you. Super brick granite 400x200mm T 3 lines of golden text Having a brick engraved and laid into the Promise Path 22 characters per line is the perfect opportunity to give a gift to someone close to you. Perhaps you’d like to buy a brick as a way of:

• Thanking a fellow volunteer for years of service Square granite • Celebrating the achievement of a young person 300x300mm • Commemorating a special event 4 lines of golden text • Letting your Group make its mark at Gilwell Park 22 characters per line

The path is already full of positive, inspiring messages from Scouts and supporters of Scouting from all over the world. Super square granite 400x400mm You and those close to you can be a part of the Path Golden ﬂeur-de-lis too – simply by giving the gift of a Promise Path brick. 5 lines of golden text 26 characters per line You can donate to the Promise Path by simply ﬁlling in the form opposite.

You can also visit scouts.org.uk/ promisepath or contact the team at 020 8433 7100 to get additional details and make a donation.

59 Yes, I would like to support…

You can make a dedication and donation now by calling 020 8433 7100 or visiting scouts.org.uk/promisepath Alternatively, please complete and return this form to: Freepost RTLB-YJYT-BCHL Promise Path, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, London E4 7QW

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Your inscription: Please tick your chosen brick and write the name or Single brick 2 lines/16 characters per line — £50 message you would like engraved below. Please note Square brick 3 lines/16 characters per line — £100 that letters, numbers, punctuation and spaces will all contribute to the total allowed characters per line. We will Super brick granite 3 lines/22 characters per line — £250 conﬁrm your order with a certiﬁcate and you will have 10 Square granite 4 lines/22 characters per line — £500 days to make any changes to your inscription. Super square granite 5 lines/26 characters per line — £1,000 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 LINE 1

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Thank you for supporting Scouting. The Scout Association takes your privacy very seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your account and provide the products and services you have requested from us. If you consent, from time to time we will contact you with fundraising information and ofers, appeals, exclusive charity products, competitions, lotteries and gaming. Please tick to say how you would like The Scout Association Fundraising Team to contact you: Post Email Telephone Text message We will not share or sell your details with any third parties or afliated organisations.

The Scout Association retains complete control over the location and date of installation of all stones in the Promise Path. The stones are and will remain property of The Scout Association. The Scout Association agrees to maintain the stones for a minimum of 5 years. Stones used may differ in colour from those illustrated. Stones may become worn, weathered or damaged by natural cause without any liability to The Scout Association. In exceptional circumstances The Scout Association reserves the right to relocate stones. The Scout Association reserves the right to refuse any application at its discretion. The Promise Path is intended to be positive and inspiring, and any negative phrasing is likely to be refused. After you receive the certiﬁcate conﬁrming your inscription, you will have 10 days to notify us of any possible changes. On receipt of your order form, your request will be

granted subject to (a) approval of the inscription (b) availability of stones and (c) remaining space in the Promise Path. ©2018 The Scout Association. Registered Charity numbers 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland). SCT0318 Advice and Activities Helping you get the most from your summer-term programme

62 How to run a community impact project Want to launch a successful A Million Hands project? Here’s some guidance to get you started

66 Spontaneous stars Build your section’s conﬁdence and get them thinking creatively with our guide to improvisation 68 All kinds of minds Meet Temple Grandin, a world-famous scientist who also happens to be on the autism spectrum 72 Getting personal Help your section tackle the Personal Challenge Award with our essential advice 74 Walk this way Everything you need to know about helping your section put one foot in front of the other 76 A feast for all Feed everyone on camp – regardless of their dietary requirements – with our three delicious recipes 79 Activities From paracord survival bracelets to growing an edible garden, try our 10 activities with your section and help them to earn badges and awards Advice and Activities

How to run a community impact project

Community impact has always been at the heart of Scouting and not only helps local residents but also Scouts themselves. Here’s how to run a successful local project

Words: Claire Bruce

Since Baden-Powell started the Scout movement of 40 million strong, we Community impact projects, like those Movement back in 1907, community have the potential to make a huge launched through A Million Hands, not impact has been at the heart of impact on other people’s lives and on only help people in need in the Scouting. The ﬁrst experimental camp future generations. community, they also have a huge at Brownsea Island was a community impact on the Scouts themselves. impact project in itself; a merging of The World Organisation of Scout boys from different backgrounds and Movement’s mission is to make the A community impact project led by social classes. world a better place and this young people helps them to develop exempliﬁes everything that Scouting skills vital for employment, such as Today, Scouting continues to make a strives to be and do. And everything organisational, communication, positive impact on societies and a big that you do locally contributes to the leadership and teamwork skills. It will impact on our world. As a worldwide bigger picture. also develop their emotional

62 Advice and Activities

Making an impact at a local level begins with understanding your community’s needs

intelligence; increasing their empathy to your sectional meeting so that you Once your young people have assessed with and understanding of people and your young people can better the need, they can dig deeper into the different to themselves. understand the community’s need. issue and start to think about how they can make a difference to their And it doesn’t have to be complicated, Doing a community mapping activity community. This will help them it simply has to have a positive impact with your young people can also be a understand what they are trying to on the community you are trying to really nice way to start thinking about achieve before getting started. help. Below are ﬁve steps you should what and who is local to you. It can be follow when carrying out a community easily adapted for different age groups. 2. Plan your action impact project locally with your Scouts. It’s important that young people take For Beaver Scouts, start by looking at the lead when planning a community 1. Understand what your their immediate community – ask them impact project. Consider who will do community needs what they know about where they live. what, and delegate different parts of The most important thing to think For Explorers and Scout Network, the planning to ensure that the work is about when embarking on a broaden this out to think about the spread out fairly. This is great practice community impact project is what the international community and more for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network community actually needs. Often, we complex issues. members, who will also be developing have preconceived ideas about what is these skills through planning towards needed without fully understanding Doing community mapping activities requirements for their top awards. what the issues are. can also help when working towards badges such as the World Challenge For younger sections, the planning will Be open-minded and talk to people Awards and the Local Knowledge be more of a challenge. Although they locally, such as those who work in the Activity Badges. The A Million Hands won’t necessarily be able to do things public sector and decision makers in resources (amillionhands.org.uk/ without some help, they can start to your community. Consider inviting a resource) contain guidance on carrying develop these important skills with the local councillor or other representative out a community mapping activity. support of leaders and parents. >

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Working with people from within your community will ensure your project has an even greater impact

Consider having a different Lodge or Six Look at other projects for inspiration. How can you challenge yourself and take the lead on different parts of the Although you will want to tailor what your young people to do even more planning with an adult supporting you do to the specific need in your next time? What new skills for life have them. The adult is then responsible for community, other projects can give you you and your young people learnt? that part of the plan. You could also ideas. And remember, to make a real have Lodge Leaders or Sixers take the impact, it’s important to work closely 5. Tell the world and celebrate lead by shadowing leaders. with people in the community. It’s really important that we shout about what we do. Not only will it When planning their action, your 3. Take action attract more people to our movement, Scouts will need to consider the Go out there and make a genuine it will help spread positivity and inspire following things: difference! This is what Scouting is all others to make a difference in their about; helping others, making friends communities too. Get in touch with ■ How will it make a difference? and having adventures. Remember to your local Media Development ■ What are the timescales?/How long record anything you learn along the Manager to help you tell the world will it take? way, including things you would do about your amazing work. ■ Is the project going to cost anything? differently next time, and log your If yes, then how much? actions at amillionhands.org.uk to help And don’t forget to be proud and ■ Who needs to be involved? Are there inspire others and share best practice. celebrate. You have worked hard and any key, influential people in the made a difference! Reinforcing this community or VIPs who could help 4. Reflect, learn and do more with your young people will motivate support your cause? After the project, it’s a good idea to them to want to do more to help ■ Are there any rules or regulations you reflect on how it went and to think people in their community. need to be aware of? about what you could do in the future ■ Is the impact sustainable? to continue to have a positive impact Don’t forget to get involved in your ■ How will you check if the project has on your community. Are you going to issue’s Big Moment this spring. Visit been successful? continue working on the same issue? amillionhands.org.uk/bigmoment.

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Spontaneous stars Improvisational theatre – or ‘improv’ as it’s more often called – is an unplanned, unscripted, hilarious way to get Scouts thinking on their feet and help build their conﬁdence

Words: Laura Steiner

Picture a makeshift stage, a group of people might act like they’re on an The golden rules of improv six people and two chairs. There is no awkward date. The performers make ■ Improv’s golden rule is ‘yes and…’ script, no costumes and no props. mistakes, jokes and ultimately, some Saying ‘yes and…’ shows the One person comes to the front of the seriously fun theatre. performer’s willingness to go along stage and asks the audience for a with an idea presented by their word. Using that word, the performers But improv isn’t only about making scene partner and add to it. create characters and a story. A whole one another chuckle; it’s also a ■ It’s about co-operation and trust. universe comes to life. Someone might fantastic way for young people to A scene is ultimately built as a pretend to be on the moon. Two develop conﬁdence and creative skills. collaborative effort. The actors

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co-operate and trust one another to Soundscape and everyone must stay in the follow through the scene and create For all sections position they’re in while you inspect something together. This is a great warm-up game to build the object they’ve made. ■ It’s about listening carefully and teamwork and co-operation skills. ■ In the first couple of rounds, allow paying attention. When an actor is The aim of this game is to build a the young people to talk. Then you in a scene, they listen to all the group soundscape using your voice can make it more challenging by details that their scene partner is and the sounds you can make with telling them to be completely silent giving them so they can react your body. while they build the object. appropriately and build on the story. The actor never goes on stage ■ Ask your young people to stand in Remember: embrace mistakes! So, a knowing what they’re going to say; a circle and to take a deep breath. weird-looking pirate ship might just rather they go on stage with open It’s best if everyone keeps their become the funniest thing to happen. ears and focus their whole attention eyes closed. on the person in front of them. ■ Anyone can start the soundscape with a simple beat or sound. Trio The benefits ■ In their own time, the young people For Scouts, Explorers and Network The benefits of learning this art form can join in. This game is brilliant for getting range from boosting confidence and ■ Let the song end quite organically. everyone to react quickly and trust resilience, to improving listening and You will all have a sense of when their instincts. The aim is to build observation skills, to learning how to the song has reached its conclusion. small improvised scenes between work together as a team. Improv is a groups of three people. great way for young people to develop Remember, there are no right or wrong these skills in a fun and active way. moves and the rhythm can change as ■ Choose a group and get all three of many times as you like, speeding up, them up on their feet. Badges slowing down and going in different ■ The first player makes a statement With these improv games, you can directions! out loud and mimics the object (eg inspire Beavers to work towards their ‘I am a sofa!’) Creative Activity Badge, Cubs towards ■ The second player jumps in and their Entertainer Activity Badge, Scouts Make shapes adds something to that scene and towards their Entertainer Activity For all sections mimics the object (eg ‘I am a TV!’) Badge and Explorer Scouts towards This is a good game to get everyone ■ The third player jumps in and adds their Performing Arts Activity Badge. moving and paying attention to what something that ties the whole scene They can journey from just having a go people around them are doing. The together (eg ‘And I am a woman to organising their own performance as aim of this game is to get the whole sitting on the sofa watching TV!’) they move through the sections. These group to build a shape together. badges provide a platform for creative Remember, the scenes don’t always and outgoing young people to shine, ■ Explain to the group that the goal is have to be logical. The point is to react while encouraging those who are shy to build a specific object with their as instinctively as possible using the or more reserved to come out of their bodies while you count down from information presented. Embracing shells and develop confidence. 10. Be sure to establish some mistakes is all part of the fun. As ground rules to avoid injuries and actress and comedian Tina Fey wrote, Activities to try ensure everyone feels comfortable. ‘In improv, there are no mistakes, only Try out these simple improv games. ■ Decide on an object (a pirate ship is beautiful, happy accidents. And many Remember, the aim of improv isn’t always a favourite, but it can be of the world’s greatest discoveries have necessarily to create comedy – rather, anything – a toaster, an aeroplane, a been made by accident.’ Anything that it’s about exploring the principles falling leaf – let your imagination might be seen as a ‘mistake’ in an outlined above. The comedy and the run wild!) and start counting down. improv scene is simply an opportunity jokes will emerge by themselves! ■ When you reach one, say ‘freeze!’ to laugh together.

67 Advice and Activities

All kinds of minds Temple Grandin is a renowned scientist whose inventions have revolutionised the way we treat farm animals. By openly talking about her experiences as a person on the spectrum, she’s also changing the way we see autism. Here, she gives advice on how to help all young people soar

Interview: Aimee-Lee Abraham | Illustration: Bijou Karman

If you think a young person has autism, the worst thing caves, chatting and socialising and not getting anything done. you can do is nothing. I didn’t speak until I was nearly four. It’s likely that the first human to invent the stone spear Doctors assumed I had brain damage, but my mother pushed wouldn’t have been the extrovert leading the group, or the for answers. She took me to see a wonderful speech gossipers huddled around the campfire. We were probably therapist, and we practised one word at a time. That early driven forward by the awkward, studious person sitting at the intervention was vital. Before I got help, I could only back of the cave, chipping away at the rocks until they communicate by screaming. figured out how to turn them into tools.

When somebody speaks to me, their words are instantly Innovation and (high-functioning) autism often go hand translated into pictures. I translate words into full-colour in hand. I’ve been to Google. I’ve been to Microsoft. I’d movies, complete with sound, which run like a VCR tape in estimate about half of the people working there are on the my head. Language-based thinkers find this difficult to spectrum. Young people on the spectrum may have different understand, but when I design things, visual thinking is a or challenging traits, but they have the potential to do tremendous advantage. I have video memories of every amazing things if they’re well supported. Albert Einstein was item I’ve ever worked with – steel gates, fences, latches, non-verbal until he was four. Mozart had trouble with social concrete walls, and so on. To create new designs, I just interaction. Steve Jobs was disruptive in the classroom as a retrieve bits and pieces from my memory and combine child, but soared as soon as he joined extracurricular them into a new whole. computer clubs. If any of these people were born today, I have no doubt they’d be diagnosed with a form of autism. Not everyone on the spectrum thinks like me. Some young people learn best if they focus on patterns. Others We need to teach basic skills for life. Things like knowing learn in words. Learning styles and sensitivities are very how to pay for groceries, how to greet someone, how to variable and different kinds of thinkers respond well to speak up when something feels unfair. Negotiation is a different kinds of activities. Ask your young people how they basic social skill, but it’s something I would never have like to do things and tailor your approach to suit them. picked up if I hadn’t been taught. I practised and practised until I got it right. The spectrum has broadened and shifted. It’s great that more young people are getting diagnosed properly, but labels We shouldn’t throw young people in the deep end, but we can be limiting. We mustn’t let them shape our beliefs about shouldn’t be afraid to stretch them, either. Planning things what we can and cannot do. It’s important to evaluate on a in advance is a great way to reduce the amount of anxiety case-by-case basis. In my case, autism is an important part of people on the spectrum might feel. Most people with autism who I am, but the scientist in me always comes first. find comfort in routine, but it’s important for them to feel prepared if and when plans change. If any major changes are The world owes a great deal to people with autism and we likely to happen, such as the introduction of a new Scouting need all kinds of minds. If the autism gene was eliminated volunteer, or a change to a camp itinerary, then it’s right to from the gene pool early on, we might be less advanced as a make sure you give that person as much notice as possible, so species today. In fact, we might still be standing around in there’s less of a shock. Equally, there may be situations you >

68 Advice and Activities Advice and Activities

‘Scouting is great because it encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones’ Temple Grandin

can’t predict, so it’s good for them to understand that, too. understand emotions and feelings, and it’s true that some people with autism lack emotional empathy. But many people It’s important to give young people a choice. I was terrified in society show a real lack of understanding towards young to visit my aunt’s ranch when I was 15. My mother gave me people with sensory issues. If a child starts screaming in a two choices. Either I could go for two weeks, or I could go for restaurant, for example, people assume that that child is six. I said yes to the two weeks and ended up staying for the poorly behaved. In reality, that child may be extremely whole summer. It was the best thing that ever happened to sensitive to crowds and lights and smells. That might be just me, because it introduced me to my life’s passion – working why they’re screaming and crying. Few people consider that, with animals. Today, the majority of livestock plants in the because it’s just too far away from their own experience. USA are using the technology I invented. I may never have started if my mother hadn’t given me that choice. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety. Recently I heard about a pig farm that was hiring a lot of young kids on When I first started working on cattle ranches, I was the spectrum, and teaching them how to cope with the usually the only woman in the room. Some people workplace in a really exciting way. Rather than interviewing doubted me, but I didn’t know it. I wasn’t so great at picking candidates, they invited them to an open day at a hotel. up on subtleties. In a way, not noticing helped me to do my When they arrived, the kids immediately assembled into job well. Things have thankfully changed a great deal since. groups with their future workmates, and put on the uniforms It’s just terrific to see more girls in Scouting. they would be wearing at work, so they had plenty of time to get used to the different materials (some people with autism If video games had been around when I was a kid, I would can be highly sensitive to itchy clothes, for example). have been a total addict. Scouting is great because it encourages young people to step outside of their bedrooms Then, they practised all of the tasks they would be carrying and outside of their comfort zones. out on the job, in a less intimidating environment. So, instead of injecting real pigs with their health vaccines, they injected For a long while, my friends were my horses. Then, I found oranges with water. And instead of putting ear tags on real other kids who shared my interests. Finding a shared interest pigs, they put tags on cardboard pig heads designed to look is vital for kids on the spectrum and participating in group and feel just like the real thing. By the time they arrived at the badges and team-based tasks is just great for them. What I farm itself, they were familiar with the process. This hugely find unique about Scouting is the variety of badges you have, reduced their anxiety and helped them to do their jobs to suit different kinds of thinkers. These badges unite kids extremely well, despite their supposed disadvantages. who share interests, however unique those interests might be, Leaders won’t be interviewing their Scouts, but they may be and they teach them how to co-operate outside the home. introducing them to new things. To increase confidence and reduce nerves, sometimes all it takes is a little tweak. If a young person struggles to complete tasks, break everything down into a pilot’s checklist. Although there For more information to support and better understand the are many kinds of thinkers and many forms of autism, one needs of a young person on the autism spectrum in your of the more common issues is trouble remembering the section, use the Parent/Carer Conversation Framework to sequence of things. You can make tasks more manageable discuss with a young person’s parent/carer. You can find this if you break them down into lots of individual steps. at scouts.org.uk/conversationframework.

Empathy and patience are very important. People often You can also download visual stories about what to expect assume that the people with autism are the ones who lack from Scouting during key moments like the Grand Howl from empathy. It’s true that autism can make it more difﬁcult to scouts.org.uk/autism and at scouts.org.uk/visualresources.

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P+@:à 0àH& @ÚòÃ¡òÊĘ} ę¶ě}PÊòtø}RÒčÒ' Advice and Activities Getting personal

The Personal Challenge Award encourages young people to reach their full potential. For leaders who ﬁnd supporting this particular badge a little tricky, here are some volunteer tips from across the Movement

Words: Jacqueline Landey

The Personal Challenge Award is a way sports, school or Scouts – but they that ‘they spent the evening building for Scouts to tackle something that’s must be challenges that are personal their dens and then the challenge was holding them back or stifling their to them, so that young people can to sleep out in them.’ According to growth. Whether it’s avoiding take full ownership. Anne they loved it, and they raised practising for a music exam, learning quite a bit for STC as well. how to swim, or speaking in public, Overcoming challenges we all have hurdles to overcome. can change lives To help you support your young The things we fear prevent us from The Personal Challenge Award is people to achieve their award, here’s reaching our full potential, which is the positively challenging and growing some useful guidance from other very opposite of Scouting’s purpose. young people across the Movement. volunteers – from useful methods to One mum, Jenny Davis, said her inspiring examples. With the Personal Challenge Award 10-year-old Cub ‘does the you can support young people to remembrance parade every year but Tips and ideas overcome a challenge they’re doesn’t stay. This year, his challenge ■ Timing counts. Encourage young struggling with. As the award requires was to stay throughout the wreath people to tackle the award once the young person to overcome two laying and speeches.’ She explains that they’re settled into the section and challenges – one they have set and because ‘he has ADHD, this is you’ve got to know them a bit another a leader sets for them – the extremely challenging for him.’ better, to give you both a chance to badge is a perfect opportunity to learn identify what to work on. more about the young people in your Carol Blyth says her son was nine ■ Use positive phrasing. Instead of section as individuals. By chatting to when he joined swimming club and his asking what they’re good at or not them about what they’d like to challenge was to swim in a good at, you could ask what they improve, you’ll be in a better position competition and dive off the blocks: ‘It can improve on or what they’d like to empathise with their struggles, and took him nearly six months to achieve to get better at. After all, the share in the joy of achievement as they but he was delighted when he did it!’ challenge is not only about overcome them. developing new skills but also Anna L K Whitt says her son had to furthering skills they already have. How do young people earn keep his bedroom tidy for three ■ Encourage them ‘to think of the award? months for his leader challenge, while something that will really change Young people must complete two he chose to cycle the length of the their lives and set them a time scale personal challenges, agreed upon with South Downs Way for his own. ‘He to plan and achieve,’ as volunteer their leader. The challenges should be found the first part a lot harder than Matt Austin suggests. This year, his things they find difficult but that they the second,’ she says. section was challenged to support can overcome with commitment. its charity Candlelighters, working Volunteer Anne Addison said their Cub with mental health charity Mind. The challenges can relate to any part Pack took part in the Save the Children ■ Although the Personal Challenge of the young person’s life – home, (STC) National Den Day. She explains Award is about young people

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choosing a challenge for One Beaver Leader shares an Challenge ideas from volunteers themselves, younger sections might example method: ■ Build a dustbin oven as part of their benefit from some parental input. 1. In one section meeting, set up Scouts Team Leader Challenge Rachel Betteridge says they ask activity bases that are linked to Award. Avril Williams Moir parents about ‘things that may different badges, one of these focusing ■ Refurbish a bike. Help at Beavers. Do benefit at home or things they on the Personal Challenge. homework when it’s set, rather than would like their children to develop.’ 2. In groups of up to six, ask the young when it is due. Devise and monitor a This input should come out of a people to rotate around these bases. cat-feeding rota. Anna Collins discussion between the parents/ The Personal Challenge base should ■ Give up Xbox for a month to play carers and their children. Dialogue feature pictures of example challenges outside more, try a rollercoaster for the with the young person is key. to inspire young people to come up first time, reach a goal at rookie ■ Link their challenge to their Promise with a challenge of their own. lifeguards, try a sleepover. Ellie Hajdasz and make a good-deed jar each, as 3. Discuss the importance of challenges ■ Play trumpet every day for two Beaver Leader Sara Price suggests. with the young people, eg how they months up to exams. Lisa Lawson They could ‘take their jar home and feel when they overcome a challenge. ■ Sleep in a hammock for a night. try to do something kind, helpful or 4. Encourage them to draw their Rachel Parkes do their best every day and each challenges. ■ Complete seven acts of random time put a pasta shape or 5. Discuss how to make those kindness within seven weeks. something similar and see how it challenges achievable and meaningful. Michael Lashbrooke fills up over the next few weeks.’ For instance, she said that one Beaver ■ Rachel Cook was inspired by wanted to be a superhero, so they Find out more SMART plans in supporting her discussed the qualities of a superhero, Take a look at scouts.org.uk/ Cubs to come up with their eg being kind – and so, they agreed on personalchallengeaward where you’ll challenges, getting them to think of a challenge based on that. find an example programme for the something both achievable and 6. Chart everyone’s challenges on a Personal Challenge Award from 2nd realistic. spreadsheet to keep track. Southampton Scout Troop.

73 Advice and Activities

Walk this way If you’re feeling inspired by our walks feature on page 46, getting young people into the fresh air is the natural next step. Here are some tips and resources to get you going

Words: Jacqueline Landey

When it comes to walking in Scouting, Scout Expedition Challenge Award. conditions, the height of the route and don’t be put off by the prospect of This is not to say a walk requires no the distance from assistance. permits; walks in Terrain Zero territory preparation at all. A prepared walker If you’re new to organising walking don’t require a permit. Full deﬁnitions is a happy walker. To support you activities, it’s best to begin with Terrain of Terrain Zero, Terrain One and Terrain and your young people trekking Zero expeditions, as there are plenty of Two are in Chapter 9 of The Scout through the great outdoors, we’ve routes accessible to all sections and Association’s Policy Organisation gathered some links to useful abilities and you won’t require a and Rules (POR), available online at resources and guidance. permit. Despite not needing a permit, scouts.org.uk/por. activity leaders should have the skills Permits and knowledge to complete the That means you can get your young Something to consider is whether or necessary risk assessments and activity people reaping the beneﬁts in next to not you need a permit. Generally, as plans. Take a look at the Terrain Zero no time – while supporting them to long as the terrain isn’t too steep or Activities factsheet at scouts.org.uk/ work towards badges. A good walk challenging and help is within easy terrainzeroactivities for more support. can contribute to the Scout/Explorer reach, you shouldn’t require a permit. Hill Walker Activity Badge, Hikes Away For more challenging terrain, however, More practised leaders, who are after Staged Activity Badge, My/Our a permit will be needed. There are more of a challenge for their young Adventure Challenge Award, or for various levels of hillwalking permits, people, can choose a route that falls those doing a walking expedition, the determined by factors such as weather into Terrain One or Terrain Two.

74 Advice and Activities

Walking with young people in these ■ Ensure appropriate supervision and ■ a map and a compass/GPS terrains will require a permit. If you’re support will be available for the ■ water unsure of how to classify the terrain, duration of the walk. ■ snacks get advice from your Assistant District/ ■ Make sure Scouting’s adult-to- ■ sunblock and sun hat County Commissioner (Activities) (or young-person ratios are adhered to ■ a first-aid kit equivalent) or a hillwalking adviser. as specified in Chapter 3 of POR. ■ rain gear ■ Brief your section: make sure they First-aid requirements know what to wear, what to bring Find accessible routes For Terrain Zero and Terrain One and where they’re going. Ensure all young people, regardless routes, you’ll simply need a standard ■ Make sure you have an InTouch of their ability, have access to the first response certificate. However, process in place – scouts.org.uk/ joys of the outdoors by choosing Terrain Two routes require a full intouch. accessible routes. For those with first-aid qualification. ■ Have a safety plan in case of limited walking ability and wheelchair emergency. users, take a look at how to hire What to do before setting of equipment such as all-terrain ■ Plan your route. An example route What to bring: the bare essentials wheelchairs and find out where to go plan is available at scouts.org.uk/ Your equipment requirements will for accessible paths with this guidance expeditionchallenge. naturally depend on the length and from National Parks: scouts.org.uk/ ■ Be sure to leave a copy with a climate of your particular walk. nationalparksaccess. responsible local member who is not You could use the Scout Expedition participating in the walk. Challenge Award kit list as a guide. Support young people on their way ■ Ensure the activity is suitable for the But even the simplest walk with your to gaining top awards age and ability of all participants. young people will require these Taking part and planning for a good ■ Complete a risk assessment essentials: walk, hike or expedition can contribute using the guidance online at ■ good walking shoes/boots or to several top awards, such as the scouts.org.uk/riskassessment. sturdy trainers Chief Scout’s Bronze/Silver/Gold/ Platinum/Diamond Award, the Queen Scout’s Award and DofE.

For the Scout section, Scouts can complete an expedition for their Expedition Challenge Award. Information and resources are available at scouts.org.uk/expeditionchallenge. Resources include an expedition planner, a menu planner, a kit list and guidance on how to pack a rucksack.

Further support For factsheets, risk assessments, rules, forms and further guidance on hillwalking in Scouting, visit scouts.org.uk/a-z.

Or contact your Assistant District/ County Commissioner (Activities) (or equivalent) or your local hillwalking adviser.

75 Advice and Activities A feast for all* Cooking for young people with dietary requirements can be daunting, but it needn’t be so. Here are three campﬁre favourites, adapted to suit each and every Scout

Words: Aimee-Lee Abraham | Polymer clay miniatures: Maive Ferrando | Pictures: Adam Gasson

To start: Campﬁre corn with chilli lime butter

Comforting, crowd-pleasing and easy ■ salt and pepper the corn, and season generously with to prepare, corn on the cob is the ■ water salt and pepper. perfect campsite snack. If you swap ■ a squeeze of lime (optional) 3. Place the corn on a double layer of your usual butter topping for a ■ chilli ﬂakes, to taste tinfoil and sprinkle it with water. dairy-free spread, it’s also naturally 4. Tightly wrap the foil into a sealed free of common allergens. Method parcel shape. 1. Prepare the corn by cutting the 5. Place directly on the campﬁre for You will need (serves 15): tops and bottoms off, and removing 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. ■ 15 fresh corn on the cob the outer leaves. 6. Once cooked, add a squeeze of ■ 600g dairy-free butter 2. Spread some dairy-free butter on lime and a sprinkle of chilli. Ta dah!

*All recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, celery-free, nut-free, vegan, halal and kosher.

76 Advice and Activities

The main event: Chocolate chilli

It may seem like a strange To sprinkle on top (optional): Method: combination, but a few squares of ■ Chopped coriander 1. Heat the oil over a medium heat. dark chocolate can transform a bland ■ Chopped spring onion 2. Add the onion, garlic and red bean chilli. This spicy sweet potato ■ Grated cheese* (dairy-free vegan pepper. Fry until soft. version is perfect for warming up after cheese is available in all major 3. Add the chilli ﬂakes, cumin and an icy cold hike. supermarkets) cinnamon. Stir until combined. ■ Sliced avocado 4. Add the chopped tomatoes, kidney You will need (serves 15): beans, and the cubes of sweet potato. ■ 9tbsp oil You could serve this with: Season with salt. ■ 4 large onions, chopped ■ Boiled rice 5. Bring to the boil before stirring in ■ 3 cloves garlic, minced ■ Jacket potatoes the squares of dark chocolate. ■ 4 red peppers, chopped ■ Boiled potatoes 6. Reduce the heat and cover the pot. ■ 4tsp chilli ﬂakes ■ Tortilla chips (check to ensure Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring ■ 2tsp cumin allergen-free; some brands contain occasionally. Add some extra water ■ 2tsp cinnamon dairy and gluten) if needed. ■ 4 cans chopped tomatoes ■ An allergen-free bread wrap (corn 7. Allow to cool a little before dishing ■ 4 cans kidney beans, drained bread wraps are available in the up. Serve your chocolate chilli with ■ 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut free-from section of all major your chosen side dish and sprinkle into cubes supermarkets, and are usually your favourite toppings over the top ■ 2tsp salt allergen-free) to keep hunger at bay. ■ 8 squares of dark chocolate* (most dark chocolate is vegan and nut-free, but always check the label)

77 Advice and Activities

TOP TIP: Whether you’re making this free-from feast or the coconut porridge recipe on page 79, get your section in on the expedition cooking action and help them work towards some badges.

For dessert: Bonﬁre banana boats

This classic camp recipe is zero-fuss, Method: A note on allergens zero-mess and totally delicious. To 1. Slice the bananas lengthways – Please double check the recipes and make it suitable for all, just swap your leaving their skins intact. ingredients listed here for any allergens usual milk chocolate ﬁlling for a 2. Cut a few horizontal slits into the and always consult with your young dairy-free version. bananas, without slicing all the way people and their parents/guardians through. before cooking with your Group or You will need (serves 15): 3. Fill the gaps with some squares of section, in case there are any allergies ■ 15 bananas dairy-free dark chocolate. We you are unaware of. You should be ■ 30 squares of dairy-free dark recommend two-to-three squares of especially careful when dealing with chocolate (plus extra for the chocolate per head. any severe allergies within the Group. chocaholics!) 4. Wrap the banana in foil and place it In extreme cases, cross contamination into hot embers for 10-or-so minutes. can be just as harmful as consumption 5. Await the results, carefully checking itself. Additional advice is available at the foil regularly to avoid burning. scouts.org.uk/allergies. 6. Eat when the skins have blackened and the chocolate has melted.

78 Advice and Activities

This activity Beavers | Cubs | Scouts contributes to the following badges: Try expedition cooking Even after the hearty free-from evening meal on page 76, tummies will be rumbling Cub Our Outdoors by sunrise, so get your section cooking up a storm with this coconut porridge Challenge Award Time 60 minutes

Equipment ■ campﬁre, camping stove, Scout Outdoor eg Trangia Challenge Award ■ large pan or billy pot ■ bowls and spoons

Ingredients (serves 4, so multiply quantities as necessary) Scout Expedition ■ 160g gluten-free rolled oats Challenge Award ■ 440ml water ■ 400ml coconut milk The activity could ■ 1tsp vanilla essence also help towards: ■ 2tbsp maple syrup ■ pinch of salt ■ berries, desiccated coconut among themselves, with a team washing fruit or chopping nuts. or chopped nuts to serve in charge of prepping, another Once all the liquid has been

Beaver Cook in charge of cooking and absorbed and the oats are Activity Badge Instructions another in charge of clear-up. cooked, the cooking team can Set up your cooking station The prep team should calculate serve the porridge and allow 1 with one clean area for prep the quantities needed before people to choose their and easy access to your weighing out all the ingredients toppings. A squeeze of maple camping stove. For guidance on and packing them up. When on syrup with blueberries and Cub Chef how to use a gas camping stove camp, they then supply the sprinkle of desiccated coconut Activity Badge safely, head to the ‘Camping cooking team with the will set them up for the day! and Practical Skills’ section of ingredients they need at the scouts.org.uk/safety. right time. The cooking team After everyone has ﬁnished, should put the oats, water, 5 the clear-up team can Help your section ensure coconut milk and vanilla collect, wash and dry all the Scout Chef their cooking space is kept essence into the pan. The cooking equipment and store Activity Badge 2 clean at all times and that porridge should then cook on a them away safely. hands are washed before medium heat until all the liquid handling food. For guidance on has been absorbed. For smaller Take it further Thought about camp food safety, head to the quantities, this should take Why not try cooking this on a peer leadership? ‘Camping and Practical Skills’ around 5-7 minutes but may campﬁre at your camp or Divide your section section of scouts.org.uk/safety. take longer for larger amounts. sleepover? Before arranging into Lodges, Sixes or Patrols and let such an event – head to scouts. the Patrol Leaders Prior to the camp, help your Meanwhile, the prep team org.uk/nightsaway for more take charge. 3 section divide up duties 4 can work on the toppings, information.

79 Advice and Activities

This activity Beavers | Cubs | Scouts | Explorers | Network contributes to the following badges: Make friendship

Beaver Creative Activity Badge bracelets World Friendship Day, 30 July Create these paracord bracelets with your section and encourage them to give one to someone special in honour of World Friendship Day Cub Our Skills Challenge Award Time 30 minutes

Equipment (per bracelet) ■ 70cm paracord 550 x 1 Scout Craft ■ 40cm paracord 550 x 5 Activity Badge ■ scissors ■ lighter or matches The activity could ■ 30cm gutted paracord also help towards: Instructions

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Explorer Fundraising Activity Badge

When selecting their Tie the ends together using Next, your young people 1 paracord for these friendship 2the long cord to create a 3 should take the three colour bracelets, your section ideally stopper knot by looping it pairings of cords and plait them wants a range of three colours around the gathered cords over each other until the from which to choose. The twice before pulling the excess bracelet is the desired length. Explorer Scout longer length and one of the through the loops. Leave 15cm To plait, separate out the three Young Leaders 40cm lengths should be the excess of the long cord on the pairs of cord. Bring the left pair Your Young same colour, while the other other side of the knot and don’t over the central pair before Leaders could four 40cm lengths should be in pull it too tightly. Arrange the bringing the right pair over the lead this activity two different shades. Your ﬁve shorter cords so that the new central pair. Keep taking it to work towards their mission 2 of young people should start by cords of the same colour are in turns to plait the left and the Young Leaders’ gathering the ﬁve 40cm lengths adjacent to each other before right over the constantly Scheme. so the ends line up. pulling the stopper knot tightly. changing central pair of cords.

80 Advice and Activities

Step 4 Step 5 Step 6

They should now hold the end of Using a sharp pair of scissors, they At this point, your young people 4 the plait between their thumb and 5 can now carefully snip the ends of 6 can simply knot the ends of the foreﬁnger while they bring the end of the ﬁve shorter cords, making sure excess cord and tie the bracelet around the longer cord out and loop it around they don’t cut the long cord. Under their wrists. Alternatively, they can add the bottom twice and pulling the your supervision, they should singe an adjustable sliding knot to their excess through the loops to create these ends using a match or lighter to bracelets using a 30cm piece of gutted another stopper knot and pulling it as prevent fraying. They should now have paracord (paracord that has had its tightly as they can. the plaited paracord survival bracelet central strands removed, available to with a length of excess cord protruding buy online). from each end.

Step 7 Step 8

Taking the two knotted excess Take the left-hand piece and bring Take it further 7 lengths of the bracelet, your young 8 it across the gathered lengths but Encourage your section to make as people should lay one over the other under the right-hand piece. The many of these bracelets as possible and loosely gather the gutted paracord right-hand piece then comes across to and sell them to raise funds for charity. around their middle. They can then the left but going underneath the While they’re making them, discuss the begin as if they were tying a standard gathered lengths. Bring this piece up ways in which you can make new overhand knot, crossing the left and through the loop created on the friends through Scouting. You could right-hand strands over each other, but left-hand side and pull both ends to even invite an Explorer Scout or Scout instead of poking the new right-hand tighten the knot. Repeat this, starting Network member who visited a World length up through the loop, they with the right-hand piece and continue Scout Jamboree or other international should take it behind the gathered a couple more times until you have a camp to speak to your young people lengths and draw it back through the substantial knot. Snip and singe the about meeting new people from loop towards them. ends of the sliding knot and voila! faraway places.

81 Advice and Activities

This activity Beavers | Cubs contributes to the following badges: Stitch a sock snake National Lost Sock Day, 9 May Break out your sewing kit and put Beaver Creative odd socks to good use Activity Badge

Time 90 minutes + Using a running stitch or a back so that any patterns are on 3 backstitch (find detailed the outside and the stitching is Equipment instructions online), help your hidden within. Add buttons to Cub Our Skills ■ clean odd socks section stitch the ends of two the head to act as eyes. Challenge Award ■ sharp scissors sock pieces together around the ■ sewing needles openings, making sure they Ask a young person to sew The activity could ■ cotton thread don’t accidentally sew them 6 the end into a point. Now also help towards: ■ fabric glue (optional) shut. If using patterned socks, it’s time for everyone to admire ■ red ribbon turn them inside out to sew their handiwork and give the ■ stuffing such as newspaper, them together. If your section sock snake a name. Why not call unwanted bubble wrapping struggles with sewing, use fabric it Kaa and use it as a chance to Beaver Book Reader or wadding glue instead. explore the history of Cubs and Activity Badge ■ buttons x 2 its connection to Rudyard Give individual young Kipling’s The Jungle Book? Instructions 4 people small sections of A couple of weeks before the sock snake to work on, then Take it further Cub Book Reader 1meeting, ask your young help them attach the sections You could suggest to your Activity Badge people to collect as many odd together to form one length of section that they read The socks as possible – it doesn’t snake. Decide which sock your Jungle Book to find out who matter what colour they are or group would like to act as the Kaa is. Encourage them to keep whether they have holes in the head, as the end of this will need adding to their sock snake over toes. At the meeting, put all the sewing up. You can even add a the term to see how long it can socks into a pile and, as a group, forked tongue made of ribbon. grow! Can they get it as long select as many socks as you can as Medusa, the longest-ever that are roughly the same width. Once all the longer sections snake living in captivity, Put the rejects to one side – you 5 are sewn together and you according to Guinness World may be able to use them to have your full-length snake, Records, who measures make a second narrower or work together to turn the snake a whopping 7.67 metres? wider snake sock.

Ask the young people to cut 2 the socks into four-inch sections, removing the toe and Thought about the heel. Longer socks will peer leadership? provide a second stretch of Encourage peer fabric between the heel and the leaders to take elasticated cuff at the top. responsibility for Recycle the offcuts or repurpose their Lodge or Six in this short and them into sweatbands or simple activity. scrunchies.

82 Advice and Activities

This activity Beavers | Cubs | Scouts | Explorers | Network contributes to the following badges: Celebrate Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Fitr, 14-15 June Organise a celebration to mark the end of Ramadan to help Beaver My World young people explore the differences and similarities in faiths and beliefs Challenge Award

Time 90 minutes (plus planning and prep over the course of several months) Cub International Activity Badge Equipment ■ a tablet or laptop ■ a venue ■ decorations Cub My Faith ■ traditional foods Activity Badge

Instructions Begin by gathering your 1 section and talking about Cub World Faiths Eid al-Fitr, which is a day of As a group, identify what community for advice and Activity Badge celebration that marks the end 3 roles you might need to extend an invitation to the of Ramadan (a month-long fast) make this event a success, such event while you’re there? within the Islamic faith and a as someone in charge of Appeal to everyone within the time for feasting, prayer and advertising the event (eg, ﬂiers, section to contribute a dish. Cub Our World rejoicing. Are there young posters, social media Challenge Award Muslims in your section? How shout-outs, website updates, On the day of the event, do they celebrate this holiday local radio mentions) and 5 everyone should be dressed and what would they like to see someone in charge of in their best clothes. Make sure at this event? Discuss that refreshments, music, that everyone in your section Scouting is a worldwide decorations or budget. Divide knows what their duties are. Scout World Faiths Activity Badge movement made up of these roles up between the Everyone attending the event members of all faiths and young people and appoint should be welcomed with the beliefs, and it’s important that team leaders for each aspect. greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ (which we celebrate this diversity. means ‘blessed celebration’ or Conﬁrm the details of your simply ‘happy Eid’) and invited Scout World Discuss with your section 4 event, such as date and to eat, chat and celebrate. Challenge Award 2 how they would like to location, and let your celebrate Eid, for example, by advertising team start Take it further organising a community event. promoting the celebrations. Why not contact your local What might they need to Your refreshments team can mosque and arrange a time for consider? Who would come? begin researching what types you and your section to visit? Queen’s Scout What refreshments would you of food and drink are popular Is there scope for you and your Award, Chief offer? Giving to charity is a during Eid. There’s lots of local Islamic community to Scout’s Diamond Award, Chief pillar of Islam so it could be a information to be found online, work together on a local Scout’s Platinum great opportunity to raise funds or why not approach someone project? Could you collaborate Award (ICV list) for a good cause too. from the local Islamic on this event?

83 Advice and Activities

This activity Beavers | Cubs | Scouts contributes to the following badges: Play a DIY relay race Planning a hike? Warm your section up to the challenge with this Navigator fun obstacle course to practise your navigation skills Staged Activity Badge Time 30 minutes course needs to be big enough course and that they’re going to (plus prep time) for two players to navigate at be taking part in a relay race the same time, with two distinct and that they need to work as a Equipment sides. You can include cones for team to plot a route through the Beaver Health ■ paper and pens young people to zig-zag around, course. Each person can only and Fitness ■ course obstacles such as tunnels to crawl through, hoops take their turn when the Activity Badge cones, bean bags, chairs, to hop in and out of… You previous player runs back to the hoops, buckets, etc could even include challenges beginning and taps their hand. The activity could map of the space along the way, such as needing also help towards: ■ ■ masking tape, chalk or similar to score a hat-trick of goals with Now they’re ready to play! (optional) a ball going into a bucket. 5 The winning team is the ﬁrst to get all its players through the Instructions Once you have a clear idea course and back to the Cub Disability Begin by deciding where of what your obstacle course beginning again. Awareness Activity 3 Badge 1you’re going to hold your is going to feature, you need to obstacle course relay race; you create a map for the young Take it further need a large, uncluttered space, people to follow. You could even Encourage your young people to so a park, sports pitch, or inside apply a grid system to your navigate the course using a your meeting place would do. course and provide the young buddy system, where one young Beaver Disability people with a number of grid person is blindfolded and the Awareness Activity Now, design your obstacle references they need to follow to other guides them through the Badge 2 course. The beauty of this get through to the other side. course using words alone. It’s a activity is that you can make it great trust-building exercise and as challenging as you like, Set up the obstacle course can also spark reﬂective depending on the age and 4 and divide your section into conversations about disabilities, Cub Teamwork ability of your section. The two teams. Explain the obstacle inclusivity and accessibility. Challenge Award

Explorer Scout Young Leaders Young Leaders could run this activity to develop their leadership skills while sharing their navigation skills with others.

84 Advice and Activities

This activity Beavers | Cubs | Scouts contributes to the following badges: Learn to say ‘thank you’ Volunteers’ Week, 1-7 June Explore some of the many ways of giving thanks Beaver Creative Activity Badge Time 60 minutes Thank you Takk skal du ha Equipment ■ large sheets of paper Merci Спасибо Beaver My World ■ colouring pens and pencils Challenge Award ■ craft materials such as glitter, glue, paint, brushes, etc ■ list of ways to say ‘thank you’ in other languages (ﬁnd online) Scout International Activity Badge ■ coats or jumpers obrigado ■ A4 paper The activity could also help towards: Instructions Gather your section and 1explain to them that you’re Gracias Asante going to explore some of the Cub International different ways of saying ‘thank Activity Badge you’ around the world. Give Next, you have two choices: into the centre of the room them some examples of the 3 you can either make a before shouting out ‘merci’ at customs surrounding gratitude, gratitude mural or play the which point the young people eg the Japanese practice of ‘thank-you game’. For the mural, should run to France. Next, you bowing to give thanks, or the get out all of your craft materials can shout ‘grazie’, after which Cub Disability Awareness Activity Chinese custom of giving a gift and ask your section to create a they should run to Italy. Run Badge to show appreciation. Ask your giant piece of artwork around through a list of 10-15 of them young people if they know of giving thanks. Who are they if you can and throw in a few any other ways of conveying most grateful to? Is there lesser-known ones to really gratitude. anyone in the community they challenge them. might like to thank? What might Cub Our World Now explore how to say they include on their mural and Take it further Challenge Award 2 thank you in different where would they display it? Your young people could languages – for instance, do the explore a country in which they young people know the French To play the ‘thank you game’, are interested in more depth for or Spanish words for ‘thank turn your meeting place or local their International Activity you’? How might someone outdoor space into a map of the Badge. Or why not organise an show gratitude using sign world, using cones or international evening where language? And when did the bundled-up jumpers to vaguely everyone can explore a different young people last say thank you represent some of the main country, including their customs, to someone? Why is it countries. Make paper signs to cuisine and crafts? Older important to let people know indicate which country is which, sections could even take the they’re appreciated? then gather the young people lead in organising this event.

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This activity Beavers | Cubs | Scouts contributes to the following badges: Grow an edible garden National Insect Week, 18-24 June Use small-scale planting projects to Beaver Gardener show your section what impact plants have on the world around them Activity Badge

Time 30-45 minutes It’s now up to your young (plus aftercare) 5 people to care for and Cub Gardener monitor these plants. They can Activity Badge Equipment either create a rota, where each ■ old clothes young person takes their turn to ■ large, deep plant pots or be responsible for the whole upcycled planters (find ideas crop, or they can each take care below or online) of their own plant. After the Cub Naturalist ■ soil vegetables have started Activity Badge ■ fruit and vegetable seeds sprouting, the young people can such as carrots, squash, monitor the plants’ progress, as The activity could onions, strawberries, well as the types of insects that also help towards: raspberries, etc gravitate towards them. Is there ■ labels anything living on their plant clothing or to dress in old and if yes, what impact is it Instructions clothes that can get dirty. Fill having on the plant? Scout Naturalist Discuss your planting options your planters with soil, first Activity Badge 1with your section. Ideally you making sure they have drainage Once the plants have want to choose plants that are holes in the bottom. If you don’t 6 reached full maturity, it’s not only edible, but that also have access to deep pots, see time for the harvest. As a require insect pollination to what alternatives your section section, you can pool all of your survive (such as the examples can think up, for instance, are vegetables and cook up listed above), as this will there unwanted tyres that can something together, or each encourage bees and other be stacked, decorated and filled, take them home and share them insects to your edible garden. or old pallets that can be with the family. It’s also a great fashioned into planters? opportunity to discuss Discuss what growing sustainability and organic 2conditions these plants will Once filled with soil, your farming practices. How easy need (eg direct sunlight or a 4 section can follow the were they to grow? What sheltered spot) and where instructions on the back of the impact might pesticides have on around your meeting place you seed packet and sow the seeds the wildlife that lived on or can arrange your planters. You accordingly before watering around these plants? Thought about can find lots of advice online generously with rainwater after peer leadership? about growing conditions for planting. You may want to Take it further Complete this specific plants. position a container outside to Find out what steps you would activity as a Lodge, collect rainwater for drier need to take in order to adopt a Six or Troop and each take on a Head outside to begin patches of weather. Everyone local piece of land and work particular vegetable 3 planting! Encourage your should label their plants so with your young people to plan to grow. young people to wear protective there’s no confusion. a larger-scale planting project?

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This activity Beavers | Cubs | Scouts | Explorers contributes to the following badges: Go on an incident hike Worried your section doesn’t know what to do in an emergency?

Emergency Aid This hike will get them back on track Staged Activity Badge observe each team and prompt them if they get stuck.

After the ﬁrst incident, continue along your route Cub Our Outdoor 4 until the next rest stop. This Challenge Award time, they might ﬁnd themselves lost without a map or a compass – how should they proceed?

Scout Outdoor Continue through your hike, Challenge Award 5 regularly stopping to act out Time 60-90 minutes permits. Head to scouts.org.uk/ these emergency scenarios, terrainzeroactivities for the using it as an opportunity to Equipment Terrain Zero Activities Factsheet advise them on the best courses ■ weather-appropriate hiking or to scouts.org.uk/a-z for more of action. Other scenarios might Scout Expedition gear information about hillwalking, include a young person Challenge Award ■ backpacks containing hikes and terrain definitions. becoming dehydrated and essentials such as water, food, fainting, an accident where the sunscreen, etc Ensure you have sufficient emergency services would be ■ maps 2 adult support for the hike. needed, or a closed road or ■ compasses (optional) It’s a good idea to see if pathway that would require ■ GPS (optional) parents/carers can join this re-routing the hike. ■ mobile phones activity, particularly for the ■ first-aid kits Beaver and Cub sections. Take it further For younger sections, try Instructions Embark on your hike, re-enacting these scenarios in First, plan your hike: this 3 encouraging the young the Scout meeting place or at a 1could take place in a city, people to navigate their own nearby outdoor space. What town or village, along a way, and at the first rest stop would they do in this situation waterway or a popular footpath, divide the group into small and what other things might or in a nearby green space. teams and give each one a they need to consider, eg Explorer Scout Choose a route that is suitable first-aid kit. Explain that one weather, terrain, etc? Older Young Leaders for the age and ability of your person in each team has sections can tackle this Young Leaders section. Make sure there are stumbled and twisted their challenge while they’re on could plan and run plenty of rest stops along the ankle. The remaining team camp. What additional one of the incident way as this is where you will members must respond in a precautions might they need to activities as part of mission 2 of the stage your incidents. If you plan calm, safe and responsible take if they were doing their Young Leaders’ a route that is in Terrain Zero, manner. What should they do Queen’s Scout Award or Duke Scheme. you won’t need additional first? The adult volunteers can of Edinburgh’s Award?

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This activity Beavers | Cubs contributes to the following badges: Try lip-reading

Beaver Deaf Awareness Week, 15-21 May Invite your young people to step into Disability the shoes of the hearing impaired with this simple activity Awareness Activity Badge Time 30 minutes from the experience? As the behave next time they person asking questions, how encounter someone with Equipment difficult was it to make hearing loss? You can download ■ lists of questions (two themselves understood? What or print off the deaf-friendly Cub Disability different sets) approach did they find worked Scouting resource at scouts.org. Awareness ■ ear plugs and ear defenders best and what didn’t work at uk/deaffriendlyscouting for Activity Badge – one set of each per pair all? And how did it feel being guidance. unable to hear? What was it like Instructions when people shouted, Take it further You are going to give each over-enunciated or gesticulated? Does anyone in your section 1member of your section a Was there anything that helped know a deaf person? Could Community taste of what it might be like to them to better understand what they come along to one of your Impact Staged be hearing impaired in an was being said? meetings to meet and talk to Activity Badge attempt to spark discussion and your section? Those of you who encourage understanding. Now explain to them that have chosen disability as your A Firstly, divide your section into 4 around 11 million people in Million Hands issue can also use pairs and give one person in the UK are hearing impaired and this as a supporting activity in each pair a set of ear plugs and that hearing loss affects people the build-up to the A Million ear defenders. It’s important to of all ages and backgrounds. Hands Big Moment in March have both so as to cancel out as What can be done to make life and April. much noise as possible. easier for the hearing impaired and how will your young people Ask one person from each 2 pair to wear the earplugs and ear defenders. Give the other team member the first set of questions and ask them to start a conversation with their partner. Allow this to continue for 10 minutes or so before asking the pair to switch. This time, give the speaker a second set of questions so there can be no cheating.

After another 10 minutes 3 has passed, stop the activity and bring everyone back together. What did they learn

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This activity Cubs | Scouts | Explorers | Network contributes to the following badges: Take a picture World Photo Day, 19 August Give your young people a good reason to Digital Citizen take selﬁes – invite them to start a self-portrait project Staged Activity Badge Time 60-90 minutes (over a number of weeks)

Equipment Beaver ■ tablet or laptop Photographer ■ smartphone or digital camera Activity Badge Instructions Firstly, talk to your young 1people about selfies. What are they, why do people take Cub Photographer them and how do they make Activity Badge people feel about themselves? Are they positive and empowering or can they have a negative impact? How can we Scout make sure that selfies aren’t Photographer affecting our mental health? Activity Badge For support and guidance around emotional wellbeing, and original self-portraits of their portraits to showcase the The activity could also help towards: head to scouts.org.uk/ themselves using a smartphone project to parents and carers? emotionalwellbeing and or camera. None of the images remember to follow the Yellow should be digitally retouched or Take it further Card at all times. For guidance have filters applied, but the Older sections could post around photography and young people can play around images of their exhibition or the Community sharing images, head to scouts. with lighting, backdrops, angles, selfies themselves to their Impact Staged org.uk/recordingatevents. motion and props to create Group’s social media site (with Activity Badge something truly unique. Their the permission of all the Next, show them some self-portrait can include other participants – for further 2 examples of self-portraits people if they wish and could information about online safety, throughout the ages – the even tie into Scout Scarf Day on head to scouts.org.uk/ original selfies! Examples could 1 August. digitalskills). If you’ve chosen Scout Creative Challenge Award include Van Gogh’s Self Portrait, mental health and wellbeing as Salvador Dali’s Soft Self-Portrait Encourage everyone to your A Million Hands issue, with Grilled Bacon, or any one 4 share their selifies with the there’s still time to use this of Frieda Kahlo’s 55 rest of the section. What did activity as a part of your project. self-portraits. they learn during this project There are resources to support

Explorer and how do they feel about the you, created by our charity Creative Arts Challenge your young outcome? How would they feel partner Mind, available online at Activity Badge 3 people to take interesting about creating an exhibition of amillionhands.org.uk.

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POLO SHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS, HOODIES & T-SHIRTS • Embroidered or printed with your own design NECKERS - PLAIN, BORDERED • Embroidered or printed & Special Event CUSTOM MADE BADGES NEW PRODUCT • Woven & Embroidered Embroidered Woggles ZZZWROOH\EDGJHVFRXN7HO www.stitchmonkey.co.uk FREE DESIGN (PDLOLQIR#WROOH\EDGJHVFRXN [email protected] isit our website

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SUPPLIERS To advertise here, please contact Jamie Bolton on BADGES 0117 314 7356 or !" # $ %&EMBROIDERED email jamie.bolton@ in up to 9 vibrant colours of immediate.co.uk your choice and delivered in time for your event - that’s Guaranteed * * * * SUPPLIERS Send for Info Pack today * * * * * - Over 240 Thread Colours -

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97 Do you have a story about how you how about have you Do astory ’ ve used your necker to save the day? necker your the to save ve used Email us at [email protected] .

Illustration: Lizzy Stewart.

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