Australia Venturer Publication Edition 1 May 2009 Issue

Queen’s Scouts April 2009 with NSW Chief Commissioner, Mr Grant De Fries; Her Excellency, Governor of NSW and Chief Scout, Professor Marie Bashir AO CVO; and NSW State Commissioner Venturers, Mr Charles Watson OAM. See Page 2 for a full list of Queen’s Scouts.

In Look Wide this edition

Queen’s Scout Listing ...... page 2 Chief Commissioner ...... page 3

1st Hawthorn () ...... page 4 2nd North Coast Gathering ...... page 5

Lones ...... page 6 Australian Venture ...... page 7

NW Mediaeval Report ...... page 8 Editorial contact ...... page 10 Congratulations to Queen’s Scouts

Mitchell Woolfenden ...... 1st Blaxland Venturers

Jessica Noldus ...... Collaroy Plateau/Narrabeen Venturers

Andrew Booth ...... 1st Collaroy Plateau Venturers

Arend Priebee ...... 1st Collaroy Plateau Venturers

Andrew Grinter...... 1st Engadine Venturers

Rebekah Abood...... Ettamogah Venturers

Amanda d’Alpuget...... 2nd Gymea (St Catherines) Venturers

Christopher Gantert...... 1st Hurstville Venturers

Michael Lee ...... 1st Hurstville Venturers

Morgan White ...... 1st Kentlyn Venturers

April Jewell...... 1st Mudgee Venturers

Carla Gates ...... North St Ives Venturers

Carl Gillmore ...... North St Ives Venturers

William Williams ...... North St Ives Venturers

James Lynch ...... 1st Oatley Bay Venturers

William Rusbatch...... 1st Oatley Bay Venturers

Kate Smellie...... 1st Oatley Bay Venturers

Felicity Shonk ...... 1st Seaforth Venturers

Stuart Wheatley ...... 1st Turramurra Venturers

Claire Hodge ...... 1st Waitara Venturers

Lachlan McIntosh ...... 1st Waitara Venturers

Kayla Outhred ...... 1st Wangi Venturers

Elizabeth Melville ...... 1st Wearne Bay Venturers

Glenn Rodgers...... Yanco Agricultural ...... High School Venturers

Page 2 LOOK WIDE » EDITION 1 » MAY 2009 Hi Everyone,

I hope those of you who had the opportunity to be among more than 1000 Members involved in Escape in Fairbridge, WA in January had the absolute time of your life. I am sure that you formed many great friendships that will extend for a long time to come, and were great representatives of your Section. From all reports, Scott Sargent, along with his team put a lot of hard work into ensuring the event ran smoothly, so a big congratulations to them all.

To those who weren’t able to make it to Escape, I hope that you can take your friends’ stories on board, whetting your appetite for your chance next time.

Whilst at Escape, I am sure that many of you undertook physical tasks that you found challenging, but also rewarding and fulfilling. It is this determination, maturity and discipline to complete difficult tasks and feel the exhilaration of success that is an important part of being a Venturer Scout.

In addition to your physical pursuits, I know that many of you take part in community service on a regular basis – something which was also a component of the Venture. It is great to see the way Scouting has developed this willingness to contribute to society, and as you become stronger and more confident in your leadership, I urge you to maintain this.

Following on from Escape, there are still many exciting activities in the year ahead starting with Dragon Skin over Easter.

I wish you all the best for a wonderful year ahead.

See you along the scouting trail.

Grant De Fries Chief Commissioner NSW

LOOK WIDE » EDITION 1 » MAY 2009 Page 3 AUSTRALIANS SCOUTING WIDE ! ! 1st Hawthorn Venturer Unit’s Fiji Service Project

June 2008: members of the 1st Hawthorn (Vic) This feeling was contagious amongst us, and the Venturer Unit flew to Fiji, after 18 months fundraising village became for us another home, our extended and numerous barbeques. We arrived in Fiji to a warm family. welcome, huge smiles and a ‘Salu Salu’ (Fijian floral The playground was finished as planned on the tenth necklace) for all Leaders and Venturers. First a quick day, when we checked the last lashings, and watched stop into a local store to buy supplies and we were on the children play on it: smiling the whole time. The the road heading south to Navutulevu; the coastal satisfaction that I felt at this moment is hard to express; village where we were to spend the 10 nights. but I know that all Venturers shared that same feeling. The plan was to construct a Kindergarten Adventure We spent a night up river at the village of Namuamua. Playground. Before we could start building we needed We gave the school some hiking equipment that we to select and collect trees from the forest with the help had brought from Australia (thanks – Snowgum!). We of Navutulevu villagers. These trees were to be the also invested Andrew Hopkins and Michael Tham as timber used in construction. Venturers, in front of the whole school. The school students sang and performed for us and we sang for them; not quite as well as the Fijian children! Most of the school students are scouts, so this was a special occasion for us. We were also welcomed into this village that evening with the traditional Sevu Sevu ceremony and drinking of the Kava.

We missed the smiles and constant friendly faces full of continuous excitement, and the activities that we all worked together on, which brought a group feeling. Now detached and self-reserved, we once again walk along the tourist attractions, and then we head to the The local children had no play equipment prior to our airport. arrival. We had detailed plans of what was to be built. The trip brought many memories and experiences, and We planned to build a two metre raised platform (with it should definitely be another future Unit activity. It was a ladder and cargo net), a swing set, seesaw, only possible with the support of a number of local and monkey-bars, balancing steps, chin-up bars and a bike Gippsland businesses and the Scotch Swap Shop. track. The children were an integral part of our project, as they were the reason that the playground was being The planning and organisation of the Service Project built. The kindergarten playground was built to by Michelle Simberg and Robert Evens (with the encourage the young Fijian children to attend and assistance of Phil Schneider) made this possible and therefore start their education at a young age. The ultimately such a success. The Venturers thank them Fijians’ enthusiasm was fantastic; their singing ability for their dedication. Our thanks must also go to the enviable; and their work ethic admirable. The children business and school supporters. They helped make taught us many skills including: climbing a coconut the trip possible and to allow a memorable experience tree; using a machete; and how to cross a reef. not just for us, but for the children and adults of the village of Navutulevu. For me the most memorable part of our service project in Fiji, was that no matter where you went you were Calvin Tan greeted and treated with the utmost friendliness. (Extracted from Interchange Vol 29 No 10 – Editor)

Page 4 LOOK WIDE » EDITION 1 » MAY 2009 2nd North Coast Venturer Gathering by Kimberley Dean 1st Woolgoolga Venturer Unit North Coast Region

White Water Camp

About 40 venturers and leaders from all over the north coast met at the Nymboida Canoe Centre on the 20th of February. Tyre tubes, kayaks, canoes, boogie boards and white water rapids, what could be more fun? It was a fantastic adventure, which was full of laughter and adrenalin. Some of us came away with qualifications, others with the satisfaction of teaching venturers new skills and some of us with just very bruised shins but we all came away with the memory of a fantastic weekend and a lot of new friends.

LOOK WIDE » EDITION 1 » MAY 2009 Page 5 NEW SOUTH LONE SCOUT GROUP SINCE 1915 “We of Royal Blue Scarf”

NSW Lone Group has been around since 1915. We cover all sections of the movement, right from up to the Rover Section. Over the years we have been, in some cases, a “HOLDING” Group for youth members, until their Section [that they intend to go to] gets started, after the Leaders are trained. We also get many transfers into the Group from Sections or Groups that have gone into recess, and we also have youth that are travelling around the world, Australia, at boarding school, parents with work commitments, and want to remain in Scouting or an “Australian Scout” even when overseas. Over the years we have had members in many countries like China, South Africa, Italy, Florence, PNG, Singapore, Thailand, France, Japan, Indonesia, Hawaii and the list goes on. Many of our youth members live on properties, or in small country towns not big enough to start a Group, and Lone Scouting is covered through us. At present there is LONE Scouting covered by New South Wales, , and “OUTREACH” in . are forming a LONE Group in their state, and for example one property, if they join, will have some forty-plus youth members, who are spread over many millions of hectares. Lones mainly do their Scouting via the Internet, CDs, Web Cam, Logs, and through many photos of an event, and use the help of Local people to be their “MENTOR” as the expert in the field of the Badge work that is being covered or attempted by the youth. The Leaders of the Group are also advisers, and send ideas to them to do their work. Sometimes LONES do get together face to face with their Section Leader at events, camps, etc; or they attend Regional, State or National events and are attached to a local Section for the event. It is here that they get a chance to show their skills, or learn new ones on a face to face basis, with regular sectional Leaders and youth. They can have work assessed and passed by these people, and still submit LOGS on what they have done at this event. In any one weekend, we could have up to 4 or 5 youth members at an event or activity around the State or the Country. This usually happens with the Region that the youth lives in, and we advise the appropriate Regional Leader that they have a LONE member in their Region, and could they include them in any mail outs of events, courses, etc that they may be holding for that section. And 95% of this is happening in NSW – which is great for LONES. It is possible for LONES to earn the top awards in Scouting, and in NSW we have had youth members earn: Joey Scout Promise Badges, Yellow Cords, Grey Wolf Awards, many Adventurer Scout Cords; and shortly will have our third “Australian Scout Medallion”. We also have 99 “KING” or “QUEEN” Scouts, also fourteen “BP” awards. There have been a lot more awards for youth, who have done most of their Scouting in Lones – but have finished them in their section in a normal group environment when they transfer back. The Lone Group in NSW has just formed a “LONE SCOUT FELLOWSHIP” which is open to all past members of Lones (Youth or Adult), and who are there to help the Group with visiting youth members they may live near, promoting LONES, helping at events, etc, and the list is growing every day with past members. The Group is holding a “LONE Re-Union and Family Camp” on the June 2009 Long Weekend, at “Bundilla Scout Camp” Winston Hills, and many invites have been sent out. But as usual, we have a lot of members who have moved, and we do not have current addresses – so if you know someone who was a “LONE” Scout, please get in contact with us and we will send you an invite. There is a “NSW Lone Criteria” to join us, and many Regions have a copy. If you’d like a copy, please write to us and we will mail you one. It helps keeps “Scouting” alive for those that have the “Spirit” of Scouting and want to remain in the movement. The current Leaders of the Group are small, but we have a combined 130 years experience in all our sections at present.

Contact Details: JOEYS, CUBS, SCOUTS, VENTURER SCOUTS: Warren Batty, SC for Lones – 21 Flinders Street, Westdale NSW 2340. Tel 02 6760 7430 or [email protected] : Trevor Nickl, 69 Warrew Crescent, Wauchope NSW 2466. Email [email protected]

Page 6 LOOK WIDE » EDITION 1 » MAY 2009 14th Australian Venture Fairbridge, WA – 4th to 15th January

The Venture started on the 4th of January, but I, like We also got the chance to do offsite activities. These about 60 other venturers from NSW, attended the ranged from paintballing and ice skating, to just pre-tour which started on the 29th of December. In going to the movies and going to . The the pre-tour we did many things, mostly sightseeing, organisers of the Venture also had a deal with the but one of the highlights of the pre-tour was climbing WA transit company Transperth, which enabled Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in WA. It was a hell of a Venturers to catch all buses and trains for free, climb in the blistering 40 degree heat of Western meaning we could just go into the city for a day with Australia but it was all worth it for the view at the end. friends.

The summit of Bluff Knoll

The best part of the pre-tour however was making A busload of tired Venturers new friends. Because of the connections we had made on the pre-tour it was always easy to find a The night time entertainment was also fantastic with friendly face once the actual Venture started. local bands playing as well as a DJ on some nights. After the first night’s pool party to start off the One night there was even a hypnotist who amazed Venture, it was time for expeditions to start. the audience by making his victims do stupid things Expeditions are a five-day activity which you get to like talk in alien languages. On the final night they pick yourself. The options ranged from tall ship had the award winning band, End of Fashion, play sailing, SCUBA diving and caving to just laying on which was awesome. the beach and even 4-wheel driving. Everybody The Venture has been the best camp I think I have loved their expeditions, meeting more new people been on in about 10 years of scouting. Some of the and gaining new experiences. friends I have made I know I have made for life, and Once the expeditions were over everybody returned we already have plans to catch up. I feel sorry for all to Fairbridge, where there were many onsite of those Venturers who did not attend, they missed activities such as the high ropes course, waterslide out on so much. The next Venture is in in and occasionally bigger things like life-sized 2012 so to any scouts out there I STRONGLY Foosball. You could even just chill out in the Rover suggest you go! tent which had Nintendo Wii’s, arcade machines and sumo suits. Alex Mundey (1st Albion Park)

LOOK WIDE » EDITION 1 » MAY 2009 Page 7 Medieval Venturer Unit

The Walarmura Venturer Unit of the North West region held a medieval camp on the first weekend in December at Lynchwood Scout Camp. The camp was attended by 23 Venturers, three of whom came up from Hunter & Coastal Region and they were supported by 14 leaders.

The Venturers competed in activities such as Jousting, sword fighting, and archery to name a few. The Saturday night dinner was of a Royal Banquet design and the Venturers got well into the theme by dressing for dinner.

The Walarmura Venturer Unit is a region based Unit. Within the Region we have 25 Venturers with more to come up from Scouts. The region has a couple of Units registered but with small numbers, Venturers may hold dual membership with the Unit and with their home group. Walarmura provides an avenue for the Venturers and Leaders to have a focal point for information and to be able to socialise together.

Cameron Baxter BULLBAR VSL Walarmura Venturer Unit

THE TONY BALTHASAR JAMBOREE FUND has funds available to assist eligible Venturers to attend the 11th New Zealand Venture to be held in Wellington, New Zealand during January 2010 Venturer members who have sufficient funds to pay the deposit and who think they may qualify for assistance from the TBJF should obtain an application kit from the NSW State Office Completed applications must arrive at NSW State Office no later than 5.00 pm on Friday 10th July 2009 WE REGRET THAT LATE APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED Brian Tye, Chairman The Tony Balthasar Jamboree Fund

Page 8 LOOK WIDE » EDITION 1 » MAY 2009 Keep Scouting Dynamic and Accessible

Q . What keeps kids in Scouting? information relevant to any leader working with adolescents.It highlights the strength of our programs but also discusses the A .A great program organised by dynamic leaders. changes in our clientele. e.g. What can you do differently this month to ensure programs • In 2005, 1.9 million Australians were 12-18 years old, which presented to youth members are diverse, surprising, accounted for 9.6% of the Australian population, which was interesting, challenging and fun? No matter what leadership down from 12.7% in 1971. (Australian Bureau of Statistics role you have in Scouting you contribute to the success of the (ABS), Census 2006.) programs presented to our youth members. • Australia has a large and growing number of young people Scouting is a dynamic youth organisation. Personally, I am still from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB). Approximately 24% of the NSW population is from a NESB. a part of Scouting due to the fun, challenges and friendships (ABS, Census 2001.) that got me involved a few years ago as a youth member. • Trends in family formation and dissolution mean that children A highlight for any youth member in Scouting is attendance at today are growing up in a wider variety of family types than a national or international event. For Scouts we have AJ2010 30 years ago. Even so, in 2003, 7 out of 10 children lived in in January next year. Aussie Moot kicks off in 2011 in SA and intact families with their natural parents. About 2 in 10 then the 15th Australian Venture (Wild Dayz) will be in Tassie in children live in a lone parent family and around 1 in 10 in 2012. A new challenge for leaders in Scouting is to ensure our step or blended families. youth members still have the opportunity to participate in these • About 8 out of 10 young people complete Year 12, with half events despite the global recession. It is critical that we work of these going on to higher education. together to fundraise or obtain sponsorship to ensure youth • Much of the literature emphasises that young people are members experience the best that Scouting has to offer. If you developing in a world where changes in communication, have not organised a special parent group to fundraise, then technology, economics, culture, politics, the environment, do it now or contact your local council, Rotary or other service education, and demographics are creating challenges, organisations to find out how they can assist. vulnerabilities and opportunities never previously In tough economic times, Scouting is even more important. experienced. We have a responsibility to support our community. For some • This current generation is more culturally diverse than its youth members Scouting might be the only non-home or predecessors, largely due to the astounding speed of school activity they can attend. It becomes an activity to let off communications and travel. steam and feel good about themselves. Be vigilant about the • Neill (2000) considers that adolescent identity development youth members that quietly disappear from meetings because has traditionally involved culturally-guided rites of passage. the lack of finances is embarrassing for their family. However, in modern Western society, there is a lack of such Additionally, be aware of the divisions that can occur between experiences. He considers adventure-based education such families with an income and the families without a steady as Scouting is an innovative approach to teaching a secure income. Has the behaviour of a youth member changed? Is sense of self, developing personal responsibility and life more tense at home as his/her family tries to meet financial acquiring coping and communication skills. He considers expectations? Should a leader leave because he/she cannot there is a need to facilitate access to such opportunities for afford Scouting? The recession will create new challenges for all adolescents. all of us. It might mean some creative thinking and alternate • Researchers believe that the development of the adolescent programming so that Scouting is still accessible. If we live by is assisted by an increased involvement in responsible, our law and promise we will all ensure that everyone can enjoy task-oriented activities outside the home, which bring him the great game called Scouting. or her into contact with adults other than parents, who can offer a mentoring role. Well done to Peter Blatch and the team that worked hard over the last few years to review the program for the Venturer I look forward to meeting and working with many leaders section. The review was launched at the 14th National Venture around Australia united with the same passion of developing and is now being introduced in each state by Branch Scouting. Commissioners and their teams. When reading a report we John Clarke, often go straight to the outcomes (and skip the detail). For this National Commissioner Youth Program review, there were 7 key recommendations. However, the [email protected] 60-page document also contains a diverse range of useful (Extracted from Interchange Vol 30 No 4 – Editor)

LOOK WIDE » EDITION 1 » MAY 2009 Page 9 Message from Charles Watson, State Commissioner Venturer Scouts Hi all . . . The new Award Scheme was as you know launched at the 14th Australian Venture in January 2009. By now we all should have a fair idea of the changes brought about by the Review of the section in both the Award Scheme and in its administration. If not, it’s there for you in the Venturer Scout Handbook which is for both Venturers and Leaders as well as in the Venturer Scout Record Book. The changes remove some hurdles in approval of awards and makes it quicker and easier to achieve recognition for your work. Don’t forget the Award Scheme is the basis for the Unit programme and needs to be understood. Here’s the message of the day: You Run The Show The ability to take on real responsibilities is the key to becoming an adult. Venturer Scouts take responsibility for running the Unit. They are the managers; making plans, achieving goals and running their own show. By participating in the management of the Unit and being involved in community life, Venturer Scouts develop their own values and gain confidence to take up the challenging issues of today. (Venturer Scout Handbook, December 2008) Regards, Charles.

‘Look Wide’ is a publication by the NEW SOUTH WALES State Venturer Council: The contents are derived from submissions by the Regions, Districts, Venturers and Leaders. The collation of this publication is the responsibility of Mike Bearryman (Editor) who can be contacted on 02 6566 7632 or 02 6524 7902, email [email protected]. Submissions can be made either by email or writing to: Mike Bearryman, ‘Look Wide’, 7a Victor Perry Place, South West Rocks NSW 2431

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