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=,,, @ Council @t : Management & Leadership £0 @ " @ "@ ® @" @ @ " ® tl The Unit Council The Scout Association of Australia expresses its thanks (Management to the Venturer Scout Review Committee for their and Leadership) development of the program. A special thanks to Heather Strtnger, Damien Quick and the Victorian Branch Youth Venturer Scout Council for their input. An Australian preparation and compiling of the material and to Kirsty Scout Publication Brown and Pat Lanham for their editorial work on the material in this publication. Published by authority of the National Executive Committee of The Scout Association of Australia. Copyright© The Scout Association of Australia, 1998. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means. electronic or mechanical. including photocopying. recording or by any information storage. mailing or retrieval system, without the written permission of The Scout Association of Australia. Photographs by courtesy of Scott Rickards, David Hine and Darryl Clare. This publication was designed by Associated Graphic Arts. First edition September. 2000 National Library of Australia Card No. and ISBN l 875 783 33 4 National Scout Catalogue # 50213 Prtnted In Australia by J.B. Waldegrave Pty Ltd. @ The Unit Council 5 Responsibilities of the Unit Council (Management "' What is a Unit Council? @ and Leadership) The Unit in Council " Duties of a Unit Council The Unit Program Contents 6 " 7 Unit Elections Unit Finance Unit Membership and Recruitment .. 9 Communication The Unit Constitution .. 11 Fundraising " Unit Resources @ " 13 Award Scheme Standards and Progress " Members of the Unit Council ., The Duties of the Unit Chairman 15 The Duties of the Unit Secretary .. The Duties of the Unit Treasurer " The Duties of the Equipment Officer @ 16 " The Duties of the Fundraising Officer ., TheDuties of the Transport Officer " The Duties of the Public Relations Officer .. 17 Unit Operation Information .. Mixed Activities " 18 District Venturer Scout Council (or equivalent Council .. structure) " 19 Venturer Scout Ceremonies " 20 Venturer Scout Resources & Forms " The Unit Management Course " Venturer Scout Identity " 22 Size of Venturer Scout Units " ldeas for your Unit Council to try Unit Council Workbook " Australian Scout Publications " 24 "' "@ "' "El " "' @ © 4 Responsibilities Unit Council " " " a "' " What is a Unit Council? It is normally chaired by the Unit Chairman or Venturer Scout Leader, A Unit Council is a group of Venturer depending on tbe issue at hand. Scouts elected by tbe Venturer Scout Unit members to manage tbe affairs of the Duties of a Unit Council Unit. 1. To plan and operate a BALANCED Unit Council members should be elected PROGRAM. on tbe basis of tbeir ability to perform the 2. To conduct UNIT ELECTIONS for Unit task and not on popularity. Sufficient Council positions. Venturer Scouts must be elected to out­ number Leaders who are also members of 3. To operate all documents in relation to the Unit Council. UNIT FINANCES. The Unit Council must represent tbe Unit 4. To be responsible for UNIT MEMBER­ members. Unless tbe members of the Unit SHIP and RECRUITMENT. feel that their views are properly repre­ 5. To ensure tbe Unit has a reliable sented tbey will not be inclined to accept method of COMMUNICATION to Unit tbe decisions of the Unit Council. lt is members, Unit Leaders and the important to have regular reporting back Group. sessions with tbe Unit-in-Council. 6. To ensure tbe Unit has a UNIT CON­ The Unit in Council STITUTION which is reviewed by the A Unit-in-Council is where all tbe Unit Unit-in-Council on an annual basis. members come together to discuss issues 7. To ensure the Unit conducts regular relating to the management of the FUNDRAISING activities. Venturer Scout Unit. 8. To be responsible for tbe management It may be used for 'reporting back' rea - of UNIT EQUIPMENT. sons after Unit Council meetings. This gives tbe Unit members tbe opportunity 9. To be responsible for AWARD to voice tbeir individual opinions on cer­ SCHEME STANDARDS and AWARD tain issues, to discuss disciplinary prob­ SCHEME PROGRESS within the Unit. lems, review of tbe Unit Constitution, or 10. To ensure representation at the DIS­ to inform/resolve any other matter relat­ TRICT VENTURER SCOUT COUNCIL ing to tbe entire Unit. (or equivalent) by the Unit .

5 The Unit Progiram " ., ., " .... <> ., <> ., 1/J) ., I/Ji " © " " © " © " Youth Club or Venturer Scout c@mmunity services and guest speakers (c@mmunity directories Unit? are available free of charge from The success @f y@ur Unit is based on the the l@cal authorities). ability @f the Unit C@uncil t@ produce and c) Developing a Good Unit Program @perate a program which will: 1. Materials ,/ continue t@ h@ld the interest @f the - Calendar Unit members - Sch@ol and public holidays, spe- ,/ maintain attendance @f Unit members cial events ,/ attract new members t@ the Unit - Chalkb@ard and chalk or white­ b@ard and markers a) Elements of a Good Program 1. Fun 2. Program @utline - Mark in h@lidays and events 2. Achievement - Mark in known Scouting events 3. Goals and challenges and meetings Distrtct/Area/ 4. Variety and Balance Regi@n/21/Jine/Branch 5. Award Scheme - Mark in study/ exam/ school com­ 6. Distrtct, Area, Region, Zeme, Branch, mitments Nati@nal Activities 3. Award Scheme needs @fUnit members 7. S@mething for all Unit Members - Venturing Skills Award b) Resources for a Good Program - Select Queen's Scout Award 1. Leaders Activity Areasto be covered - Sh@w the Unit how fo plan a pro­ - Mark in all Courses run for gram Venturer Scouts and Leaders - Enc@urage Venturer Scout ideas 4. Brainst@rm ideas and enthusiasm - Weekend activities - Provide ideas @n which Venturer - Meeting nights Sc@uts can build - Major activity - Give directi@n @n where/h@w to 5. V@te on suggestions obtain resources - Recmd all suggestions on large 2. Publications sheets of paper - Venturer Sc@ut Resource Series Document decisi@n voted upon (See Page 20) 6. Broad Program - Branch Newsletter - 6 to 12 m@nths time frame - Snowgum range of Venturer - Mark in ch@sen activities Swut handb@@ks - All@w time for training, prepara- - Sc@ut Magazine ti@n and fundraising 3. Audio-Visuals - Unit major activity - planning - Vide@s - Walk S@ftly Walk Safely, and preparation A Stupid Way to Die Snow Safe 7. Intensive Program - Audi@ - 'Duty to G@d' - Select time frame- 2 months/ 4. Sc@ut Activity Groups Sch@ol term - Abseiling - Prepare typed program - R@ck Climbing Distribute to: Unit members, - Air Activities Parents, Group Leader, Distrtct - Caving Venturer Swut Leader (or equiva­ lent), District Commissioner, - Radi@ and Electronics Swut Leader, Rovers - Water Activities - What - the activities There may be @ther Scout Activity - Where - locati@ns Groups in y@ur Branch n@t listed here. Refer to Branch publications. - When - dates and times 5. C@mmercial and CommunityAvenues - Who - is organising - C@nsult y@ur C@mmunity Directmy - Safety - forms/notifications/con- for ideas such as visits to tact 6 - Equipment - required - Correspondence - thank you let­ - Uniform - official or activity ters, written articles to media/Branch Newsletter /Scout - Transport - if required Magazine - Resources - people and materials 8. Evaluation - File for future reference - Success or failure?

Unit Elect�ons " o " " " " " .. " " "' .. o Cl) " Cl) " " " .. " " "'.. Methods of choosing a Unit Council vary Age Range and each Unit needs to consider its own situation. Whatever method is used, it The Unit-in-Council may decide on an age must be agreed to and understood by all range structure for the Unit Council and Unit members prior to the election. The voting would proceed accordingly. agreed method should be recorded in the Combined Units Unit Constitution. Where a Unit is a District or combined Associate Venturer Scouts cannot be Unit the Unit-in-Council may decide there elected. should be representation from all Groups A Straight Forward Vote on the Unit Council. The designated number of Unit Council Term of Office members may be voted for. Once voted - Terms of office vary from Unit to Unit. onto the Unit Council these members Usually 6 to 12 months is the acknowl­ decide amongst themselves who fills which position. edged time. - Office bearers should not exceed 12 Vote for Positions months in any one position. The Unit votes individuals to the desig­ - The Unit-in-Council may have a policy nated positions. on how many positions an individual Vote for Unit Chairman can serve on the Unit Council. The Unit may vote for a Unit Chairman. - Only half of the Council Members may Once the Unit Chairman has been decid­ change at each election to help with ed, votes may be taken for the other posi­ continuity. (Rotating positions of 6 tions on offer and these individuals, once members or 3 Council Members step identified, may decide amongst them­ down, 3 change positions and 3 new selves who will fill which position. members are elected.)

Unit Finance " " " " " o " " " .. " (l) o ® " " " " .. " " Q " " " "' The Unit Council has the responsibility of ing a report on the current financial managing all money belonging to the situation of the Unit at each Unit Unit. The Unit's finances are managed Council meeting and for the Annual accordingly: General Meeting. ,/ Appointment of a Venturer Scout as ,/ Management of the Unit's income and the Unit Treasurer to operate all finan­ expenditure provides a training ele­ cial documents. ment for all members of the Unit. ,/ TheTreasurer has the responsibility of keeping accurate records and provid-

Unit Membership and R.ei!iiruitment., o o ., " " o To ensure the continuity of a Venturer pared to make the Promise and become Scout Unit the Unit Council must have an fully fledged Venturer Scouts. active recruitment program. The two The Unit Council should appoint a spon­ areas of youth member recruitment are sor or mentor for each new member. The from the Scout Troop and outside the role of the sponsor is that of a peer sup­ Movement. Young people of this age group port person who helps the new member may choose to become Associate Venturer settle into the Unit. Thesponsor would be Scouts until such time that they are pre- 7 expected to assist and befriend the new tographs, programs, displayed in member through Membership and schools and other high profile areas. Venturing skills. This simple method in - Be seen at community events or per­ most cases will guarantee the retention of forming Award Scheme work for com­ the new member. munity organisations. Recruitment is one thing, retention is def­ - Bring a friend night. initely another!! - Combine with other Unit/Units to Recruitment from the Scout arrange a display at shopping centre, Troop school fete etc. Plan and organise Scout/Venturer - Associate Venturer Scouts Scout meetings/activities The introduction of the Associate Venturer Scout category of member­ - Assist with Scout activities (camps, ship into the Unit will add another per­ Award Scheme, events) spective to the Unit's membership by - Plan and arrange a special 'Venturer providing access to selected parts of Scout PR Night' for local Troops and the Unit's program without being their families in the District. required to make a fullcommitment to join. - Where a Troop uses the same hall as the Unit, the Venturer Scout notice Recruitment of Adult Leaders board should be filled with the Unit program, photographs, events etc., One of the first requirements for a advertising what a great Section they Venturer Scout Section Leader is to be are. able to relate well to the Venturer Scout age group. - Portray a good Unit image to Scout Leaders, Scouts and their parents. The appointment of Venturer Scout Leaders will include consultation with the - Keep in touch with Scouts who did not Unit. go into Venturer Scouts as they may decide to come to Venturing later. Venturer Scouts should always be on the look out for suitable Leaders for their Recruitment from Outside the Unit. Recruiting the right Leaders for your Unit is a task every Unit Member should Movement try to assist with, and once you have good - Word of mouth is your best method. Leaders, remember to support and thank - Let the community know Venturer them for all the time and effort they Scouts exist with posters, pho- devote to your Unit.

8 Commun;cation .. " ...... " " " " " " .. " " " " " " " " ...... However well-considered the decisions of manage communication to the Unit a Unit Council, however good its program Chairman as Venturer Scouts change planning, it will be useless unless it also positions on the Unit Council). provides good communication to all the - Any relevant publications. Venturer Scouts and Leaders in the Unit as well as the Group Council.

Ideas for your Unit Council to consider: - A well maintained Unit noticeboard with relevant current information. - An up-to-date Unit Membership list, showing names, addresses, telephone numbers. - A Unit newsletter or Unit magazine with full program details. - Unit letterhead for correspondence. - Where it works - a telephone chain or tree. - Organise a Unit post office box at the local post office - (The best way to

The Unit Constitution Every Unit must undertake the responsi­ - Standards of Personal Conduct bility of writing its own Unit Constitution. This includes such items as relation­ A Unit Constitution is a statement of ships between Unit Members, using standards, or code of conduct, which offensive language, drugs, alcohol clearly states to all Unit members and and smoking, and the consequences Leaders the expectations for membership for these misdemeanours. in that Unit. - Uniform Requirements The Unit Constitution should be com­ Unit requirements for official uni­ posed by the Unit-in-Council and form, activity uniform and Unit scmf. reviewed on an annual basis by the Unit­ - Unit Council Positions in-Council. The number and type of positions Every member should have an up-to-date should be detailed. These should copy of the Unit Constitution. include Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and any other position the To ensure Unit members are willing to Unit requires. agree to the Constitution, a section should be provided for membersto sign. The Constitution should be neatly typed and clearly set out. Suggestions for Constitution items: - Name of Unit, meeting place and meet­ ing times. - Membership qualifications including Associate Venturer Scouts This should include how a person becomes a Member of the Venturer Scout Unit. - Terminations of Membership Apart from age requirements, what other reasons would there be for ter­ mination of Unit Membership? 9 - Unit Elections for Unit Council - Unit Relationships Positions Consider guidelines or restrictionsfor Method of Unit Council elections and relationships between Venturer term of office (which should not Scouts. exceed 12 months). - Transport - Unit Council Decisions Guidelines on parent transport roster. Distributionof minutes and decisions Leader Transport, Probationary dri­ made to Unit members. vers, Unit bus or bus hire. Unit in Council Decisions - Joint Activities with other Units or Voting procedure and who votes, the Youth Groups implementation of decisions. And guidelines deemed necessary forjoint aciiviiies. - Unit Funds and Fundraising Unit subscriptions, registration fees, - Recognition of Prior Learning activity fees, jundraising activities State and National guidelines for and method of payment and distribu­ R.P.L. in regard to the Award tion. Scheme. - Attendance at Meetings and Activities Decide if necessary to include a Alterations to the Unit Constitution and Annual Review clause to specify minimum atten­ Guidelines for the precesses dance at Unit activities and meet­ involved. ings. - Record and date each Constitution as it - Unit Equipment and Property This may include security, mainte­ is amended and distributed. nance, repair. responsibiliiy for use, storage, personal and outside use.

10 Fundraising ©©©®®®®©©®®®®@®®®®®®®"®®®" Every Venturer Scout Unit should aim to how the money raised should be be self sufficient in relation to Unit spent. finance.The Unit Council can ensure this - Being aware of the rules which happens by programming fundraising apply to fundraising activities. activities. It is inevitable that, for various - Starting a wall graph showing tar­ reasons, not all of the Unit members will gets and progress. be able to participate in all of the Unit's fundraising activities. Therefore it is nec­ essary to develop a system whereby the money earned is spent in a manner approved by all the Venturer Scouts in the Unit. The Unit Council has the responsibili­ ty for: - Organising fundraising activities to meet the financial needs of the Unit. - Providing fundraising ideas which will enthuse the participation of all Unit members . - Providing a system of allocating the money earned. - Discussing with the Unit-in-Council the financial needs of the Unit and

Unit Resources " Q .. 0 "' " "' "' ® " " ® ® "' " "' " " " ""' Equipment ful activities. Too often this information is lost with changes in Unit Council mem­ It is not unusual that the value of a Unit's bers and the lack of suitable storage facil­ equipment can amount to many hun­ ities. dreds of dollars. It is therefore necessary for the Unit Council to document what v Keep all current records in a portable the Unit owns and record its use. expanding file that can be taken to a Unit/Unit Council Meeting. Unit Equipment shouldbe managedby: ,/ the appointment of a Property Officer ,/ Acquire a 2 or 3 drawer filing cabinet on the Unit Council. for the Unit to be stored in the Venturer Scout den or equipment ,/ an up-to-date record of all the Unit's store. assets. ,/ File past correspondence, finance, ,/ an accurateborrowing or hiringschedu le. minutes, newsletters and other ,/ regular maintenance check and repair of records in suspension files - one file equipment. for each year. ,/ recorda of purchase and repair costs for ,/ Keep Unit log books, memorabilia, etc Unit Equipment in a separate drawer. p ,/ the recommendation for replacement ,/ Keep a copy of ast Unit programs in a items. separate file. ,/ Check with the Venturer Scout Leader ,/ the organisation of any warranty or insurance needs for Unit equipment. before you throw away anything - it may be of value to someone else. ,/ the provision for safe storage and easy v Contact the Scout Heritage Centre if access forUnit Equipment. old documents, photographs, etc are Unit Records found. The history of a Unit is an important her­ ,/ You may have a Branch Archive that itage to pass onto future Unit members, may be interested in photographs etc. as well as looking back to repeat success- 11 Unit Assets Document file for correspondence Unit assets can be categorised in tbe fol­ Personal diaries for Unit members lowing ways: Unit or Group magazine Membership Finance Membership Lists Bank Account books a) Venturer Scouts Petty Cash book b) Associate Venturer Scouts Receipt book Wall Chart - Award Scheme Treasurer's Record book Attendance record Equipment Venturer Scout Register Sheet Unit Tents Documents Unit Compasses Minute Book Unit Ropes/Hehnets/Harness'/Lights etc. Unit Constitution Unit Maps Queen's Scout Handbook Unit Log book - videos/photos Venturer Scout Resource Series Queen's Scout Honour Board Unit Letterhead Sports Equipment State Newsletter Equipment Record book Official Scout forms Unit Flag Unit Librarybooks/ charts Eskys/Water Butts Unit Newsletter

12 Award Scheme Standards and Progre�s"' " " The Unit Council is responsible forAward .I Unit members submit the Award Scheme standards within the Unit. The Activity Proposal form to the Unit Unit Council is responsible forproviding a Council, it is then submitted to the program where individual Unit members Awards Standards Committee, if nec­ can progress through the Award Scheme. essary, for its approval prior to any work commencing. Award Scheme Assessment in .I Examiners are approved by the the Unit Standards Committee (or equivalent) . .I Unit Council members should under­ stand the Award Scheme and its pur­ pose in providing a personal develop­ ment program for each Venturer Scout in order to assess each Venturer Scout's Award Activity Proposal. .I Each member must be assessed on his or her own merits. The Unit Council must look closely at each individual.

Men1bers of the Unit Councill " 0 "' "' ., " ., "' "., The Unit Council is made up of: - Venturer Scout Leaders in the Unit The Unit Chairman The Unit Secretary - The Unit Treasurer and other Elected Members, such as: - An Equipment Officer - A Fundraising Officer A Recruitment Officer - A Transport Officer - A Public Relations Officer - Any other position decided by the Unit-in-Council

The role of the Unit Chairman is divided - ensures the Unit plans and runs a into two main parts: good program that is balanced and I. Unit Leadership fun 2. Chairman Responsibilities - is responsible for the scheduled program for Unit meeting nights, 1. Unit Leadership liaising with the Unit Leaders - is responsible for the overall leader­ is impartial towards all Unit mem­ ship and motivation of the Unit dur­ bers ing his/her term of office - is a good communicator, listener - represents the Unit on external and friend to all Unit members councils or arranges for other repre­ sentation - identifies goals for the Unit to achieve - plans and delegates tasks to Unit members 2. Chairman Responsibilities - is the link person between the Unit Prior to the Meeting: and the Leaders a) Ensure the Unit Council meeting is 13 held on a regular basis, usually - Don't let the meeting get bogged once a month. down on one or two items b) Ensure the venue for the meeting is - Ensure there are definite outcomes suitable: and decisions made from discus­ - a table with adequate seating for sions all members (the chairman should - Ensure all members present are sit at the head of the table in order involved in these decisions to see every member clearly. All members should be seated - Make a decision after listening to all around the table on the same members' points of view - this may height chairs). require a vote to be taken - a quiet, comfortable location free - Delegate duties to individuals - not from any distractions groups of people c) Define the location, date and time - Follow up on decisions and make of the Unit Council meeting and sure they have been accomplished ensure all members and Leaders - Remember to say 'thank you' or are informed 'well done' when the occasion is - the meeting is arranged at a appropriate mutually convenient time - Provide action sheet to all members - the meeting is held during a spec­ for following up. ified time and this should be b) Meeting Format adhered to 1. Welcome and record those present d) Prepare an agenda in consultation 2. Record apologies from any members with the Unit Secretaryand the Unit not attending Leaders, then ask the Unit Secretary to circulate it prior to the 3. Read and confirm previous minutes Unit Council Meeting 4. Deal with action arising out of pre­ vious minutes The Unit Council Meeting 5. Reports a) Helpful Hints - Unit Chairman - Open the meeting on time. - Treasurer - finance report - Have all items on hand - calendar, - Secretary- correspondence in/ out pen, paper, Unit roll, agenda, fmance books, previous minutes, - District Venturer Scout Council reports, equipment etc. - Other Office Bearers - Leaders - Prepare your opening remarks - Special Committees about the expectations of the meet­ ing 6. General Business - Remind those present of the confi­ 7. Close of meeting dentiality of some business - Record the date, time, location of - Encourage all points of view during next meeting discussion - Thank people for their attendance - Act as host to any visitors attending c) Quorum the meeting Quorum means youth members must - Ensure one or two people do not exceed adult leaders in number if the dominate the meeting business meeting is voting on an issue. Also the - Allow only one person to speak at Unit Constitution may require a desig­ any one time nated percentage of youth members to be present before an official Unit - Keep the meeting to order Council meeting can be held. - Keep the meeting moving and do not divert from the agenda

14 The Dulle� of the Unit Secretary " 0 .. ., " ., " .I Keep a record of the Unit Council ,/ In conjunction with the Unit Chairman meeting in the form of minutes. inform the Unit Council members of .I Issue Unit Council members with the location and date of all Unit Council meetings meeting minutes. .I Operate an efficient filing system for .I Record decisions reached at each Unit Unit records. Council meeting and who is responsi­ ble for carrying out delegated duties. .I Issue Unit Constitutions to new mem­ ,/ Maintain the minute book and read bers. the previous minutes at the current .I Maintainthe supply of Unit letterhead. meeting. .I Record Unit member attendance at ,/ Arrange the agenda with the Unit meetings and activities. Chairman forthe Unit Council meeting. .I Provide Unit members with an up-to­ ,/ Is responsible for the agenda being date membership list. given to Unit Council members prior to ,/ Organise the production of the Unit a meeting. newsletter and program details . .I Handle correspondence.

Minutes Minutes are a written record of a meeting. Once approved and signed. the Minutes become the official record of the meeting. The main points of the meeting need to be recorded into the minutes. including any facts of the meeting. any decisions made or action taken. Minutes should provide a true, impartial and balanced account of the proceedings. - They should be recorded in clear language. - They should be brief and accurate. - They should be recorded in legible writing if hand Written. Duties .I Receive all incoming money. .I Maintain the Unit bank account . .I Operate a petty cash system. ,/ Manage the system for Unit subscrip­ tions. ,/ Payaccounts with Unit Council approval. .I Record all transactions in appropriate books. ,/ Present a financial report at Unit Council meetings. .I In conjunction with Unit Leaders pre­ pare an audited balance sheet for the Group Annual meeting - this may include several groups if the Unit is a combined one. 15 The Duties of the Equipment Officer ., " 0 e " ,/ Maintain the Unit Equipment Record ,/ Arrange for repair of Unit equipment Book. items. a) Current inventocy of Unit equip­ ,/ Arrange for the labelling of Unit equip­ ment ment items. - date of purchase ,/ Monitor the need for replacement of - cost of purchase new items. - place of purchase ./ Arrange for the safe storage of Unit - items donated equipment items. shared items (Scout Group) ./ Arrange for any insurance coverage if b) Record of members who borrow deemed necessacy. and return equipment - borrowing ,/ Present a report at the Unit Council policy meeting.

The Duties of the Fundraislng Officer " ., ., ® ,/ Maintain the Unit's Fundraising ,/ Arrange the Unit's fundraising activi­ Record Book (Recording fundraising ties in conjunction with the Unit activities, dates, Venturer Scout atten­ Council. dance. money collected - this may ,/ Present a report at the Unit Council include individual monetacyrecords) meeting. ,/ Maintain a current folder of books and advertising material suitable for Unit fundraising ideas.

The Duties of the Transport Officer "' ., " o '" ., ,/ Maintain the Unit Transport Record Book (Depending on Unit circum­ stances, records of parent provided transport, bus hire or own Unit bus). ,/ Collect money from Unit members for transport costs and pass it on to the Unit Treasurer. ,/ Arrange transport for Unit activities. ,/ Present a report at the Unit Council meeting.

The Dulle� of the Public Relations Officer ,/ Co-ordinate news between the Unit, ./ Arrange Venturer Scouts' displays at the Group, the Distiict Venturer Scout local communitycentres. Council. ,/ Take photographs for the Unit log book ,/ Liaise with the Scout and Rover for display purposes. Sections. ,/ Produce the Unit newsletter or Unit ,/ Arrange articles for the local media magazine. (newspapers. community radio, televi­ ,/ Present a report at the Unit Council sion). 16 meeting. @ @ @ @ @ ® © @ ® ® ® @

The Role of Venturer Scout Unit Traditions Leaders Every Unit should aspire to maintaining several 'Unit Traditions'. Tradition can be Your Venturer Scout Leader and Assistant a custom in which the Unit participates, Venturer Scout Leader/s should form an hands on, as older members leave and active part of the Unit Council. They younger ones join. It is something special assist the Unit Council in its decision or unique which the Venturer Scout Unit making functions. owns and protects. They advise and assist the Unit members in designing and carrying out the Unit Examples of Traditions program. They must ensure the Unit • Participation in an annual activity and maintains the standards of the Venturer the mementos which are collected from Scout Section and the principles of this activity are displayed in the Scouting. Venturer Scout den. They act largely as resource managers • An annual activity for under privileged knowing where to direct the Unit for help community members. and organise consultants as necessary. • A special competition within the Unit The Venturer Scout Leader is also respon­ with a perpetual trophy. sible for training the Unit Chairman and other members of the Unit Council. • A traditional ceremony to mark a spe­ cial occasion, eg. QS Award. Your Venturer Scout Leader has the ulti­ mate responsibility for the progress of the • Special places for conducting Unit andthe personal development of the Investiture ceremonies. Venturer Scouts who belong to it.

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Examples of Traditions d) Parents, as well as Venturer Scouts, must respect and trust the Leaders. Responsible adult participation must be Leaders need to be at ease in their arranged by Unit Leaders forthose mixed dealings and accessible to parents. activities which, in the opinion of the Leaders, necessitate adult involvement. e) An effective Unit Council should set Responsible adult participation does not and enforce reasonable standards. specifically mean Leaders, but could This means that Venturer Scouts must mean parents or other adults, depending be adequately trained (in Unit upon the activity. Note that some Management) and the Leader is skillful Branches have additional 1ules in this enough to assist the Unit Council. regard and you should make yourself f] The Unit Constitution must address aware of any such arrangements. the issue of relationships, organisation of mixed activities, attendance by Guidelines for Mixed Activities Associate Venturer Scouts and respon­ The following points are recommended as sibility of individuals. Guidelines for mixed activities. Inevitably, the maturity of the Leaders and the g) There may be events that do not mutual respect and trust of Venturer require adult leadership; other events Scouts and Leaders determine the Unit's may. Such leadership may be either attitudes and standards. mixed or single sex. a) All Units should endeavour to have h) Large events must have the organisa­ active male and female Leaders. tion and structure to responsibly cater for 14 year olds to 18 year olds without b) Maturity of Leaders is particularly placing undue pressure, risk or temp­ important and more important if there tation before any of them. is no mixed leadership. c) Given the changing social standards, Large events should: Leaders must be prepared to provide 1. Provide an adequate sub-camp guidance and set good examples. Double standards are hypocritical and structure, or similar with an ade­ harmful to good Unit relationships. quate Leader/Venturer Scout ratio. 17 2. Implement stated policies on behav­ 4. Enforce reasonable curfew times. iour and standards. 5. Consider making Leaders attend 3. Make effective use of Leaders for with their Units. supervision and counselling.

District Ventuf'er Scout Council (or equivalent Council structure) It is the Unit Council's responsibility to ensure the Unit is represented at the Role of the District Venturer District Venturer Scout Council or equiv­ Scout Council alent Council. It is the Venturer Scout Leader's oblication to be present at the To promote Venturer Scouting in the District Council. District. The District Venturer Scout Council - Supervision of Award Scheme stan­ meets on a regular basis - usually month­ dards. ly, bi-monthly or by other arrangements - Co-ordination of Venturer Scout activi­ in country areas. ties in the District. Meeting arrangements are made in con­ - Review and promote Unit programs sultation with Venturer Scout Units with­ within the District. in the District, i.e. day, date, time (start and finish), location, dress etc. - Give support and assistance to all Units. Venturer Scouts are elected to all relevant positions on this Council. Whatever - Pass on all information received relat­ method is used, must be agreed to and ing to the Venturer Scout Section. understood by all involved. - Encourage high standards within This method is then recorded in terms of Units and monitor recruiting of youth reference. members. The District Venturer Scout Leader acts - Apply meeting procedures with an as adviser to this Council. agenda and minutes. - Provide a training activity which could Composition of the District be used in the Unit program. Venturer Scout Council - Develop a strategy to hasten and establish links with relevant external - Elected Venturer Scouts. community based organisations. - Venturer Scout representatives from - Give consideration to including an every Unit in the District. external community representative - District Venturer Scout Leader or with relevant skills as a member of the equivalent. Council, e.g. Boys Brigade; Church Youth Group etc. - Venturer Scouts who wish to present Queen's Scout Award Scheme propos­ als for approval (or by the Unit repre­ sentative/s). - Invited guests.

18 Venturer Scout Ceremonies 0 0 ., 0 ., " ., " 0 " ., ., " As the Venturer Scout Section is part of Investiture Certificate. If the Unit the Scouting Movement it is appropriate Council undertakes this role with the that the Unit Council recognises the approval of the Unit Leaders, the importance of conducting the ceremonial Investiture should be carried out aspects of the Section with respect and with dignity and purpose! dignity. The sponsor could have the role of The 'Ceremonies Book', available from bringing the new Venturer Scout to Snowgum stores/Scout Outdoor Centres, the table, escorting him/her around sets out the guidelines for these presenta­ the horseshoe for welcome by the tions. However Venturer Scout cere­ Unit members. The Unit Council may monies should be sincere andincorporate have traditional ways of using the Unit Council wherever possible. 'atmosphere', eg. lighting, candles, props, etc, to enhance the ceremony. The ceremonies in which most Units would be involved are: c) Badge Presentations - Scout/Venturer Scout Link Badge pre­ • Once a badge is earned it should sentation be presented to the recipient as - Advancement Ceremonies: Scouts - soon as possible. Venturer Scouts, Venturer Scouts - • The presentation should be done Rovers. while the Unit is in uniform. - Investiture Ceremony - new members • The name of the award and how to the Unit the Venturer Scout earned it - Flag Break and Flag Down at Unit should be stated. meetings. • TheUnit Chairman should present - Presentation of AwardScheme badges. the award where possible. - The Queen's Scout Award Badge Special certificates are available for Presentation. the followingAwards and Badges: • Venturing Skills Award a) Advancement Ceremony for Scouts • Community Involvement Award This ceremony is normally arranged • Adventurous Activity Award between the Scout Leader, the • Person Growth Award advancing Scouts, the Group Leader, the Venturer Scout Leader and the • Leadership Development Award Unit Chairman. The new member's • Major Interest Award sponsor should also be present. An • Initiative Course Award Advancement Certificate should be presented to the Scout on leaving the Scout Troop. d) Flag Ceremonies b) Investiture in the Unit • Every Unit meeting should open and close with Flag Break/Flag This ceremony may follow on after Down (there may be an occasional the Going-up ceremony in some exception) cases. Some Units have traditions as to where their new members are • The Unit should be in uniform invested. Where possible, the Unit (this may be official activity uni­ Council should take the responsibili­ form). ty forinvesting the new member. This • The Unit Chairman should con­ can be done by the Unit Chairman duct these ceremonies. taking the role of the Venturer Scout Leader and asking the questions of • The Unit Chairman should insist the new member. Other Unit Council the Venturer Scouts treat this part members, as well as the Unit Leaders of the program with respect. and Group Leader, should be • Every Venturer Scout should be involved with the presentation of shown how to roll a flag for break­ badges, epaulettes and the ing, how to raise and lower a flag. 19 e) Queen's Scout f) Advancement to the Rover Presentation Ceremony Crew • Guidelines for this ceremony are • This ceremony ts arranged by the printed in the Ceremonies Book. Venturer Scout Unit, the advanc­ Every Unit should own a copy of ing Venturer Scout, the Group the current edition. Leader, the Rover Adviser and the Crew Leader.

Venturer Scout Resources a11d For information on resources available to For information on official forms used in Venturer Scout Units, consult the the Venturer Scout Section, refer to the Venturer Scout Resource series. Venturer Scout Resource Series.

The Unit Management Course " ® ., " ., " " ., "' " The Unit Management Course is external· although any Venturer Scout can attend, ly accredited as part of the Leadership to aid the effective working of the Unit Development Award and recognised and Unit Council. externally as a short course in Venturer All aspects of Unit management should be Scout Youth Leadership. The responsibil· covered by experienced Venturer Scout ity of the operation of this course is the Section Leaders. Registered Venturer Scout Leader who will issue the appropriate Nationally The Course material, is available from Recognised Certificate. your Branch and should be 'hands on' and presented in a variety of ways, allow­ Unit Management Courses can be deliv· ing time fordiscussion and problem solv­ erect by Districts, Areas, Zones, Regions ing. Time should be allowed for games or Branches to provide skills training, and some socialising. specifically for Unit Council members.

Venturer Sc:out Identity Venturer Scouts constantly say that Once the Unit has its own T Venturer Scouts need their own identity. shirt/ sweat shirt, the Unit Council What are you doing about your Unit's then Informs the Unit members identity? which uniform is to be wornfor activ­ ities where applicable. There are several items a Unit Council can consider. b) Unit Scarf Check your Branch Guidelines on a) Activity Uniform the wearing of scarves. Every Venturer Scout Unit should have its own Activity Uniform. c) Unit Name \\/hat is an Activity Uniform? A number of Units have chosen a distinctive name for their Unit. The A number of Venturer Scout Units name chosen usually reflects the proudly display their personally Unit's historyor environment. Cheek styled Unit T shirts and sweat shirts, your Branch Guidelines relating to The Unit Council can spend a meet· Unit names. ing night discussing/ designing the proposed Unit logo, the colour of the d) Unit Flag T shirt or sweat shirt. Remember you The Venturer Scout Flag identifying should always include the Scout the Unit's name can be purchased Logo somewhere in the design. If you from the Scout Outdoor don't know of a screen printer to Centres/Snowgum Stores, screen print yourgarments, ask your DSVLor equivalent person. 20 21 Size Venturer Scout Units ® ® 0 ® " ® " "' ® "' " ., The reason for suggesting minimum its Unit numbers dropping below ten number of Venturer Scouts in a Unit is to members. ensure that everyVenturer Scout has the If it happens that your Unit numbers drop opportunity to participate in a good below the minimum number you should Venturer Scout Program. check Branch Guidelines for the appro­ It is therefore the responsibility of every priate procedure to be followed. Unit Council to plan in advance to prevent

Cou11cil a) Weekend Orientation 5. Unit Program - Phase 2 - intensive plan. - 60 mins. It became a tradition of one Unit for a new Unit Council to have a week­ 6. Discussion Topics - list compiled end away to plan its course of action by Leaders and Venturer Scouts for the next six months. The Unit was and discussed throughout the fortunate each time to have the offer weekend. of a holiday home for the weekend. This meant the comfort of tables and chairs for meetings. plus participat­ ing in activities at holiday locations. Importantly, it provided a bonding for the new Unit Council members, of whom there were traditionally six, and the Leaders. b) Initial program of the new Unit Council 1. The role and responsibility of a Unit Council. Discussion of Duty Statements for Unit Council mem­ bers. - 45 mins. 2. Prepare agenda for the Unit Council meeting. - 30 mins. 3. Unit Council meeting. - 60 mins. 4. Unit Program Phase 1 - broad plan - Unit members provided ideas before weekend. - 60 mins.

Unit Council Workbook Each Unit Council member should receive - Calendar a copy of the Unit Council Workbook for - Page to record progressive Unit the duration of their term of office. Council meeting dates. The book contains: - Blank pages (to record meetings and - The role and responsibilities of the action required before the next meet­ Unit Council. ing). - Job description of the Unit Council members

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Australlan Scout Publications ., ® ® ® " "' "' " ® ® "' Resource materials for the General resource material Venturer Scout Unit Australian Rover Handbook Becoming a Venturer Scout Exploring our Environment The Venturer Scout Unit Cross Country Navigation Unit Council (Management and ROC-on Leadership) Help Save the World Unit Programming God, are you still in there? Unit Management Course Australian Outdoor Cookbook Unit Treasurer's Record Book Australian Bushcraft Handbook Unit Log Book Scouting: Action for the Environment Unit Secretary's Record Book Camp Planning Book Unit Council Record Book Fieldbook for Australian Scouting Guidelines for Initiative Courses What's this all about, God? Guidelines for the Venturer Scout Leader The Venturer Scout Award Scheme Expeditions and Campcraft Cultural Diversity and World Scouting Leadership Course

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