Look Wide Ed 5 v3: 22/9/10 3:16 PM Page 1

Scouts Australia Venturer Publication Edition 5 September 2010 Issue

The Queen’s Scout Award Good School Photography 02 9672 7400

In Look Wide this edition

Listing of Queen’s Scouts ...... 2 Wild Dayz: Design a Badge to Win! ...... 7

Importance of in Modern Times .... 3 Near Death Experience: Savannah McGuirk ...... 8

Scouting or School? ...... 4 History of the Queen’s Scout Award: Part 3 ...... 9

My Dragonskin by Amanda Griffin ...... 5 State Council Contacts ...... 10

Wild Dayz: Applications Now Open ...... 6 State Venturer Calendar ...... 11 Look Wide Ed 5 v3: 22/9/10 3:16 PM Page 2

Congratulations to Queen’s Scouts

Jennifer Lucy Green ...... 1st Austinmer

Matthew Kwaku Romeo Kusi-Appauh . . . 1st Austinmer

Nicholas Whitelaw ...... 1st Austinmer

Erica Barlow ...... 1st Blaxland

Joseph Anthony Gleeson...... 1st Blaxland

Julian Charles Watson Stewart...... 1st Brush Park

Luke Upton...... 1st Budgewoi

Nathan Peter Zaremski...... 1st Bulli

Daniel Stephen Brown ...... 1st Oatley Bay

Kristy Maree Clark ...... 1st Teralba

Kathleen Walker ...... 1st Waitara

Ryan James Loney ...... 1st Wearne Bay

Savannah Louise McGuirk ...... 1st Yass

Nicholas Wirth Lord ...... 2nd Gordon

Matthew Stanley ...... 2nd Gordon

Daniel Seddon-Powell ...... Goulburn

Matthew James Albert Gibb ...... Maryland-Shortland

Elisabeth Frances McLaughlin ...... Normanhurst

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The Importance of Scouting in Modern Times

from Michael Baden-Powell (Grandson of BP)

Considering the improbabilities and background the holding of grudges, behind the commencement of the Scout and Guide colour prejudices within Movements, I have never ceased to be amazed that our the human race, and great Movement ever got off the ground at all. From political values; and thus that simple acorn planted on Brownsea 100-plus years lacked the ability to ago the great oak tree of Scouting grew rapidly, effectively communicate spreading its many branches across the seven seas to with one another. the extent that it has now grown to 216 Countries with a Young people have membership estimated at some 28 million; add a none of these hang ups further 10 million Girl Guides and it makes our total and therefore they membership impressive in any person’s language. communicate far more freely and effectively The essential point about the Movement is that the with one another destruction and terrible carnage of war gave birth to irrespective of colour, what can be arguably claimed as the greatest peace country, class or creed. Movement in the history of human endeavor. The Scout and Guide Movements are without question the World’s B-P reasoned that if you want to achieve world peace largest youth organisations. The often overlooked gem you won’t get it through the politicians of this world, but of Brownsea is the fact that it was at the time one of the you stand a better chance of accomplishing this ultimate greatest Social experiments of the 20th Century, which goal through young people. Thus he reasoned, if you in concept was to examine human behavior specifically can get enough young people together on a regular amongst young people. basis, world peace is achievable; hence he developed the idea of World Jamborees, and history tells the story. Recollecting who went to Brownsea my grandfather said B-P believed in his dream passionately to the extent that “I took a selection of boys, some from the east end of he possessed the unique ability to communicate those London, some from such schools as Charterhouse, Eton, ideas to others with devastating effect. As a result, he Harrow and everywhere in between, and I mixed them was able to enthuse and attract many millions of people up like plums in a pudding to test the techniques of from all walks of life and from all parts of the world into Scouting. I started to publish more program ideas based the Movement very successfully. Simply put, he caught on my experience in the Army firstly, concentrating on their imagination with an idea and they followed. In the army style of self discipline, self defence, short, he saw a social need and created a practical independence, team work and morality”. answer to the world’s problems as he perceived them through the principles of the Scout Law. Yes, B-P knew Having read the fortnightly publication, “Scouting for what he was unleashing on the population of the UK and Boys”, young men formed themselves into Scout Patrols the world. It is my belief he never at any time and followed the instructions contained within the underestimated the huge potential the Scouting pamphlets on the basis that B-P talked about – the need concept offered. Let us be under no illusions, the need to learn the art of “how to lead and be led”, hence the for Scouting is greater now than ever before. Changing high emphasis placed on what we refer to as “the Patrol values and life’s expectations makes our training very system”. B-P often said “it is essential that we work much a part of a young person’s ongoing personal together as a team to get the job done”. These early development. I conclude by leaving you with this one Scouts recruited school teachers and other local thought: principals to become their Scout Leaders, and thus began the first Scout Troops. “As Scouts and Guides we simply As a B-P, my own thoughts about Grandfather are simple: he had a dream of making this a better world by know the meaning of TRUST, creating an environment to enhance future prosperity, by FRIENDSHIP and we understand establishing a sustainable and lasting peace amongst peoples of the world irrespective of colour, class or the IDEALS and PRINCIPLES which creed. B-P, a highly decorated Soldier, served his country our Movement stands for. in many parts of the world notably in India, Afghanistan and South Africa. He recognised the futility of war and With all life’s uncertainties – had seen what war could do to people. B-P believed to just maybe, just maybe, the make his dream a reality, it would be most effectively achieved through young people using Scouting Scout left-hand shake has much principles. During his research into human behavior, B-P to offer the World after all.” found that older people generally tended to hold a more traditional style of thinking; harboured stronger and pre-conceived ideas on a wide range of topics, like Michael Baden-Powell

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My Dragonskin

Amanda Griffin – 2nd Casino Venturer Unit

Every Year, hundreds of Venturers, and Leaders This was the amazing thing about Dragonskin, even flock to a central location for a few days of fun, starting at a disadvantage; everyone was still enthusiastic competition and socialising. This even alone is said to and willing to have a go. Getting to the first base we be one of the highlights of every Venturer’s lifetime, and were greeted with several rather menacing looking why wouldn’t it be? You gain experience and friends Rovers who had come up with an activity to not only while acquiring skills in leadership, hiking, camping and challenge and teach us, but to entertain them. And so it a multitude of other things. was for the rest of the day, hiking then doing bases.

You know Dragonskin has unofficially begun when you The first night we set up camp, the people who had are crammed onto a train with hundreds of other hyped gone to Dragonskin before eagerly and impatiently up, sugar and caffeine filled Venturers. This is when the waited for the night activities to start whereas the people fun begins; every stop acquires more people destined who had never been before cooked their dinner and got for the same place, all as excited. Some know what ready to go to bed to get ready for the next day. Then they’re in for but many have never been before and so the music started. they listen wide-eyed as the “seasoned” Venturers and Rovers fervently tell of their experiences from the previous years. Fairy Floss, hot Milo, By the time we are close to getting off at the station, the live bands, fun activities... train is a hive of activity. Lollies have been handed out, Trail mix is continuously snacked on and meals for the Why go to bed? next few days have been mysteriously disappearing throughout the trip. If someone isn’t deep in a discussion with someone, bets are they’ll be eating This went on for two more nights. On the last day of something. Dragonskin we all slowly walked to where the closing ceremony was being held. The smell of sausages We all migrate off the train, collect our maps and move assailed our senses and many cried in relief as they saw off to the buses. Most groups are excitedly pointing out actual, flushable toilets. We all settled down to listen to the bases they plan to go to to try and get the most the results and 2nd Casino/Byron Bay, two of the furthest points, or other Units, like 2nd Casino and Byron Bay are travelling teams, got in at 11th place!

Even if the teams didn’t get a good place during Dragonskin, they all enjoyed themselves and were happy they actually finished it. We all jumped on buses and travelled back to get on the train back home.

Compared to the way in, there was almost no sound. Venturers lay stretched out on the floor, on the seats, on piles of bags and in baggage racks trying to catch some sleep before they had to get off. The odd few people found the energy to wander up and down the aisles but even they soon settled down. Sugar long ago consumed, everyone was ready to go home. It was an amazing experience which most would go on again without hesitation. In the few days the Venturers had together, the essence of Scouting was captured in many forms, the fun that was had was incomparable and the riendships formed were strong and memorable.

trying to get some sleep because their Dragonskin Every sane Venturer would agree... Dragonskin is started a day or two beforehand. Travelling for so long definitely an opportunity not to miss out on. had taken its toll and the sugar consumed on the train could only sustain for so long. My team and I finally came 11th in the game. Not bad at all!!

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Applications Now Open! Wild Dayz 15th 2012

www.wilddayz.com

The 15th Australian Venture will be held in Tasmania from 3 to 14 January 2012 Applications are NOW OPEN We want you to be part of the NSW Contingent heading to Tasmania in 2012

Register online NOW!

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Design a Badge and WIN!

Badge must include:

Light blue background Platypus 15th Australian Venture Tasmania NSW Contingent 3-14 January 2012

The Badge will be for the NSW Contingent to the Venture in Tasmania. Please be as creative as you can!

It can be round, oval, square, or any shape you like. Closing date for entries is 30 November 2010 Email your design to Warren Batty State Commissioner Lones [email protected]

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A Near Death Experience Reprinted with permission of Yass Tribune, 30 June 2010

Bowning girl, Savannah McGuirk, has Savannah has a wonderful outlook on a lot to smile about these days. She life and isn’t going to let a little thing was recently made a Queen’s Scout; like a near-death experience slow she can’t wait to get stuck into her her down. During her recovery time in Bachelor of Science degree at the hospital, she was initially confined ANU; and she has had an incredible to bed but Savannah found this recovery from a horrific accident that incredibly frustrating and one could have spelled the end of her life. evening, when a friend came to visit, they snuck out and did a lap of the The accident occurred in February of hospital car park. “No-one told me this year, during O Week; the time off,” Savannah said, and from then on when new students arrive on campus she got up each day. As time passed, and try to get oriented with their new she got more and more impatient learning environment. Savannah was with having to stay in hospital. She already ahead of the game – she’d was desperate to go home but was been taking a chemistry bridging thwarted by a memory test that a course on campus over the summer doctor performed on her each day. holidays. Being a very active young “He would ask me stuff like ‘What day woman, she enjoyed getting to and from campus each is it?’ and ‘Who is the Prime Minister?’, and then he would day under her own steam, using pedal power. She shared show me three picture cards out of this little pile. The next the ride with a friend, as far as Manuka, and then they day I would have to remember which three he showed me would split up with Savannah heading on to her family’s but I kept forgetting. You had to get it right three days in a base in Symonston alone. row. It was so frustrating. I told him I could tell him every card he had in the pile, but it was really hard to remember Savannah describes the following events in a straight- exactly which three he’d shown me the day before!” But forward, no fuss way, as if she is describing a trip to the eventually Savannah’s actions convinced medical staff that shops. This particular day, she was riding home a little she would be better off at home. She had taken to later than usual. She remembers the road was busier, as it sleeping in the patient’s lounge to get some peace and was getting on towards peak hour. She was a kilometre quiet at night. “One lady (in my room) had her TV going and a half from home, travelling on the footpath as there 24/7. And then the orderlies would be bringing people in was no bike lane. At the intersection of Jerrabomberra and out. I could never get any sleep,” Savannah said. Avenue and Hindmarsh Drive, she was making the crossing when a truck turned the corner and collided with Apart from her new short hair-do there is little to give her front wheel. Her bike was flung in the air and tossed away the trauma Savannah experienced – certainly not her metres away. Savannah was wrapped around the side of attitude. She is not even sorry that she missed out on the truck, her head striking the side mirror with such force starting university with her friends. “I’ve been going to that it knocked the mirror clean off. She recalls being lectures for the past couple of months,” she said, excited conscious long enough to tell a woman, who rushed to that she’s got a head-start now for when she does begin her aid, what numbers to call. Beyond that, she in July. Savannah’s Mum, Kathy McGuirk, is amazed at the remembers nothing of the next week, as she slipped into speed of her daughter’s recovery. “Her personality seems a deep coma. to be stronger, if anything,” she said. She is not concerned that Savannah wants to get straight back into her uni It was the worst possible time for Savannah’s family, who degree. “The doctors have told her that she should put didn’t know firstly if she would wake up, and secondly if herself under pressure.” she would have permanent brain damage. The accident had caused Savannah’s brain to shift inside her skull. It had When the Trib asked Savannah if she thought the accident also caused serious bleeding on her brain. All that week in had changed her at all, she took a moment to think before the Canberra Hospital ICU the doctors debated whether responding: “I’ll keep in contact with more people”. to operate or ‘wait and see’. She surprised them all by During her stay in hospital, she was overwhelmed by the waking up on the eighth day. From then on, Savannah’s number of visitors she received, many of them people recovery has been at almost break-neck speed. It was who knew her through the Scouting network. “I had no anticipated that she would take 12 months to recover. idea I knew so many people!” she said. She has clearly Doctors warned Savannah’s parents that she would need been touched by the care and support of so many friends, time to regain her balance, her short-term memory, and and is grateful for the role Scouting has played in her life. her high level cognitive reasoning – otherwise known as “I’ll always be involved in Scouts,” she said. “No worries!” problem-solving ability. But when the Trib met Savannah, there was no apparent difference between her and any Photo supplied by other vivacious young woman her age. Karan Gabriel, Yass Tribune

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The History of the Queen’s Scout Award

The New South Wales Branch September 2001 Part 3 of 3

...continued from Look Wide Edition 4

Prior to 1947 King’s Scouts were recognised by the be conducted indoors at Government House, or at award of a badge by Imperial Headquarters in London. alternative city venues such as the Conservatorium of No records appear to have been kept of the names of Music or St Stephens Uniting Church in Macquarie Street. any NSW awardees, or if they were, the UK Scout Association has advised that all records would have In the early years, after the investiture ceremony, the been destroyed in the Second World War. Queen’s Scouts and Commissioners proceeded to the Baden-Powell Training Camp at Pennant Hills for a In 1947 His Majesty King George VI authorised the issue weekend of camping and visits to attractions. of a special certificate to each Scout who had gained the badge. The badge was sent out as a gift from the The 7th Queen’s Scout Investiture was held at the Association for local presentation, however certificates 4th Australian Jamboree 1952-53 at Greystanes. On were to be held for official presentation as often as 4 January 1953, the Governor and Chief Scout of NSW, required. Sir John Northcott, presented to 56 Queen’s Scouts certificates signed by Her Majesty the Queen. After the The first presentation ceremony conducted by the ceremony “the Governor and Queen’s Scouts were NSW Branch occurred on 20 February 1949, involving entertained to tea in the Camp Chief’s mess”. 26 boys who were presented with their King’s Scout Certificates by His Excellency the Governor and Chief In most years from 1965 to 1994 the Ceremony was Scout of NSW, Sir John Northcott at Government followed by a formal luncheon hosted by the Chief House. The Chief Commissioner of the day was Commissioner at a city venue, however due to declining Major E A “Pop” Lloyd. attendances these are no longer held.

The Branch was always indebted to the Chief Scout The average number of King’s Scout and Queen’s for the keen enthusiasm he showed at these Scout awards made each year since 1949 is 188. functions and in particular his message to the Baden-Powell Awards to Rovers have also boys: “Having gained the King’s Scout been regularly made at Queen’s Scout Badge by your hard work, do not now fail Ceremonies, and occasionally awards to go back and stand as an example to for Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct your younger brother Scouts.” have also been presented. His Excellency usually entertained the The largest ceremony held so far was on boys at afternoon tea after the ceremony. 14 September 1973 when 310 Queen’s His Excellency also commented at the fifth Scout and five Baden-Powell awardees investiture to 50 boys on 15 March 1952, “that this would qualified to attend. Sir Roden-Cutler VC, AK, be the last ceremony at which the Royal Certificates KCMG, KCVO, CBE was the Governor and Chief Scout would be signed by His late Majesty King George VI.” of NSW for this and for all ceremonies between 1966 and 1981. With the accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Throne, the time-honoured rank of King’s Scout The very special 100th Ceremony [was] held at became Queen’s Scout. The 6th Investiture, on 26 July Government House on 20 October 2001 with 46 1952, was a unique occasion for the 32 Senior Scouts Queen’s Scouts and two Baden-Powell awardees having and Scouts over 15 who were the first in Australia to qualified to be presented with their certificates. receive their Royal Certificates signed by the Queen. The total number of Queen’s Scout and King’s Scout Since that time the NSW Branch has normally hosted certificates presented in NSW since 1949 is 11 123. The two Queen’s Scout Presentations annually – mostly on Branch also has records of 407 Baden-Powell awards and the parade ground at Government House. On a few 60 awards for Gallantry or Meritorious Conduct. (Figures occasions wet weather has caused the ceremony to as of 21 September 2010).

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NSW State Venturer Scout Council

State Commissioner Venturer Scouts Charles Watson 02 4992 3688 0418 238 507 Asst State Commissioner Venturer Scouts Mike Bearryman 02 6566 7632 Asst State Commissioner Venturer Scouts Andrew Millen 0418 650 735 Asst State Commissioner Venturer Scouts Rick Gomez 0407 277 436

Regions Greater Western Sydney Aaron Wardle 0421 076 497 Hume Luke Bartley 0421 134 187 Hunter and Coastal Phillip Murphy 02 4328 3247 0418 675 406 North Coast Ian Hale 02 6681 6706 0416 253 545 North West Cameron Baxter 02 6722 1222 0428 329 622 Riverina c/– Wanda Whittaker 02 9735 9011 South Coast and Tablelands Alan Blake 02 4295 1184 0411 755 571 South Metropolian c/– Regional Office 02 9570 4525 Sydney North Kerry Griffin 0438 239 001 Goldern West Jim Buchan 02 6337 4161 Lones Warren Batty 02 6760 7430 0427 607 430 Branch Venturer/Rover Liasion Officer Alison Maynard 02 9601 1694 0423 530 815 Branch Venturer/Rover Liasion Officer Mitchell Shaw 0431 218 368

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Venturer Scout Calendar: Sept 2010 to Feb 2011

OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

New South Wales Branch Cuboree 9-13

Greater Western Sydney Region Canoeing Course 9-10 Region Camp – Waratah 12-14 Canyoning Course 27-28 Region Fun Day on the Water 12

Hume Region N/A = No Activity N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Hunter and Coastal Region Initiative Course 23-24 Region Venture 3-5

North Coast Region N/A = No Activity N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

North West Region Unit Management 16-17 Youth Helpers 16-17 Narrabri Raft Race 27-28

South Coast and Tablelands Region N/A = No Activity N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

South Metropolitan Region Youth Helpers 7

Riverina Region N/A = No Activity N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Sydney North Region Regional Ventureout 13-14 RCV 4 Abseiling 28 7 Canyoning 24 4-5

The Golden West Region Golden West Venture 20-21

NSW Lones Week Long Camp – Orange: Lones 25 Sept to 2 Oct All Sections 25 Sept to 2 Oct

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Message from Charles Watson State Commissioner Venturer Scouts

The Review of the Venturer Section (which concluded early 2006) confirmed one of the objectives of the Venturer as: “To strongly encourage the progression of Venturer Scouts to the Rover Crew”, and is reinforced again in the Venturer Scout Handbook, that the Venturer Scout Leader should “plan the progression of members into the Rover Section by developing an understanding of the adjacent section”. At a recent QSA certificate presentation at Government House, fifteen awardees were asked if they had progressed to a Rover Crew. Only one had done so and the majority had not even been either encouraged or approached to join a Crew. This is an example of failure of the system. As you are approaching the final stage of your Venturing experience, please “Look Wide” and go forward in linking with a Crew. Your experience there will demonstrate clearly whether you continue in Scouting. Let us hope the experience will convince you to do so. This is my sincere wish. To all you Assistant Venturer Scout Leaders and Venturer Scout Leaders, get cracking! Don’t wait to be asked by the Rover Crew for interchange. Use your initiative and approach the Crew, establish firm liaison and ask for Rover help in the visitation program. This is a sure way of continuing the development of our youth members. Charles Watson OAM State Commissioner Venturer Scouts

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

If undeliverable please return to: POSTAGE Look Wide PRINT Scouts Australia NSW POST PAID PO Box 125 PP255003/09434 AUSTRALIA Lidcombe NSW 1825

Look Wide Print Post Approved PP255003/09434