Flysheet
The Sutton District Scouting Newsletter – December 2008
Contents
- Contents
- Chairman’s Notes
- Notes from the District Commissioner
- Beavers
- Cubs
- Scouts
- Expedition Uganda 2010
- District Swimming Gala
- Craggy Island
- New and Updated Fact Sheets
- Diary 2008
Chairman’s Notes
Over this Christmas period I have attended several social functions also various carol services and I am often asked ‘How is Scouting these days?’. In the conversation that follows some amazement is expressed on the range of activities that we offer to our young people and very little appears known regarding the help that we give to those less fortunate than ourselves, especially those in need in other countries. People have stated that we all do a great job and some say that they have been Scouts or leaders in the movement but to the comment ‘We need leaders and helpers to help increase our numbers’ the usual answer is ‘I would like to help in some way but I have not got the time’. We all know that if more adults came to help within our Groups we could give more young people the benefit of the training programmes and activities. Leaders and helpers are fully committed to their roll in Scouting and with committee meetings, not forgetting training requirements it is not just for a few hours a week as we all know, it is much longer. Could this be making new people reluctant to help and should we be looking at positive ways to use adult helpers just for an hour or two only each week. It is then possible for them to slowly become more committed, but they must feel that the time they give is worthwhile. This a thought for 2009.
Best wishes to all in the Sutton District for a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year with thanks for all that you do for the young people in our care and wishing you every success with your endeavours to develop Scouting.
Notes from the District Commissioner
After my first nine months as your District Commissioner, I feel that the time is right to reflect upon my experiences during this initial period. When I was appointed I certainly had no illusions about the task that I was taking on but I had had no previous experience about running a Scout Group, yet alone a District, so it was very much a case of entering into the unknown. Looking back, I have enjoyed my time as DC immensely and I have no reservations about taking on the challenge, although it hasn’t been without a number of trials and tribulations. As each week passes, a different aspect of Scouting arises and this has kept me extremely busy throughout. In fact, I have probably devoted more time and energy on a daily basis fulfilling my Scouting responsibilities than I ever did when I was in full-time employment. My remit is to ‘grow’ the movement in Sutton and to continue the good work that John Perkins started when the two Districts merged in April 2005. We are nearly four years from that time and, although I feel that we are moving in the right direction, there is still so much that can be done to enhance Scouting in Sutton. Upon reflection, it is somewhat difficult to identify any tangible improvements but that doesn’t mean to say that there haven’t been any, just they simply are not yet apparent.
At the last Group Scout Leaders meeting we addressed one of the issues which I feel should play a big part in our future progress: Development. Everyone will have their own opinions as to what the most significant issues are and there are no wrong answers. Some just take higher priority than others. With the help of the GSLs (Group Scout Leaders) present, I have now compiled a list of those areas of development that should be addressed and during the next few months I hope to be able to produce a plan of action that will put some or all of those ideas into practice. However, an action plan looks great on paper but worthless if it isn’t implemented and to achieve this it will require the recruitment of a number of willing volunteers to form our District Development Committee. I appreciate that we are all unpaid volunteers with both domestic and professional commitments that take priority and that there is only so much time that we can devote to our Scouting involvement but I am hopeful that we can find the right individuals to step up and take on a specific role. Yes, it will mean an additional workload but how much will depend on the degree of delegation and support that is forthcoming. I would like to ask every adult member in Sutton to consider making just one resolution for the New Year that would improve Scouting in their Section, Group or Unit etc. I, personally, am notorious for making resolutions and not keeping them so I won’t be taking anyone to task if their ideas do not reach fruition, but even the simplest proposal can be beneficial. I have set myself a deadline of 1st April 2009 in my quest for like-minded individuals to form the District Development Committee and I would be very happy to hear from anyone who would be willing to offer their assistance.
Going from the future to the past, you may already be aware of some of the changes to the District Executive Committee. This year Pam Norton, Mike Pettit and David Jones have decided to step down from their roles as District Secretary, District Treasurer and Jack Petchey Administrator respectively. I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincere thanks for all the hard work and time that they have given to the District over the years and I wish them well in their ‘retirement’. Fortunately, I am extremely pleased to say that Rosemary Goldsmith, Matthew Hewitt and Jill Forbes have agreed to take on the responsibility for these roles and I would like to welcome them as new members of the District Executive Committee.
Finally, may I extend my thanks to everyone in Sutton District for their help and support throughout 2008 and my very best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Beavers
Since the beginning of the Autumn Term the Beaver section has enjoyed a number of activities.
The District Swimming Gala was only attended by a few Colonies. More to the pity because the occasion was exciting and the competitive spirit very obvious. The final result was very close but the shield was awarded to 3rd Carshalton Colony.
Our Fun Afternoon at Westcroft was better and over 250 Beavers attended for a fun and sporty three hours. Despite complications, like Westcroft not expecting us, the leaders rallied round and my thanks must go to them for giving the Beavers such a good time they had no idea of the problem.
In December we organised our usual St Nicholas Celebration in St Nicholas Church. Although not too many Colonies made the effort the church was quite full thanks to parents staying with us. The content was very good and I expect that every Beaver went home with a great knowledge of who St Nicholas was.
Afterwards all leaders were invited to a Christmas Tea in the church hall organised by Gill Hutton [ex-Beaver leader of 1/16th Sutton]. If you did not attend you missed a great spread and the chance to talk in a relaxed atmosphere.
We have a new ACC (Assistant County Commissioner) Beavers, Karl Bromley, and hopefully the County will now be more active in the Beaver section.
Our next activity is the pantomime on Sunday January 18th at 4th Worcester Park.
Wishing all leaders and helpers a very Happy Christmas and an exciting New year.
Cubs
Challenge Trophy Competition
The Cub Challenge Trophy competition was held on Saturday 8th November 2008 at Park Farm Scout Campsite. Ten teams of four Cubs each competed at bases where their Scouting skills and teamwork were tested. The final results were:
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st= | 1st Belmont Ryde | 132.5 |
| 1st= | 5th Sutton | 132.5 |
| 3rd | 1st Belmont Osbourne | 131.5 |
Scouts
As we approach the end of 2008 it is a good time to reflect on the autumn term in the Scout section.
As always a busy term, we started off back in September with an Expedition Challenge, it was a chance for a few Scouts to obtain their Expedition Challenge badge and learn how to read a map outdoors. And as most of them discovered it’s a lot harder than sitting reading it in the Scout hall. The weather was kind and they didn’t get soaked and all managed to complete the course, so well done to them all.
October saw the Scouts whipping up their culinary skills. There were six teams entered into the cooking competition, a little disappointing out of 25 troops. The theme for their menu this year was ‘HARVEST’, with a couple of new judges on board (they didn’t realise how tough it was to be a judge). We sampled some great delights, with the winners being 14th Wallington. This was their debut in this competition, so very well done to them.
November blew in with a sudden cold snap, but still we planned for the Night Activity Exercise, (Tate Shield). We had 19 teams entered into this event, with several groups entering two teams, a few of whom camped over as well. The weather was kind to us on that day and was not as cold as it has been, and so 19 teams worked their way round all the various bases, Morse code, shooting, first aid, adventure, team building, crisp tasting and many more. At about 1:00am the teams had all finished, some went off home and others had a hot drink and went off to bed, the leaders sat and had a chat over cocoa before retiring.
It was with great anticipation after breakfast that the results were announced: 3rd Carshalton A team took the trophy with 1st Wallington close on their heels. The great surprise was 3rd Cheam who took 4th place on their first attempt at this competition.
There are no District events in December, but much still goes on: camps, night hikes, outings, camp fires, shows and of course parties. But already our climbing day in January is proving very popular.
I would like to finish my report my saying a very big thank you to my team of DSLs (District Scout Leaders) who have proved to be invaluable, especially in the early part of the year when I was out of action. Also thanks must go to all of the Section Leaders, assistant Leaders, helpers and all those that help keep the Scout section working so well. May I also wish everyone in Sutton District a very Merry Christmas and a superb 2009.
Expedition Uganda 2010
Six Scout Leaders (mainly from 1st Wallington Scout Group) are organising an expedition to Uganda in 2010 to build a school. The leaders have already taken part in various expeditions to Africa and are now looking to build a diverse team of Scouts and Explorer Scouts with a wide range of skills and experiences for this new expedition. The Scouts and Explorer Scouts will need to be:
- Members of the Scout Association
- Born between 01/09/1989 and 01/07/1996 (aged 12–19)
- Available for a selection weekend on 13th–15th March 2009
If you have Scouts or Explorer Scouts who you think would be interested then please give them the flyer from www.glswscouts.org.uk/2008/expedition-uganda-2010.pdf. There are further details on the web site at www.uganda-2010.co.nr.
District Swimming Gala
The District Swimming Gala took place on Saturday 18th October 2008 at Trinity School Pool in Croydon. Ten Groups and Units from the district took part. The final results were:
| Section/Position | Team | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beavers | 1st | 3rd Carshalton | 28 |
| 2nd | 1st Cheam | 21 | |
| 3rd | 5th Carshalton | 19 | |
| Cubs | 1st= | 3rd Carshalton | 39 |
| 1st= | Cheam | 39 | |
| 3rd | 14th Wallington | 29 | |
| Scouts | 1st | 5th Carshalton | 42 |
| 2nd | 14th Wallington | 32 | |
| 3rd | 1st Cheam | 28 | |
| Group | 1st | 3rd Carshalton | 91 |
| 2nd | 1st Cheam | 88 | |
| 3rd | 5th Carshalton | 85 | |
| Explorers | 1st | Double Dragon Explorer Scout Unit | |
Craggy Island
A new indoor climbing/bouldering wall and artificial caving centre suitable for over-8s has opened at the Oaks Park Sports Centre in Carshalton. For further details see the website at craggy-island.com/sutton-info.php.
New and Updated Fact Sheets
FS310027 Substance Use and Misuse: A Resource List (Dec/08 [3] 27KBytes)
FS500014 Introduction to the Adult Training Scheme (Dec/08 [2] 33KBytes)
FS250063 Migraine in children and young people (129KBytes)
FS120620 Swimming (Dec/08 [5] 50KBytes)
FS200202 The 6-25 Programme (Nov/08 [2] 24KBytes)
FS800011 Criminal Records Disclosures and the Scout Network (Jun/07 [3] 37KBytes)
AC120945 Assessment Checklist for Windsurfing (Jun/08 [2] 31KBytes)
BR120161 Original Material Suitable for Gang Shows (Oct/08 [4] 465KBytes)
FS120667 Kite Surfing (Jun/08 [2] 27KBytes)
FS120654 Kayaking (Jun/08 [2] 28KBytes)
FS120658 Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski) (Jun/08 [2] 27KBytes)
FS120200 Climbing Walls (Scaffold) (Jun/08 [2] 1.2MBytes)
FS950000 Promoting good sexual health within Scouting (Oct/08 [2] 65KBytes)
FS452008 The Unit and its links (Oct/08 [2] 26KBytes)
FS120651 Canoeing (Jun/08 [2] 16KBytes)
FS170057 Planning an outing for Cub Scouts (Sep/08 [2] 33KBytes)
FS120521 Jamboree On The Air (Sep/08 [3] 60KBytes)
FS320010 Managing A Safe Scout Premises (Sep/08 [1] 91KBytes)
FS155064 Programme Planning for Small Colonies (Aug/08 [1] 25KBytes)
FS185078 Integrated Sections Beaver, Cub and Scout Sections (Aug/08 [3] 56KBytes)
AC120904 Assessment Checklist for Hovercrafting (Water) (Aug/08 [1] 31KBytes)
AC120903 Assessment Checklist for Hovercrafting (Land) (Aug/08 [1] 30KBytes)
FS120750 Hovercrafting (Aug/08 [1] 16KBytes)
FS120104 Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme – Approved Assessors (Aug/08 [3] 45KBytes)
FS120100 Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme (Aug/08 [3] 37KBytes)
FS120708 Hovercrafting (until Jan 2010) (Aug/08 [2] 17KBytes)
FS155053 Guidelines for a Beaver Scout Sleepover(Jul/08 [5] 25KBytes)
Diary 2009
| January 2009 | |
|---|---|
| 5th Mon | Sutton LEA Spring Term starts |
| 24th Sat | District Scout Climbing Day |
| February 2009 | |
| 6th Fri | District Scout Handball Competition |
| 7th Sat | District Cub Chess Competition |
| 8th Sun | County Scout Cooking Competition |
| 16th–20th Mon–Fri |
Sutton LEA Half-Term |
| March 2009 | |
| 5th Thu | District Group Scout Leaders’ Meeting |
| 7th Sat | Croydon District Operation Red Flare Explorer/Network Incident Night Hike |
| 14th Sat | County Scout Night Exercise night hike |
| 21st Sat | District Cub Raksha Trophy Craft Competition |
| 29th Sun | District Scout Five-a-Side Football Competition |
| April 2009 | |
| 3rd Fri | Sutton LEA Spring Term ends |
| 17th–19th Fri–Sun |
District Scout Leaders’ Water Activities Training Weekend |
| 20th Mon | Sutton LEA Summer Term starts |
| 26th Sun | District St George’s Day Parade |
| May 2009 | |
| 25th–29th Mon–Fri |
Sutton LEA Half-Term |
| June 2009 | |
| 2nd Tue | District Group Scout Leaders’ Meeting |
| 10th Wed | County Annual General Meeting hosted by Sutton District |
| 13th Sat | District Cub “Geronimo’s Powow” Fun Day |
| 19th–21st Fri–Sun |
District Scout How Cup Camping Competition |
| July 2009 | |
| 3rd–5th Fri–Sun |
District Scout Water Activities Weekend |
| 11th Sat | District Cub Water Activities Day |
| 22nd Wed | Sutton LEA Summer Term ends |
| September 2009 | |
| 3rd Thu | District Group Scout Leaders’ Meeting |
| 3rd Thu | Sutton LEA Autumn Term starts |
| October 2009 | |
| 4th Sun | District Scout Cooking Competition |
| 26th–30th Mon–Fri |
Sutton LEA Half-Term |
| November 2009 | |
| 21st Sat | District Scout Night Adventure Exercise (Tate Shield) Competition |
| December 2009 | |
| 3rd Thu | District Group Scout Leaders’ Meeting |
| 18th Fri | Sutton LEA Autumn Term ends |