Flysheet

The Sutton District Scouting Newsletter – October 2010

Contents

  1. Contents
  2. Notes from the District Commissioner
  3. Beavers
  4. Cubs
  5. Scouts
  6. Explorers
  7. Network
  8. TWITOCO 2011 Invitation
  9. Adult Training 2010
  10. Situations Vacant
  11. Diary 2010–2011

Notes from the District Commissioner

One of my many faults is that I seldom find the time to sit down and write my overview of what has happened and what is happening across the District and, when I do find that time, my report tends to take the form of a short story. You won’t be surprised to learn that this report is not any different. I don’t wish to comment too much on the Sectional aspects as the ADCs will be writing their own reports but I must thank all our leaders, once again, for their support & help in increasing the number of young people currently engaged in Scouting.

Comparisons between the official census in January and the last interim census in July indicate an overall increase of 149 members (8.25%), significantly above the national average, with all the Sections reporting growth. Perhaps, most importantly, is the growth in the Explorer Scout Section where we now have in the region of 183 members. This, in turn, is producing a higher number of young adults taking out warrants, joining Scout Network or both. There are currently around 70 leaders under the age of 25 who hold warranted appointments and, should the trend continue, any future increase will go some way to reducing our leadership shortfall. That being said, in my estimation, the number of leaders still required to run the Sections effectively is in the region of 80. My calculation has been based on the fact that there are 100 units meeting every week and, if every unit were to have a Leader and two assistants, we would need to have 300 adults to operate at full strength. As things stand at the moment, the records maintained by headquarters indicate that we have only 220 and, thus, we have very few Groups who can claim to have sufficient leaders (The figure of 220 does not include GSLs, Sectional Assistants, Young Leaders, Occasional Helpers, Parents or District personnel). With youth membership expanding rapidly, our aim is, clearly, to identify new adult volunteers as quickly as possible.

From a District perspective, we are taking every opportunity to put ourselves in the public eye by attending such events as the Carshalton Carnival, the Environmental Fair, and Sutton Police Station Open day but, so far, we have seen only limited success and the end result is that we are attracting even more youngsters rather than adults. District manpower is limited and the same individuals do not have the time to attend every single event so, in future, I would like to see group members performing similar roles within their own catchment areas.

In addition, I am in the process of holding talks with the Volunteer Centre, Sutton with regard to determine how best we can utilise the services that they offer. I know several Sutton Groups are already advertising their adult volunteer opportunities through VCS so, in order not to tread on any toes, it will be necessary to consult with all Groups before any action is implemented.

There are, however, other opportunities to gain additional help and these are right on our doorstep. I think that it’s true to say that many of the adults who become involved in Scouting do so because their children are part of a Group and it follows that, with just under 2,000 youth members, we have a large source of potential adults to tap into. Invariably, it is the Section Leaders who are in the front line when it comes to speaking to parents before or after Sectional meetings but we do not use these opportunities to identify possible recruits. It seldom happens that a parent will rush up and offer their services without any prompting but, by Section Leaders adopting a more pro-active approach, it may result in a parent displaying a willingness to get involved.

Those of you who attended the District AGM at the end of June or have had sight of the Annual Report will be aware that the District Executive energies will be focused on 4 core aspects of development over the next 12 months and beyond. Adult Recruitment and Retention, External Fund-Raising through Grant Aid, Enhancement of Scouting through the Media and Motivation. Most of these are more comprehensively outlined in the recently produced ‘Draft District Development Plan’ but I would like to draw to your attention some of the other proposals included in our plan.

We have already implemented our policy to subsidise the training costs of leaders wishing to obtain an Adventurous Activity permit in a particular field and we have identified the District requirements when it comes to the activities where we are desperately lacking in qualified personnel. Before the end of the year, we shall be seeking a number of adults who are potentially interested in gaining kayaking & canoeing qualifications but more information will be made available at that time. Our ultimate objective is to reach a point where Sutton District has sufficient adults with adventurous activity qualifications in a broad range of recreational sports not to have to engage the hired services of outside instructors.

This coincides with a reunion of a kind with the Sutton Canoe Club. The original club was formed about 25 years ago and went under the name of Wallington & Carshalton District Canoe Club. Over the ensuing years, Scouting interest in the activities of the club declined to such an extent that District and the Canoe Club dissolved their relationship and the current Sutton Canoe Club was launched. Now we have turned almost full circle and it is hoped that, by the end of this year, a new constitution and partnership agreement will be in place resulting in the formation of a Canoe Club that will have Scouting links and be overseen by both Sutton and Wimbledon & Wandle Districts. This will afford more opportunities for both youth members and adults to take part in kayaking and canoeing activities including adult training towards permit level. On occasions we will be able to call upon the services of the Canoe Club instructors to assist at District, Sectional or even Group events and, in time, to have our own instructors as part of the club.

Earlier in the year, Susan Peek and myself took the opportunity to attend a Charity Fair in London during which we participated in a number of different workshops encompassing such areas as ‘Fundraising: Seeking and Making Money’; ‘Getting your Stories into the Media’; ‘Motivation Matters’; ‘Community Fundraising in 2010’; ‘Why Companies want to Give Money’; All of these were an eye-opener as to what is actually going on in the third (voluntary) sector and gave us plenty of food for thought. Despite the recession and the impending government spending cuts, there is still a vast amount of untapped funds that are available to charities like the Scout Association – It’s simply a question of knowing where to look. Traditionally, Scout Groups have relied heavily on their membership fees and fundraising activities such as jumble sales, bag-packing, summer fairs etc. to offset their costs but most of this income comes from our members’ parents not from outside sources. How much longer can we be expected to pass on any significant extra costs to these parents when there funds available elsewhere. I know that this year 5 or 6 Groups have successfully applied for a ‘Grassroots Grant’ but this is just the tip of the iceberg and I would like to encourage Groups to think a little differently about their Fund-raising strategies. I, personally, am carrying out a great deal of research into where & how monies can be sourced and I am happy to share this information with you but, it is very time-consuming and, with all the other responsibilities of a District Commissioner, is not something I wish to continue for very much longer. In fact, I am looking to delegate these duties to a would-be volunteer.

Plans to re-furbish the office in the District Headquarters and to create genuine office functionality are moving ahead. For those of you who have seen the inside of the current office, you will know that at present the only way that anyone would know that it could possibly be an office is by the fact that it contains two desks. The bulk of the other contents are an antediluvian photocopier, a seldom used television set and an assortment of bric-a brac that has no place in that environment. It is proposed to transform this into a modern functional room where District records can be held in an orderly fashion, where Executive and Team members can come to carry out Scouting duties without interruption, where important e-mails can be directed and where a host of other duties can be performed.

There is one drawback to all these best laid plans. In order to obtain a financial grant from GLSW County, the District Development Plan must be representative of the District needs and objectives and, with little or no input from the Groups, it may be construed that not enough consideration has been given to the Group Development Plans.

Yes, you’ve guessed it. I need a Development Plan from every Group covering the next 3 years i.e. from January 2011 to December 2013. This requirement was addressed at the last GSL’s meeting in early September and I would like to think that those Groups, who have not yet submitted their plans, can do so before the 31st December 2010. Very soon I shall be circulating more comprehensive details about the Group Development plans, including a copy of the District Plan and some suggestions about the areas to be considered. I know that many Group Scout Leaders and Group Chairman have their vision for the future in their heads. All that is needed is to transpose these thoughts and ideas into a working document. It is important to remember that the District is here to provide Groups and Units with support and assistance but, if we are not made aware of your requirements, we cannot help.

At this particular juncture, I am extremely upbeat about Scouting in the borough and the District Executive and District Team are deeply motivated by our successes and our development proposals. I hope that our enthusiasm and motivation in our attempts to make a difference to the lives of the young people in our community will be replicated throughout Sutton and that our growth and development can be sustained in the years to come.

Sutton District Camp 2011

[District Camp 2011 Flyer]
29th April to 2nd May 2011, Blackland Farm, East Grinstead

Just a brief word about the plans to date for next year’s District Camp. Whilst we are unable to book any site activities at Blackland Farm until January 2011, we have been given assurances by the site that, as the largest contingent on site that weekend, we will be given first refusal on the activities we require provided that we leave opportunities for other campers.

In this light, we expect to be able to offer the following activities: Abseiling, Aero ball, Archery, Bouldering, Bungee Trampoline, Grass Sledging, Indoor Wall Climbing, Inflatables, Low Ropes, Outdoor Wall Climbing, Rifle-shooting, Rock Climbing, Crate Challenge, Open Canoeing, Kayaking, Tunnels and Zip wire.

In addition, arrangements are in place with outside organisations for Off-road Mountain Biking, Scuba Diving, Go-karting, Quad Bikes, 4 x 4 driving and Martial arts sessions & demonstrations.

Aside from the more physical activities, there will, also, be a disco, film show, camp fire, firework display, craft activities, Sectional Activity badges and other activities still to be arranged.

I must stress that, until we have a better idea of the numbers that we are catering for, I cannot give a 100% guarantee that all of the above will be available. What I will say is that activities will be ‘graded’ by Section with some allocated exclusively to one Section or another. Many of the activities have regulatory age limits and so this will restrict them to specific Sections. For example, items such as quad bikes will not be offered to Beaver Scouts or Cub Scouts and, possibly, younger Scouts.

Our Camp organisers, Paul Green and Paul Goldsmith, are eager to determine numbers as soon as possible so it would be greatly appreciated that initial ‘guesstimates’ be submitted by the deadline of the 31st October 2010.

Beavers

Since the last report the only activity District-wise has been the Fun Sports Afternoon held at 4th Worcester Park HQ on Saturday 26th June.

The weather was fantastic and everyone was fighting to stay in the shade. Many colonies supported the occasion and we were honoured with the presence of Karl Bromley, ACC Beavers, who helped all afternoon with the lining up of all entrants for the races.

It is a completely fun afternoon, with Beavers competing against each other for sweet prizes awarded at the end of each race. So much fun and enthusiasm enjoyed by all with the leaders race as the climax.

Several sleepovers have successfully taken place in own HQs, on Scout sites and during group camps.

Its good to see more colonies enjoying the experience of time away from home and preparing Beavers for more exciting times ahead in the Cubs.

This term we are preparing many activities and our very next one is the Swimming Gala on the 16th October followed by the next day at Westcroft for our afternoon trying our different sporting activities.

Our Beavers are very lucky in having such enthusiastic leaders who continually support our activities for which I am very grateful.

Cubs

The Schools have all returned to start another year and the Cub Packs have commenced their Winter Programme. We welcome a new Cub Scout Leader to 14th Wallington, Paul Littlechild, and hope his Pack will soon be joining in the District events.

We ended last term with the Water Day activity which saw many Cubs having a go at sailing, bell boating and kayaking on Wimbledon Pond and getting wetter on the land games with our District Commissioner Chris Williams. Water Activity badges were achieved by all who attended.

The Summer Holidays found plenty of our Packs away, many under canvas. They travelled as far away as Ferny Crofts Hampshire, Thriftwood Essex and Blackland Farm, Sussex. The weather was not always as favourable as it could have been but I am certain everyone has memories to treasure.

The first competition of the new term was the Outdoor Challenge Trophy, which we moved from November to September to improve the chances of some better weather. It was certainly a vast improvement on the last two years. It was relocated to 4th Worcester Park’s HQ and even though so few teams were entered it was a great morning.

The next activity on the agenda is Discovering Tenpin bowling as a Sport. Charrington Bowl and Tolworth Youth Bowling Club are providing a full afternoon to teach the Cubs how to bowl a ball on the lane and not in the gutter. There will also be displays by England team players and an opportunity for a game against your mates. This will complete one section of their Fitness Challenge.

The Swimming Gala is fast approaching, as is this year’s badge day at St Philomena’s school. I am looking forward to the ice cream made in the scientific way. I also know there are still various camps and nights away activities organised by the Packs, but the final event this term will be provided by County for all the Cubs that have achieved their Silver Chief Scouts Award this year. A party at 1st Hook’s HQ to celebrate their success.

We will then hit next year running as we acknowledge 95 years of Cub Scouting and prepare for Cubeaver Jambo in June, a County event which we hope all Packs will participate in as it will be another great adventure for Cubs at Walton Firs.

Congratulations to all the Leaders who have received awards this year thanks to every Leader who gives up their time so Cub Scouting in Sutton can be so much fun.

Scouts

The summer term has been very active and exciting for the Scout section with many events talking place.

The 15th Wallington represented Sutton District at the GLSW Scout Activity Camp – CHAOS 2010 and had a fantastic time at Tolmers.

The Water Activities Weekend was once again held at Longridge with over a hundred Scouts taking part in water activities such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking and bell boating on the River Thames at Marlow. The weather was outstanding and only added to the fantastic time that everyone had.

The Scout Patrol Camping Weekend took place at Boidierhurst. All Scouts that took part had a fantastic weekend, with excellent camping skills demonstrated by all. All Scouts achieved the Pioneers Activity badge. First place in the How Cup competition were 3rd Carshalton, with a close second of 1st Wallington. The Ted Neate award for team spirit was won by 9th Carshalton.

The first Sutton District Scout Summer Camp took place over the summer. This is a summer camp for Scouts or Troops that are unable to attend a summer camp. 17 participants from 5 Troops and 1 ESU went with 4 leaders to Tolmers and had a great time. All attended achieved the next level of their Nights Away awards – including a 125 Nights and a 150 nights. Four Scouts also achieved their Camp Cook badge.

The Autumn term has kicked of already, with the 5-a-side football competition taking place with the trophy being retained by the 3rd Carshalton at a very enjoyable competition with a high degree of sportsmanship from all teams.

The district is also celebrating the opening of two new troops. The 3rd Beddington has opened a second troop through demand and a new leader to the district – James Laker – has enabled the 2nd Cheam to re-open their Troop. Best wishes to both Troops and their leaders.

Activities taking place in the near future include a Master At Arms shooting course, Several Troops going to Scarefest, the District Scout Cooking Competition, Scout Night Adventure – for the Tate Shield and Ray Shaw Award, the District Scout Climbing Day and of course the action and activity packed District Summer Camp in May.

All in all, the Scout section has had a fantastic summer and has started the new Scouting year with great enthusiasm.

Finally, a big thank you to all the leaders in the Scout section across the district. Without your efforts, Scouting would not be anywhere near as fantastic as it is for all the Scouts in the District.

Explorers

The Explorer Units have had a really busy Summer, and from my diary it looks like that’s going to carry on into a really busy Autumn, too! Most Units managed to carry on meeting through the exam season, but it was after the exams were over that things really got going.

Barry Lewis organised another excellent Rounders Competition in Cheam Park in early July, which is now becoming an annual fixture. All played well but we might have to consider not inviting Banstead next year, as they took top spot again!

A couple of weeks later, bleary eyed as it was early on a Saturday, two minibuses full of Explorers set off to Whitstable for a Water Activities Weekend—powerboating, sailing and kayaking on the sea, a big BBQ on the beach on Saturday night, camping near Herne Bay, more activities on Sunday and we rounded the weekend off with a regatta. It was clearly good, as the Explorers were up just after 6am ready for more—unheard of!! We even proved that the system works by rescuing the minibus full of Explorers that made an impromptu stop at Clackett Lane on the way home. Particular thanks to Paul and Rachel and to Derek and Susanne for the very professional way in which they dealt with that. We’ll be planning another one of those next year (the weekend, that is, not the stop at Clackett Lane).

Then it was the summer holidays and Units started going away. Getting abroad was the theme, with Double Dragon heading to Holland and members of Ruskin going to Uganda, for instance. A little closer to home, Worcester Park disappeared off into the mountains of the Lake District for a week’s expeditioning. Had they looked carefully, they might also have spotted Belmont who were camping at Great Tower in the Lake District, too. Two Explorers from 15W, Rose and Jess, deserve particular praise for completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition—also in the Lake District! Clearly, that was the place to be this summer.

I wasn’t there, but I did manage to spend the holidays catching up on some admin; a number of leaders have been signed off for all or most of their wood badge training as a result, and I also managed to assess a couple of adults for sailing permits while we were out and about, too!

The Autumn term started with a District meeting round the fire at Boidier Hurst and we have set ourselves quite a busy programme, with the Swimming Gala and then the Sedan Chair Rally coming up at the end of October, ScareFest and then a Handball Competition in November, and Caving in Somerset towards the end of the term as well. As if that wasn’t enough, the leaders are going to go Powerkiting at the end of October to test that as one of the activities for our Air Activities Weekend next Autumn, and they are all still running their weekly meetings as well!

The Young Leaders Unit is also still in good shape, with a successful Module A run in September, followed by some training on Programme Planning and a session on planning how to achieve the Young Leader Missions. Young Leaders can also take part in the full District Programme as well, so in addition to encouraging them to take advantage of all the training and support that Mark can offer them, please do encourage them to come along and take part in activities that are put on for them!

We’re also planning for the Spring term already, with Shooting at Bisley and Mountainboarding at Red Hill in the offing, plus Operation Red Flare, a First Aid Course (primarily for Young Leaders, but open to all) and of course District Camp already in the diary. Personally, I think 2010/11 is going to be even more exciting than 2009/10 was! I can’t wait.

Network

Network had a busy summer term, rowing on the Thames at Richmond, ice skating, walking on Boxhill, backwoods cooking, air rifle shooting and we finished the term off with a BBQ. Network also took part in the District Explorer / Network Rounders competition and came a very respectable 3rd after being beaten by Banstead ESU in the semi finals.

The autumn term kicked off with a our annual Summer Camp to Gilwell Reunion which was a great weekend full of activities and socialising. The 3G swing was a big hit as usual with lots of screaming. We also flew down the zip wire, went climbing and one of our new members completed the leap of faith! We had Pimms on the lawn with the UK Chief Commissioner’s team and some of our members spoke to Wayne Bulpitt, Scouting UK’s Chief Commissioner. We had glorious weather and a good weekend was had by all.

[Network Picture]
Sutton Network Rowing on the Thames at Richmond

This term Network have been to Laserquest, played giant games and had a film night. Coming up we have green laning, self defence, air rifle shooting and our annual Christmas ice skating in London.

[Network Picture]
Sutton Network at the Gilwell Reunion

If you are 17½–25 years old and would like further information about Network and a copy of the programme please email claire.dunne@suttonscouts.org.uk.

TWITOCO 2011 Invitation

The B.G.S. Committee (representing Scout and Guide units in the London Borough of Sutton) hereby invite leaders (18 years old and older) to the TWITOCO 2011 (TWIn TOwn COnference 2011) in Holland from 28th April to 1st May 2011. The approximate cost will be £120 (not including travel).

Draft plan:

There will be interesting and fun things to do based around the theme “House of Orange”.

Holland will provide a mix of home hospitality with families in Apeldoorn and Scout/hostel accommodation.

The Dutch committee tend not to limit the number of participants from any one twin town. An average of six per town would be perfect to make the event as international as possible.

If you are interested in attending the conference then please contact the Sutton Twin Town BGS Committee chairperson, Madeleine Baldwin, by email at madeleine.baldwin@yahoo.co.uk or by telephone on 020 8680 5467 before 1st November 2010. Application forms and payment information will then be sent to you.

Adult Training 2010

September
29th Wed Module 16 – Nights Away
October
10th Sun Module 20 – Administration (Managers)
Module 23 – Safety for Managers and Supporters
16th Sat Module 16 – Nights Away
Module 10 – Basic First Aid Course
20th Wed First Aid Refresher Course
November
6th Sat Module 13 – Growing the Movement (Section Leaders)
Module 21 – Growing the Movement (Managers)
14th Sun Module 07 – Valuing Diversity
Module 19 – International
Module 17 – Activities Outdoors
21st Sun Module 10 – Basic First Aid Course

For further details of adult training contact the District Training Manager, Janet Drinkall, by telephone on 020 8669 4774 or by email at janet.drinkall@glswscouts.org.uk.

Situations Vacant

There are currently three job opportunities for adults willing to assist Sutton District Executive Committee in the implementation of its development plan.

Fund-Raising Administrator

Role Description: The volunteer will be working closely and under the supervision of the District Executive Committee and will be responsible for the following:

Role Purpose: To provide opportunities for Scouting, in general, to access funds for specific projects.

Salary: None. Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Hours: No scheduled hours but 2 to 3 hours per week may be necessary? The amount of time is variable and subject to applicant’s situation and the demand from the Group.

Location: The applicant should be able to work from home, have access to a computer and the Internet and have an e-mail address.

Qualifications: Familiarity with various computer software programmes. To be able to work alone. Knowledge of the Scout Association, the voluntary sector and grant aid would be helpful but not essential.

Conditions: To register as a member of the Scout Association and to have the appropriate CRB clearance.

Reporting: The applicant will update the District Executive periodically of progress and may be called upon to attend meetings of the District Executive, when necessary.

How to Apply: Applicants should contact Chris Williams, District Commissioner on 020 8395 7116 or e-mail to chris.williams@suttonscouts.org.uk for further information.

Volunteer Coordinator

Role Description: The volunteer will be working closely and under the supervision of the District Executive Committee and will be responsible for the following:

Role Purpose: To recruit adult volunteers into Scouting in the London Borough of Sutton.

Salary: None. Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Hours: No scheduled hours. The amount of time is variable and subject to the applicant’s situation and the demand from the Groups and Units.

Location: The applicant should be able to work from home, have access to a computer and the Internet and have an e-mail address. On occasions, it may be necessary to meet representatives of local agencies at their place of work or other arranged venue.

Qualifications: To be able to communicate, whether by phone or e-mail with specified contacts within the Scout Groups and Units. To be able to work alone. Knowledge of the Scout Association, the voluntary sector and the employment market would be helpful but not essential.

Conditions: To register as a member of the Scout Association and to have the appropriate CRB clearance.

Reporting: The applicant will update the District Executive periodically of progress and may be called upon to attend meetings of the District Executive, when necessary.

How to Apply: Applicants should contact Chris Williams, District Commissioner on 020 8395 7116 or e-mail to chris.williams@suttonscouts.org.uk for further information.

Membership Enquiries Administrator

Role Description: The volunteer will be working closely and under the supervision of the District Executive Committee and will be responsible for the following:

Role Purpose: To assist with the recruitment of young people into Scouting ib Sutton.

Salary: None. Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Hours: No scheduled hours. The amount of time is variable and subject to the demand from potential youngsters. There are currently 4 or 5 new enquiries per week and, on the assumption that each follow-up contact last 5 minutes and the updating of records 10 minutes, time spent should be less than 1 hour per week.

Location: The applicant should be able to work from home, have access to a computer and the Internet and have an e-mail address.

Qualifications: To be able to communicate, whether by phone or e-mail with specified contacts within the Scout Groups and Units and/or parents. To be able to work alone. Knowledge of the Scout Association, would be helpful but not essential.

Conditions: To register as a member of the Scout Association and to have the appropriate CRB clearance.

Reporting: The applicant will update the District Executive periodically of progress and may be called upon to attend meetings of the District Executive, when necessary.

How to Apply: Applicants should contact Chris Williams, District Commissioner on 020 8395 7116 or e-mail to chris.williams@suttonscouts.org.uk for further information.

Diary 2010–2011

October
10th Sun District Scout Cooking Competition
13th Wed District Cub Leaders’ Meeting
16th Sat District Swimming Gala
17th Sun District Beaver Westcroft Sports
District Scout Cooking Competition
19th Tue District Explorer Young Leader Module C—That’s the way to do it!
23rd Sat National Explorer Sedan Chair Rally
31st Sun District Camp 2011 Badge Design Competition Deadline
November
9th Tue County Jack Petchey Award Ceremony
13th Sat District Cub Scientist Day
20th Sat District Scout Night Adventure Exercise (Tate Shield) Competition
24th Wed District Explorer Young Leader Module F—Special People
December
2nd Thu District Group Scout Leaders’ Meeting
5th Sun County Cub Chief Scout’s Silver Award Presentations
6th Mon District Beaver St Nicholas Celebration
15th Wed District Executive Committee Meeting
17th Fri Sutton LEA Autumn Term ends
January
22nd Sat District Cub Quiz
23th Sun District Beaver Pantomime
29th Sat District Explorer Young Leader Module K—First Aid
February
5th Sat District Cub Chess Competition
March
5th Sat County Explorer Operation Red Flare
April
23rd Sat St. George’s Day
29th–2nd
Fri–Mon
District Camp 2011
June
11th Sat County Cubeaver Fun Day