Explorers - April/May 2010

The magazine

for Explorer Scout Leaders

April/May 2010

scouts.org.uk/pol

Get upTake to the skies with

an air activity

Read upThe resources

there to help you

MOVE ON UPMOVE ON UPTop tips to make transition smooth

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IFC_Explorer_AprilMay10.indd 6 15/03/2010 16:15

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WELCOME

Moving in, moving on

4 Keep on movingTransition tips from people who’ve been there and done it

10 Programme pagesAn extended section of activities and ideas, including:

Do not pass goA life-sized game of Monopoly in Robin Hood country

11 Scouts’ OwnHow to run a thoughtful refl ection your Unit will remember

12 Come fl y with meFly a kite and glide away by choosing an air activity

14 Passport to adventureNights away passports

15 Dig and clickA project you can get stuck in to, and safer surfi ng with Microsoft

16 What’s new pussycat?The resources you shouldn’t be without, new and improved

18 The journey beginsWe follow one Explorer to the World Scout Jamboree

Contents

With tips on handling transition and the resources that will help you excel, Gemma Veitch offers

a rundown of what’s in this issue of Explorer

We are now smack bang in the middle of spring, with new beginnings and

lighter nights. In this issue we’ll look at how transition strategies are working

across the UK, with hints, tips and worked examples from people supporting

our Members as they move up through Scouting.

Up in the airWe’re taking more inspiration from the Activity A to Z with a focus on air

activities and a spiritual reflection that can inspire your Explorers.

As we look to the next few months, you can find information about new and

improved resources, an annual event held in Nottinghamshire, up and coming

special dates to add to your Unit’s Calendar and more. So make a cup of tea,

put your feet up and enjoy!

A date for your diaryDon’t forget St George’s Day is on Saturday 23 April. Baden-Powell chose St

George to be the Patron Saint of Scouting. He believed that ‘St George was

everything a Scout should be.’ The St George factsheet (FS295414) explains in

more detail who he was and why B-P chose him as our patron saint.

Your Explorer Scout Section Working GroupAlex Minajew, UK Commissioner for Programme Gemma Veitch, Programme and Development Adviser

Contact them at:[email protected]

Programme Team, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QWTel: 0845 300 1818

ADVERTISINGRichard [email protected] Tel: 020 8962 1258

Cover photo: Chloë Chapmanp4: Moz

HIKING TO VICTORYExplorer Scouts from the 201st Islington who won the 30km event at the annual Southern 50 challenge hike. Gemma, Kelly, Gemma and Giacomo completed the course in 4 hours, 34 minutes.

EXPLORER FINAL.indd 3 15/03/2010 16:16

4 Explorer April/May 2010

Keep on moving

Gemma Veitch skips

around the UK to find

out what you are doing

to aid Explorer Scouts’

transition into and out of

the Explorer Scout Unit

explorer_4510.indd 4 12/03/2010 10:33

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>>

Young Leaders - great

ambassadors, great friends

The important issue of transition is sometimes

wrongly seen only as ‘moving on’ but it’s

important to remember that it happens at both

ends of the spectrum. As the fourth section in

Scouting, we should all be supporting Scout Leaders to

move their young people on to Explorers and we should

also be spending time looking at how we assist our

Explorers to move on: to Network, Scout Active Support

and adult leadership roles.

All this is very easy to say but a question I am regularly

asked is ‘How can we do this locally?’ Not one to reinvent

the wheel, I have collated some hints, tips and case studies

that I’ve come across over the past few years.

The big fourThese are the main points to remember when working

on transition within your District.

Age flexibilityThere is a 12 month window for Scouts to move on to

Explorer Scouts and six months flexibility for Explorer

Scouts to move on to the Scout Network. This flexibility

exists to allow young people to move on when they are

ready and with friends if this is more appropriate. Utilise

the flexibility by inviting the older members of the section

to joint events and making use of the Moving-on Award.

All this will ease the transition through the 6–25

Programme.

CommunicationThis is not just a buzzword, but key to how successful your

transition process will be. It is vital that everyone in an

adult role takes responsibility for the transition of young

people through the Movement. This is the only way that

we can actively support and promote the development of

our young people. Unfortunately all too often I hear

people say ‘It’s not my job, that’s the role of the Scout/

Network Leader’. Sometimes it just takes one person to

open these communication channels.

Remember that the most important person to

communicate with is the young person. They will

ultimately choose what they want to participate in so it is

imperative that they fully understand what is available to

them. Putting the District Explorer term programme up on

the Scout Troop noticeboards, keeping the website up to

date, publicising larger activities and events; all this helps

to keep Explorer Scouting visible and increase the Scouts’

awareness of what actually goes on in the section.

Peer planningI regularly hear about Explorers heading off to a Troop

meeting and running an evening of activities and fun for

the Scouts. This is fantastic and proven to reduce the

worry Scouts have about moving up to the Explorer Unit

as they already know some of the Explorers. What about

Scouts coming to run a night for the Explorers? Or

Explorers running a night for the local Scout Network?

These variations will give the young people the

opportunity to try out their leadership skills and show off

their Scouting skills at the same time as building on the

inter-section relationships.

Young LeadersSeen by many across the UK as a window between the

younger sections and Explorer Scouts, Young Leaders are

fantastic ambassadors of the Explorer Scout section. They

can be made active in publicising the fourth section and

can inspire younger Members to carry on through the

Movement to become an Explorer Scout.

Make sure that you are communicating with the Young

Leaders. Ensure that those who do not actively attend

regular Explorer Scout meetings and activities are still fully

aware of what is going on. This way, they can still pass on

information and promote what activities and experiences

are available within the section.

The case studies on the next few pages highlight some

of the excellent work being done across the UK.

explorer_4510.indd 5 12/03/2010 10:34


Keep on moving>>

moving>>

Up for the cup in fancy dress

Case Study:Hampshire, EnglandExplorers to Network

Get me out of here!In their last term we move the oldest Explorers out of their teams and they stand with the leaders at the head of hut during flag break. They earn the nickname ‘Mouldy Old Explorers’ as they are nearing the end of their shelf life and about to move on to Network.

At the last meeting before the end of term (so three times a year) we hold a presentation ceremony in which the leaders present a trophy for Best Team Leader and some certificates for Most Improved Explorer and Best Example of Living up to Scouting Values. We also use this as an opportunity to invite a Network rep to the meeting. We then bid farewell to our oldest, present them with an I’m an Explorer, Get Me Out of Here certificate and they then drag our Mouldy Old Explorers out of the hut and into Network.It is a light-hearted ceremony but it helps to set a precedent amongst the others around the moving-on process and that they should be moving up at age 18.

John WatkinsDESC, Andover, Hampshire

Case Study: Bailiwick of GuernseyExplorers to Network

Island lifeIn the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Network members run

Network Cup. The Network organises three events

throughout the year for Explorers to compete in. Last

year the events were a climbing competition (extra points

for fancy dress!); a water polo tournament and an

incident hike in France. Around 30 Explorer Scouts

participated in the events. They compete as a Unit so

that individuals don’t have to commit to each event,

although the Network does encourage maximum

participation!

Ben De Carteret, Network Leader

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TRANSITION

>>

Case Study:

Wrexham, WalesScouts to Explorers

It’s good to talkWe have had real success in the number of Scouts

moving up to Explorers. I believe this is due to the

Explorer Scout Leaders going to the Groups in the

District to talk about Explorer Scouting. Plus, we have

about 30 Young Leaders in the District who are

fantastic and have become the face of Explorer Scouts in

the District.

We had a very successful link camp (LINX 09) where

we had about 90 Scouts and Explorers taking part in

a weekend of Explorer Scout activities including

shooting, archery, gladiators, a greasy pole and

bug eating.

Gordon RichardsonDESC, Wrexham, Wales

Case Study:

Derbyshire, EnglandScouts to Explorers

Eventful ScoutingOur District is spread across wide countryside and we

tend to find that most villagers don’t really want to move

out from their local communities. This makes District-

based events and activities hard to plan and run. By

deliberately running a lot of District events we are slowly

overcoming this.

We plan exciting activities such as climbing, master at

arms courses, and run District-based Scout Challenge

Badges. All these events and activities are really helping

the Scouts and their leaders to get used to moving out of

their villages and meeting new people.

Explorers are being invited to join these events as well

so they are getting lots of publicity, which is helping

Scouts feel confident about moving on.

Amanda Griffiths

ESL (YL), Peak, Derbyshire

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Keep on moving>>

Case study:

WiltshireExplorers to Network

Contact supportIn the Network in Wiltshire, we have implemented a strategy

effectively in the last year. It’s simply about how we maximise

our opportunities with Explorers. We’ve trialled a system

whereby we created a Network Exec position called Network/

Explorer Contact (NEC) in all local Units where applicable in the

County. The NEC is responsible for communicating with

Explorer Units in their area, keeping leaders and Explorers up to

date in what the Network is doing.

The role also looks at getting those Explorers of age to

complete their Moving-on Award as a stepping-stone: it’s

another award and something to build on in Network. Once

they hit 18 we do a Moving-on ceremony in the Explorer Unit

to celebrate the transition. Then we do the full investiture in

Network at a later date. It shows Explorers we exist and helps

bridge the gap.

Kris McCabe

County Scout Network Chair, Wiltshire

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TRANSITION

Case Study: Inverness, ScotlandExplorers to Network

Transition treasureFor the last six years I have run an annual event called Nessie’s Network Challenge, a quiz between teams of Explorers and Networks. The idea behind it was to improve links between Explorers and Network and also to promote Network to the Explorers and make them aware of some of the opportunities.

It started with just 12 people from two Units and one Network. Last year we had over 50 participants from two Districts and even some Senior Section Guides!

This year’s event has been opened to all Districts in the Highlands and Islands Region and extended to a 24 hour-event with some added extras, such as a texting treasure hunt and workshops on the Sunday morning.Jamie GordonARC Scout Network, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Case Study: West Sussex, EnglandScouts to Explorers

Fireside chatWe invite older Scouts to some of the District Explorer

evenings. We also run a joint District Scout/Explorer

camp. After the campfire we invite the older Scouts to

stay round the fire with the Explorers where we chat

more informally and toast marshmallows.

It seems to work really well as the Scouts enjoy being

allowed to stay up a bit later and mix with the Explorers.

Also, most of my leaders regularly visit their feeder

Troops. Nothing very exciting, but that’s what we do and

it appears to be working.

Elspeth Warren

DESC, Chichester and Midhurst

explorer_4510.indd 9 12/03/2010 10:39

Do not pass go

W e arrived at Robin Hood on the Friday

and once our camp was set up we

played a few icebreaker games. The

atmosphere was ace!

Super tramThe next morning we were given a sheet of paper with a

list of places which had to be visited in and around the city

of Nottingham. We left camp at 8.30am in minibuses

bound for Hucknall tram station. We had exactly eight

hours to visit as many of the places as possible using the

fabulous tram and bus network. We decided to be clever

about it and our first port of call in the city centre was the

Information Centre and some extremely helpful ladies.

The competition meant we visited lots of different

places including Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Climbing

Centre, Nottinghamshire Scouts’ Charity Shop, the

National Watersports Centre and many others.

No time for the toiletOnce we’d run around the city for the day, not even

stopping for lunch (or the toilet!) we headed back to the

campsite. Virtually all the teams were back so we spent

the evening playing on bouncy castle and in sumo suits.

We kept bugging the leaders to let us play with

a Nottingham Monopoly set, but they said no, as

it was a prize.

Sunday was results day. None of us really expected to

win anything. The organisers read the results. Chesterfield

Draco ESU were second place. Could it be? Yes! None of

us could believe it as our names were read out as winners

– it put the icing on a brilliant weekend.

TAKE PARTMonopoly Live 2010 is open to teams of five Explorer Scouts and will be held 9-11 July. Apply online at www.monopoly-live.co.uk


July 2009. Teams of Explorer Scouts from as far afield as Lancashire and Derbyshire set up camp at the Robin Hood Scout campsite. Their mission: to compete in a live game of Monopoly around the County. Graham from the winning Rufford Explorers team shares his experience

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Scouts’ Own

MORE INFOSearch www.scouts.org.uk for Organising Interfaith Celebrations (FS185093)

Taking time to think during an adventurous activity can be just as

meaningful as a spiritual activity

PROGRAMME PAGES

Scouts’ Owns do not have to be strict religious

ceremonies, and some of the best ones are when

the focus is more theme-based, focusing on

personal and spiritual development. Some

good themes are respect, loyalty, friends,

family and trust. These are just a few

examples but the scope is huge. If you

have a local landmark, such as hills,

mountains or a historical landmark,

or you are undertaking an

expedition, why not incorporate

these into your Scouts’ Own?

Taking a different approach can

lead to a memorable event for

those involved.

Another way of making these ceremonies more

interesting for your Unit is to keep it varied. Maybe have

a performance, or a reading written by your Unit. It could

be a song or a piece of drama, maybe a parody of a

song. They do not have to be long, and you can set

the theme and this is an enjoyable way of delivering

this very important aspect of the programme.

Prayers can sometimes be limited to one faith

but themes can go across these boundaries and

apply to all young people. Getting your Explorers

to write their own ceremonies can be inspiring

to everyone and you may be surprised by what

they come up with. It may be quirky, it may be

serious but it will most definitely have a point to it.

A Scouts’ Own shouldn’t be seen by the

Explorers as ‘religious’ or ‘boring’. It

can be as fun’ and exciting as any

activity you offer. Just by trying

something different you can

deliver a major part of the

programme in an

accessible way.

Scouting can be proud of the diversity of its members and the range of beliefs represented in the Movement. A Scouts’ Own can help your Explorer Scouts explore and reflect on this range of beliefs as well as helping develop their own

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The second of our sneaky peaks into the Activities A to Z takes us to the skies. Firstly, we release our inner Poppins with a kite flying idea, then Sussex Explorer Scout Leader Tom Hylands gives his guide to gliding

This is the perfect time of year to begin planning a kite making meeting. Many Explorer Scouts will have experienced the adrenaline rush of controlling a kite whilst on the beach or maybe playing fields, but now they have the chance to fly their own creations.

Kite flying(POL ID: 55941)

Adventure A-Z

Come fly with me

Instructions1. Cut out the sail from the sheet to the dimensions in the

diagram.

2. Tape two sticks in place using six pieces of tape to form

central oblong. Overlap the four end tape pieces over the

back of the kite.

3. Make a tail from tape/string and attach to the the base

of the kite. It forms a stabilising loop.

4. Attach a piece of reinforcing tape to each corner and

punch a hole. Tie 2m of line between the two corners.

This is called the bridle.

5. Knot a loop in the centre of the bridle, and attach

the flying line to this loop.

6. Decorate your sail and go fly.

Take it further• Once they’ve mastered the basics, challenge your

Explorer Scouts to build on their skills by creating

their own design (remind them they will need to

keep the basic aerodynamics in mind to ensure

the creation will work).

• Run a friendly competition with other nearby Units.

You could extend this to local Scout Networks and Scout

Troops. Try running different categories, such as most

colourful, highest flying, and stunt flying.

• Attend a kite flying festival. www.kitecalendar.co.uk

has a list of national and international festivals.

• Try Japanese kite fighting from the Urban Outdoors resource - www.scouts.org.uk/activitiesresources

Programme Zone: Skills

You will need• Plastic sheet/carrier bag, eg a bin liner

• 2m of strong line

• 2 x 45cm garden sticks/dowel

• Reinforced sticky tape

You can download a full size version of this diagram at www.scouts.org.uk/pol

(Activity ID: 55941)


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PROGRAMME PAGES

Gliding

Check out the A-Z of Activities online for more adventurous ideas. www.scouts.org.uk/a-z

A to Z

What can be better than floating around with the clouds watching everything carry on below? Gliding is an exhilarating experience and one that your Explorers will not forget in a hurry.

Y ou will need to get acquainted with the

relevant gliding guidelines (search

www.scouts.org.uk for Weather Forecasts in Outdoor Activities (FS120088) and Access to

Airfields (FS120702). The likelihood is that you will not have

any gliders belonging to your Unit, so you will need to find

a local British Gliding Association (BGA) club as all flights

must be done at a BGA club under the supervision of a

BGA Flying Instructor. This instructor must have a BGA Basic

Instructor qualification as a minimum.

Perhaps surprisingly, finding a club is not as hard as you

might think, with over one hundred in the UK. You can find

your closest club and all their contact details at the BGA’s

website – www.gliding.co.uk. The price can also be cheap,

with an evening’s gliding costing around £25 per person

depending on your local club. Considering the experience

this is fantastic value.

Although the majority of gliding done with Explorer

Scouts will be through a BGA Club and therefore an outside

body, there are some Counties/Regions that own their own

gliders and run activity sessions. It is well worth finding out if

this is the case where you are, as it may work out better value

for money.

So, when looking for a new, exciting and memorable

experience for your Explorer’s look to the sky, and give gliding

a go. It may not be the cheapest activity on your programme

but it is guaranteed to be a hit with the young people, who

will soon find out the sky is, quite literally, the limit when it

comes to Explorer Scouting.


PassPort to adventureYoung person-led nights away events have for years been an integral and important part of Scouting, and Explorers are the perfect age to take advantage of this. Barney Poulton has a timely reminder about Nights Away Passports

A passport is particularly useful for

activities such as DofE expeditions where

there will be no leaders present with

Explorers. Because of their importance,

when the Nights Away Permit Scheme was

introduced much thought went into

ensuring these events could still take place.

As those responsible for Explorer Scouts, it’s

important you’re aware how you can let

them enjoy overnight events without you.

The Nights Away Passport is the system

that allows young people to lead nights

away events. Passports can be given to any

young person to lead a single event by a

nights away permit holder up to the level

of their permit. So a leader holding an

indoor nights away permit can give

passports only for indoor events, while a

greenfield permit holder can give a

passport for anywhere. Before giving a

passport the permit holder needs to ensure

that the young person has the skills to be

able to run the event safely for the young

people involved. The permit holder retains

responsibility for the event despite not

being present, so they can’t just give one,

to a young person and forget about it.

Nights Away Passports are available

from the Scout Information Centre. They

allow you to fill in the details of the event

and the young person in charge so that

they have some physical evidence of

exactly what responsibility you are giving

them. There is also an online version

available at www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/

nightsaway/naps.htm


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PARTNERS

Dig in this spring!Following the success of the 2009 campaign, BBC Dig In is back, and this year they’re encouraging Explorer Scouts to get involved and grow their own grub

Resources to help you grow and cook

delicious home-grown vegetables while

supporting the BBC’s Dig In campaign

are now on Programmes Online. There

are 12 activities to choose from, ranging

from composting capers to the exciting

carrot road trip.

Leaders have long been telling us that

they want programme ideas to help

with the Global zone, and these

environmentally aware activities

certainly fit the bill. To top this, BBC Dig

In are giving away free seeds to

Members of The Scout Association, so

you can plant the five featured

vegetables in whatever space you have

available to you. They are French bean,

courgette, carrot, basil and mixed salad.

Go online to www.scouts.org.uk/

digin to get started and to www.scouts.

org.uk/pol to download the programme

ideas (search for ‘grow vegetables’).

Faith and awareness events for June/JulyJuneLGBT Pride Month

5 World Environment Day

1-7 Volunteers Week

3 Corpus Christi (Christian)

12-19 ShelterBox Big Green

Box Week

14-20 Refugee Week

16 Dragon Boat Festival

(Chinese)

16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan

(Sikh)

20 Father’s Day

21-27 Recycle Now Week

July 6-13 Children’s Art Day

8-9 The Prophet’s Night

Journey and Ascension

(Muslim)

9 Anniversary of the

Martyrdom of the Bab

(Bahá’í)

11 World Population Day

13 Ratha Yatra (Hindu)

15 Chokor (Buddhist)

20 Tisha B’Av (Jewish)

26 Asalha Puja (Buddhist)

26-27 The Night of Forgiveness

(Muslim)

For more information on internet safety, please visit the Microsoft page on the Scout website at www.scouts.org.uk/sponsors

more info

Click Clever, Click SafeIn a recent online survey by MSN, results revealed that 64% of under-18 year olds in the UK have been contacted by someone they don’t know online, and worryingly, over one third responded. February saw the launch of the UK Click Clever, Click Safe, digital safety code – ‘Zip It, Block It, Flag It’.

Internet safety tipsTo help make the online world a safer place for young people share these simple safety rules with your Explorers.

• When chatting to people online, try

not to give out any personal

information about yourself such as

your name, address, phone number

or school

• Never open an email from someone

you don’t know, always delete it in

case it contains a virus

• Treat people online with the same

respect and consideration as you

would in the real world

• Never meet up with someone in the

real world that you have met online

unless you take a trusted adult with

you to verify the person is who they

say they are

• Always block

people on social

networking and

instant messaging sites

that you do not wish to be friends with

• Make sure any profiles you have on

social networking sites have the

privacy settings set so that only your

friends can see your personal

information

• If you are ever worried about

anything you see on the internet talk

to an adult you trust such as your

leader, parent or teacher.



What’s new pussycat?During the past year we have developed a number of new resources to support leaders and commissioners working with the Explorer Scout section. Here’s our heads-up as to what’s out there

Queen’s Scout Award resources

There are two resources to support the

Queen’s Scout Award.

Reach the Top: Information for Participants and Helping them Reach the

Top: Information for Leaders and Commissioners

Both are available to download from

www.scouts.org.uk/qsaMore: The annual Queen’s Scout Reception will be held on

2 October 2010 where Bear Grylls will be in attendance. Letters

will be sent directly to eligible Queen’s Scout’s about three

months before the event. If you have any queries please contact

[email protected]

Active Kids and The Big Adventure

Sainsbury’s Active Kids have again

produced a resource for Scouts and

Explorers themed around organising

a barbecue and inviting friends and

relatives. Get it from

www.sainsburys.co.uk/activekids

Explorer Scouts: Taking the Lead

Although this resource has been available

for a number of years we have given it

a rebrand to make it consistent with the

resources for the Scout and Network

sections. Download it from

www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead It promotes the active participation

of young people in the Explorer Scout Unit and increases their

participation in decision-making processes both locally

and nationally. It is packed with practical ideas, games

and exercises for Explorers.

Scouting Skills The definitive hardback guide to the

outdoors and adventure. Written in close

collaboration with The Scout Association,

it’s perfect for young people

and adults alike.

‘This is the outdoor handbook brought to you by the people who wrote the rules.’

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout

Young Leaders’ SchemeWe are frequently asked for alternative

delivery methods for the Young Leaders’

Scheme modules. Young Leaders’ Essentials Plus contains two new delivery methods for

each of the Module. This resource supports

Young Leaders’ Essentials, it does not

replace it.

Unit Programmes Plus: Vol. 2The new edition has more exciting and

ready-to-run activity and programme ideas

for the section. This resource is available

from Scout Shops at

www.scouts.org.uk/shop

Nights AwayThis is a revised edition of the popular

resource, specifically designed to give

leaders access to all the information

they may need when taking young

people away.

This will be available to pre-order from Scout Shops in April.


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INTERNATIONAL

Look widerIn the October/November issue Explorer will be jetting off on a round the world trip, and we need your help to cover as much of the planet as possible

From the horse’s mouthIf you’re venturing abroad this year, ask your Unit to put

together a few words about the trip, including the good

and bad points and any hints and tips for others who may

want to follow in their footsteps. When you’re there, get

the highest quality photos.

In the October/November issue we aim to use the case

studies to build up a passport portfolio for every continent.

If you’d like to contribute please email us with your

name, Unit name, District and destination. Send it to

[email protected] by 30 June 2010

Their viewsThen get your Explorers writing about their experience

and send by 27 August 2010 to [email protected]

WEESU's expedition took them to Ethiopia,

where they renovated a school

with ‘Explorer supplement’ in the subject line. Don’t forget

the photos!

Word on the streetWe are also looking for leaders to contribute hints and tips

for organising trips abroad. Do you have experience which

could help your fellow leaders? Maybe you were there

when things went wrong. What did you do? How did you

manage the experience? Would you advise people to do

things differently?

We look forward to hearing from you.

explorer_4510.indd 17 12/03/2010 10:41


Like many Explorer Scouts up and down the country, Hannah applied for a place in the UK contingent to the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden. She reports from her selection event

A nticipation mounted as I attended the

selection day on 12 December along with

Explorers from my Unit. We were among 36

other hopefuls all hoping to go to Sweden in

2011. We participated in various team-building activities

during the day, all the time being closely observed by the

adults, some of whom were the Jamboree Unit Leaders.

For me, the day ended with an interview, in which I felt I

had to prove myself.

Waiting for the phone to ringAfterwards all of us were told that six lucky hopefuls

would be contacted in due course to be told they had

made it. The wait for the phone call was agonising. It

finally came on a Tuesday night. Talking to the District

Commissioner was incredibly awkward, as he took forever

to tell me whether it was good or bad news. Fortunately

for me, I got in!

I am going to Sweden in 2011! I still cannot believe what

an amazing opportunity I have been offered.

In January, I went to the launch day, where I met the 54

other fortunate Birmingham Scouts who had been chosen

for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. We were then all split

off into our units. There are going to be two units: a full

Birmingham unit and one made up of Birmingham Scouts

and some from British Scouts of Western Europe.

The fun starts nowWe now have 18 months of training and fundraising

ahead. For all 40 of us to get to Sweden, we’ll need to

work together, helping each other to raise the money to

attend and getting to know each other better. I know that

friendships will blossom as we build up to the event itself.

Next July a whirlwind of an experience will begin.

Somehow I think words are to going to be unable to

describe the time I will have. I will keep you updated on

my journey to the Jamboree.

The journey begins

For everything you need to know about the UK Contingent to the World Scout Jamboree head over to www.ukcontingent.org.uk

more info


IBC_Explorer_AprilMay10.indd 6 12/03/2010 10:57

OBC_Scouts_AprilMay.indd 6 12/03/2010 10:57

Documents

Explorers - April/May 2010