Warwickshire Scouts Issue 90 - May 2011www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk

Get In County Camp 2011 | WAGS WOWS | Swimming Update

Warwickshire Grows again.It is with great pleasure that I can confirm Warwickshire's census figures in detail - and once

again we show another year of growth!

The grand total is now: 5,739 members (this is growth of 3%)

- Total youth membership has grown from 4,544 to 4,670 (+2.8%)

- Total leadership has grown from 876 to 919 (+4.9%)

- The percentage of female young people has also grown from 17% to 18% (This year's aim is to hit 20%)

I just want to say a massive thank you for all of your hard work and efforts in making this growth a

possibility, and look forward to working with you to make 2011 another fantastic growing year for Scouting

in Warwickshire! Andy | County Commissioner

WARWICKSHIREGROWSAGAIN!!

It's with

great news I

get to start

this edition

of WISPA;

our census has once

again demonstrated an

increase, with overall

membership up by 3%! Well done everyone for

clearly making Scouting in Warwickshire such a

fantastic adventure that more and more young

people and adults want to be a part of!

That's not to say that we still don't have our

challenges; but with a 2.8% increase in young

people and a whopping 4.9% increase in adults I

can't help but have a smile on my face and a

spring in my step as we face those challenges

together.

One prime example of the events we continue to

deliver as a County is WAGS, which this year

celebrated its 40th year. I have to confess it was

my first time at WAGS but it was an absolutely

knock out show, with the young people clearly

loving their time in the limelight - good on WAGS

for continuing to grow the confidence of young

people in such a way, and long may it continue!

I was also thrilled to be invited to West

Warwickshire's 'Dove' Trek - a large scale incident

journey for Scouts and Explorers in Derbyshire.

It's a prime example of how Scouting can deliver

an exciting event for young people, and I was so

pleased to see how the District pulled together

to make it a possibility. I know there are many

more examples of such fantastic Scouting in

action out there, and I'd love chance to visit so

please do let me know!

Andy

Chairman'sCornerAs we head into British Summer

Time its noticeable the

difference moving the clocks

forward an hour makes. Initially

it made me an hour late for

everything. But, once I'd caught

up, the difference was a real benefit

especially the lighter nights.

This also has another effect which is

apparent in the activity programmes being

run. The lighter evenings, and hopefully the

better weather, give the opportunity to be

more adventurous and move further afield.

As always, I'm amazed by the enthusiasm

and commitment that the leader teams

demonstrate and the time they give to their

various groups.

Over the next few weeks we are set to

participate in numerous St. George's Day

celebrations. These are a real 'shop window'

for Scouting and put the Movement directly

into the public eye. One of the perks of my

position is that I'm invited to attend a

number and the ones I manage to attend

always make me feel extremely proud to be

part of a Movement that enables young

people to enjoy themselves whilst

promoting and demonstrating the values

that Scouting embraces. This simply would

not be possible without your willingness to

give your time freely so I would like to thank

you all for your efforts and wish you an

enjoyable summer full of fun.

Whilst mentioning FUN if you spot me at

Get In come over and say hello.

Sid Russell | County Chairman

20th - 22nd May Get In County Camp - Stoneleigh

St. George's Day AwardsCongratulations to the following recipitents of a

Silver Acorn:

Sheila Foxon - SAS Member - Rugby District

John Nelson GSL 29th Rugby

The annual Alan Flavel

Cub Trophy was held at

Mancetter HQ. This

Ghost Hunt, where the

event is held the cold

and dark, involved nine

teams of four attempting

a number of bases.

This year the event

theme was countries

that had hosted World

Jamborees; ranging

from the Norway base offering ski walking on grass

to Japan for martial arts and origami.

Congratulations to winners 1st Wolvey Cubs just

two points ahead of runners up, 1st Attleborough.

And thanks to the leaders and helpers for some

fantastic ideas and refreshments.

Geoff Russell

Wally Williams Challenge

In March a great afternoon was held at Shipston's

HQ when Beavers Scout Teams from 6 Districts

worked their way around some very challenging

bases including signing, Hieroglyphics and

weather wallies. The final (picture identification)

was won by Nuneaton. It was a fun day where all

the Beavers joined in, learnt new things and made

new friends.

Beaver Programme idea

Newbold Beavers recent held a Treasure Hunt

around our local Tesco store. The colony contacted

the stores Community Champion and had the

thumbs up. So with Risk Assessment done, extra

CRB’d help involved and questions set, the

Beavers set off to find the answers. This turned out

to be one activity to highly recommend to all

colonies, so get in touch with Tesco and have some

fun.

Many of our Beavers are also preparing for Get

In…, so we will see you all there, doing what

Beavers Scouts do best, having fun and making

friends.

Angie Dexter | Stratford ADC BS

BeaverScout News:

GhostlyCapers

Following Kevin's recent retirement from the role and a

search/interview process I am pleased to confirm Jo-

ann Bramston, current ACC Explorers, has accepted

the role and is taking over from Kevin.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kevin for his outstanding contribution

to the Programme & Activities Team, as well as to welcome Jo-ann on to the

Management Team. I ask that you all give Jo-ann support as she gets to grips with

her new role. Andy

New Programme &Activities Manager

Appointed

WAGS WOWSWhat a treat! WAGS in its 40th year was still vibrant, full of

energy, youthful and contemporary. What a fantastic way to

spend a cold evening in early Spring watching 150 youngsters

giving their all and enjoying Warwickshire's very own

equivalent of Glee. From the opening number the pace hardly

allowed us to draw breath let alone the performers. Highlights

came thick and fast from the 'Truly Scrumptious Beavers' to the

Monty Pythonesque King 'Enery'. with 'Everybody dance now'

rocking the theatre with some fabulous moves! Even WAGS'

tribute to Nigel had pace.

Nigel Hailey, Producer for the past 15 years

bowed out from this role at the end of the final

performance. Nigel took the reins from creator

Tony Guy back in 1999 and from the start of

Nigel's era became apparent. With a strong

emphasis on young people on stage and in the

limelight (and older ones supporting back-

stage), uncluttered innovative sets and exciting use of lighting his

style was clear. And with a strong creative team (Helen, Neil, Sara

and many others) behind him WAGS has seen the numbers of

young people performing and audiences watching grow.

WAGS is a triumph of many groups of people pulling together to

give Warwickshire's young people a thrilling opportunity on stage

and the population of the Warwickshire the chance to see young

people excelling. What a fantastic asset this is. As WAGS looks to

a new production team, led by Paul Clark we wish them well for the

next 40 years.

Here's what some others had to say.......

Thank you so much for inviting me to WAGS show last night and

for supporting Over the Wall. The show was absolutely amazing -

the creativity of the ideas, the talent of the performers, the

choreography, the sets, the music, the attention to detail, the sheer

hard work and professionalism that had gone into every aspect of

the show made it unforgettable. It really is an honour for us to be

supported by such an incredible group of people who are bringing

the very best out of the young people in Warwickshire Scout and

Guide groups.

Richard Mott Chief Executive Officer, Over the Wall

(WAGS raised over £3,200 for this charity)

Stop Press: WAGS Dance Team will appear in a charity fund

raiser for Over the Wall May 8th at the Playhouse Theatre (West

End) ... very exciting!

26-28th August WANG - Network Weekend | Scout Fishing Competition - 8th May

Swimming UpdateThe rules governing swimming activities have

been revised and improved. The new, simplified

arrangements will ensure that running such

activities is easier for leaders.

Main changes:

• Paddling has been clarified and still requires no

qualification by leaders.

• No further qualifications are required in

instances where a lifeguard is provided (including

swimming pools and beaches).

• Swimming in pools and Class C waters are now

managed in line with other Class C water activities.

No qualifications are required by leaders.

• Swimming in all other open waters (B1 and

higher) has been simplified and safety cover can be

provided by either:

• A water activities permit holder (when following

the guidelines outlined in the swimming factsheet)

• Someone who holds the Royal Life Saving

Society Water Safety Management Programme

(WSMP) or any equivalent or higher award.

Full guidance is available in the swimming factsheet

available from Scoutbase.

Activities planned under the existing rules can still

take place under these revisions, which are

implemented and in use immediately.

Nuneaton & DistrictScout & Guides 30thAnnual Gang ShowScouts & Guides from around the Nuneaton

impressed with their recent Gang Show, playing to

a full house virtually every night. The opening

started with a bang, wowing the audience followed

the Beavers with their wonderful Bears

Everywhere. Other highlights included the

Bollywood 'Jai Ho' number and the more traditional

'My Boomerang won't come back!' Congratulations

to Producer Claire Roberts and her team for an

excellent show once again.

PS: This year has been a special one for Nuneaton

Gang Show celebrating 30 years.

Get In up-dateAre you one of the

3,700 members of

Warwickshire Scouting

attending Get In this

spring? This is a

fantastic turnout for

what will undoubtedly

be a great camp. Planning activity is reaching a

peak so make sure you keep checking in at the

Get In web pages to keep up-to-date with the

latest information. See you there!

Beaver Colony renamed inmemory of GSLLong serving Kenilworth Abbey GSL Ian

Mitchell recently passed away after a long

illness. He had a long career as a Scout and a

Scouter, and his significant contribution was

recently recognised when the Scout Association

awarded him one of our highest accolades, the

Silver Acorn. He was 'a bit of a legend' as one

Scout put it.

Kenilworth DC Richard Staveley said 'Ian has

made a huge contribution to Scouting in

Kenilworth and to the

Abbey Group in particular.

Naming the Group's Beaver

Colony the 'Abbey Mitchell

Beaver Colony' is a fitting

tribute to a man who

dedicated almost half his life

to the young people of

Kenilworth. We can never

overestimate the positive

influence Ian has had on the

hundreds of young people

who have passed through

the Group while he was in

charge.'

Scouting for AllAccessibility

As I've been around the

County, I've seen lots of

evidence that we are

inclusive. Warwickshire

Leaders work hard at

integrating youngsters,

with a huge range of

needs, into the fun of

Scouting.

Did you know that the Duke of Edinburgh

Award, (Explorers & Network) is also

inclusive? Don't let the special needs of your

youngsters prevent them achieving this

Award. For advice on inclusion talk to Helen

Heenan, D of E Advisor.

If you look at the County website, Special

Needs has moved. You'll now find us under

the Adult Support banner at Scouting for All.

The page now includes areas of Diversity, an

outline of our Equal Opportunities Policy, new

resources and links to training opportunities

for Special Needs and Challenging Behaviour.

All of this will help you continue to make

Scouting accessible for All.

Festivals

As a Religious Education

specialist, I have begun to

add suggestions on the

website for fun and

reflective ways to

celebrate faith festivals.

For example the Hindu

festival of Holi starts with

fire (what more excuse do

we need?) and includes

throwing a lot of coloured

powder around!

Ann Howe

David Mein RIPNuneaton Scouter

David Mein passed

away recently after a

long illness. Dave spent

most of his life involved

in Scouting since joining

1st Attleborough as a

Cub.

Dave had a strong

vision for Scouting,

understanding the value

of looking to the future.

During his 20 year term

as DC, early on he

appreciated the need

for development

planning, running

several District days on

this theme well before it

became the 'norm'.

Many will remember Dave for his

international Scouting; leading the planning

for the (last) Amikaro in summer '97and a

number of successful exchange visits with

Polish Scouts. Dave's incalculable

commitment to Scouting manifested itself in

many ways over the years and on St.

George's Day 2009 that work was recognised

with a Silver Wolf, the highest award in

Scouting.

Dave Mein will be missed, not only by the

family he leaves behind, but by many fellow

Scouts.

Promoting good sexual healthOrganisations such as Scouting play a key role in

helping young people develop the confidence and

self-esteem to resist peer pressure until they are

ready to make safe and informed decisions. However,

many young people are already sexually active, and

adults in Scouting can play a significant role in

promoting safe and responsible relationships.

While parents or schools are still likely to be young

people's preferred sources of information and advice, as

adults in Scouting we have a trusted role in the lives of

young people and this makes us a potential source of

confidential information and advice. HQ has recently

issued support information for young people and

leaders. The factsheet (FS950000) aims to: clarify the

role of adults in Scouting with regard to information

about sexual health and young people; provide

guidance, support and information to adults who may be

approached by young people.

My Body, My Choice is a resource which has been

produced to support those Explorer Scout Leaders who

wish to address the topic of sexual health and

relationships in their section meeting. It has been

produced with the support of Brook, the young people's

sexual health charity, to respond to increasing demands

from leaders and young people to support them with

such activities. There are two sets of materials one for

Leaders and the other for young people.

For Adult Training Dates check www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk/calendar

Passionate

about

Scouting?We're looking for an

enthusiastic person to

look after all press contact

for the County. This

mainly includes local

papers and radio. Specific

training is available.

So, if you're interested in promoting

Warwickshire Scouting locally please contact

Kerrie McCann for a chat on 01926 428897

Warwickshire Scouts

ACC Beaver

Vacancy

With the change of

County Programme & Activities

Manager from Kevin to Jo-ann, the

search for a new ACC BS has been

restarted. If you have previously

expressed an interest or would like to

apply for this exciting and important

role please contact Jo-ann Bramston on

01926 468198

Diary Dates:

2011

8 May - Scout Fishing Comp

20-22 May - Get In County Camp

29 June - Deadline County Exec papers

13 July - County Exec

15-17 July - Cub w/end Alfrey Centre

26-28 Aug - WANG - Network

For more information & specific training

details please consult the County website

calendar.

Next WISPA deadline:

7th July 2010 - all articles & adverts. Contact: Alan Peedle -

5 Broomybank, Kenilworth CV8 2SF | 01926 851195 | alan@acstededesign.co.uk

County useful numbers:

See County website.

Cover image:

Courtesy of Shottery Scouts who

created this super image using a

combination of touches, exposure

& flash for faces

Cubs build GREEN-house1st Atherstone Cubs have spent the winter building a GREEN-

house out of pop bottles!

Having collected 1,200 bottles, early this year the Cubs set about

building their green-house. Joined by a few dads and supported by a

donation of wood from a local joiner, they washed and removed labels

from bottles and cut off tops and bottoms. Having stacked them into

tubes, they built the green-house sides by inserting bamboo canes

through the tubes and nailing them to the wooden frame. All the walls

were bubble wrapped to wind proof them and a roof of clear plastic corrugated sheets was

attached. As you can see from the pictures, the green-house is now complete and Atherstone

Cubs are very proud of it.

Kim Marston, Arkela said “We now have a fully functional green-house made entirely from re-

cycled bottles, which is full of seed trays of vegetables growing already! As a recycling and eco-

project, working towards the Global Conservation and Global Challenge badges, this is a tremendous

success. A lot of effort from all the kids concerned has paid off and we are all very proud of our result.”