Learning Update – November 2024
Getting Started With Transformation coming in November, it is important that anyone on a pre-provisional or provisional appointment, completes and has validated the current Getting Started modules (GDPR, Safety, Safeguarding, Module 1 and Modules 3 or 4). Validation of these modules will go towards completion of Growing Roots in the new system but must be validated in advance of the Compass Freeze on 7th November. Growing Roots The replacement for Getting Started in the new system will be Growing Roots. Within 30 days of starting to volunteer with Scouts, new volunteers must complete: Safe Scouting Within 6 months of commencing, all new volunteers will need to complete: Who we are and what we do. Data protection for Scouts. Creating Inclusion. Plus depending on your role, one of the following: Delivering a great programme (Section Team Leaders and Members) Leading Scout Volunteers (Lead Volunteers and Team Leaders, except Section Team Leaders) Being a Trustee in Scouts (new Trustees) Information on how current volunteers training maps into the new scheme can be found here follow this link to our website for more info. First Response Volunteers who work directly with young people will also need to complete First Response training within one year of starting. SES are providing a number of First Response Courses – details can be found here South East Scotland Scouts Training Team Events – 20 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite Modules 10a and 10b Validation Volunteers who have validated First Response Modules 10a and 10b using an external qualification (i.e. not Scout first response training) may be contacted by the SES First Response Training team over the coming weeks to establish which first aid certificate they used for validation (unfortunately in most cases Compass does not hold this information). Depending on the first aid certificate used, volunteers may be asked to complete a small amount of additional learning to cover all areas of the Scouts first response syllabus. It would be helpful if you are contacted by the SES First Response Training Team in this regard that you respond to the actions requested. Compass Freeze Please note that prior to moving from Compass to the new membership/learning system there will be a period of time (7th to 21st November) when training records are frozen. Only fully validated training will be moved from Compass to the new system. Any modules where volunteers have completed learning but not had this learning validated will not be moved across to the new system. No validation of the existing modules linked to Getting Started/Growing Roots can be carried out during the Compass freeze, In addition, it will not be possible to add validations relating to the current modules to the new system. The learner will need to complete the relevant Growing Roots module e.g. if you have completed Module 3 (Tools for the Role – Section Leaders) but not had this validated before the change freeze, you will need to do the new Delivering a Great Programme module in Growing Roots. Where modules have been completed which are not part of Getting Started/Growing Roots e.g. Growing the Section Module 13, Introduction to Residential Experiences Module 16, if the validation is not done before the Change Freeze, there will be an opportunity to add this learning manually to your learning profile post the change freeze and to subsequently validate this learning. It is important that all existing Section Assistants (who will become Team Members in their sections) are fully briefed by their Groups that when the new system goes live they’ll need to complete three items of learning – Delivering a Great Programme; Creating Inclusion and First Response (over the next 2 years). More details can be found here Please contact your Training Advisor, line manager or ADC (Adult Training) for help with validation. Go Live Key Information As part of our Regional Go Live Support, we have created an GoLive Hub in which you can get the latest critical information with everything coming up over the next few weeks during this critical phase of transformation. I would encourage you all to check these pages out as they will be updated with any and all important announcements and information. Below is a summary of some of the key dates and tasks. Visit our GoLive Hub here Add any new volunteers or roles to Compass by 24 October Any permit applications will need to be completed by 24 October Check your email address is correct, and accessible. There are restrictions, for guidance check this video If you are doing a nights away between 7 & 25 November, NANs will need to be submitted by 30 October at the latest. All learning, including Safety & Safeguarding must be completed, validated and recorded on Compass by 6 November You will need to register for the new system once you receive the email from UK Scouts indicating the system is live for you. If you do not receive an email by 25 November you will need to let your GLV know so they can follow up. You will need to access the new system as you will need to: • check/update your personal details • access learning courses • submit paperwork for activities and camps e.g. permit requests, risk assessments, NANs etc Watch this Short video about the new digital system. You can ask your Group Lead Volunteer for help You can email South East Scotland go live team on: transformation@sesscouts.org.uk
Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders?
Explorer Scout Young Leaders are Explorers or Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in Squirrel Dreys, Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, or Scout Troops. They’re not just helpers; they’re role models, innovators, and crucial members of the leadership team. If you’ve got a Young Person in your section from school years S2 to S6, make sure they’re registered with your District! This will ensure they have access to all the training, support, and opportunities they need to thrive as Young Leaders. All Young Leaders aged 13.5 to 18, whether in Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, or Scouts, should be members of a Young Leaders Unit, even if they don’t attend Explorers. There are three types of Young Leaders: Explorer Scout Young Leaders: Part of both an Explorer Unit and a Young Leader Unit. District Young Leaders: Dedicated to their role within the District Young Leader Unit, without being part of an Explorer Unit. Volunteer Young Leaders: These are members of the public or Girlguiding who volunteer with Scouts, often as part of their Duke of Edinburgh or other Top Awards. While they aren’t members of the Scout Association, their contribution is invaluable. Got questions about the Young Leader Programme? Reach out at youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk and get all the information you need! Young Leaders and Top Awards: The Path to Success For Explorer Scout Young Leaders and District Young Leaders, the sky’s the limit! They can work towards Explorer Badges, Staged Badges, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the prestigious Top Awards – Platinum, Diamond, and King Scout Awards. Leaders are encouraged to talk with their Young Leaders about how the programmes they help deliver can also contribute to these achievements. It’s all about recognising their hard work, passion, and commitment. The first Young Leader Activity Day was an undeniable success, and it’s clear that these budding leaders are ready to take on any challenge. They’re building skills, making memories, and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Here’s to many more adventurous days like this – and to the Young Leaders who make Scouting so vibrant and exciting!
Curtain Falls on Gang Show 2024
Last month returning to the Festival Theatre for the third time, over 250 young people from South East Scotland Scouts and Girlguiding Edinburgh presented the annual Edinburgh Gang Show. Throughout the week over 5,500 people were entertained by the Gang with a show that was vibrant, energetic, funny and spectacular. Guests included Lead Volunteers from Scouts and Girlguiding at local, Scottish and UK level including Lewis Dangerfield, UK Lead Volunteer for Programme, who later described his first visit to a Gang Show as his Scouting highlight of the year! Group Bookers – Prize Draw The winners are as follows; 73rd A Brownies: 1st Prize - £250 to use towards a booking at Bonaly Scout Centre or Longcraig Scout Centre. 108th Pentland Scouts: 2nd Prize - £150 to use towards activities at Bonaly Scout Centre. 103rd A Brownies: 3rd Prize - An hour, for a group of up to 5 people, at Longcraig Scout Centre power boating on the Forth. Instructor-led with the option for participants to drive. We would like to thank all the volunteers who worked for many months to develop such a large-scale production for so many young people. A huge thank you to all the groups who came to see the show. Details about the Edinburgh Gang Show 2025 will be announced in the early part of next year.
Explorers go for Gold – via Bronze and Silver
In the calendar year to 15 November, 176 DofE awards were signed off in South East Scotland Region Scouts: Award Level Number Bronze 89 Silver 63 Gold 24 This is the result of a huge amount of sustained effort by the Explorers, supported by their families, and sometimes continuing into their Network years. It also reflects the work of the local leaders who guide them on their DofE journey, and of the amazing teams who make it possible to run so many expeditions through SEEE, with a choice of Biking, Canoeing or Hillwalking. Many Explorers, including those who do DofE at school, complete their Volunteering section as Young Leaders with the younger sections, so the people who work with them can take credit, too. Finally, for many Explorers, the Gold Residential section is done at Blair Atholl or WSJ, or on one of the courses at Meggernie or Fordell. All these awards can be used towards the Chief Scout’s Award Platinum and Diamond, and the King’s Scout Award. We are already seeing a sizeable number of these being completed, but it would be great to see more, so any encouragement and advice given by Explorer Leaders would be very welcome. If you are one of the many people listed above who already helps our Explorers achieve their Top Awards – many thanks! If not, why not join us?
Longcraig Update – November 2024
Looking forward to 2025 Our planning for 2025 is now under way. So, to help avoid disappointment, if you or your section or your Group has any plans for a water activity event – either at Longcraig or elsewhere – that I anything out of the ordinary for a regular activity booking – get in touch! Up to the end of this year, we welcome any suggestions for events or activities that we can support or indeed even run for you. This could be a special anniversary, Akela’s big birthday, a celebration of something special – or just a group day out by the seaside messing about in boats. Does your Group or your District have an ASU team – we might be able to help with arranging an activity day for the ASU – we don’t always exclusively do things for young people. No matter what your idea, get in touch and see if we can turn your idea into an event! For example, although we are not yet able to routinely offer our activities to younger sections (Squirrels, Beavers) we can do so, and sometimes the best way to approach this is through a Group event which could incorporate some boating activity for Beavers within it. How to get in touch? getinvolved@longcraig.info New Compass benefits Looking forward to the new Membership Database which is rolling out very shortly? One of the things it can make easier for adult members is applying for an Activity Permit. This is all done within the database online package – you simply click on the appropriate link, and it takes you through the process of making an application. Selecting an Activity Assessor will also be much more visible – suitable assessors will appear on your screen, and you just have to select one. Don’t pick the best looking one – all the assessors will assess people to the same standards and all assessments are now done in conjunction with another assessor – so there’s no Good ones nor Bad ones! The assessment process for Permits is not changing – it’s just the process flow that will be much more streamlined and available to all within the new system. New Tractor Our final acquisition of 2024 was a replacement tractor that we use for moving boats up and down the pier – especially our safety boats which we have to launch and recover every time we are running activities. This new Solis tractor replaces our faithful orange Kubota, which we acquired (second hand) in 2009, and which is starting to show some signs of its age. The new tractor was picked from around 6 different options and was selected on the basis of Best Value for purchase cost, equipment and features, trade in value for the old tractor, and overall suitability. It’s already been waxed in the hidden parts underneath so we can minimise the damage caused by the salty water atmosphere that we encounter so close to the sea. This tractor was funded by a generous grant from the Bells Nautical Trust and a further generous legacy from the Ken Thomson bequest fund, we are gratefully indebted to both funding sources. Neil welcomes the new tractor to Longcraig. And the old tractor bids farewell to its favourite view! Shoring up the shore defences Over the past few weeks, we have been busy protecting ourselves and Longcraig from the potential of stormy seas which from time to time attempt to engulf the shoreline around our building. For many years now, we have successfully kept those storms at a safe distance, by installing and maintaining a defensive barrier along the boundary between the beach and the grass areas to the front of our building. These defences need some repairs from time to time, and this year we have carried out some areas of refurbishment. These involve: large pieces of timber – we regularly find them washed up along the coastline and carefully retrieve the best of them. Here’s a view of a section we’ve just repaired: (you can see how close to the waves it can get!) Strong metal stakes to retain the timber in position – horizontally and vertically – so it doesn’t get washed out with the surge waves (this was why we were looking for things like old reinforcing bare earlier in the year: Heavy thick soil to infill behind the timber Turf or grassy vegetation to knit the soil together and spread a root system deep into the ground. Strong netting attached to the outer faces of the timber, then over the grass and securely pegged down to limit erosion by the sea and to keep the grass in place until it establishes its root system. Big thanks to everyone who has assisted with this over the past few weeks of settled autumn weather – just made it before the winter starts! As always, we can still make good use of: Heavy duty steel stakes (such as reinforcing bar) Heavy duty pegs or pins (larger than tent pegs but same idea) Topsoil Grass or turf Please just get in touch if you think you can help with any of these ingredients used in the baking of a strong shore defence! Training Opportunities Our training programme for 2024 has now completed, with the final course running last weekend – a Powerboat 2 course. All the candidates on this course were members of the Longcraig ASU, their funding of the course fees was supported by the SHQ Development Fund for adult training which is available to all adult members undertaking relevant training courses. We are as always grateful to SHQ for supporting training activities like this throughout the year! Here are the intrepid candidates last Sunday enjoying the Forth with just 4 degrees C around them! Still in the diary in early 2025: Paddleboard training /Assessment Day has now been arranged; this will be held as two One Day sessions over the weekend of 8/9 March 2025. The Assessor team from Lochgoilhead
Celebrating our Latest King’s Scouts
There has been a lot to celebrate recently in South East Region, with 5 new King’s Scouts completing their final presentations and earning this top award. The King’s Scout Award is the top achievement for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members and comprises a variety of activities. It’s closely linked to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, and many of our young people complete both awards as part of their journey. They will have camped, learned new skills, undertaken residentials, explored on expeditions and completed work in their communities. Please join us in congratulating them all on their achievements. Lois Hi! I’m Lois, am an explorer in Braid, and really enjoyed doing my King’s Scout Award! I ran activities and sessions for Squirrel and Cub scouts and went on an Erasmus programme for sustainability in schools, amongst other things! My favourite moment was when our group finished the expedition, our final part of the award, where everyone was so excited and happy (albeit very tired)! Ironically, the most difficult part was just the paperwork at the end- making sure everything was finished and exactly where it should be (especially with listing the nights away at the end)! Scott I’m Scott and I’m a Networker in Braid District. I’ve had lots of fun completing my KSA, getting to develop new skills and have amazing experiences. The best part was my expedition where I canoed for 4 days and spent time wild camping on islands. The hardest part was the skills section as I had to continuously motivate myself to do coding. I have learned a lot about perseverance and about teamwork as these were what got me through the more challenging parts. Kyla I’m Kyla, and I am an explorer with the Braid district young leader unit. I have been involved in scouting and guiding for 12 years since I was 5 years old. For my King’s Scout Award, I developed my leadership skills through the young leader scheme and developed my skills in photography and horse riding. The King’s Scout Award is one of my greatest achievements – some people didn’t think I could do it, but I showed them that you should never judge a book by its cover. Ryan My name is Ryan, and I was a network member in Braid district. For my Kings Scout Award I took part in the Blair Atholl Jamborette, did an Explorer Belt hike across Belgium and built a Young Leader training website during the pandemic. My favourite part was the camping and expeditions because I got to meet loads of new people and make friends from around the world. I learned a lot about other cultures and developed practical skills that I now use every day in my job. The biggest challenge was filling in the form and getting it signed off so if you’re working towards your award don’t leave that part to the last minute. Sam I’m Sam, a networker from the Borders District. For the last five years I’ve been working toward completing my Kings Scout Award. As part of my KSA I have also completed the three levels to the Duke of Edinburgh award, and my Young Leaders Award. This has involved helping run the weekly meetings at my local Scout group for the last five years, as well as running some evening myself. Some of the stuff I’ve had the privilege of experiencing for my KSA have been a week u north learning Trad (traditional) Climbing, as part of my residential. For my expeditions I did 6 a total of days of canoeing on Loch Venachar and Loch Awe – which included camping in a castle on an island! This summer I was chosen to attend Roverway, a camp for European scouts aged 16-22. As a participant I got the chance to explore parts of Norway and visit Copenhagen with the UK contingent. Roverway was the best part of the award for me. I got to connect with loads of new people from across Europe and celebrate my birthday in such an amazing country!