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Learning Update – September 2024

Learning Update – September 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

Validation of Completed Modules: Action Required by 30 September

As we approach the launch of the new Digital System it is vital that all members who have completed training that, where required, this is validated by the 30th September 2024 to ensure this training is carried over to the new system. If your training is not validated before the transition to the new system you will need to repeat the learning.

Getting Started

As we move towards transformation it is important that Getting Started for any new roles you may hold is completed. Only fully validated Getting Started modules will be transferred across from Compass to the new membership system. If you are unsure what you require to do to complete Getting Started either check your Compass record or speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT).

 

Modules 5-19
For leaders who have completed learning for section leader training (modules 5 to 19) it is also important that you work towards validating these modules prior to transformation

To have your modules (5-19) validated either

  1. Speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT) or
  2. Complete and submit the online validation forms available via this link

Getting Started Modules

All Volunteers

You’ll learn about our history and the fundamentals of Scouts, get an overview of how we keep people safe, and how we make sure everyone is welcome.

You’ll learn about your responsibilities for keeping young people and adults safe, what to do in an emergency and how to report incidents.

Doing things safely is fundamental to everything we do in Scouting. The Safety training ensures that you understand your responsibilities for keeping everyone in Scouts safe and how to assess and manage risk.

Find out more

You’ll learn how to keep young people and adults at risk safe, how to recognise abuse and how to report a concern.

You’ll also learn about our Safeguarding Policy and our Code of Practice, known as the Yellow Card.

Find out more

You’ll learn how the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) applies to your role, how to treat Personal Data and what are the Individuals’ rights.

You’ll also learn about requesting consent, and the measures taken locally to make sure we’re aligned with GDPR.

Find out more

Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Section Assistants

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

You’ll learn about the roles in your section, and how we use activities and games at Scouts. 

You’ll also learn about Youth Shaped Scouting, and get some tips on promoting positive behaviour.

Find out more

Managers & Supporters (GSLs, DCs, ASU Managers, assistants and deputies of same)

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

You’ll learn about your team’s roles and responsibilities, and how to deliver a quality programme.

You’ll also learn about the six areas of leadership and management, and get tips on time management and personal skills.

Find out more

Trustees (including office bearers)

The aim of this module is to provide the Charity or managing Trustees with information on their legal responsibilities and current regulations. You only need to complete this module if you have a role as a trustee.

Find out more

REQUIRED ACTION BY 30 SEPTEMBER 2024: If you have completed the modules marked with *, but not had them validated, please send the Certificate generated at the end of the module to your Training Adviser or Line Manager and ask them to validate the training on Compass.

If you have completed either version of Tools for the Role, please send the certificate to your Training Adviser and discuss with them what you will do / have done to meet the validation requirements.

The Personal Learning Plan for Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Managers and Supporters can be done in discussion with a Training Adviser – reach out to them to arrange a meeting to discuss.

Availability of Modules

Availability of Modules

We are working hard to provide more courses over the coming weeks and they will be promoted across the region

As an alternative, you can undertake First Response via the Blended Model details which can be found here which requires you to do:

  • 1 x 2.5hour e-learning (done by yourself)
  • 1 x 3 hour trainer led session led by Scouts Scotland or SES
  • 1 x 20 min f2f practical led by SES

Another potential alternative to achieving First Response is to using an external first aid qualifications – details can be found here

Longcraig update – June 2024

Longcraig update – June 2024

Picture of Malcolm Leckie

Malcolm Leckie

Longcraig Lead

Porpoises

After an absence of some 15 years or more, we had several sightings of porpoises near Longcraig over the first weekend in June. The first sighting was made by a very observant Gide Leader who was visiting along with a group of Brownies and guides, A short time after, one porpoise leapt straight out of the water, and a small school of them (at least two, possibly more) were sighted playing in the waves between our pier and Inchgarvie Island. It was a very gentle breeze and a calm sea, so they were easily spotted. 

The following day, there were once again several limited sightings of them, although the sea was much more unsettled, and it was quite windy. It’s great to see these sea creatures back again – their presence is a good indication that the water in the Firth of Forth is fairly clean, so that’s always a good thing!

NOT at Longcraig, but this is what they would look like. Photo courtesy of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation

NOT at Longcraig, but this is what they would look like.
Photo courtesy of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation

We’ve reported the sightings to the Whale & Dolphin Trust so we should now appear as a dot on their sightings map of the waters around Scotland.

2024 Summer Months – July, August, even into September……

There are still plenty of opportunities to get some activity bookings at Longcraig in the summer months – especially for small or medium size groups. Check our bookings calendar on the website for up to the minute availability, or email us if you have some specific questions – bookings@longcraig.info.

We can offer taster sessions, badge training or assessments, or complete training courses for sailing certificates or paddling certificates.

Especially during the summer holiday months, Longcraig can sometimes be a good venue for a BBQ or a day out by the seaside, with all the things that entails. Check us out or get in touch to find out how we may be able to help you plan your event.

DID YOU KNOW? You can hire a lot of our equipment during the summer for your own activities (provided there is someone competent in charge) – such as kayaks, paddleboards, Topper and Pico dinghies and such like. We can even do just buoyancy aids or wetsuits if that’s what you need! Get in touch and see how we can help.

Journey to Net Zero

What is Net Zero?

The term net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. This balance – or net zero – will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed. (source: Energy Saving Trust)

Latest update

The final phase of our Journey to Net Zero is starting to fall into place. We had to apply to the electricity network provider (Scottish Power) for permission to install solar panels before we could even start! This permission was granted at the end of May, so our contractor is now preparing to gather the material together and arrange for installation. We are planning that this will be in early July – we have a relatively quiet spell then after a busy June, so they can get on with the work unhindered.

So, by some point a little later in July, our project should be complete!

We’ll provide a full report in the next Newsletter, showing this final phase, and also some details of the benefits what have been gained form this activity.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Leaders Day

Saturday 20th July

Calling all adult leaders and Members –

  • Did you ever wish you could get out on the water to do some activities but there wasn’t space?

Or – you didn’t really want to when your Young People were around??

Or – you’ve never really had or taken the opportunity?

Come down to longcraig and have a go at any of our activities – kayaking, paddleboarding, dinghy sailing (single, crewed or longboat), powerboats, even rafting.

We’ll have our whole kit available throughout the day (open form 11am through to 5pm to take best advantage of the tides) so you can get out on the water for a short try, a longer float about, or a good proper activity session for as long as we can all manage.

We’ll have the BBQ running throughout the day for some sustenance, and of course there’ll be tea, coffee and light refreshments available too.

Formal Opening/Dedication of the Facilities Upgrade and Net Zero

Wednesday 28th August

Training Opportunities

Paddleboard training /Assessment Day

We are planning to run a Paddleboard training /Assessment Day sometime during the summer. The date has not been fixed yet with the Assessors, but for anyone interested in finding out more, please get in touch and give us your details so we can let you know as arrangements firm up: getinvolved@longcraig.info

Safety Boat Training Course

Safety Boat Training Course (leads to RYA Safety Boat Certificate) 5th and 6th October – 2 days course. Pre-requisite for this course is Powerboat level 2 and a reasonable number of logged hours driving powerboats in varying conditions.

Powerboat Level 2 Course

Powerboat Level 2 Course (one weekend) planned for later in the year (October/November timescale)

This can be a follow up to a Powerboat 1 Course or it can be done directly. It is a necessary pre-qualification for anyone seeking to do the Safety Boat course (see above)

For information on, or to register an interest in, any of these courses please contact us at getinvolved@longcraig.info

Volunteering?

As the demand for our activities grows and we constantly seek to expand what we can offer, we need more volunteers to help us implement our plans.

Ther are two distinct types of volunteers that we can effectively make use of:

Type 1

These volunteers are the people who make the centre operate. We have spaces for:

  • Skilled water activity people who could lead activities on the water.
  • Semi-skilled people who have some skills, but we can help develop those to a level where they can lead activities.
  • People with some skills to lead our shore-based activities (for bad weather days or to expand the operations of the centre)
  • Volunteers who can help in a number of ways ‘behind the scenes’ – with e.g. finance, marketing, recruitment, maintenance, boat or building repairs.

Please simply contact us at getinvolved@longcraig.info with your details.

We’ve set aside the following dates where we will hold an introduction session to welcome any potential new volunteers and explain further what wed o and how you can get involved:

Saturday 6th July 11am

Monday 19th August 7pm

We’ll take care of the rest!

Do you have any parents in your Group who might be interested in this? Please do let them know!!

Type 2

We can also offer a different type of volunteering, which is to provide an opportunity for groups of adults, scouts or explorers to come along during the ‘closed’ season and give us the benefit of your volunteering – this could be just for one event, or it could be – say – once a month for a period of time.

This can count to a number of outcomes, such as DofE volunteering, various scout badges and awards, or simply to lend a hand for a few hours. Things you might get involved in could be checking of buoyancy aids, fixing boats, painting, and decorating some parts of the centre which were not impacted by the recent building improvements, beach protection work, or behind the scenes stuff like preparing our land activity kits.

If you’re interested, please get in touch to make arrangements or discuss further.

Whatever you have planned, have a great summer!

Interested in getting a hillwalking permit?

Interested in getting a hillwalking permit?

Picture of Richard McLeod

Richard McLeod

Scotland Region Assessor - Hillwalking

Anyone who wants to get a hillwalking permit for taking young people into the hills will require an assessment by a Scout Association appointed hillwalking assessor. Generally, this would be an assessor in your region but if none is available, assessors from other Regions can be approached.

To apply for a permit, you either need to have the relevant  Mounting Training qualifications or you need to be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of experience and skill. In addition, you will need to demonstrate knowledge of the activity POR Rules and how they affect the activity within Scouting. 

If you do not currently have the required level of experience to hold a permit but are interested in developing your own skills, you would be welcome to attend an “Assessment Training” weekend. However, you would need to:

  • have appropriate personal kit including walking boots, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, suitable clothing (see the layering system), sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.
  • have a suitable rucksack for carrying your personal kit and lightweight camping equipment for one night on the hill. (Camping and cooking equipment can be provided on request.)
  • be able to walk over rough terrain not following paths, and on steep ground and be out for a full day (up to 5 hours travel time with appropriate rests and lunch break, bringing it up to a 7-hour day or more)
  • be prepared to undertake some navigation exercise during the hours of darkness to simulate low visibility conditions.

While the above list may feel a little bit daunting, if you are reasonably fit and want to learn new skills, the weekends are very enjoyable. While we will be travelling for several hours each day, the distance we travel tends to be low because of the time taken to do navigation exercises.

The South East Scotland Scouts team of assessors run two weekends each year, one in April and one around the end of September. The weekend allows us to cover the full syllabus, including the lightweight camping aspects. Our next assessment and assessment training weekends are:

  • 28 and 29 September 2024
  • 26 and 27 April 2025
  • 4 and 5 October 2025

If you are interested in attending an assessment / assessment training weekend, please get in touch by sending an email with the following information to the following address:  hillwalking@sesscouts.org.uk 

  • Name
  • Mobile phone number
  • Permit type you are looking for: T1 Summer or T2 Summer
  • What you are attending for: Assessment or Assessment Training
  • For assessment, you will also need to provide an application form and your walking log.
  • For Assessment training, you do not need to send us any forms, but an outline of your hillwalking experience would be helpful, including a walking log if you have one.
  • Emergency contact details, including name and mobile phone number.
  • Any medical issues that we need to know about, for example asthma, allergies, etc.

If you simply have questions or would like to find out more, please feel free to also contact us through the hillwalking email address.

I look forward to seeing you on the hill.

Learning Update – September 2024

Learning update – June 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

Validation of Completed Modules: Action Required by 30 September

As we approach the launch of the new Digital System it is vital that all members who have completed training that, where required, this is validated by the 30th September 2024 to ensure this training is carried over to the new system. If your training is not validated before the transition to the new system you will need to repeat the learning.

Getting Started

As we move towards transformation it is important that Getting Started for any new roles you may hold is completed. Only fully validated Getting Started modules will be transferred across from Compass to the new membership system. If you are unsure what you require to do to complete Getting Started either check your Compass record or speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT).

 

Modules 5-19
For leaders who have completed learning for section leader training (modules 5 to 19) it is also important that you work towards validating these modules prior to transformation

To have your modules (5-19) validated either

  1. Speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT) or
  2. Complete and submit the online validation forms available via this link

Getting Started Modules

All Volunteers

Module 01 - Essential Information *

You’ll learn about our history and the fundamentals of Scouts, get an overview of how we keep people safe, and how we make sure everyone is welcome.

You’ll also learn about our training scheme, our structure and the support available to you.

Find out more 

SFTY - Safety*

You’ll learn about your responsibilities for keeping young people and adults safe, what to do in an emergency and how to report incidents.

Doing things safely is fundamental to everything we do in Scouting. The Safety training ensures that you understand your responsibilities for keeping everyone in Scouts safe and how to assess and manage risk.

Find out more

SAFE - Safeguarding*

You’ll learn how to keep young people and adults at risk safe, how to recognise abuse and how to report a concern.

You’ll also learn about our Safeguarding Policy and our Code of Practice, known as the Yellow Card.

Find out more

GDPR - General Data Protection Regulations*

You’ll learn how the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) applies to your role, how to treat Personal Data and what are the Individuals’ rights.

You’ll also learn about requesting consent, and the measures taken locally to make sure we’re aligned with GDPR.

Find out more

Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Section Assistants

Module 02 - Personal Learning Plan (Not for Section Assistants)

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

Module 03 - Tools for the Role - Section Leaders

You’ll learn about the roles in your section, and how we use activities and games at Scouts. 

You’ll also learn about Youth Shaped Scouting, and get some tips on promoting positive behaviour.

Find out more

Managers & Supporters (GSLs, DCs, ASU Managers, assistants and deputies of same)

Module 02 - Personal Learning Plan

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

Module 04 - Tools for the Role (Managers and Supporters)

You’ll learn about your team’s roles and responsibilities, and how to deliver a quality programme.

You’ll also learn about the six areas of leadership and management, and get tips on time management and personal skills.

Find out more

Trustees (including office bearers)

Trustee Introduction*

The aim of this module is to provide the Charity or managing Trustees with information on their legal responsibilities and current regulations. You only need to complete this module if you have a role as a trustee.

Find out more

REQUIRED ACTION BY END AUGUST 2024: If you have completed the modules marked with *, but not had them validated, please send the Certificate generated at the end of the module to your Training Adviser or Line Manager and ask them to validate the training on Compass.

If you have completed either version of Tools for the Role, please send the certificate to your Training Adviser and discuss with them what you will do / have done to meet the validation requirements.

The Personal Learning Plan for Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Managers and Supporters can be done in discussion with a Training Adviser – reach out to them to arrange a meeting to discuss.

Training Beyond Getting Started – Wood Badge Requirements

This comprises Modules 5,7,8,9,11,12a,12b,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 plus any other additional modules you have completed.

Module 05 - Fundamentals of Scouting

You’ll learn about the Scouts principles and values.

You’ll also learn about our Religious Policy, and how we encourage spiritual development at Scouts.

Find out more

Module 07 - Scouting for All

You’ll learn about inclusion, and how to make Scouts more inclusive for all. 

You’ll also learn about equality, diversity and inclusion (the legal bits), inclusive language, and where to find further information.

Find out more

Module 08 - Skills of Leadership

You’ll learn about models, tools and techniques for effective leadership, and leadership styles.

Find out more

Module 09 - Working with Adults

You’ll learn about effective communication, listening skills, decision-making structures and representing others.

Find out more

Module 11 - Administration

You’ll learn best practice on how to manage administrative tasks at Scouts, and what your responsibilities are towards Data Protection Act/GDPR, record keeping, finances and insurance requirements.

Find out more

Module 12A - Delivering a Quality Programme

You’ll learn about how we deliver quality Scouting to young people, and the key elements of the programme for each section.

You’ll also learn about our badges and awards for young people, our Young Leader’s Scheme, and how we promote Youth shaped Scouting.

Find out more

Module 12B - Programme Planning

You’ll learn how to plan and review the programme for your section.  

You’ll also learn a variety of methods to generate programme ideas. 

Find out more

Module 13 - Growing the Section

You’ll learn about recruitment and retention of young people and adults.

You’ll also learn about the tools and support available to you to help develop the sections.

Find out more

Module 14 - Supporting Young People

You’ll learn about the characteristics and development of young people, and how to create a supportive environment for them.

You’ll also learn about external influences on young people, and how to respond to issues that affect them.

Find out more

Module 15 - Promoting Positive Behaviour

You’ll learn how to define and respond to challenging behaviour.

You’ll also learn principles and strategies to plan for positive behaviour, and where to find additional support.

Find out more

Module 16 - An Introduction to Residential Experiences

You’ll learn how to plan, organise and administrate residential experiences, and what skills your team should have to run them.

You’ll also learn about the Nights Away Permit Scheme, and how residential experiences help develop young people.

Find out more

Module 17 - Running Safe Activities

You’ll learn how to plan and run exciting, safe and developmental activities for young people in your section. 

You’ll also learn about a balanced activity programme, risk assessments, the role of leader in charge and about permits. 

Find out more

Module 18 - Practical Skills

You’ll learn practical skills for your role, and how to share them with young people.

Find out more

Module 19 - International

You’ll learn about world Scouting and international Scout events.

You’ll also learn about the benefits of international activities to young people, and how to include international aspects in your programme.

Find out more

REQUIRED ACTION BY 30 SEPTEMBER : If you have completed these modules, but not had them validated, please engage your Training Adviser or Line Manager and work with them to have your training validated and ask them to update Compass.

Alternatively, for Modules 5,7,8,9,11,12a,12b,13,14,15,16,17, 18 and 19, you can go into this online portal and submit your validation evidence, and a member of the Regional Team will review this and confirm validation.

Mandatory Ongoing Learning

There is a requirement to complete the Safety, Safeguarding and First Aid Modules (for some roles) within the first five months of joining as a volunteer and then every three years.  Please check Compass to see when your mandatory learning expires and, if necessary, renew any that have expired or will expire soon. For Safety and Safeguarding simply work through the online learning then send the certificate to your Training Adviser or Line Manager and ask them to validate the training on Compass.

Learning Update – September 2024

Learning update May 2024

We have arranged more SES Training Modules that adult volunteers can sign up for between now and the end of June. All of these courses can be accessed via this link. Please encourage your teams to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their learning and skills.

  • Module 5 Fundamentals of Scouting – Tuesday 21st May @7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 7 Scouting for All – Thursday 23rd May @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 12A & 12B Quality Programmes and Programme Planning – Sunday 26th May @ 12.30pm to 4.30pm Bonnyrigg Scout Hall
  • Module 11 Administration – Tuesday 28th May @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 13 Growing the Section – Wednesday 29th May @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 16 Introduction to Residential Experiences – Sunday 2nd June @ 10am to 12.30pm 10th Craigalmond Scout Hall
  • Module 17 Running Safe Activities – Sunday 2nd June @ 1.30pm to 4.00pm 10th Craigalmond Scout Hall
  • Module 14 Supporting Young People – Tuesday 4th June @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 19 International – Tuesday 18th June @7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom
  • Module 15 Promoting Positive Behaviour – Thursday 20th June @ 7pm to 9.30pm via Zoom

 

  • First Response 10B – Tuesday 14th May @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10B – Thursday 23rd May @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10B – Tuesday 4th June @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10B – Thursday 6th June @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10a & 10b – Sunday 9th June @ 9.30am Pentland Scout Hall
  • First Response 10B – Tuesday 11th June @ 7.30pm Haywards Scouts Centre Galashiels
  • First Response 10a & 10b – Sunday 16th June @ 9.30am North Berwick Scout Hall