One of the oldest groups in the UK is reignited
After an 18-month hiatus, the 9th Braid GWC Scout Group is back up and running. The 9th, which operates through agreement with George Watson’s College, is one of the oldest Scout groups in Scotland (if not the oldest), having formed in 1908. It is an Open Group, meaning pupils at the school are welcome to join – as well as any young people in the Beavers and Cubs age range who live in the local community. Following a period recruiting new leaders and developing a new programme, meetings started again on Friday 14th June with the first of two taster session evenings for young people interested in joining Beavers and Cubs. Lead Volunteer Greig Torpey said: “We’re delighted to have restarted the Group with the initial taster sessions for Beavers and Cubs, and are looking forward to launching our weekly programme from Friday 6 September. “We would encourage everyone who enjoyed the Beavers and Cubs sessions in June to spread the word, and we also appeal to parents to get involved. “We have big plans for the Group and hope to re-establish a Scout Troop next year. But growing the 9th back to full strength and ensuring continuity will depend on parents being able to contribute their time. We know they’ll get a lot out of it if they do. “We’d like to thank South-East Scotland Scouting Support staff Amy Irvine and Nacho Luna Borrás for their help in getting things off the ground again.” Joining Greig on 9th Braid’s new team of volunteers are leaders Ben James and Jamie Cavaye, supported by Chris Small focusing on communications and admin for the Group. Weekly meetings will take place on Friday evenings during term time in the school’s Centre for Sport. Any parents interested in their child joining Beavers or Cubs, or volunteering to help the Group grow, should email: 9thbraidbeavers@gmail.com or 9thbraidcubs@gmail.com
Learning update – June 2024
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 5-19For 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 Speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT) or 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.
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
New Amenity Hub opens at Bonaly Activity Centre
Bonaly officially opened their new Amenity Hub which has toilets, showers, an accessible toilet and shower, drying room and dishwashing facilities, on 17th April 2024. At an informal ceremony a small plaque was unveiled by Steve Gamble of the Bonaly Leadership Team and around 40 guests then had tea and cake in the Chalet. At the opening, John Cannon, Regional Chair and Peter Casebow, Chair Bonaly Scout Centre noted that the new facility was only made possible by the hard work of many people and the funding received from the Regional Trustees and sportscotland Lottery funding. In particular, the hard work and support of Steve Gamble, Simon Innes, Janet Taylor, Barry Johnston, Sue Timmins and the whole Bonaly Active Support Unit (ASU) team were acknowledged. Mike Treanor, Volunteer Development Lead also noted the feedback from Scouts and leaders who have already used the facility has been fantastic and the new Amenity Hub along with Ken’s Den really does mean Bonaly Scout Centre has a positive future ahead.