Scouting is designed to be flexible to support all young people to take part, achieve and reach their full potential. That is also true of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Recently, this approach to ensuring all our young people reach their potential was superbly demonstrated when a group of Explorers from Braid and Craigalmond, including some with additional support needs, completed their two-day DofE Bronze Expedition Qualifier in the Pentlands.
At the start of the Expedition, the Explorers agreed that their main “aim” would be to “work together to help achieve their objective of completing the expedition” and it was great to see each member of the group overcome specific challenges and/or support other members of the group, especially when things got difficult. As the Expedition progressed, the group got to know each other better and adapted how they could support each other. The Leader team were hugely impressed with their positive attitude, physical strength, and collective approach to completing the expedition. A highlight was when the group were on the final leg, singing together, knowing they had achieved something special.
Congratulations to Euan, Jack, Kyla, Lennox and Rona on completing your Bronze Expedition and a huge thanks to Lois for your brilliant support during the two days.
Thanks to the Leader Team (Mike, Hector and Donald) and our Assessor (Neil) for your support and to the SEEE Team for their guidance.
If you enjoy reading this then please get in touch to find out how you can become an adult volunteer. It’s so rewarding for you in so many ways. You’ll only know if you try. You can work directly with the young people or more behind the scenes in whatever flexible role suits you in time, skill and space. You don’t have to have had any prior Scouting experience, you just need to want to do good, and help others. If you believe in this as a set of values then this is a great opportunity for you. What’s not to like! Please email us for an informal, no obligation, chat.
It is so good the see Scouts back camping at Bonaly following the relaxing of the Covid restrictions. If you are camping or visiting for the day why not give our new self-led “Camouflage Tracking” activity a go? Working intwo teams, the first challenge is to lay a trail of tracking signs for the other group to follow into the “Hiding Area”. Then one member of the team is chosen to hide and is camouflaged by the rest of the team using the equipment provided and natural materials. The teams now follow each other’s tracking signs and attempt to find the hidden person!
ScotJam@Bonaly was a great weekend with 120 Cubs and Scouts enjoying the sunshine and the Archery, Tomahawk Throwing, Low and High Ropes, Burn Scramble, Camouflage Tracking, and of course the Campfire.We would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make the weekend possible.
Image: Burn scrambling in the Roman Bath.
Our maintenance ASU have been hard at work keeping the centre looking good. The Chalet refurbishment is now well underway with new carpets, beds and vanity units. We are now taking bookings from the 1st of October for the new look Chalet and dates are filling up fast! To make an inquiry you can email info@bonaly.org.uk or use our online booking request form.
Image: The New Look Chalet
The Bonaly “Come and Have A Go Day” was very well attended and gave anyone interested in volunteering a chance to take part in some of the activities we have. Everyone had great fun enjoying the Low Ropes, Crate Stack, Burn Scramble, Pioneering skills or some of the Self-led activities we have on offer. Interested in joining our volunteer instructor team? Please get in touch by email or give us a ring on 0131 441 1878.
Image: Well done Sandy – that’s got to be a record!
Like many groups and sections across the Region, our Networks have remained busy during lockdown, finding creative ways to meet online or carry out areas of programme individually.
Online meetings have included quizzes, an escape room and a number of different games. They have also been a great opportunity to socialise with other young people, discuss issues such as finding work or continuing to study during lockdown, and to stay connected.
There has also been a focus on top awards by many Networkers across the region. In the Borders they have met frequently to discuss their work on Duke of Edinburgh Gold and the Queens Scout Award, and planning has begun for an expedition once those can be held again. There have also been one-to-one discussions between District Scout Network Commissioners and individuals about specific parts of their awards, with new and creative ideas of how to continue during lockdown coming to the fore.
Some members have taken advantage of the fact that the Scouts of the World Award Discovery events have moved online. This has meant that individuals have been able to make a start on this award without having to travel across the UK to attend this crucial first part. Hopefully this will lead eventually to the first Networker from the region gaining this elusive award.
During lockdown the UK have also been recruiting young people for the next World Scout Moot in Ireland in 2022, and Networkers across the region have been applying. A moot is like a jamboree for those aged 18-26, and is an opportunity to meet scouts from around the world and to join in a wide variety of activities. There will be a second round of recruitment, and you can find out more and register your interest on the contingent website.
Talk is now turning to meeting up again in person soon, with various ideas being discussed. For the moment, while those over 18 are limited to groups of people from only 5 households, these ideas are for small groups. However, Network will continue to adapt as the current situation evolves, hopefully with a return to more adventurous activities sooner rather than later.
If you are aged 18-24 and what to find out more, why not get in touch with your local District Network? If you need help identifying the correct person to contact, please reach out to the Region and we can put you in touch.
Did you know that every member of Scouting aged 18-24 is automatically a member of Scout Network? It is an opportunity for young people in Scouting to continue to develop skills, gain awards, explore the world and make new friends.
2019 has been a busy year for the Scout Network within South East Region.
A number of members joined a group of Networkers from across Scotland in travelling to Madagascar to help upgrade the Madagascar national scout campsite alongside local scouts. They worked hard to gain construction skills ahead of the trip, successfully undertook work on site, and made lasting friendships.
Closer to home members have been engaged in a number of events at a UK and Scottish level, including camps in the Lake District and Dundee, a ceilidh for Burns night, and numerous outdoor activities including kayaking, climbing and hiking.
Within the Region Networks meet on a regular basis to enjoy a range of activities from trampoline parks to board games nights, campfires, local camping, and escape rooms. Networks aim to be inclusive with a range of activities to suit the interests of all members.
Alongside the fun there have also been opportunities to undertake award work, with individuals gaining national activity accreditations as well as working towards top awards within Scouting including the Queens Scout Award. We are looking forward to individuals attending the St Georges Day parade in April in recognition of their QSA successes.
The next international events on the horizon for Networkers in the region include Blair Atholl in 2020 and the next World Scout Moot in 2021. The Moot is similar in emphasis to the World Scout Jamboree, except that all participants are Network age. The Moot is going to be in Ireland, where participants will form patrols with participants from around the world, spend a week on ‘trails’ exploring and enjoying Ireland, before coming together at the base camp to learn about issues affecting young people today. Those who went to the last Moot in Iceland had a life changing experience, and we expect the UK to open to applications in the spring. More information can be found here.
If anyone is interested in engaging with their District Scout Network they should get in touch – the adventure is out there for all young people that are willing to get involved.
Applications for the 2019 National Scout & Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band (NSGSO and NSGCB) course are now open. The course and concerts are based in Stourbridge, West Midlands and runs from Sunday 28 July – Sunday 4 August 2019.
Last year 142 young people attended – a record year again. The course is hosted by Birmingham Scout County in conjunction with Girlguiding Birmingham.
The NSGSO and NSGCB Ensembles
The Orchestra is now in its 44th year, and after the success of forming the Concert Band three years ago it will again run alongside the Orchestra. The NSGCB were re-branded last year with their own identity. However both groups are based together and although they have separate rehearsals and concerts they come together for a massed finale item and all accommodation and social activities. So there is a choice of 2 ensembles to apply for. There is slightly different criteria and instrument choices for each – please see below and also our website for specific information.
The NSGSO and NSGCB Course
The NSGSO and NSGCB meet every year for a fantastic week’s course of music and social activities led by 2 conductors and 12 professional tutors, and hosted by 8 staff members. Members are housed in single and small dormitories with common areas and rehearsal venues for all; all food is provided. During the week the Concert Band will perform 2 concerts in the community and also their main Saturday lunch time concert on 3rd August. They will also have the opportunity to take part in two concerts with the Orchestra as guest artistes. For the Orchestra the week will culminate in two evening concerts in Birmingham on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd August with the Concert Band as guest artists. Both the Orchestra and the Concert Band will also play a joint piece together at the Friday and Saturday evening concerts. To see for yourself what the course involves watch the NSGSO Promotional Video
To apply for the 2019 NSGSO or NSGCB Course and to find out lots more detail go toapply.nsgso.com.
For the Orchestra all applicants must be:
– A Member of the The Scout Association or Girlguiding.
– Aged 13-25 by 31 August 2019
– Proficient player of a least one orchestral instrument (Grade 5 or above)
Please note: String players who are Grade 4 may be accepted under certain circumstances.
For the Concert Band all applicants must be:
– A Member of the The Scout Association or Girlguiding.
– Aged 12-25 by 31 August 2019
– Proficient player of a least one concert band instrument (Grade 4 or above)
Details of all instruments are on the website at apply.nsgso.com
Please note: Applicants between the ages of 26-30 will be considered in the event that a section is under-subscribed.
Further Information
The cost of the course is £510, payable in four instalments. The course cost includes full board, accommodation, rehearsals and workshops with a professional conductor and sectional tutors, uniform for new members, transportation during the week and social activities. You just need to transport yourself to Stourbridge and after that everything else is paid for. We can pick you up from Stourbridge station or Birmingham airport.
For help with funding applicants should contact their group first, then district and then region. Applicants can of course do their own fundraising for this event. We can help you with contact details if you would like to email. A small amount of money is available in grants from NSGSO/NSGCB.
For anyone wishing to use this course for their DofE, QSA or QGA residential then this year must be the first time that they have attended.
Applicants will hear before the New Year if they have been successful.
Please email jill@nsgso.com with any queries that you have.
The closing date is midnight on Saturday 15th December
Tourists visiting this year’s Edinburgh Military Tattoo received a good Scottish welcome from a team of Explorer Scouts and Adult members who volunteered to sell programmes and merchandise to the international visitors attending the world famous event at Edinburgh Castle.
As they have done since the first Tattoo in 1950, members from across the Region were able to enjoy a unique opportunity to be part of the Tattoo and help to raise money for scouting in South East Scotland, with volunteers coming from a wide range of roles with Section Leaders, Group Scout Leaders, District and Regional Leadership Team members joining Explorer Scouts to cover performances throughout August.
Cath Jackson, Group Scout Leader at 102nd Craigalmond (St Andrews Clermiston) Scout Group volunteered at the Tattoo for the first time and commented that highlights included “People taking to you about their scouting days in other countries. I got to meet adults from other districts and enjoyed making new friendships.”
If you would like to find out more about volunteering at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo please email Sue Liddle at sueliddle@sky.com.
