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30th Craigalmond head to the Swiss Alps

30th Craigalmond head to the Swiss Alps

Picture of SUMR'24

SUMR'24

30th Craigalmond (Davidson's Mains)
Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland

After months of planning, 31 Scouts and 11 adult volunteers from 30th Craigalmond (Davidson’s Mains) Scout Group travelled to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in Switzerland for a full week of activities with thousands of Scouts from around the world!

Arrival and Setup

The group arrived safely at KISC at 3:45pm on Saturday. They quickly set up their tented village, and by 5pm, the Pink Panther Explorers (many who were former 30th Craigalmond Scouts) joined them. Despite a sudden thunderstorm and heavy rain that delayed the setup of communal tents, the Scouts managed to stay dry and fuelled with “tactical snacks” until a late dinner.

Sunday: International Flag Break and Sports

Sunday began with a sunny welcome and an international flag break ceremony with 800 Scouts on-site. The Scouts joined in games during the international day morning after the flag break, discovering new games to share at future camps, such as the rope walk and the popular finger light sabre game. After intermingling games and enthusiastic cheering, the Scouts enjoyed some downtime. By 2pm, many participated in international volleyball and football games, while others engaged in pioneering activities, building a flagpole and bench, or some a water fight. The day ended with a name game with the Pink Panther Explorers and an international evening for swapping neckers and gifts.

Monday: Mountain Hike

A dry and sunny Monday allowed the Scouts to take a cable car ride into the mountains. They ascended to Sunnebuhl and hiked for three hours in the Gemmi valley, stopping for lunch by a glacial lake. After a refreshing rest, paddle, and drinks, they hiked back downhill, returning for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Tuesday: Bobsleigh Track and Lake Swimming

The Scouts enjoyed another cable car ride on Tuesday, this time to Oeschinensee rohdelbahn. They raced down a bobsleigh-type track on buggies, towed back up for more fun, and spent the afternoon swimming in the lake. The evening concluded with campfire songs and the much-loved S’mores.

Wednesday: Town Exploration and Cooking

Despite rain showers and thunderstorms, the Scouts had a great time swimming in the town’s outdoor pool and exploring local shops to buy souvenirs and gifts. A Scout team took charge of cooking dinner for the camp on Wednesday evening, providing a hearty meal for everyone. The Scouts leaving the Scout Troop after summer joined the Explorers in the sauna that evening, with one accidentally visiting the ladies’ shower block by mistake, which was quickly rectified.

Thursday: Swiss National Day and Fun

Thursday was Swiss National Day, filled with activities like zip wire and crate climbing, as well as eco projects towards the KISC Challenge Badge. That evening, they joined over 1,800 Scouts from 39 countries for a BBQ and a parade into the town centre. One Scout also found a glow bug near their site, adding a magical touch to the evening.

Departure

The Scouts broke camp and loaded the van before departing on Friday morning. Throughout the week, they kept journals, documenting their experiences and reflections. Some Scouts also enjoyed quiet time making friendship bracelets. The trip concluded with the Scouts trading neckers, badges, and food, forming international bonds and enriching their cultural experiences.

Conclusion

The trip was a resounding success, offering the Scouts experiences of international camaraderie, adventure, and personal growth. Some memorable highlights from the Scouts include:

– “Free time with friends in a different country.”

– “Meeting people from different countries.”

– “The scenery.”

– “Swimming in the lake.”

Longniddry Group Lead Volunteer Cycles for St Columba’s Hospice

Longniddry Group Lead Volunteer Cycles for St Columba’s Hospice

Twelve months ago, Longniddry Scout Group – Group Lead Volunteer, Paul Ince pedalled 300 miles from Bordeaux to Sete, on the Mediterranean coast, in aid of St Columba’s Hospice. Later this month, he will be back in the saddle as he ventures from Marseille to Lyon.

Paul’s connection with St Columba’s Hospice stretches back more than a decade. Since the death of his sister, Susan in the hospice in 2010, Paul and his family has continued to support St Columba’s so that it can continue to provide its care to both patients and their families.

The charity provides world-leading hospice care for everyone in Edinburgh and the Lothians free of charge.

His experience 12 months ago has encouraged him to once again get back on the saddle and raise funds for the good cause.

Paul says “I have previously taken part in the Celtic Challenges in 2012 and 2014, cycling from Edinburgh to Iona, to raise money for the rebuilding project which was taking place at the time. The hospice still requires additional funding so I signed up for this year’s challenge as soon as it was announced. I really enjoy cycling in France having been to watch the Tour de France a number of times so am really looking forward to this new challenge.

Now, the countdown is on until Paul flies out to France, with his preparations well under way for the four-day event.

To support Paul and to make a donation, go to stcolumbashospicecare.enthuse.com/pf/paul-ince

Alternatively, you can donated using the sponsor form below. 

Community comes together to support Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service

Community comes together to support Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service

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Namiki Ikeshima

Group Communications Manager
21st Craigalmond Group (South Queensferry)

The South Queensferry community recently came together in a show of support for the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), hosting a local session at the Scout Hall on Monday, August 5th. This heartwarming event saw a diverse group of young people, volunteers, parents, carers, guardians, and community members uniting with a shared goal of contributing to this crucial cause.

One of the most touching moments of the gathering was when young Explorer Cooper Hardwick commemorated his 18th birthday in May by making his first blood donation. Cooper’s act of selflessness was inspired by the impact of blood transfusions on his grandad, who has received over 30 transfusions. Reflecting on his experience, Cooper shared, “It went well. My Grandad has had over 30 transfusions, and this has only been possible by others’ selfless acts.” His gesture undoubtedly brought immense pride to his grandad and served as an inspiration to everyone present. It has certainly made all of us in South East Scotland Scouts extremely proud and inspired!

Lise Coles, Scout and Explorer Leader at the 21st Craigalmond South Queensferry Scouts and National Maintenance Manager at SNBTS, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am truly honoured to bring the Scouts and SNBTS together. By actively participating in community blood donation sessions, we can inspire our friends, family, and fellow community members to donate blood as well. The profound and far-reaching impact of blood donation plays a critical role in preserving the health and well-being of individuals across Scotland.”

Jo Mitchell, District Lead Volunteer for Craigalmond, highlighted the significance of community involvement, stating, “The importance of community involvement, participating, and contributing within such a wonderful community not only supports and empowers grassroots scouting but also brings joy to all involved. Events like this contribute to building stronger, closer communities and creating brighter tomorrows for young people and society as a whole.

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland, Martin Elliot shared “I have seen first hand the life changing effect that blood donations have so  I am exceptionally proud of all of those from the 21st South Queensferry Group who have put their Scouting Values into practice by participating in and supporting this blood drive.”

If you are between the ages of 17 and 65 and have never donated blood before, please consider joining the blood donation drive. For more details on how to get involved and the impact of your donation, visit www.scotblood.co.uk or call 0345 90 90 999 (phonelines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Each donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people.

Finally, a special thanks is extended to Katie-lee Arrowsmith for her captivating photography, effectively capturing the spirit and essence of the event.

Keeping Scouting Safe in South East Scotland

Keeping Scouting Safe in South East Scotland

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Martin Elliot

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland

I hope that all of enjoyed a well-deserved break over the summer. Whilst the Regional Team took some downtime, that didn’t mean that Scouting stopped with a lot of work going on behind the scenes to support Scouting’s ongoing commitment to Safe Scouting for all our members.

Keeping young people safe is our top priority in Scouts. Following on from the inquest into the tragic death of Ben Leonard and the UK Scouts’ response to HM Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths, all Regions were asked to perform a thorough self moderation exercise. This covered the following areas:

  • Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme
  • Nights Away
  • Training
  • Visits Abroad
  • Safety Support

Following on from this exercise a set of prioritised actions have been identified. I am pleased to say that the moderation exercise highlighted the good work already going on to support Safe Scouting within the Region and my thanks go to those who supported this – in particular Mike Treanor, Bruce MacDonald and Simon Innes.

However, we will not be resting on our laurels and the exercise highlighted that there are a number of areas where we could improve and Mike Treanor, Volunteer Development Lead, is working with the Regional Team and Regional Trustee Board to look at how we take these forward in the coming months.

There are a number of ways that you can support Safe Scouting locally:

  1. Ensure that your Safety and Safeguarding mandatory training are up to date. If they have expired or are about to expire in the next couple of months please complete ASAP and get your Training Adviser or Lead Volunteer to validate on Compass.
  2. Ensure that Risk Assessments are in place and documented for all Scouting activities. Advice on how to perform Risk assessments is available here
  3. Ensure that appropriate First Aid cover is in place. Following the cessation of previous First Response Rules on 30th November 2024, all adult volunteers in relevant roles will need to hold a current Module 10A and 10B to act as First Aid cover on Scout activities with the date on which Module 10A is completed triggering the three-year renewal date of the learning (this used to be Module 10B).
  4. If you own premises, make sure that all required safety precautions are in place. You might find the Scouts Premises Audit
  5. Ensure that your Group or District’s Risk Register is up to date.

Our Regional Leadership play a key role in supporting Safe Scouting and there have been a number of changes over the Summer:

  • Robert Anderson has been appointed as the new Lead Volunteer for Braid District, taking over from Judith Wood. I look forward to working with Robert in his new role and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Judith for the huge amount of work that she has done as Lead Volunteer, leading the district over the last 6 years, steering the district confidently through some challenging times. I would also like to thank her for the invaluable support and advice that she has offered me and I am pleased that she is staying involved in Scouting in the District.
  • Hilary Cartwright has completed her term as Lead Volunteer for East Lothian. I would like to thank Hilary for all that she has done to support Scouting in East Lothian not just in her five years as District Commissioner/Lead Volunteer but in a variety of roles over the years. Hilary’s enthusiasm for Scouting comes through in everything that she does and this was particularly evident during the challenges of COVID. I am delighted that Hilary is staying involved in Scouting in the District and am grateful for her continued advice and support. Until a new Lead Volunteer is appointed, I will serve as acting Lead Volunteer for East Lothian.
  • Colin Liddle has been appointed as Regional Programme Lead. Colin, is also one of the Lead Volunteers in Pentland district, and is looking forward to working with the Programme team and looking at how we as a Region can better support them in the important work that they are doing. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Programme team for the way that you have continued to ensure the delivery of programme support whilst this position is vacant – we are fortunate to have a strong Programme Team in the Region and with the support of Colin’s leadership I am confident we can continue the positive momentum that they have built.
  • Robert Anderson has been appointed as the new Lead Volunteer for Braid District, taking over from Judith Wood. I look forward to working with Robert in his new role and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Judith for the huge amount of work that she has done as Lead Volunteer, leading the district over the last 6 years, steering the district confidently through some challenging times. I would also like to thank her for the invaluable support and advice that she has offered me and I am pleased that she is staying involved in Scouting in the District.
  • Hilary Cartwright has completed her term as Lead Volunteer for East Lothian. I would like to thank Hilary for all that she has done to support Scouting in East Lothian not just in her five years as District Commissioner/Lead Volunteer but in a variety of roles over the years. Hilary’s enthusiasm for Scouting comes through in everything that she does and this was particularly evident during the challenges of COVID. I am delighted that Hilary is staying involved in Scouting in the District and am grateful for her continued advice and support. Until a new Lead Volunteer is appointed, I will serve as acting Lead Volunteer for East Lothian.
  • Colin Liddle has been appointed as Regional Programme Lead. Colin, is also one of the Lead Volunteers in Pentland district, and is looking forward to working with the Programme team and looking at how we as a Region can better support them in the important work that they are doing. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Programme team for the way that you have continued to ensure the delivery of programme support whilst this position is vacant – we are fortunate to have a strong Programme Team in the Region and with the support of Colin’s leadership I am confident we can continue the positive momentum that they have built.
Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

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Martin Elliot

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland

I am very pleased to let you know that I have appointed Robert Anderson as the new Lead Volunteer for Braid District. Robert will take over from Judith Wood on 1st September.
 
In his new role, Robert will be responsible for providing leadership to the District’s Leadership Team, including its Group Lead Volunteers, and provide strategic leadership to Scouting in the District.
 
Robert currently leads the Cub Section team at the 7th Braid Group based at George Heriot’s School. In his Scouting journey Robert has held a variety of roles including Assistant District Commissioner for Cubs in Blackford District, International Adviser for the Region and SHQ Commissioner for Cubs.
 
I am delighted that Robert has agreed to take on this new role and am confident that his enthusiasm and dedication will ensure that young people and adult volunteers in Braid District continue to enjoy the opportunities that Scouting offers and I look forward to working with him to support and develop Scouting in the district.
 
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Judith for the huge amount of work that she has done as Lead Volunteer, leading the district over the last 6 years, steering the district confidently through some challenging times. I would also like to thank her for the invaluable support and advice that she has offered me and I am pleased that she is staying involved in Scouting in the District.
 
I hope that you will join me in congratulating Robert on his new role and thanking Judith for her leadership as she steps down.
Longcraig update – June 2024

Longcraig update – June 2024

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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!