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Learning Update – October 2024

Learning Update – October 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

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.
Longcraig Update – October 2024

Longcraig Update – October 2024

Picture of Ian Harrower

Ian Harrower

Longcraig Scout Centre

Looking forward to 2025

As 2024 draws to a close we appreciate that a small number of Groups were disappointed this year, due to having a few activity bookings cancelled as we did not have enough of the right kind of volunteers available on the day, or because the weather conditions were such that it was not safe to proceed.

Although our 2025 booking system doesn’t kick in until early next year, we’d like to give anyone affected by these disappointments the early bird first choice of an activity slot for next year ahead of time. If your Group falls into either of these categories please get in touch to discuss what options are available for you: please contact  bookings@longcraig.info in the first instance and we’ll help you from there.

LONGCRAIG – NET ZERO – how it all works

Last month, we announced the fantastic news that the Net Zero project at Longcraig, installed earlier this year, had gone live and was producing enough electricity to enable the Centre to operate.

This month, as promised, we’ve got more detail about the systems we installed and how they all work.  Read on!

Main objectives

The principal purpose of installing the renewables was twofold:

  1. To present a ‘greener’ appearance to the Centre and how it operates
  2. B) to reduce our annual bill for utilities (mainly electricity) following the exorbitant cost increases inflicted over the past couple of years.

This is how it all strings together –

Main power generation – Solar PV. The proposed panels were selected to combine a comfortable fit, without crowding, on the available roof space. Initial rough calculations estimated the roof could support around 16kW capacity, the supplier’s selected proposal settled at 15.84kW., based upon an installation of 36 panels each 440W. Generation capacity clearly follows both a daily predicted curve (assuming good sun conditions) and also seasonal variations which can be computed based upon location, roof angle, surrounding shade/shadow and other geographical factors.

Bird’s eye view of Longcraig showing the solar panels fitted on the roof
Theoretical daily power generation by month. (Ignore the consumption data, based upon standard consumption)

Energy Storage:

Electrical energy – Batteries: we selected 4 x 5kWh batteries totalling 20kWh which closely emulates the 21kWh expected theoretical consumption. The batteries have a maximum linking capacity of 5, so we retained the option to fit one further one in the future.

Four batteries fitted neatly below the switchgear and power inverters

Thermal energy – Hot water tank: power can be sent directly to the hot water exchange tank which contains around 300litres of water, which then transfers heat through coils to the domestic hot water outputs. Control of the energy applied to the tank is further enhanced by a Solar Boost unit which actively directs power when it is required or when there is surplus energy available.

The Solar Boost box sends excess power to the water tank to heat up the water

Direct feed – the PV energy drives directly to any building consumption required during generation hours.

Heating – hot water:

As part of the facilities upgrade, the incoming water supply was separated as it entered the building. One pipe goes directly to the kitchen, the other serves the cold water tank and thence the toilets and hot water system.

The main hot water tank is described above, and supplies hot water on demand for showers, wash hand basins throughout the customer facilities.

A separate 30 litre hot water storage device was installed in the kitchen, adjacent to the sinks, which provides almost instant hot water on demand. Whilst not an integral part of the renewables project, this enhancement avoids the need for the kitchen taps to ‘waste’ hot water from the old tank location, amounting to some 30 metres of piping each time the tap is opened. Rough calculations indicate a saving of up to £350 a year based upon energy prices in 2022 through this element alone.

Kitchen water heater – right beside the sinks, stores up to 30 litres of water ready to use.

Space heating – customer facilities: This is provided by way of an Air to Air Heat Pump, one external pump unit providing heat to 5 separate outlets covering the two main changing rooms, two toilet and shower areas, and the staff facility. The pump unit can generate just under 11kW of heat output, and is powered by the PV generated electricity at a maximum rate of 2.8kW. (an efficiency factor of 3.92) Each of the 5 outlets can be independently controlled for: temperature; fan speed’ horizontal and vertical air flow direction. Heat up time from cold is around 10 – 15 minutes.

The external Heat Pump unit neatly fitted behind the toilets
One of the five internal heaters

Space heating – other areas: Providing Heat Pump heating to the kitchen, workshop and two upstairs training rooms was not going to be possible without installing a complete second Heat Pump installation. Because of the much more sporadic nature of the heat demand of each of the four spaces, it was decided to adopt a much lower cost, but more fuel hungry when in use, installation of Infra Red Heat bars in each room. Once again, each is independently controllable for temperature, and they can be adjusted to optimise the heat output to the areas where people are most likely to benefit. These heaters are quick to heat up, only warm the people in the rooms, and don’t clutter the floors!

All of the heating is controllable by phone Apps, which can also set timers, over-rides, and instant adjustment through the WiFi within the Centre.

So, what’s the benefits?

  • Our shower areas and changing rooms are now warm! BUT, the warmth also helps dry them out, so they are much less damp and musty; the floors are easier to sweep out and when mopped they dry off in a short time.
  • There is plenty of hot water to service all our showers, and it doesn’t run out when the first 6 people have had their showers!
  • Better hot water supplies in our kitchen (for washing dishes!)
  • Controllable warmth in the two training/meeting rooms on the upper floor, replacing our very old oil filled radiators and an even olde portable gas heater.
  • We’ve yet to trial it fully, but we’ll have renewable power through the winter months which means we can provide heated spaces and hot water to support winter activities. More importantly, we hope that we will be able to keep the critical parts of the building free from frost so we don’t have to drain down the water.
  • Significantly reduced electricity bill especially during the summer months when there is longer daylight. Not quite Zero, but very close, and effectively Zero on most days unless it is really dull all day.

What did we have before?

In summary:

  • adequate power generation on the premises to fulfil our needs for hot water and for power to run the Centre.
  • Energy Storage so we can use the energy when we need it, not just when the sun is shining!
  • Much reduced overhead of electricity supplies, means more money available to support activities, training and operational needs.
None of this would have been possible without the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).
 
We cannot Thank them enough.

Training Opportunities

  • VHF Marine Radio Course (one day) Saturday 9th

This one day course leads to the RYA Short Range VHF Certificate, which is a requirement to operate a Maine Band radio used for communications at sea. These can be used for anything from large yachts, to dinghies, kayaks, even paddleboards and are now seen as just as important a safety measure as buoyancy aids or helmets. The course will be run entirely indoors. It’s also encouraged for anyone working with boats, whether at Longcraig or elsewhere.

  • Powerboat Level 2 Course (one weekend) 16th to 17th November

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)

  • 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 will be leading this event to support our own activities. The aim is to either assess for a permit or provide a suitable plan to each person to get one.

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

Volunteering Opprtunities

As the demand for our activities grows and we constantly seek to expand what we are able to offer, we need more volunteers to help us implement our plans. We now have a super-duper warm up to date activity centre to welcome volunteers into!

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:

 

Tuesday 12th November 7pm

Saturday 14th December 1pm

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.

Lord Baden-Powell invests South East Scotland Member

Lord Baden-Powell invests South East Scotland Member

Picture of SUMR'24

SUMR'24

South East Scotland Regional Team
Gilwell Park, England

This past weekend, members of the South East Scotland regional team embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Gilwell Reunion, where the spirit of Scouting blazed brighter than ever. But Sunday brought a moment of history that would resonate through the ages.
In a breathtaking ceremony, our very own Ignacio Luna Borrás, or Nacho as we fondly call him, etched his name into the annals of Scouting history.
Underneath the legendary Gilwell Oak, at the heart of Gilwell Park Scout Activity Centre, Nacho became the first person on the planet to be invested by none other than the current Lord Baden-Powell himself, David Baden-Powell. This once-in-a-lifetime event unfolded in the presence of Scouting royalty, including members of the Baden-Powell family and the granddaughter of the original Lord Baden-Powell (OGBP), Gill Clay. The significance of this moment was amplified as Gill Clay was honored as the 399th recipient of the prestigious World Organization of the Scout Movement – WOSM‘s Bronze Wolf award the day before—a true celebration of the Scouting spirit!
The Gilwell Oak stands as a living symbol at the very heart of Scouting, its roots deeply entwined with the growth and development of this global movement, just as Robert Baden-Powell envisioned. Beneath its sprawling branches, history was made.
The weekend was rich with Scottish pride as Lord Baden-Powell, having spent quality time with the Scottish Scouts, was officially welcomed into the fold. Barry Donald-Hewitt, Chief Volunteer of Scotland, presented him with the newly launched Scottish International Necker, solidifying his adoption into our Scouts Scotland family.
This rare and magical ceremony was brought to a heartfelt close as South East Scotland Scouts Lead Volunteer, Martin Elliot, led all those present in a powerful renewal of our Scout Promise—a pledge to continue the adventurous journey that began over a century ago.
Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

Picture of Martin Elliot

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.
Beaver Scout’s Remarkable Journey of Achievement and Royal Recognition

Beaver Scout’s Remarkable Journey of Achievement and Royal Recognition

George Beattie, a dynamic Eight-year-old member of the 44th Braid Scout Group in Edinburgh, has set a new standard of excellence in Scouting. Demonstrating extraordinary dedication and enthusiasm, George has not only earned every badge available during his time as a Beaver Scout but has also been honoured with a Commendation Award for his remarkable achievements.

A Record-Breaking Beaver Scout Journey

George’s journey in the Scouts is nothing short of inspirational. During his time as a Beaver, he earned all 24 Activity Badges, including ‘Emergancy Aid’, ‘Disability Awareness’, ‘Global Issues’, and ‘Money Skills’. In addition to these, he also achieved 15 staged activity badges such as ‘Air Activities’, ‘Community Impact’, ‘Navigator’, ‘Paddle Sports’, and ‘Nights Away’, along with the Thistle Award, which focuses on Scotland, its people, and culture. His accomplishments culminated in the attainment of the Chief Scouts Bronze Award, the highest honour for Beavers, after completing all six Challenge Badges.

George’s mother, Dianne, expressed her pride: “George absolutely loves Scouting and was an eager Beaver from the start. Following his brother William’s enthusiasm to participate in the weekly programme and work on badges at home, George also made himself very busy! We are fortunate to be part of such a hardworking and enthusiastic Scout group with dedicated leaders who encourage the development of skills and experiences.” The emphasis on developing Skills for Life has been a cornerstone of George’s success, equipping him with the knowledge and confidence to achieve his goals.

Dianne continued “The OSM system has been invaluable at facilitating badge work. George would often rushed home from a weekly meeting and log on to see which elements had been completed, often before the leader would have a chance to get home, let alone log on and populate OSM!”

TrailJam Adventure and Inspiring Others

Having been inspired by his big brother, William, who did extremely well in Cubs in his own right, obtaining all but one of the Cub badges, and is now enjoying being a Scout and developing new skills. George’s own enthusiasm for Scouting has also inspired others in his group to strive for similar achievements. Another young Beaver, Matthew Allan, has followed in George’s footsteps and completed all Beaver badges as well. This sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement was evident during the group’s Cramond Island Adventure as part of TrailJam 2024. The Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts enjoyed exploring the island and collected several large bags of litter from the beaches, showcasing their commitment to community service and the environment. These activities are designed to instil valuable Skills for Life, such as teamwork, leadership, and environmental stewardship.

Meeting Their Majesties

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, George was selected to represent South East Scotland Scouts at the Edinburgh900 event, celebrating 900 years of the city. During this prestigious event at Edinburgh Castle, George had the honour of meeting Their Majesties The King and Queen. According to Kieran Collins, South East Scotland Scouts Communications Lead, “George became one of the first, if not the first youth member of the Scout Association to be presented to HM The King since he became Patron of the Scouts in June this year. Nationally, we know of no others who have previously met the King in this capacity.”

While meeting their Majesties, George explained his recent achievements, which have been nothing short of remarkable, The King, who was clearly impressed, proclaimed “You are now my favourite Scout”. This declaration is not just a personal accolade for George but a shining endorsement of the values and accomplishments of Scouting.

George was thrilled with this recognition: “I feel very proud to be the first to achieve this prestigious award and honoured to represent Scouting at such a significant event and to meet the King and Queen.”

The Support Behind the Success

The achievements of young Scouts like George are a testament to the dedication of the adult volunteers who make such achievements possible. The group, led by a committed team including Lucy Stewart, Mark Allan, Laura Szpruch, Paul Brennan, and Group Lead Volunteer Alison Hill, provides a robust programme that encourages children to excel. Activities have included everything from indoor sleepovers and visits to fire stations to hikes, picnics, and magic tricks. These activities are meticulously planned to impart essential Skills for Life, ensuring that young Scouts are well-prepared for future challenges.

Lucy Stewart, George’s Beaver Team Leader, commented: “George’s dedication and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring. He has shown what can be achieved with determination and a passion for learning. We are all incredibly proud of him and his achievements.”

Martin Elliot, Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland Scouts, praised George’s accomplishments: “I was thrilled to present a Commendation Award to George Beattie. This is an incredible achievement, and it was clear the positive effect that Scouting has had on him.”

Looking Forward

Now a Cub Scout, George has set his sights on earning all Cub badges, continuing his journey of growth and learning within the Scouts. His story serves as an inspiration to young Scouts everywhere, highlighting the rewards of dedication, hard work, and community involvement. George’s ambition reflects the core mission of the Scouts: to provide young people with the Skills for Life they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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!