News From Berkshire Scouts

News from Berkshire Scouts for 10 July 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:08:10 -0400

All Leaders - A Chance To Get Your Voice Heard!

This coming Wednesday, 15th July, there is an opportunity to get together with a wide range of people able to support you in your role, and we are keen to hear your thoughts on what support you want! From 7.30pm at the Holiday Inn on Basingstoke Road, just off junction 11 of the M4 the Programme Support Team will be keen to see you! For any queries contact Lorraine Bolam lorraine.bolam@berkshirescouts.org.uk

Minibus Safety and Maintenance

A number of queries have arisen recently about the maintenance, safety and usage of minibus for activities. A new factsheet is now online at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/safety Please direct any queries via that webpage to Howard de Silva, Safety in Scouting Coordinator

Get Your Voice Heard on an International Stage!

Here's an excellent opportunity for Scout Network members to get themselves over to Cancun, Mexico, in December, as part of the UK Youth Climate Coalition's delegation to the UN climate conference (where everything that went wrong in Copenhagen needs to get put right).Application form is online at http://delegation.ukycc.org/apply/

Free Training!

Berkshire Scout Enterprises Ltd offers services to Scouting, locally, nationally and internationally, together with serving the community in the Berkshire area. They manage Government-funded contracts including the provision of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) through the Train to Gain programme for the Skills Funding Agency.

BSEL is delighted to offer free training places for Scout & Guide leaders. Courses lead to NVQ Level 2 in Activity Leadership. This is an excellent opportunity for leaders to achieve a nationally recognised qualification, free of charge.

If you are a Scout or Guide leader and are interested in free training, please e-mail: alanbeavis@bsel.org.uk, visit www.bsel.org.uk or call on 0118 988 4077 to arrange to visit us at Gravelly Court, Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road, Grazeley, Reading RG7 1LG.

John Nike Ski Centre Group Activity Days / Evenings

Why not bring your group to try something different this Summer? We have put together the following offers for the Summer months are all prices are valid until 31st August 2010.

Our best offer is to visit us for a day - Ski Lesson / Sno-Tubing / Ice Skating for £11.25 per person - these would normally cost around £30.00 per person if booked individually. If you are unable to visit for a day - why not pop along on one of your meeting evenings to do one or two of the activites on offer - call me for availabililty & prices.

Cresta Run - Taboggan Ride

We are delighted to announced that our Cresta Run Toboggan Ride re-opened this weekend. This is available as an add on to the packages above or as a stand alone activity. Costs are 2 runs for £4 or 4 runs for £6 This can also be hired privately - call for details. All riders must be over 8 years old - Single Riders Only For more information or to book, please call 01344 789016

Cinderella on Ice - Christmas Pantomime

We are now taking bookings for our Christmas Pantomime - Cinderella on Ice. We are taking provisional bookings for seats for groups and are able to offer an even better discount to Rainbow/Brownie/Guide Groups this year - see offers next to each performance Performances are: -
Wednesday 8th December 2010 - 7:00pm - Charity Performance - All seats £7.99 - One FREE ticket for every 10 purchased
Friday 10th December 2010 - 7:00pm - One FREE ticket for every 10 purchased
Saturday 11th December 2010 - 3:00pm - One FREE ticket for every 10 purchased
Saturday 11th December 2010 - 7:00pm - One FREE ticket for every 6 purchased
Sunday 12th December 2010 - 2:00pm- One FREE ticket for every 10 purchased
Sunday 12th December 2010 - 6:00pm - One FREE ticket for every 6 purchased
Tickets prices for above performances - held at 2009 prices:
                        Upstairs                Downstairs
Adult                   £12.99          £10.99
Child                   £8.95                   £8.15
Family          £36.00          £31.00
We can also arrange meals for before / after the show, ice creams for the intervals, addition of an activity - please call to discuss your needs.

Inspiration on Ice

This event is taking place on Saturday, 16th October 2010. The leaflet below explains the performance which is raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

The organisers of this event are allowing a special rate for Beavers / Cubs / Scouts- One FREE ticket for every 10 purchased. To book, please contact me directly to obtain these discounts.

If you are interested in any of the above activites, then please do not hesitate to contact me on 01344 789016 or drop me an email bracknellevents@nikegroup.co.uk detailing your requirements and day you would like to visit.

Thinking about the months ahead?

News from Berkshire Scouts - WINGS2014 Steering Group - Volunteers Required

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:54:05 -0400

Calling WINGS2014 volunteers!

Even if you think that the excitement of WINGS2009 is only just over, it is already time to start planning WINGS2014! WINGS2014 promises to be even bigger and better than WINGS2009.

Our first step is to appoint the WINGS2014 Steering Group which has eight members : three from Berkshire Scouts, three from Girlguiding Royal Berkshire, and the two County Commissioners. Some more details about the role of the Steering Group are below.

The Steering Group meets for an evening every few months, and you will be supported in your role by those previously involved in the Steering Group as well as members of the wider County team.

As a member of the Steering Group, you will further extend and develop your own skills in setting and overseeing a visionary and exciting strategy for an event with a turnover of in excess of £1m. Playing a key part in formulating such an exciting event is an exciting personal development challenge! Are you - or someone that you know - up for it?

Any/all members of Berkshire Scouts are invited to nominate themselves to be members of the Steering Group – or to nominate others to be members of the Steering Group.

Simply send an email to hamish.stout@berkshirescouts.org.uk giving your name or your nominee’s name, together with a short explanation of why you think you/they would make a good Steering Group member for WINGS2014. The emails must reach Hamish by or during 25th July 2010. Please also email Hamish if you have any questions that you want answered before you make a nomination.

Prospective Steering Group members will be involved in informal discussions during August 2010 and will be appointed in good time before the first Steering Group meeting on Saturday 18th September (daytime).

ABOUT THE STEERING GROUP

The Steering Group brings Girlguiding Royal Berkshire and Berkshire Scouts together for the purpose of supporting WINGS. It represents the two organisations and, specifically the Executives of both organisations.

The Steering Group meets at least quarterly and at the appropriate time appoints and thereafter supports the Project Team [the team responsibly for delivering WINGS2014]. The Group meets more frequently if required, especially in the months immediately prior to WINGS. In particular, the Steering Group is concerned with:

Policy and strategic questions– the big issues that will ensure the WINGS Experience and its core objectives are fully delivered
Ensuring the two County Executives can fulfil their roles as “Trustees” in relation to the financial status and management of WINGS2009. The WINGS objectives require the event to be priced at a level that enables it to be “financially self sufficient”.
Ensuring final audited accounts are presented by the Project Team in a timely manner and in a format acceptable to the two CEC’s
Risk Management – ensuring the Project Team identifies, manages and mitigates key risks to WINGS and the two CEC’s.
The appointment of the Camp Leader, other members of the Project Team and their deputies. The objective is to ensure the best available person is appointed for each role regardless of the organisation to which they belong. In the case of appointment of the Camp Leader input will be sought from the two CC’s.
Delivery-related work and decisions that are required before the Project Team is appointed. Including, for example, the date, venue, cost, maximum size and overall vision
Providing regular updates to the two CEC’s in the form of high level progress reports and updates on risks and issues

Join Us To Celebrate!

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:22:37 -0400

Join Us To Celebrate!

To show our appreciation for your ongoing enthusiasm, you are invited to celebrate the many achievements of Groups and Units across Berkshire. We will be joined for the evening by Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner.

The focus of the evening will be sharing experiences, successes and looking forward to providing an even better programme, further improving perception, growing our movement, supporting and valuing adult volunteers.

When? Tuesday 29th June from 7.45pm
Where? Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL

A bar and refreshments will be available. Uniform is optional. We would appreciate knowing if you plan to attend. Please contact celebration@berkshirescouts.org.uk

See you there!

Thinking about the months ahead?

June 2010

23rd - Adult Training [Module 3a] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Earleywood) click to book
23rd - Loddon District AGM (1st Hurst (Air) Scout Group HQ, School Rd, Hurst. RG10 0DR)
24th - Windsor & Eton District AGM (12 Windsor Group HQ,Maidenhead Rd, Windsor, SL4 5EY)
26th - Maidenhead Cub Water Activity Day (Longridge)
26th - SE Berks. Dave Higgs Scout Challenge (4th Bracknell HQ, Meadow Way)
26th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (1st Datchet) click to book
26th - Adult Training [Module 3] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (1st Datchet) click to book
26th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (1st Datchet) click to book
27th - Maidenhead Scout Water Activity (Longridge)
29th - County AGM & Celebration Evening (Madejski Conference Centre)
30th - County DC Forum (Waterside)
30th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)
30th - Adult Training [Module 5] - Fundamental Values (Gravelly) click to book
30th - Adult Training - Child Protection Workshop (1st Thatcham HQ) click to book
30th - County Programme Forum (Gravelly Court)

July 2010

1st - County DC Forum (Waterside Centre)
1st–3rd - Massif Training Mystery Weekend click for details
3rd - SE Berks. Cub / Beaver 6 a side Football (Sunningdale (New date / new Venue))
3rd–10th - Project Africa: Recce Team visits Uganda (Uganda) click for details
3rd - Adult Training [Module 25] - Assessing Learning (Gravelly) click to book
3rd–4th - MiniJaffa - Summer Evening Incident Hike and Overnight Camp (Compton, West Berkshire) click for details
4th - Adult Training [Module 10] - First Aid (Gravelly) click to book
4th - SE Berks Beaver Fun Day Earleywood (Note New Date)
5th - Adult Training - Validation Session (Maidenhead) click to book
5th - Adult Training - Validation Session (52nd Reading, Northcourt Avenue) click to book
6th - Maidenhead Scout Leaders Meeting
6th - Adult Training [Module 23] - Safety for Managers and Supporters (Gravelly) click to book
6th - SE Berks Scout Active Support Meeting 8.00pm
7th - Reading Central District Forum
7th - South Berkshire District AGM (venue tba)
7th - Reading Central District Forum (Northcourt Avenue)
7th - Adult Training - Validation Session (1st Thatcham HQ) click to book
8th - Adult Training [Module 3b,6] - Tools for the Job (Sectional), Changes in Scouting (Earleywood) click to book
8th - SE Berks District Executive Meeting (1st Binfield HQ 7.30pm)
10th–12th - Hillwalking Assessment
12th - Maidenhead District Executive Committee
13th - SE Berks District Cub leaders Meeting
13th - Adult Training [Module 3b,6] - Tools for the Job (Sectional), Changes in Scouting (Wokingham) click to book
14th - Adult Training [Module 3b,6] - Tools for the Job (Sectional), Changes in Scouting (Maidenhead) click to book
15th - Supporting Section Programmes across Berkshire Meeting
15th - County Executive Committee (Gravelly Training Centre, Gravelly Court, Grazeley)
16th - Maidenhead Cub Leaders Meeting
21st - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)
21st - Adult Training - Validation Session (South East Area) click to book
27th - Project Africa: Project & Uganda joint Teams Meeting

August 2010

1st–31st - SE Berks Scout Shop closed - for whole of August

News from Berkshire Scouts for 09 June 2010

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 02:05:09 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Inquisitive Beavers explore putting up a tent at the new Lower Earley Beaver colony

Mini Jaffa: Summer incident hike and overnight camp

Mini Jaffa is exclusively for the Scout section (10-14 years) which takes place on the evening of Saturday, 3 July 2010. It is an evening incident hike and overnight camp based at Compton Scout HQ in West Berkshire.

The event, organised by Taceham Hundred Scout section, is open to teams of 4 to 6 Scouts. Pre-registration recommended as places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. The event's website is www.MiniJaffa.org.uk and contains a bit more background on the event.

Photo Special

Have you got pictures of a great activity you've done recently in your Group or Unit? Why not share them with the world and be in with a chance of winning £100!
We are on the look out for some great action shots of young people and adults enjoying the adventure of Scouting. Very simply, just email your pictures to photo photo@berkshirescouts.org.uk

A selection of the best pictures will be shown at the Celebration Evening on 29th June at the Madejski Stadium, including the winning photograph who can choose £100 vouchers from a range of outlets. Prizes will also be up for grabs for other great photos - so there are plenty of chances to win!
For some inspiration, check out www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/scoutsinaction and www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/gallery

Make sure your Officers are properly recorded!

All adults involved in Scouting need to have completed the appropriate form and CRB check. This includes members of Group and District Executives. As a starting point, check whether your Chair, Secretary and Treasurer have records for their roles. These appointments are processed in the same way to all other appointments; please contact your relevant Appointments Secretary.

Gilwell Reunion: 3rd - 5th September

Reunion 2010 (3rd - 5th September) planning is underway with the team in place, bookings being taken and so it's time to look at what will happen over the weekend!

The Programme will consist of various elements throughout the weekend which include: entertainment, "Supporting the Section", "Developing the Individual", and more! www.scouts.org.uk/reunion

Thinking about the months ahead?

June 2010

July 2010

August 2010

1st–31st - SE Berks Scout Shop closed - for whole of August

News from Berkshire Scouts for 09 June 2010

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:41:21 -0400

null

Photo Special from Berkshire Scouts for 24 May 2010

Sun, 23 May 2010 23:31:49 -0400

Photo Special

Have you got pictures of a great activity you've done recently in your Group or Unit? Why not share them with the world and be in with a chance of winning £100!

We are on the look out for some great action shots of young people and adults enjoying the adventure of Scouting. Very simply, just email your pictures to photo photo@berkshirescouts.org.uk

For some inspiration, check out www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/scoutsinaction and www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/gallery

Volunteers' Week 1 - 7 June

Take the opportunity to celebrate and share your achievements, value others in your team or make a splash about the volunteering that you do! Check out www.volunteersweek.org.uk for more information

Thinking about the months ahead?

May 2010

24th - County Team Forum (Gravelly Court)
25th - Adult Training - Validation Session (52nd Reading, Northcourt Avenue) click to book
25th - Adult Training [Module 4] - Tools for the Job (Managers) (Gravelly) click to book
26th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)
27th - Maidenhead District AGM (Confirmed New Date) (URC Church, West Street, Maidenhead)
27th - Climbing instructor training (Earleywood) click for details
31st - SE Berks Scout Shop Close

June 2010

July 2010

1st - Maidenhead Scout Leaders Meeting

Email from test mailing list on 25 April 2010

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:05:39 -0400

TEST TEST

Email Text

Email from test mailing list on 25 April 2010

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:02:36 -0400

TEST

Email Text

Email from test mailing list on 25 April 2010

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:59:05 -0400

IGNORE ME

Email Text

Email from Massif 20-10 mailing list on 25 April 2010

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:51:40 -0400

Massif 20-10 Mailing System

The County Web Team have set up a mailing system for me; this is just a test to check out I've got it working ok. Please let me know you have received this e-mail

Bill

News from Berkshire Scouts for 25 April 2010

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:49:15 -0400

In this edition...

Featured photo
Huge growth in membership
Printers available for loan or purchase
Helping others - getting involved in community or international work
Charity Commission registration
Opportunities to mentor young people in the community
Thinking about the months ahead - diary dates

Featured photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Over 60 Beavers from Slough held their first summer sleepover including an indoor campfire and even getting their own driving licence!

Huge Growth in Membership

You may have seen the great news in the media earlier this week about the fantastic increase in our youth and adult membership. Nationally this has been 3.5%, with Groups and Units across Berkshire far exceeding this to achieve a 6% surge - or more than an extra 500 young people joining the adventure. Behind these figures are thousands of fantastic stories, experiences and personal adventures.

When was the your Group or Unit last in the local paper to show off your adventures? A great starting point is making sure you've got a collection of great "action shot" photographs showing young people having fun on activities and then building a story from here. The Berkshire media team is keen to support you in getting positive stories in your area - contact pete.jeffreys@berkshirescouts.org.uk

Printers available for loan or purchase

Need a printer for an activity or to help with your programme or paper work? We have two excellent printers less than a year old available for immediate free loan or to purchase. We have a Brother multi-function A3 printer (MFC-649OCW) with spare set of cartridges and a Brother A4 Laser printer (HL-5340D) with spare cartridge.

If you would like to have one or more on loan - the deal will be to replace the cartridges when they run out please contact Willie Kemp without delay via willie.kemp@wings2009.org.uk If you would like to purchase one or both the cost £100 each - again contact Willie Kemp without delay - this is a first come gets offer.

Helping Others

There are many funding Opportunities available for young people to get involved in community work and/or international exchange.We are lookin g for a person who would like to assist us in seeking out these funding opportunities for young people. Interested? Contact alanbeavis@bsel.org.uk or telephone 07808 290 850

Charity Commission registration

If POR requires your Group or District to register with the Charity Commission then please make sure you keep your records up to date. This requirement applies to any Group or District "which has a permanent endownment or the use or occupation of any land." Online filing is now available, which makes life a bit easier, and you must send in both an annual return and accounts if you are a registered charity.

Failure to complete the necessary filing will eventually cause your Group or District to be de-registered – at which point you are not only in breach of POR and the law but will also find it difficult to apply for grants, etc. A well known local charity has recently had second thoughts about giving grants to two Berkshire Scout Groups who had inadvertently been de-registered – don’t become the next casualty ! For more information contact nigel.coopey@berkshirescouts.org.uk

Opportunities to mentor young people in the community

Would you like to help us with our project encouraging young people 18 to 24 who have been out of work for over six months to work in the Community? We are looking for volunteers to give guidance and advice on maintenance and refurbishment work that these people will undertake for charitable organizations on their property such as Scout buildings, etc.

General Do-It-Yourself or more specialist experience would be an advantage for the couple of hours a week. If you are interested and would like to help please contact alanbeavis@bsel.org.uk or telephone 07808 290 850.

Thinking about the months ahead?

April 2010

26th - Maidenhead District Executive Committee (Finance)
27th - Supporting Section Programmes across Berkshire Meeting (Holiday Inn, 500 Basingstoke rd., Reading RG2 0SL) click for details
28th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)
29th - Climbing instructor training (Earleywood) click for details
29th - SE Berks. GSL's meeting (1st Ascot HQ 8.15)

May 2010

June 2010

3rd - Climbing instructor training (Earleywood) click for details

News from Berkshire Scouts for 12 April 2010

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:53:02 -0400

In this edition...

Featured photo - adventure on the Ridgeway
Interested in going to Uganda?
Want a £300 grant to fund a project?
Find out more about Longridge boat centre at their open day
Upcoming diary dates

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Over the past weekend more than three hundred scouts and leaders have scaled the dizzying heights and epic lengths of the Berkshire Ridgeway to compete in the Three Towers, one of the largest competitive hikes in the area.

Interested in going to Uganda with Project Africa?

Registrations of interest for Uganda 2011 are very high. In order to take part you need to register interest via the web site www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/projectafrica and download the further information as well as an Application Form. The deposit and signed Application Form must be returned by 31 May 2010 to get a place and benefit from group travel rates. There is no guarantee of the group travel rate (or a seat) after the deadline of 31 May 2010.

If you need to speak with a member of the Project Africa Team please get in touch.

O2 launches grants for young people's community work

Mobile phone giant O2 has launched a £5m programme offering cash-in-hand grants for young people to make a difference in their local communities. The programme, Think Big, will enable 13-25 year olds to apply for a £300 grant to fund projects aimed at addressing local issues identified by the young people themselves.

Projects that prove to be successful will be eligible for a further cash injection of £2,500. The programme is being delivered in partnership with the National Youth Agency and UK Youth, which will manage the programme and deliver training and support respectively. For more information visit www.o2thinkbig.co.uk

Longridge Family Open Day

Once again on bank holiday Monday, Longridge is throwing its doors open to the world to come along and try out all of our land and water activities. This is a good way of trying out an activity before booking on a course and having an exciting and different day out. Activity sessions will last 45-minutes and will start at 11am and will run every hour, on the hour until 5pm and cost from £1 - £5 per session, depending on the activity.

Most of our activities are pre-bookable online by following this link, or going to our website and clicking on Open Day under Events on the homepage. The Swing, Go Karts and Giant Orbs will be available on a first-come basis on the day. Although our activities are more than enough to keep a family occupied, there will also be side stalls, refreshments and a bar. Last year, parking was a bit 'fraught', to this year we will have additional parking, details of which (when confirmed) will be available on our website but as a favour we would ask that if you don't have to drive - please don't! We do have a lovely new footpath all the way to the centre now from Marlow bridge.

Thinking about the months ahead?

April 2010

14th - County Steering Group (Gravelly Court)
17th - Adult Training [Module 10] - First Aid (Gravelly) click to book
17th - Working Day Earleywood Scout Centre click for details
19th - Maidenhead Fellowship Nature Evening
20th - Adult Training [Module 20] - Administration (Managers) (Gravelly) click to book
21st - County Development Forum (Gravelly Court) click for details
24th - Maidenhead Slough Windsor leaders Skill Day
24th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (Reading) click to book
24th - Adult Training - Camping Skills Day (Eastern Area) click to book
24th - Adult Training [Module 3] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Reading) click to book
24th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (Reading) click to book
25th - Maidenhead St George's Day Event (Braywick Park ) click for details
25th - S E Berks. St George's Day Parade and Service, Bracknell (Bracknell Town Centre)
26th - Maidenhead District Executive Committee (Finance)
27th - Supporting Section Programmes across Berkshire Meeting
28th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)
29th - SE Berks. GSL's meeting (1st Ascot HQ 8.15)

May 2010

June 2010

7th - Adult Training - Validation Session (Maidenhead) click to book

Global Awareness Programme Online - Project Africa from Berkshire Scouts

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:53:08 -0400

Project Africa – Global Awareness Programme

resources now online!

Following the interest that Project Africa has generated with young people, and the enthusiastic response of Leaders, resources are now available to bring Project Africa into your weekly Meetings. You can access more than 50 activities and resources, covering a wide range of themes, ready for use by Sections and Units. You can also mix and match to suit your inspiration.

All activities and resources can be downloaded and are easy to find, either by listing them all, or using the filters offered on the Global Awareness Programme (GAP) page.

Project Africa is a Berkshire Scouts project developed to engage young people in supporting young people (helping others). It is hoped that you and your Section or Unit will help raise the funds to make a difference to the lives of Scouts and young people in Uganda. You will find information about the community projects on the Project Africa web page, ideas and ready-to-print fundraising support material on the GAP page as well as information on why we need your support on the Fundraising page.

Project Africa is a long term project designed to give everyone involved with Berkshire Scouts the opportunity to understand and make a difference to the lives of young people in Uganda.

To kick off the fundraising, you have the Bukeka Chicken Appeal, which ties in nicely with the arrival of Spring!

The GAP page will be updated monthly, so please send in your comments and requests to help us tailor the activities to your needs. A second phase to the GAP will be launched following the recce trip to Uganda that takes place this summer (2010).

If you have any comments, queries or suggestions please contact the Project Africa team.

Thinking about the months ahead?

April 2010

9th–10th - Three Towers Hike 2010 click for details
11th - County Team Meeting (1st Twyford)
14th - County Steering Group (Gravelly Court)
17th - Adult Training [Module 10] - First Aid (Gravelly) click to book
17th - Working Day Earleywood Scout Centre click for details
19th - Maidenhead Fellowship Nature Evening
20th - Adult Training [Module 20] - Administration (Managers) (Gravelly) click to book
21st - County Development Forum (Gravelly Court) click for details
24th - Maidenhead Slough Windsor leaders Skill Day
24th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (Reading) click to book
24th - Adult Training - Camping Skills Day (Eastern Area) click to book
24th - Adult Training [Module 3] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Reading) click to book
24th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (Reading) click to book
25th - Maidenhead St George's Day Event (Braywick Park ) click for details
25th - S E Berks. St George's Day Parade and Service, Bracknell (Bracknell Town Centre)
26th - Maidenhead District Executive Committee (Finance)
27th - Supporting Section Programmes across Berkshire Meeting
28th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)
29th - SE Berks. GSL's meeting (1st Ascot HQ 8.15)

May 2010

News from Berkshire Scouts for 22 March 2010

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 06:32:03 -0400

In this edition...

Featured photo
Welcome to New Adults
ShelterBox - Scavenger Hunt 12th June in London
National Epilepsy Week - find out more about how to get involved
Camping Skills Days - find out more and brush up in time for camp

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - 18 boys and girls had a taste of the fun, challenge and adventure of Cub Scouts at the first of three taster sessions for 99th Slough Scouts, a new Scout Group in Slough which is promoting Scouting to the Muslim Commmunity.

Welcome to New Adults!

In the last month we have had over 20 new adults joining the fantastic adventure of Scouting across Berkshire. Welcome to each of you! This great news shows the success of many Groups and Units in recruiting more adults to provide new opportunities to even more young people. Well done to each of you!

ShelterBox

As many of you will have seen, the partnership with ShelterBox is going from strength to strength. They have recently launched www.youngshelterbox.org for Scouts to access, as well as pointing leaders towards resources to include in your own programmes. In addition the national Scavenger Hunt for Scouts is held in London on 12th June. Is your Group interested in taking part with 700 other Scouts from across the UK? For more information contact youngshelterbox@shelterbox.org

National Epilepsy Week

This year's National Epilepsy Week starts on 13th June. The following offer has been made for any groups to take up to enlighten their members on this topic. It may be most suited to Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Network and Fellowship members. Anyone interested is advised to contact Mary before she is inundated with bookings.

My role in the NSE is to provide information and raise awareness about epilepsy in the Thames and Chilterns area (Bucks, Berks and Oxon) and I was wondering if I could offer to give a short presentation to the scouts about epilepsy – What it is – How you get it – Types of seizures and First aid? I do realise that you are supporting Shelter Box during that week and therefore your efforts will be concentrated there but, if they are interested, I can visit at a mutually suitable time during the year. For more information: Mary Craig, EIN Regional Manager (Thames & Chilterns), National Society for Epilepsy, Tel: 01494 864770 mobile: 07966 802399 mary.craig@epilepsysociety.org.uk web: www.epilepsysociety.org.uk

Camping Skills Days

As part of our commitment to supporting volunteers to develop practical skills, and in time for upcoming camps, two Camping Skills Days are available - 27th March and 24th April. More information, including a flyer and further contacts, is available at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/adultsupport

Thinking about the months ahead?

March 2010

22nd - Adult Training - Validation Session (4th Bracknell) click to book

23rd - Reading Central and Pang Valley Young Leaders Module A (79th Reading Kentwood hill) click for details

23rd - Adult Training - Validation Session (Reading) click to book

23rd - Reading Central Beaver Leaders' Meeting (Northcourt Avenue)

24th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)

24th - Adult Training [Module 3b,6] - Tools for the Job (Sectional), Changes in Scouting (Earleywood) click to book

24th - Reading Central and Pang Valley Young Leaders Module D (73rd Reading, Park Church, Palmer Park Avenue, Reading) click for details

24th - Adult Training [Module 3b,6] - Tools for the Job (Sectional), Changes in Scouting (1st Thatcham HQ) click to book

27th - Adult Training - Camping Skills Day (West) click to book

31st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Mid Area) click to book

April 2010

5th–12th - SE Berks Scout Shop Closed

9th–11th - Working weekend Earleywood Scout Centre (tbc) (Earleywood Scout Centre, Bagshot Road. Sunningdale) click for details

9th–10th - Three Towers Hike 2010 click for details

11th - County Team Meeting (1st Twyford)

14th - County Steering Group (Gravelly Court)

17th - Adult Training [Module 10] - First Aid (Gravelly) click to book

19th - Maidenhead Fellowship Nature Evening

20th - Adult Training [Module 20] - Administration (Managers) (Gravelly) click to book

21st - County Development Forum (Gravelly Court) click for details

24th - Maidenhead Slough Windsor leaders Skill Day

24th - Adult Training - Camping Skills Day (Eastern Area) click to book

24th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (Reading) click to book

24th - Adult Training [Module 3] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Reading) click to book

24th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (Reading) click to book

25th - Maidenhead St George's Day Event (Braywick Park ) click for details

25th - S E Berks. St George's Day Parade and Service, Bracknell (Bracknell Town Centre)

26th - Maidenhead District Executive Committee (Finance)

27th - Supporting Section Programmes across Berkshire Meeting

28th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)

May 2010

4th - Maidenhead Scout Leaders Meeting

News from Berkshire Scouts for 8 March 2010

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:41:54 -0500

In this edition:

Featured photo
Camping skills day - get back to basics and brush up on skills
Small grants from Children in Need
Project Africa update - find out how you and your Group can get involved

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - 130 young people from across Berkshire braved sub-zero temperatures for the weekend to pursue their dreams of being selected to to to the World Scout Jamboree 2011 in Sweden.

Camping Skills Days

There are a number of opportunities for volunteers to take part in a Skills Day, focussing on some of the practical camp skills which are valued so much by kids and adults alike. On 27th March a day will take place at Angel's Corner, Upper Bucklebury (West Berkshire), and on 24th April a day will take place at Dorneywood, Slough. Click the relevant date to find out more.

Small Grants from Children in Need

Funding of up to £10,000 a year for three years available to organisations working with young people. Children in Need is offering small grants of up to £10,000 a year for three years for third sector organisations working with children and young people. More...

Project Africa & Uganda 2011

Please visit the recently updated Project Africa web page for the latest details and downloads (including application form for Uganda 2011). Note that completed applications for Uganda 2011 need to be signed and returned by 31 May 2010 in order to guarantee group travel (flight) rates.

The web page also provides details and an application form for the Project Africa Open Camp to be held on 17-18 April 2010 as well as details of the next Project Africa Open Session to be held at 1st Twyford HQ on Wednesday 17 March at 20.00 hours. Attend either or both of these events to learn more about Project Africa.

A reminder the first phase of the web-based Global Awareness Programme will be launched at Easter followed by a second phase in September 2010. The following link will provide all you need to know at this stage about Project Africa: www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/projectafrica

Thinking about the months ahead?

March 2010

April 2010

5th–12th - SE Berks Scout Shop Closed
9th–11th - Working weekend Earleywood Scout Centre (tbc) (Earleywood Scout Centre, Bagshot Road. Sunningdale) click for details
9th–10th - Three Towers Hike 2010 click for details
10th - SEBerks District Quiz Night (4th Bracknell Scout HQ, Meadow Way, Priestweood Bracknell. 7,30pm) click for details
11th - County Team Meeting (1st Twyford)
14th - County Steering Group (Gravelly Court)
17th - Adult Training [Module 10] - First Aid (Gravelly) click to book
19th - Maidenhead Fellowship Nature Evening
20th - Adult Training [Module 20] - Administration (Managers) (Gravelly) click to book
21st - County Development Forum (Gravelly Court) click for details
24th - Maidenhead Slough Windsor leaders Skill Day
24th - Adult Training - Camping Skills Day (Eastern Area) click to book
24th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (Reading) click to book
24th - Adult Training [Module 3] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Reading) click to book
24th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (Reading) click to book
25th - Maidenhead St George's Day Event (Magnet) click for details
25th - S E Berks. St George's Day Parade and Service, Bracknell (Bracknell Town Centre)
26th - Maidenhead District Executive Committee (Finance)
27th - Supporting Section Programmes across Berkshire Meeting
28th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)

May 2010

4th - Maidenhead Scout Leaders Meeting

News from Berkshire Scouts for 22 February 2010

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:08:03 -0500

In This Edition:

Featured Photo
Three Towers Hike - a few spaces remaining
Free ingredients from your milkman
Visit Wales - opportunity for a free family holiday
Sainsbury's Active Kids has opened for 2010
Your Programme, Your Voice - let the team at Gilwell Park know how you get on with the current programme
Chief Commissioner and Deputy Chief Commissioner of England have been announced
Join the Penguins hill walking in mid Wales
Thinking about the months ahead? . . .

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Over 30 adults and young people got a taste of Scouting at the hugely sucessful taster session for the new Beaver Colony in Arborfield earlier in February.

Three Towers Hike - Few Spaces Remaining

It’s now just under seven weeks until this year's Three Towers Hike on 10th April. Thank you to everyone who has registered teams online for this year's event and submitted their entry fee payments. Teams that have paid will be allocated a team number and start time. Up until 1st march we may shuffle these around. After 1st March, your check-in time, team number and start time is fixed. To find out more and get involved, visit www.hike.org.uk

Free Ingredients

The Dail Mail is providing a promotional code to get £5 of groceries from your milkman - great for a cooking evening! You need to be 18 or over but several leaders togther could get enough for a party or even a sleepover. More information available here, and don't forget to send in your pictures to Scouts in Action!

Visit Wales Champions Proper Holidays

Visit Wales believe that holidays have changed. They believe that time-off doesn't mean flocking to the Costa Del Same As Everybody Else anymore that fun can't be organized from clipboards that countries should be explored rather than ignored from a lilo. In their latest campaign, Visit Wales want to show holiday-makers that time-off doesn't have to be spent this way.

They're looking for families who've had disappointing holidays. From the ridiculous to the underwhelming, Visit Wales wants to hear it all. And then they'll choose one family and send them on holiday to Wales, in April of this year. With Visit Wales footing the bill.

Once there, they'll give their chosen family a proper holiday. One that packs in the stuff that Wales does best. Activities: coasteering; caving; beaches; foodie feed-ups. And accommodation that might take in a boutique hotel or a build-it-yourself shelter. If you have children aged between 8-16 and are ready to get stuck into a different kind of holiday, then please contact tom.latter@wk.com for more information.

Sainsbury's Active Kids

Sainsbury’s Active Kids 2010 has kicked off so get collecting your vouchers now! There are loads of products available, including the all NEW Scouts’ Big Adventure Ingredients Card. Vouchers are available until 8th June, so make sure you don’t miss out. For more information or to register your Group visit www.sainsburys.co.uk/activekids

Your Programme, Your Voice

Your Programme, Your Voice is an online questionnaire for section leaders which is run about three times a year. It is designed to provide quantitative feedback from section leaders on the balanced programme and other issues surrounding its delivery.

The results from the questionnaire allow the Programme Team at Gilwell Park to identify areas of the programme where further support and advice might be helpful to the movement.

Chief Commissioner and Deputy Chief Commissioner of England

The identities of the new Chief Commissioner and Deputy Chief Commissioner of England have been revealed. The appointments, which will take affect from 1 March, serve to ensure that Scouting in England is, in the words of UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt, ‘properly supported with a good benefit of management and leadership skills’. More...

The Penguins invite you to join them on the hills...

Penguins ESU in Reading invite you to join them on an Easter weekend in great scenery and company. Opportunities for lots of fresh air and exercise in the mountains of North Wales, walking, scrambling and climbing. As on previous events we're opening this up to like minded Explorers and Leaders from across Berkshire. Those of you who have been before will know of the sort of things that we do & if you've missed out before, our Facebook albums may tell some of the tales you missed! Further details here (Word document).

Thinking about the months ahead?

February 2010

23rd - Reading Central and Pang Valley Young Leaders Module G and I (73rd Reading, Park Church, Palmer Park Avenue, Reading) click for details

23rd–24th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)

23rd–24th - Maidenhead Explorer Leaders meeting (21st)

24th - Adult Training [Module 7] - Valuing Diversity (Gravelly) click to book

26th–27th - Maidenhead Beaveree

27th - Adult Training [Module 11] - Administration (Section) (1st Twyford HQ) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 12] - Balanced Programme (1st Twyford HQ) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (1st Datchet) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 3] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (1st Datchet) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (1st Datchet) click to book

28th - Project Africa Open Day (Boyne Hill Scout HQ) click for details

28th–1st - Maidenhead District GSL/ADC forum

March 2010

April 2010

5th–12th - SE Berks Scout Shop Closed

News from Berkshire Scouts for 13 February 2010

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:03:53 -0500

Project Africa News

Project Africa Open Sessions

Plans for Project Africa are progressing well and the organising team are receiving registrations of interest and also invitations to make local presentations.

The organising team will be available on the following dates to provide information about Project Africa. The repeated session is open to all those interested in the Global Awareness Programme and/or the community projects in Uganda in 2011.

Project Africa Open Sessions:

Sunday 28 February (14.00-16.00)

Boyne Hill Scout HQ, Altwood School, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PU

Wednesday 17 March (20.00-22.00)

1st Tywford Scout HQ, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford, RG10 9JA

To help with refreshments, etc, rsvp with numbers to:

projectafrica@berkshirescouts.org.uk

Project Africa Open Camp

The organising team are running an Open Camp (with an Africa theme) which is open to any young person (minimum age of 14 years at July 2011). The Camp is for all young people and Leaders thinking about taking part in the community projects in Uganda 2011. Come along and enjoy the camp . . . there is no commitment to travelling to Uganda at this point in time!

The camp will take place during the weekend 17-18 April

Contact projectafrica@berkshirescouts.org.uk for further details

For further information on Project Africa:

http://www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/projectafrica

Thinking about the months ahead?

February 2010

15th–20th - SEBerks Gang Show (Wilde Theatre, Bracknell )

20th - Maidenhead Cub Scout Leaders Skittles Evening

23rd - Reading Central and Pang Valley Young Leaders Module G and I (73rd Reading, Park Church, Palmer Park Avenue, Reading) click for details

23rd–24th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)

23rd–24th - Maidenhead Explorer Leaders meeting (21st)

24th - County Development Forum (Gravelly Court) click for details

24th - Adult Training [Module 7] - Valuing Diversity (Gravelly) click to book

26th–27th - Maidenhead Beaveree

27th - Adult Training [Module 11] - Administration (Section) (1st Twyford HQ) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 12] - Balanced Programme (1st Twyford HQ) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (1st Datchet) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 3] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (1st Datchet) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (1st Datchet) click to book

28th - Project Africa Open Day (Boyne Hill Scout HQ) click for details

28th–1st - Maidenhead District GSL/ADC forum

March 2010

April 2010

9th–10th - Three Towers Hike 2010 click for details

News from Berkshire Scouts for 08 February 2010

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:07:38 -0500

In This Edition:

Featured Photo
Great success from the Programme Support Forum - when's the next one?
The search is on for a new County Secretary
Get involved with the Three Towers Hike in April
Check the upcoming diary dates

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - success at the Programme Support Forum, working towards providing even better support for even better scouting.

Programme Support Forum

Last week's hugely successful Programme Support Forum was attended by a great number of volunteers from across Berkshire. They discussed a number of upcoming plans including the transition to InTouch and the most effective way to support Groups and Units deliver even better scouting. A huge thank you to all those who attended, making the event such a success.

The next Programme Support Forum is on Tuesday 27th April; everyone is welcome to please put the date in your diary and look out for more details! Contact Lorraine Bolam for more details.

County Secretary Search

Our current County Secretary, Tony Fulford, has ensured the smooth and effective administration of Berkshire Scouts for many years but has now decided that it is time to move on and spend more time pursuing his other interests. As a result, the County Scout Council will need to elect a new Secretary at their AGM on 29th June.

For more information click here.

Three Towers Hike

The Three Towers Hike takes place on Saturday, 10 April 2010. This is a team-based Scout-organised Hiking Competition aimed at Scouts, Explorers and adults, with four different events of different routes, ranging from 25km for Scouts up to 70km for Adults.

Teams planning to enter this year's event should now submit an entry via the hike's website, www.hike.org.uk , at which details of the rules, route, results and registration can be found.

Thinking about the months ahead?

February 2010

March 2010

News from Berkshire Scouts for 26 January 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:22:22 -0500

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Jack Harley-Walsh, a scout in South Ascot, shared his special brand of magic with over 120 GSLs and similar roles from across Berkshire.

GSLs' Day A Huge Success

A fantastically successful day for over 120 GSLs and similar roles took place on Saturday. A jam-packed timetable saw opportunities for workshops on a wide range of topics, information points from key people and groups to find out more, and a chance to network with others to share ideas.

A huge thank you to all who took part and made the day such a success. Resources will be posted online on 30th January at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/gslday

Supporting Section Programmes

Wednesday 3rd February: The first exciting step in supporting section programmes across Berkshire. The topics of these meetings will be driven by those who turn up; the focus is on providing practical support to section programmes. If you have questions, please get in touch with Lorraine Bolam, Deputy County Commissioner (Programme)

Thinking about the months ahead?

January 2010

26th–27th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)
27th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (Earleywood) click to book
27th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (1st Thatcham HQ) click to book
28th - SEBerks District Executive Meeting (rescheduled date)
28th - Adult Training [Module 5] - Fundamental Values (Gravelly) click to book
30th–31st - Adult Training [Module 16] - Nights Away (79th Reading, Armour Hill) click to book
31st - County Steering Group (Gravelly Court)

February 2010

March 2010

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Maidenhead) click to book

News from Berkshire Scouts for 25 January 2010

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:29:05 -0500

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Jack Harley-Walsh, a scout in South Ascot, shared his special brand of magic with over 120 GSLs and similar roles from across Berkshire.

GSLs' Day A Huge Success

A huge thank you to all who took part and made the day such a success. Resources will be posted online on 30th January at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/gslday

Supporting Section Programmes

Thinking about the months ahead?

January 2010

26th - Adult Training - Validation Session (Wokingham) click to book

26th–27th - Maidenhead Appointments Advisory Committee (URC West Street)

27th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (Earleywood) click to book

27th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (1st Thatcham HQ) click to book

28th - SEBerks District Executive Meeting (rescheduled date)

28th - Adult Training [Module 5] - Fundamental Values (Gravelly) click to book

30th–31st - Adult Training [Module 16] - Nights Away (79th Reading, Armour Hill) click to book

31st - County Steering Group (Gravelly Court)

February 2010

March 2010

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Maidenhead) click to book

News from Berkshire Scouts for 25 January 2010

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:25:25 -0500

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Jack Harley-Walsh, a scout in South Ascot, shared his special brand of magic with over 120 GSLs and similar roles from across Berkshire.

GSLs' Day A Huge Success

A huge thank you to all who took part and made the day such a success. Resources will be posted online on 30th January at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/gslday

Supporting Section Programmes

Thinking about the months ahead?

January 2010

February 2010

March 2010

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Maidenhead) click to book

News from Berkshire Scouts for 25 January 2010

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:11:49 -0500

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Jack Harley-Walsh, a scout in South Ascot, shared his special brand of magic with over 120 GSLs and similar roles from across Berkshire.

GSLs' Day A Huge Success

A huge thank you to all who took part and made the day such a success. Resources will be posted online on 30th January at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/gslday

Supporting Section Programmes

Thinking about the months ahead?

January 2010

February 2010

March 2010

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Maidenhead) click to book

Happy New Year from Berkshire Scouts

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:52:49 -0500

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Scout leader and Chairman of Berkshire Scout Enterprises, Alan Beavis, has been appointed an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) by HM The Queen in the New Year's Honours. This award recognises Alan's many years of service to the community and his wide range of involvements in local, national and international scouting projects. Many congratulations Alan!

Welcome to 2010

The last 12 months have seen many successes in Scout Groups and Units across Berkshire, as well as the outstanding success of 6,000 people from across the world attending WINGS2009, and an 8% growth in our youth membership! We look forward to the New Year bringing many more opportunities for our adults and young people to have a brilliant time! With a wide range of opportunities on the horizon here in Berkshire, we look forward to celebrating many more of your successes in the coming months.

Among many other things, 2010 sees the selection of members for Berkshire's contingent to the World Jamboree in Sweden, the coming together of over 100 Group Scout Leaders and other key volunteer managers for the Supporting my Group Day on Saturday 23rd January, many Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members descending on the Massif region of France for a fortnight of adventurous activities as part of Massif 20-10, the build up towards community projects and a Berkshire-wide programme as part of Project Africa, and much much more!

Keep up to date with the Berkshire Scouts diary at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/diary or look at the options to export the diary to your computer or device as CSV, iCal or WebCalendar.

Adventure for Berkshire's young people

As we enter 2010, the Berkshire Scouts tag line for the year is "Adventure for Berkshire's young people". Each year our tagline shifts to emphasise a particular area of the brilliant opportunities provided by Scout Groups and Units. We know that more young people are taking up adventurous opportunities, and our adult members also have a great time in these adventures!

There are free materials for you to use online including templates for different purposes, and we're always open to ideas of what other support you'd find useful. Just get in touch!

Changes to the swimming rules

Following an 18 month consultation and review period, the Scout Association has announced updates to the Rules relating to swimming activities. These updates are effective from the launch of the Jan 2010 version of POR. More...

Thinking about the months ahead?

January 2010

February 2010

News from Berkshire Scouts for 13 December 2009

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:32:01 -0500

Photo of the Week

The featured photo this fortnight - Jack Harley-Walsh, a cub at 1st South Ascot, recently became the youngest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and has been awarded a special Gold Blue Peter Badge! What ever next?!

2010 Training Dates Online

With much anticipation we are pleased to announce that all adult training dates for 2010 are now online for you to book. As we move throughout the year more stages in the booking process will become automated to make getting information easier - watch this space! Information about all future adult training dates is at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/diary

Calling All Group Executives (including section leaders)

In response to feedback highlighting issues around local trusteeship as a significant challenge, The Scout Association has commenced a review of the trustee arrangements at a local level, particularly focussing upon the arrangements, support and guidance for Group Executives.
As an early part of this review, a short questionnaire has been produced to research the experiences of members of Group Executives as well as receive feedback on a couple of possible options for the future. Visit the survey.

Want a free laptop and broadband connection for your Group?

For more information check out the BT Community Connections Award, open to any community group through a simple online application. For more information visit www.btcommunityconnections.com

Employment or Volunteering Opportunities

Berkshire Scout Enterprises offers services to Scouting, locally, nationally and internationally, together with serving the community in the Berkshire area. They manage Government-funded contracts - the provision of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) through the Train to Gain programme for the Learning & Skills Council. Training and Guidance for those about to be or have been made redundant through Response to Redundancy on behalf of Chichester College.

They manage, facilitate and administer support to Scouting as highlighted in their latest Newsletter available the BSEL website – www.bsel.org.uk In order to continue and improve the services, they are seeking additional members and/or volunteers to help, so that they may expand and offer greater support

If you are interested in our work and would like to become a member and/or volunteer, please e mail: alanbeavis@bsel.org.uk or call on 0118 9884077, to arrange to visit us at Gravelly Court, Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road, Grazeley, Reading RG7 1LG. .

Thinking about the months ahead?

December 2009

15th - Maidenhead Beaver Leaders Meeting
16th - CDF - Local Development Project Management Group (Gravelly) click for details
16th - Massif20-10: Management Team Meeting (BSEL, Gravelly Court, Reading)

January 2010

February 2010

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Maidenhead) click to book

Updated News from Berkshire Scouts for 29 November 2009

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:16:28 -0500

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - At a recent meeting, the Beaver Scouts of 1st Twyford's Riverbank colony enjoyed a busy programme. They started by decorating fairy cakes to look like spiders, complete with green icing and liquorice legs. This was followed by a spot of apple dunking - or in some cases voluntary partial drowning. Unfazed by wet jumpers, hair and faces they followed this by finding marshmallows buried in icing sugar. A certain recipe for fun and mayhem! After a wash and some energetic games it was time to go home with big smiles and apologies to their parents for the messy uniforms.

Supporting Section Programmes across Berkshire

As part of our ongoing committment to supporting section programmes across Berkshire, we are pleased to announce a new format for bringing people together from across Berkshire. The evening of 3rd February will see the first joint meeting for anybody involved in supporting programmes locally. In the past this has meant ADCs but we recognise there are many different ways that Districts support programme and as such the invite to the meeting is broader. There are many common elements to supporting section programmes, as well as a need to focus specifically on the different age groups - and these meetings will reflect that. For more information check out the diary entry online.

InTouch - To replace the Home Contact Scheme

Following a year long consultation process and six month trial in three Counties, The Scout Association has announced improvements to the Home Contact System. The updated system is known as InTouch and will be replacing Home Contact between now and 1st September 2010. More... More details on the local roll out will be announced shortly.

Update - Free money for new sections!

If you have started a new section of any kind within the last six months, did you know there is up to £300 waiting to be yours? The Scout Association will provide a Start Up Grant of £100 (click here for more information), which the Berkshire County Executive will match, and each District Executive will usually put the final £100 in. For more information contact Mark Hawkins, County Treasurer.

Last Chance to gain a free NVQ!

Berkshire Scout Enterprises are delighted to announce that they have secured funding to be able to offer around 30 more Leaders in Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification for doing their Scouting. Due to the fantastic success of this scheme places are now very limited and we are delighted that BSEL is able to give Berkshire leaders the first chance to take the remaining places. If you need to know more please phone BSEL 0118 988 4077 or check out the web site www.train-2-gain.org.uk/scouting.php and down load an application form. Be quick as all applications must be in before 1st December! For more information contact BSEL on 0118 988 4077 or e mail: ericgoulding@bsel.org.uk

CRB Disclosure Portability

It has been agreed that as from earlier this month, Scouting Criminal Records Disclosures (CRB) will be transferable within the area of the issuing disclosure body. In practice, this means that where an individual transfers from one appointment to another or takes on an additional appointment within England and Wales; or within Northern Ireland; or within Scotland a further Disclosure will not be required provided that the procedures were followed at the initial appointment and that the person's service has been continuous. More...

Thinking about the months ahead?

November 2009

30th - Maidenhead District Executive Committee

December 2009

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Mid & South) click to book
1st - Reading Central District Beaver Leaders Meeting
2nd - Adult Training - Validation Session (Western Area) click to book
2nd - Joint Executive Meeting - South and South East Berkshire Districts (Earleywood Scout Centre)
3rd - County Steering Group (Gravelly Court (Val Clark Room))
5th - SE Berks Cubs Chief Scout Silver Award Presentations (NEW DATE) (Earleywood)
5th - Maidenhead Cub Cooking Competition
5th - Adult Training [Module 1,3,6] - Essential Information, Tools for the Job (Sectional), Changes in Scouting (52nd Reading, Northcourt Avenue) click to book
6th - Adult Training [Module 15&36] - Challenging Behaviour and Special Needs (Central) click to book
7th - Adult Training - Validation Session (Eastern Area) click to book
9th - Maidenhead Explorer Leaders Meeting (DrewDrop)
12th - Adult Training [Module 25] - Assessing Learning (Central) click to book
15th - Maidenhead Beaver Leaders Meeting
16th - CDF - Local Development Project Management Group (Gravelly) click for details
16th - Massif20-10: Management Team Meeting (BSEL, Gravelly Court, Reading)

January 2010

5th - Maidenhead Scout Leaders Meeting

News from Berkshire Scouts for 16 November 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:56:04 -0500

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - The weekend of 16th-18th October saw Reading Central District Explorers (open to all Berkshire, though surprisingly few took up the offer) visit the Peak District for some climbing, caving and hill-walking.

Free money for new sections!

If you have started a new section of any kind within the last few years, did you know there is £300 waiting to be yours? The Scout Association will provide a Start Up Grant of £100, which the Berkshire County Executive will match, and each District Executive will usually put the final £100 in. For more information contact Mark Hawkins, County Treasurer.

Want to help host an Australian scout this winter?

The Scout Commonwealth Youth Exchange Programme (SCYEP) is again hosting visiting Scouts from Australia this Christmas. We are in desperate need of additional Scouting families prepared to host an Australian Scout.

The Australian Scouts, who are between 15 and 17 years of age, will be arriving on November 23rd and require hosting (home hospitality) until the 10th January, when they transfer to Baden Powell House in London. For more information contact Les Sinclair, SCYEP Coordinator on scyep@scout.org.uk

urSPRUNG - Austrian Jamboree 2010

The Austrian Jubilee Jamboree is taking place from 2nd - 12th August 2010. The Jubilee Jamboree 2010 in Laxenburg will be an adventure for scouts from all around the world! Taking advantage of the vicinity to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna, the unique atmosphere of Laxenburg and the beauty of the province of Lower Austria, there will be a multitude of excursions, adventures and other exciting activities. For more information click here.

Thinking about the months ahead?

November 2009

December 2009

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Mid & South) click to book
1st - Reading Central District Beaver Leaders Meeting
2nd - Adult Training - Validation Session (Western Area) click to book
2nd - Joint Executive Meeting - South and South East Berkshire Districts (Earleywood Scout Centre)
5th - SE Berks Cubs Chief Scout Silver Award Presentations (NEW DATE) (Earleywood)
5th - Maidenhead Cub Cooking Competition
5th - Adult Training [Module 1,3,6] - Essential Information, Tools for the Job (Sectional), Changes in Scouting (52nd Reading, Northcourt Avenue) click to book
6th - Adult Training [Module 15&36] - Challenging Behaviour and Special Needs (Central) click to book
7th - Adult Training - Validation Session (Eastern Area) click to book
9th - Maidenhead Explorer Leaders Meeting (DrewDrop)
12th - Adult Training [Module 25] - Assessing Learning (Central) click to book
15th - Maidenhead Beaver Leaders Meeting
16th–1st - CDF - Local Development Project Management Group (Gravelly) click for details

January 2010

5th - Maidenhead Scout Leaders Meeting

News from Berkshire Scouts for 2 November 2009

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:35:12 -0500

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Slough District Beavers held another successful sleepover. The Beavers took part in various bases including ball skills, throwing the wellie, bouncy castle, various sports challenges and tug of war. Following dinner of jacket potato, sausages and baked beans they were treated to a surprise visit by an ice cream van. Click for more information.

Expedition Assessor training

From the beginning of 2010 everyone who assesses a D of E expedition must be accredited. To gain accreditation you need to complete the required training and be validated by assessing an expedition under supervision. The Scout HQ has now published its initial programme of accredited assessor courses and we have just arranged for it to run its first course in the Thames valley at BSEL's new training facility at Gravelly Court, Grazeley near Reading on the 21st of November. For further details Click here

Chasing the Dream - Attain accreditation for your organisation

The Lankelly Chase Foundation is funding us to provide bursaries for community organisations wishing to attain VISIBLE accreditation. You may be eligible if your organisation is: An independent organisation serving a neighbourhood or community of interest Managing a community building owned or leased by your organisation Funded through a range of incomes (including earned) Formally constituted, community controlled, and employing at least one member of staff Delivering a range of services and activities Based in England or Wales but not within Greater London. This funding is available until March 2011 and can only be applied for when you're ready to accredit. Visit the VISIBLE website for more information and to download application forms. Click here to go to the VISIBLE website for further information

Southern 50 Challenge in the Chiltern Hills

13th February 2010 - The Southern 50 Challenge Hike takes place every February at a different location in The Chiltern Hills. The idea is that teams of four navigate their way around a route, going from checkpoint to checkpoint. Next year's event takes place on Saturday 13th February 2010 and walkers have 24 hours to cover a choice of three routes, either 50 miles or 50 kms. There is also a 30 km route exclusively for Explorer Scouts. We encourage all walkers to stay overnight at the start and finish venue which will be based in Hertfordshire. We have a presentation of trophies and certificates for all walkers at 1000 hrs on the Sunday morning. For more information visit www.scouts-gln-southern50.org.uk

Last Chance to gain a free NVQ!

Berkshire Scout Enterprises are delighted to announce that they have secured funding to be able to offer 35 more Leaders in Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification for doing their Scouting. Due to the fantastic success of this scheme places are now very limited and we are delighted that BSEL is able to give Berkshire leaders the first chance to take the remaining places. If you need to know more please phone BSEL 0118 988 4077 or check out the web site www.train-2-gain.org.uk/scouting and down load an application form. Be quick as all applications must be in before 1st December! For more information contact BSEL on 0118 988 4077 or e mail: ericgoulding@bsel.org.uk

Thinking about the months ahead?

November 2009

December 2009

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Mid & South) click to book
1st - Reading Central District Beaver Leaders Meeting
2nd - Adult Training - Validation Session (Western Area) click to book
2nd - Joint Executive Meeting - South and South East Berkshire Districts (Earleywood Scout Centre)
5th - SE Berks Cubs Chief Scout Silver Award Presentations (NEW DATE) (Earleywood)
5th - Maidenhead Cub Cooking Competition
5th - Adult Training [Module 1,3,6] - Essential Information, Tools for the Job (Sectional), Changes in Scouting (52nd Reading, Northcourt Avenue) click to book
6th - Adult Training [Module 15&36] - Challenging Behaviour and Special Needs (Central) click to book
7th - Adult Training - Validation Session (Eastern Area) click to book
9th - Maidenhead Explorer Leaders Meeting (DrewDrop)
12th - Adult Training [Module 25] - Assessing Learning (Central) click to book
15th - Maidenhead Beaver Leaders Meeting
16th–1st - CDF - Local Development Project Management Group (Gravelly) click for details

News from Berkshire Scouts for 19 October 2009

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:57:08 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Cub Scouts from 2nd Thatcham Cub Pack visited the giant wind turbine in Reading and discovered how electricity is made.They discovered that the 85 metre high tower had 33 metre long blades and can generate 2 megawatts of power; enough to power 1500 homes!

Sweden 2011 Participant Selection Weekend

Hot off the press - the 6th and 7th March 2010 has just been announced as the participant selection weekend for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. For more information and to contact the team visit www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/sweden2011

Supporting my Group

Plans are now well underway for the GSLs Day to be held at Wokefield Park (Mortimer) on Saturday 23 January 2010. The day of practical sessions, networking, peer group support, and bases will help identify and prioritise support for all Scout Groups in Berkshire. The Day is also for District Explorer Scout Commissioners, Scout Network Leaders, District Commissioners and Deputy District Commissioners. Members of the County Team will also be joining the Day.

Could you please take a few minutes yourself to register for the GSL Day if you have not already done so. For planning purposes, we do need everyone eligible for the Day to register for the event. Launched today we are also keen to hear more about the priorities of GSLs to direct the content of the day - this is a key opportunity to influence the support you get! More information and contacts for the team are available at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/gslday

Make the Berkshire Scouts website more useful to you!

We are keen to listen to feedback on what would make the website more useful to you. In the last few days, feedback from volunteers has identified a need to keep the front page looking more up to date. As a result, a short 'updates' line has been added to point to the current hot topics. Check out what's new here... To send in your own comments and suggestions, contact the Web Team.

International Opportunities Update

More information about opportunities to go to the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011 are online now, along with the World Scout Moot in Kenya and the World Scout Winter Games. Click here for more information.

Thinking about the months ahead?

October 2009

19th - Maidenhead Fellowship Skittles Evening
20th - Adult Training - Validation Session (Mid & South) click to book
21st - Adult Training [Module 3a] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Eastern Area) click to book
21st–1st - CDF - Local Development Project Management Group (Gravelly) click for details
26th - County Marketing and Communication Forum

November 2009

December 2009

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Mid & South) click to book

News from Berkshire Scouts No. for 5 October 2009

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:07:54 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Scout helpers James and Kieran show the cubs how to have fun on the 3G swing at 5th Woodley cub camp at Gilwell this summer. Want to get pictures of your Group or Unit online? Check out www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/scoutsinaction for more information.

Jamboree Unit Leaders Announced

We are pleased to announce the names of the four adults from across Berkshire who will form the leadership team for the Sweden 2011 World Scout Jamboree. After a highly successful selection event a few weeks ago, Simon Pickett was selected as the Unit Leader. He will be ably supported by Tim Haggett, Jim Payen and Kathryn Stafford. They can be contacted by sweden2011@berkshirescouts.org.uk and more information will be coming out from the team shortly. www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/sweden2011

Administrators' Workshop

Want to get some advice and information on your role? Hear about the latest changes in the legislation and rules affecting Scouting? Meet other Chairs, Secretaries, Treasurers and committee members from around Berkshire? Then we've got just the day for you! Visit www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/adminworkshop for more information

Three Towers Hike Registration Open

The Three Towers Hike is now four competition hike events on the same day! For Scouts (10-14) there's the 25km Scout event, and new for 2010, there's a 40km ScoutPlus event exclusively for 13 and 14 year old Scouts. For Explorer Scouts there's the 45km Explorer event, and for older Explorer Scouts, Scout Network and Scout Active Support members, there is the 70km Classic event. Rules, Route and Registration is via the website which is now live for 2010 at www.hike.org.uk

Thinking about the months ahead?

October 2009

November 2009

December 2009

1st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Mid & South) click to book

News from Berkshire Scouts for 21 September 2009

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:45:23 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Scouts from around Taceham and Kennet took up the challenge of providing fun and adventure to the visitors of the Berkshire Show at the Newbury Showground. Laying on a range of activities from scaling a rope bridge, some giant floor games, take-away craft activities and a tent pitching competition, a huge number of joining enquiries came from adults and young people.

The event draws around 60,000 people over two days and is a fantastic profile-raising opportunity! Our excellent engagement with the public and variety of activities was recognised by the showground, awarding Berkshire Scouts second place in the Best Local Stand award.

Local Publicity

Building on successes of attending events such as the County Show and others over recent months, we are keen to identify a range of other events which local teams feel are worth attending. These might be village fetes, carnivals or other areas where the public gathers and Scouting would benefit from a positive, activity-focussed presence. We hope to identify a handful of events to tailor the support we provide to make the best of the opportunities open to us. If you have ideas contact Pete Jeffreys, Marketing and Communications Manager pete.jeffreys@berkshirescouts.org.uk

Scouts in Action

Why not share the excitement of your recent camps, activities and events with the rest of the world? As well as the Featured Photo, many more pictures are online at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/scoutsinaction - We are keen to get more and more pictures of young people having fun, hearing more about your adventures and offering the world a window onto Scouting across Berkshire. All members can login on the website and use the Scouts In Action link to submit pictures and stories. Let's see how busy we can get these pages!

Programme Forum Update

Mark Thornton has stood back from his role of ACC Scouts. We thank Mark for his hard work over many years and in many roles, and wish him well in the future - we hope to see you around! For any questions contact Lorraine Bolam, Deputy County Commissioner for Programme lorraine.bolam@berkshirescouts.org.uk

Thinking about the months ahead?

September 2009

21st - Maidenhead Fellowship Quiz
21st - Adult Training - Validation Session (Earleywood) click to book
22nd - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (Mid & South) click to book
22nd - Adult Training - Child Protection Workshop (52nd Reading, Northcourt Avenue) click to book
23rd - Adult Training - Validation Session (Western Area) click to book
25th–26th - Regional CCs Meeting (tba)
26th–27th - Adult Training - Harmonised Learning Block 1 - Fundamentals and Young People (Central) click to book
27th - Adult Training [Module 10] - First Aid (Western Area) click to book
28th - County Steering Group
28th - Maidenhead District Executive Committee
29th - South East Berkshire District Beaver Leaders Meeting (1st South Ascot)
29th - WINGS Project Team
30th - County DCs Forum (Gravelly Court)
30th - Desc, Desa, Unit leaders & unit reps meeting (Wokingham Waterside Centre) click for details

October 2009

November 2009

2nd - Adult Training - Validation Session (Eastern Area) click to book

News from Berkshire Scouts No. 174 for 07 September 2009

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:34:59 -0400

New District Commissioner for Windsor and Eton

As you know, we have for some time been looking to appoint a replacement for Paul Allum as District Commissioner in Windsor and Eton.

I am delighted to be able to let you know that David Smith (2nd Datchet) has agreed to take on the role, with effect from 1st September. I am also very pleased that Graham Ledger has agreed to take on the role of Deputy District Commissioner [Graham is new to the District, having just moved to the area, but is not new to Scouting and I am confident that he will be a great addition to David’s team].

I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the message that I gave at your District AGM – to thank Paul for the huge amount of time, effort and care that he has given to the District over the past five and a half years. I am sure that I speak for everyone in recognising Paul’s great work in the role of DC.

Best wishes, Hamish Stout, County Commissioner

Massif 20-10

Massif 20-10 is a multi-activity trip for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network to the Massif Central region in France. Two weeks camping in this breath-taking region of Southern France, whilst taking part in some amazing activities during August 2010. To find out more and express an interest visit www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/massif2010

World Scout Jamboree 2011

Have you thought about attending a World Scout Jamboree? Would you like to be a leader with the Berkshire Unit attending the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011? If so read on...

Berkshire Scouts will be sending one Unit of 36 young people to the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden between 27th July and 7th August 2011. The Unit will be supported by one Unit leader and three assistants.Would you like to be one of those leaders helping young people to have a fantastic experience in Sweden and grow their experience of Scouting? For more information visit www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/sweden2011

Thinking about the months ahead?

September 2009

October 2009

November 2009

2nd - Adult Training - Validation Session (Eastern Area) click to book

News from Berkshire Scouts No. 173 for 24 August 2009

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:18:06 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - South Ascot Cub Scales Kilimanjaro! 10-year-old Cub Scout Jack Harley-Walsh from 1st South Ascot has become one of the youngest ever people to conquer Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Jack climbed 19,330ft (5,892m) alongside his mother, Sue, and reached the summit of the Tanzanian mountain on Thursday.This photo shows him being welcomed and congratulated by the local Tanzanian Scout Commissioner.

Join The Scouts Campaigning Summer School!

The Scout Association Young Campaigner Summer School is open to all Scouts aged 14 - 25. The Summer School is aimed at providing young Scouts with the tools to become effective at raising awareness of issues they feel passionately about. As Scout Young Campaigner, they will be able to couple their passion for activity in their local area, with raising the profile of Scouting to be active and engaged young citizens who are able to participate in the decision making process at a national and local level.

For more information and to book a space, please contact citizen@scout.org.uk

Reading Festival Dispersal

Each year thousands of perfectly serviceable items of camping equipment are left on the site of the Reading Festival. Items including tents of all shapes and sizes, through to bed rolls, cooking equipment, camp chairs and sleeping bags are collected by teams led by 79th Reading Scouts in conjunction with the festival organisers, Festival Republic. You can be part of this and collect equipment for your Unit — free, gratis, and for nothing! For more information contact Matt Gilbert from 79th Reading on readingfestival@berkshirescouts.org.uk

World Scout Jamboree 2011

Have you thought about attending a World Scout Jamboree? Would you like to be a leader with the Berkshire Unit attending the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011? If so read on...

For more information visit www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/sweden2011

WINGS2014 - Interested?

Hot on the heels of the hugely successful WINGS2009, we have already set the date for the next opportunity for Berkshire to welcome the world. If you're free from 2nd - 9th August 2014, why not put your name down to find out more as the plans develop? Simply visit www.wings2014.org.uk and start looking forward to it!

World Moot: Kenya: Calling all 18 to 25 year olds!

Coming soon, the World Scout Moot is a unique opportunity for 18 to 25 year olds. Registration opens on Monday 22nd June and will take place on a first come, first served basis. More information is online at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/international

WINGS2009 - Tell Us What You Think!

Having got home safely and taken time to reflect on your week of fun, friendship and adventure in Windsor Great Park, we now invite you to let us know what you think.We are always looking for ways to improve the WINGS experience, and over the years WINGS has evolved as a result of feedback from participants and staff.

Whether you attended as a participant, unit leader or member of staff please visit www.wings2009.org.uk/speakup Please encourage as many members of your unit to complete the questionnaire; no registration or logging in is required and we would value a wide range of input.

If you would like to send in further comments, suggestions or questions feel free to contact speakup@wings2009.org.uk

Thinking about the months ahead?

September 2009

October 2009

News from Berkshire Scouts No. 172 for 09 August 2009

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:51:06 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Berkshire Scouts and Girlguiding Royal Berkshire have played host to thousands of young people from dozens of countries for a week, taking part in a huge range of activities and getting to know more about themselves and each other. Check out more of the highlights at www.wings2009.org.uk

WINGS2009 - A Celebration!

The collective strength of volunteers has made it possible for thousands of young people from around the world to enjoy a fantastic week of fun, friendship, challenge and adventure. We are proud of the partnership which has delivered another leading international experience, which has been made possible thanks to almost 800 staff and over 1,000 unit leaders.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the many who have spent so long planning the event and preparing the site, and to all those who have supported our young people in their international adventure. As adults we all need support too, and the many more adults in Groups and Units who have helped 'behind the scenes' also helped to make the week so successful.

WINGS2009 - Relieve the Adventure!

A range of photographs are already online here, and professionally printed photographs can be ordered online here.

The Web Shop is still live, packed full of clothing, as well as the chance to pre-order a WINGS2009 Event DVD. Check out the full range...

Adults and young people who took part in WINGS2009 as well as its build up could have built up a range of badges to celebrate the opportunities. Within Berkshire these can be worn on uniforms until next April - and of course kept for memories long after!

WINGS2014 - Interested?

Thinking about the months ahead?

August 2009

17th - Maidenhead Fellowship Boat Trip

September 2009

October 2009

4th - Adult Training [Module 17] - Activities Outdoors (Central) click to book

News from Berkshire Scouts No. 171 for 27 July 2009

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:44:18 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Over 30 Explorers from South and South East Berkshire at a joint funday. Everyone had great fun rafting, flaming blisters, and much more! We even managed 12 people on one raft without sinking! Image Contributed By: David Holland

Thousands Poised To Arrive In Berkshire

Less than a week away from the excitement and adventure of WINGS2009, Berkshire Scouts and Girlguiding Royal Berkshire are eagerly awaiting the arrival of over 6,000 young people and adults from over 40 countries. We are greatful to the many volunteers who are making this fantastic opportunity a reality, as well as the groups and families who are supporting through the loan of equipment, home hospitality arrangements and much more.

As well as all those camping throughout the week, we will be welcoming a few hundred Cubs and Brownies to Windsor Great Park on Wednesday 5th August, and a few hundred Adult Volunteers the following night. Both of these sessions are great opportunities to be part of the magic of WINGS. For more information visit the WINGS2009 website and keep an eye on WINGSZone.

Heathrow Values Scout Leaders

The BAA Heathrow Communities Trust has recognised nine scout volunteers for the positive contribution to their communities. One of those recognised is James Southern, Cub leader from 79th Reading. The Trust supports staff volunteering by arranging time off and helping with fundraising plans. Congratulations to James and all others involved.

Administrators Workshop

The Administrators' Workshop, Saturday 17th October between 10am and 4pm, at Theale Green School, just off Junction 12 of the M4. Come and learn more about your role, the resources available to support you, Insurance, Appointments procedures, Health & Safety and many other important topics... All free and with lunch provided! Register for full details now with the County Administrator.

World Scout Jamboree 2011

Have you thought about attending a World Scout Jamboree? Would you like to be a leader with the Berkshire Unit attending the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011? If so read on…….

Would you like to be one of those leaders helping young people to have a fantastic experience in Sweden and grow their experience of Scouting?

For more information visit www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/sweden2011

Thinking about the months ahead?

July 2009

28th - Desc, Desa, Unit leaders & unit reps meeting (Wokingham Waterside Centre) click for details
28th - WINGS Project Team

August 2009

1st–8th - WINGS2009 (Windsor Great Park) click for details
5th - Cubs and Brownies at WINGS click for details
6th - Adult Volunteer Evening at WINGS2009 (Windsor Great Park)
17th - Maidenhead Fellowship Boat Trip

September 2009

1st - Maidenhead Scout Leaders Meeting

News from Berkshire Scouts No. 170 for 13 July 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:50:05 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Taceham Hundred's 10-14 WINGS Unit on a WINGS training camp at Bear's Rails. The Scouts are really excited about WINGS and can't wait until August and their arrival in to Bell sub camp. The Scout section Unit is comprised of members from all five Troops in Taceham Hundred District. The District also has a large representation of Explorer Scouts who will be experiencing life in Harington sub camp.

World Scout Jamboree 2011

Have you thought about attending a World Scout Jamboree? Would you like to be a leader with the Berkshire Unit attending the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011? If so read on…….

Berkshire will be sending one Unit of 36 young people to the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden between 27^th July and 7^th August 2011. The Unit will be supported by one Unit leader and three assistants.

Would you like to be one of those leaders helping young people to have a fantastic experience in Sweden and grow their experience of Scouting?

For more information visit www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/sweden2011

Finchampstead Leaders Scale Three Peaks

Eight adult leaders from Finchampstead scout group scaled the three highest peaks of the UK; Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Ably supported by a team of four supporting leaders they completed this remarkable feat in 23 hours, 48 minutes and 49 seconds - a great result! So far they have raised over �3,000 for a great cause. To find out more and see pictures of their adventure click here.

Annual Celebration - Catch Up

A fantastic evening was had by many adult volunteers from across Berkshire last Monday at the Madejski Stadium. Almost 200 adults came together to celebrate their successes and hear about interesting projects in other groups. Hosting a Review of the Year, Hamish Stout introduced a range of adults and young people to talk about their high points and to share some of their enthusiasm with us. A copy of the supporting slides are online now here. Over the next week we also hope to put online the image and music montage which was shown. celebration@berkshirescouts.org.uk.

Thinking about the months ahead?

July 2009

14th - Adult Training [Module 3b] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Mid & South) click to book
14th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (Mid & South) click to book
15th - Adult Training [Module 3b] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Eastern Area) click to book
15th–1st - CDF - Local Development Project Management Group (Gravelly) click for details
16th - LTM & LTA Meeting (Gravelly Training Centre)
17th - Maidenhead Cubs Leaders Meeting
19th - South & South East Berkshire Cub / Beaver Six-A-Side Football Tournament (NEW DATE) (Binfield FC)
20th - County Steering Group
20th - Maidenhead Fellowship BBQ
21st - WINGS Project Team (Bracknell)
23rd - Adult Training - Validation Session (Northern Area) click to book
28th - Desc, Desa, Unit leaders & unit reps meeting (Wokingham Waterside Centre) click for details
28th - WINGS Project Team

August 2009

1st–8th - WINGS2009 (Windsor Great Park) click for details
a class="diarylinklist" href="http://www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/diary.php?show=detail&id=1790">5th - Cubs and Brownies at WINGS click for details
6th - Adult Volunteer Evening at WINGS2009 (Windsor Great Park)
17th - Maidenhead Fellowship Boat Trip

September 2009

1st - Maidenhead Scout Leaders Meeting

News from Berkshire Scouts No. 169 for 04 July 2009

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:03:51 -0400

County Celebration Evening - with special guest!

Please remember the County Scouting Celebration event on Monday 6th July. It is an event for EVERY adult associated with Berkshire Scouting - including YOU! We are being joined by the Deputy Chief Scout, Peter Nicol, who is looking forward to meeting you.

What are we celebrating?

Another fantastic Scouting year, delivering even better Scouting for even more young people. In other words, celebrating with you and your friends the great programmes and support that are delivered weekly to the (almost) 7000 young people that we meet and work with every week.

What will happen?

There are some bases showing many of the best aspects of Scouting past and future. There will be a review of the past year. Come and see Harriet’s duck pond. There's a bar and there's tea/coffee. It's a social and informal occasion. The main part of the evening starts at 8.00 for 8.15pm, but if you want to also attend the "formal" County AGM then please be there by 6.55pm.

What do I wear?

If you have a uniform then you may want to wear that, but a "Scouting" polo shirt is equally acceptable.

If you don't normally wear a uniform then you are just as welcome - casual or more formal are equally acceptable, to suit your preference..

Where is it?

Madejski Conference Centre, at the Stadium, which is close to M4 Junction 11. Use the entrance to the right of the Reading FC Megastore. There is plenty of parking.

Do I tell someone that I am coming?

The important thing is that you are there! But if you have not already done so, then it would be very helpful if you could send an email to celebration@berkshirescouts.org.uk.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Hamish Stout, County Commissioner

Berkshire Scouts | Making A Difference In Communities Across Berkshire

Thinking about the months ahead?

July 2009

August 2009

1st–8th - WINGS2009 (Windsor Great Park) click for details

5th - Cubs and Brownies at WINGS click for details

6th - Adult Volunteer Evening at WINGS2009 (Windsor Great Park)

17th - Maidenhead Fellowship Boat Trip

News from Berkshire Scouts No. 168 for 29 June 2009

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:31:24 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - 1st Twyford PLs weekend to recce the Summer Camp site near Kingston Bagpuize, Oxfordshire. No matches allowed for fire lighting, adjustable props for the cooking pots (Bolognese & pasta for 12) made from wood coppiced from the farmer's woodland. Image contribured by: Alan Foord

Annual Celebration

An opportunity to meet and talk to groups who have tried new things and had a successful 12 months will be on Monday 6th July from 8.15pm at the Madejski Stadium, Reading. The evening will have practical tips and ideas to take away, as well as being a great opportunity to meet up with friends old and new. Come along and share in the excitement and feel good factor from yet another successful year, with another promising one ahead. celebration@berkshirescouts.org.uk

The Annual Celebration will be preceeded by the Berkshire Scouts AGM to start at 7pm prompt. countysecretary@berkshirescouts.org.uk

Minibus Safety

Scout owned minibuses are not subject to the same ongoing tests as in a commercial environment, but we still maintain a responsibility to take very seriously our duty of care for the young people in our care. It can be beneficial for minibuses to receive a check over or service in between MOT tests, and these can often be negotiated reasonably with a local garage. Ian Shenton, District Commissioner in Pang Valley works for Renault Trucks and is very happy to support groups or districts operating minibuses to ensure we are doing our best to uphold our duty of care. Ian can be contacted on ian.shenton@renault-trucks.com or call on 0118 9238 101

WINGS: Help needed for our international visitors!

We have many international groups coming to WINGS next month and we have had requests for equipment and hopsitality that we have not been able to accomodate so far. With the cost of travel, some need help with equipment like tents, dining shelters, tables and chairs, mugs, plates etc. We particularly need 3 mess tents and 8 dining shelters to help an Egyptian Unit of 60 scouts and guides. We can arrange collection and return.If your group is not camping for the week of the 1st-8th or if you have spares, please contact Alan Wade, International Support Manager international@wings2009.org.uk

We also need families who could help with hospitality, by taking 2 youngsters in for a few days ( from the 8th-11th approx.) or by having the leaders. Show them what life in Berkshire is like and make sure they have a good time and a bit of rest as the WINGS teams have planned so much for them, they will need time to recuperate!For more information or to volunteer, please contact Annick Tremblay, 01344 648 500 or annick.tremblay@wings2009.org.uk Many thanks to all the Berkshire groups who have helped so far and to those who will rise up to the challenge!

Reading Festival - Free Camping Equipment

Every year after the Reading Festival, thousands of items of camping equipment are left behind by festival goers. This year, 79th Reading scouts are teaming up once more with Festival Republic and Bright Green to clear the festival site, reclaim usable equipment for scout groups and units at no cost. For more information view the PDF flyer here, contact Matt Gilbert from 79th Reading scout group readingfestival@berkshirescouts.org.uk or to register directly email salvage@festivalrepublic.com

Thinking about the months ahead?

June 2009

29th - County DCs Forum (Waterside)
30th - WINGS Steering Group (Holiday Inn, Basingstoke Road, Reading)

July 2009

August 2009

1st–8th - WINGS2009 (Windsor Great Park) click for details

News from Berkshire Scouts No. 167 for 15 June 2009

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:36:54 -0400

Featured Photo

The featured photo this fortnight - Scouts from 2nd Bracknell get muddy while going back to basics! Photo Tracy Cartland-Ward

Berkshire GSLs Conference

Early warning for your diaries ... on January 23rd 2010 we will be holding a Berkshire GSLs Conference (working title). Full details will be circulated in the Autumn, but we want to give you early warning so that you can make sure that you keep the date in your diary so that you can attend. The venue will be Wokefield Park, Mortimer.

Berkshire Administrators' Workshop

The Administrators' Workshop, Saturday 17th October between 10am and 4pm, at Theale Green School, just off Junction 12 of the M4.Come and learn more about your role, the resources available to support you, Insurance, Appointments procedures, Health & Safety and many other important topics... All free and with lunch provided!

New District Commissioner for South East Berkshire

We are delighted to announce that Ann Minchin has agreed to take on the role, with effect from the District AGM on 23rd June. Also, we are delighted to be able to advise that Steve Prower has agreed to take on the role of Deputy District Commissioner. Together, Ann and Steve will lead the development of the District in the next phase for Scouting in South East Berkshire.

We thank Carolyne Brambley for her stewardship of South East Berkshire District over the past nine years. She has done much to move the District forward during that time. I know that she will move on to continue to help further contribute to, and support, Scouting in and around SE Berkshire.

Congratulations to Bob Meldrum

Bob Meldrum, Assistant County Commissioner for Activities, has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours for public and voluntary services. Bob becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) both for his strong committment to scouting, and also for his professional role as HM Principal Inspector for the Health and Safety Executive.

WINGS2009 Adult Volunteers Evening

A great opportunity for adult volunteers involved in Guiding or Scouting to visit the excitement of WINGS is available on the evening of Thursday 6th August. The evening will start with refreshments and a welcome to WINGS. Adult volunteers will then be able to arrange to meet with units and staff attending, hear what they’ve been up to and see their happy homes for the week!

There is no cost for the evening, and registration is handled online. When registering you will be asked if you are connected to a unit or a member of staff. This can help to inform our planning of who we expect to be involved with linking up that evening.

For more information and to register click here.

Cubs and Brownies at WINGS2009

An evening event for Brownies and Cubs is planned for Wednesday 5 August 09. This event is open to our old cubs of 9 years of age plus and it is hoped that they will leave the site with a “forever memory” and a eagerness to want to be part of the next WINGS as a scout or Explorer,

The event is themed around getting these young people into the heart of WINGS2009 by inviting them to join in their own welcome celebration, giving them a feel of the sub camps by inviting them to dine with an international unit on their site, swap badges and much more. We are planning to give these young people a brilliant fun packed evening, the chance to make a lot of noise and be part of WINGS2009.

For more information visit www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/cubs

Thinking about the months ahead?

June 2009

16th - Adult Training [Module 19] - International (Central) click to book
16th–1st - South East Berkshire District Cub Leaders Meeting
16th - Maidenhead Beaver Leaders Meeting
17th - County Programme Forum (Waterside)
17th - Adult Training [Module 3a] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (Eastern Area) click to book
17th–1st - CDF – Local Development Project Management Group (Gravelly) click for details
17th - Reading Central District AGM (Northcourt Avenue, Reading)
19th - Maidenhead Scout Running Orienteering Event
20th–1st - South East Berkshire District Scout Dave Higgs Challenge (4th Bracknell)
21st - Kennet District 6 a side Football competition (Battery End sports fields) click for details
22nd - Maidenhead Fellowship Teasure Hunt
23rd - WINGS Project Team (Bracknell)
23rd - South East Berkshire District AGM (Earleywood)
24th - Loddon District AGM (Wokingham Waterside Centre)
27th - South Berks District Cub Activity Day (Runways End, Farnborough) click for details
27th - Adult Training [Module 14] - Young People Today (Central) click to book
27th - Adult Training [Module 15] - Challenging Behaviour (Central) click to book
27th - Adult Training [Module 1] - Essential Information (South & East Areas) click to book
27th - Adult Training [Module 3] - Tools for the Job (Sectional) (South & East Areas) click to book
27th - Adult Training [Module 6] - Changes in Scouting (South & East Areas) click to book
27th - Mini Jaffa Scout Incident Hike (Compton) click for details
27th - Maidenhead Cubs Water Activity Day (Longridge)
28th - Maidenhead Scout Water Activity Day (Longridge)
28th - First Response, First Aid Course (1st South Ascot HQ) click for details
29th - County DCs Forum (Waterside)
30th - WINGS Steering Group (Holiday Inn, Basingstoke Road, Reading)

July 2009

August 2009

1st–8th - WINGS2009 (Windsor Great Park) click for details