News from Berkshire Scouting Number 57 for 19 March 2006

Photo of the Week

The photo selected this week  shows An adventure out of this world - Cubs from 2nd Bracknell visited Youlbury for a weekend with an astronomical theme. more 

Mount Challenge

A monster weekend of fun and adventurous challenges for teams of two Scouts or Explorer Scouts, over the weekend 20/21st May at Rushall Farm, Bradfield.  Can you "save a life", navigate through woods, take the whoosh---- challenge?  These are just some of the possible challenges for each team.  All food provided within the entry fee but you may have to cook some of it under challenging conditions!........... Prizes for all teams.

Application forms are available by clicking the link below or from Alan Wade 0118 9412348.  Closing date for entries is 1st May on a strictly first-come-first-served basis.  more

A competition for everyone

We would like to know what you like most about Scouting. Over the next few weeks there will be a number of competitions to get your thoughts and to provide you with an opportunity to get your hands on some equipment for your Group, Unit or District.  Why not include this as an activity at your next meeting?

The first competition is open to all Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Scout Network and Adult Volunteers in Berkshire and closes on Saturday 1 April 2006 with a prize of £25 vouchers to spend on equipment for your Colony, Pack, Troop, Unit, Network, Group or District. The competition is simple - complete in 3 or less sentences 'My most memorable experience in Scouting'  Find out all about here including a ready prepared entry for your section or unit and where to send your entries.  more

Over a hundred young people sign up for World Scout Jamboree

Over one hundred young people from every part of Berkshire have signed up to join the World Scout Jamboree Selection weekend.  The selection weekend is being held next weekend at which 72 representatives for Berkshire will be picked. These two units will join the other 109 units from the UK at the World Scout Jamboree in Hylands Park Essex  in July/August 2007. It is a big thank you to everyone in Berkshire for getting the Jamboree message across to so many young people. more

343 Opportunities in Berkshire

The recent census reveals that there are current 343 sections (Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts),  Explorer Scout Units  and local Scout Networks.  In Berkshire there are 12 Districts with 104 Scout Groups and 23 Explorer Scout Units together with 13 Scout Fellowships.  more

Berkshire Scout Council Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of Berkshire Scout Council will be held on the 6 July 2006 at 7.30 for 8pm. The meeting will take place at Easthampstead Park and location details are available here.

The facilities will be available for those providing displays from 7pm and the meeting will commence promptly at 8pm.  A cash bar will be available for participants at the close of the formal component of the meeting.

Local SNet based in Maidenhead first for new action to support new sections

At the March meeting of the County Executive Committee, it was agreed that new sections opening across Berkshire who obtained a £100 start up grant from the Development Grant Board of the Scout Association, would receive matching funds from the County funds. Where the section is in a Group or is an Explorer Scout Unit, the Committee would be asking that the District provides at least matching funds if not more.

The first section to benefit from this development will be the new local Scout Network serving the Maidenhead area. 

World Scout Jamboree IST

The International Service Team or IST are the team of adults from all over the world that are key to the successful running of the Jamboree. The IST will be responsible for building the Jamboree village, ensuring that the on-site services are running smoothly, running activities and entertainments, and pretty much making sure the whole Jamboree runs smoothly!  The cost  of the WSJ for members of the IST has fallen dramatically since the first announcement and is now around £500. You can express your interest straight away by emailing the UK Contingent office on ist@ukcontingent.org.uk or calling the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818. more details

New Web Sites

Two new websites have been launched in the last week - check out   www.binfieldscouts.co.uk  and 7th Windsor (Old Windsor)

90 Years of Cub Scouts

This week we are off to Cornwall to see the month by month programme available for Cub Scouts in Cornwall to enjoy the 90th Birthday of Cub Scouts.  more

Network Gathering - Lake District

The largest network event of the year, in the Lake District National Park, takes place over the Easter weekend.  Places are nearly all gone, with over 400 people attending last year we are nearly at that figure again! If you are interested, prices start from just £12.50 for the full 4 days (Friday - Monday) including entertainment each night. A limited number of activities remain. and spaces are running out. Just look at what's available! On Site Catering available all weekend. Full licensed bar.  Activities you opt into Friday and Saturday - Full bed and breakfast available - £29.50 Sunday Morning Games Live Bands And more! 

Dig the Dirt

It is now a month to go to the Dig the Dirt day for all 17 to 25 year olds across Berkshire.  This is day not to miss, great activities, a SNet Forum and AGM.  Contact Sue Clarkson for the all the info international@berkshirescouts.org.uk more

Recent News from The Scout Association

 

Click here for the complete set of items for 2006

 

Parent Information Survey

The Scout Association is currently undertaking some research to help us all  better involve parents in Scouting.  The questionnaire has been devised for parents to ascertain their thoughts and feelings about the Scout Movement, their relationships with other charities and their thoughts on the idea of having more information available to them. Please let the parents of your Members know about the questionnaire which can be found from a link on te front page of www.berkshirescouts.org.uk or directly via  www.nfpsynergy.net/ScoutAssociationParentInformationSurvey

The closing date for the return of questionnaires is Friday 7th April 2006.

 

The Month Ahead - Training and Programme Dates in the County Diary


22 Adult Training Module 3b Tools for the Job (Sectional) ( Eastern Area ) click here to book
22 Adult Training Validation Session ( Western Area ) click here to book
23 DCs and CC (Reading) more  *updated
25 Adult Training Team (Earleywood)
25 County Cub Scout Quiz Competition
25–26 Berkshire Jamboree Unit Selection Weekend (Bear's Rails Campsite, Old Windsor) more
29 Adult Training Module 3b Tools for the Job (Sectional) ( Western Area ) click here to book
29 Adult Training Module Val ( Southern Area ) click here to book
30 Adult Training Module 23 Safety for Managers and Supporters click here to book

April 2006

1 Adult Training Module 22 Section Support click here to book
1 Adult Training Module 4 Tools for the Job (Managers) click here to book
1 Adult Training Module 4 Tools for the Job (Managers) click here to book
4 County Adult Support Team Meeting (Earleywood)
11 2007 Coordinators (Reading) more
22 Scout Network Activity Day with Forum and AGM more

Click here for the full Diary.

That's all for this week

The recent census shows that there are 1,478 Adult Volunteers providing or directly supporting the adventure of Scouting across Berkshire. There will be many more involved supporting the work of Groups and Units.  A very very very big thank you to all 1,478 of you from the 6,036 Young People who benefit so much every week from your expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication.

This message is also available on the website 

That's all for this week

The Web Team

News from Berkshire Scouting

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