Bear Grylls visits Scotland
It has been a pretty busy couple of months for big Scouting meet-ups. In May I was pleased to welcome the Chief Scout to Scotland at Rozelle Park where over 1500 young people were taking part in activities.
I also was very happy to be part of the Scottish Scout Awards afternoon in Aberdeen where 15 Network Members received their Queen's Scout Award certificates and many more Explorer Belt recipients were recognised.
Investiture in Dundee
It was with great pleasure that I attended my first Network investiture as SHQ Commissioner for Network, at Dundee Network.
Their Leader, Gemma Corner, invested twelve members on the RRS Discovery (great venue), it is fantastic to see so many enthusiastic members come out on a cold Monday night for this event.
This is a testament to the quality of the programme that is underway.
I am happy to attend any Network events in Scotland that you would like me to, given sufficient notice.
I’d also like to hear of any events/ programme items that you are organising that might be useful to other Networks in Scotland.
Scottish Explorer Belt Expedition to Estonia
Explorer Scouts, Scout Network members and adult volunteer members of The Scout Association are now invited to participate in a nationally led Explorer Belt expedition to Estonia in July 2013.
The Explorer Belt is the chance of a lifetime opportunity to undertake an international expedition over 10 days that brings a real understanding of a different country, its people and its way of life. More information available here.
Special Needs Competition
An increasing number of young people require special diets which can be tricky at camp – but help is at hand from our SHQ Adviser (Special Needs) John Kitson and his team with their new competition.
You have to design a menu for a scout camp or event that can be used for at least eight people regardless of any special dietary requirements.
The special needs team will judge all the entries and the most inclusive and user-friendly will win a £50 voucher for use at one of our three National Activity Centres – Fordell Firs, Lochgoilhead or Meggernie.
The only rule is that your menu must be reasonably affordable for scout groups and make allowances for all of the following special dietary needs; dairy, nut, egg, gluten and wheat free.
Our camp menus and related dietary needs fact sheets are now available on the SHQ website.
These have been developed following requests in the survey conducted recently. They were launched in the current issue of Pathfinder which you should have received recently.
Entries should be emailed to John Kitson directly.
Annual Survey of Top Awards
In July / August this year DSNLs and DCs should look out for the ‘Top Awards’ survey from SHQ.
This asks for a return of the number of Chief Scout Diamond awards, Explorer Belts, and Queen’s Scout Awards awarded in your Network in the last twelve months.
This allows us to help make the case for funding from organisations interested in education such as the Scottish Government, for example this funding has been used to pay for District Team weekends run by the Scottish Team in the past.
14th World Scout Moot, Canada 2013
Want to meet thousands of Scouts from across the world? Like to experience high-adrenalin activities, share cultures, and join in with local communities?
Then think about attending the next World Scout Moot. It takes place in August 2013, when 5,000 young adults (aged 18 to 25) will converge on Awacamenj Mino in Canada for eleven days of outdoor adventure and expedition challenges in international patrols.
With the UK contingent also enjoying a pre-Moot event in Ottawa and choosing from a range of post-Moot opportunities, it promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore this great country and make friends from around the globe. For more information please view the Scout Website.
Please let me know if you are attending and I can put all the Scottish attendees in contact to coordinate transport to UK events/ fundraising etc.
Blair Atholl 2012
If you are attending Blair Atholl and are a Scout Network member, a leader under 25 or member of an SAS under 25 look out for details of the evening event we’ll be hosting at the Jamborette.
Contact Us
If you have any news stories, good ideas, photos or anything relating to the Scout Network Section, then please let me know at scoutnetwork@scouts-scotland.org.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Paul Crolla
SHQ Commissioner (Network)
scoutnetwork@scouts-scotland.org.uk
