News
Send your news stories and photos for publishing in the News section info@clydescouts.org.uk. To keep the website looking fresh, I need in excess of 300 news stories each year so all reasonable contributions will be used.
78th Lanarkshire herald a first for Scottish Scouting
Author: Gary Bainbridge | Date: 24-03-2011
Cub Scouts from the 78th Lanarkshire marked a first for Scottish Scouting recently when they completed the John Muir Discovery Award.
17 Cubs, ably assisted by their leadership team have spent the past 6 months working on the Award which has worked in alongside some of their Cub Scout badge work.
The four elements of the John Muir award are Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share. These requirements fit in easily with the requirements and many of the values of our own awards scheme and the Discovery Award is suitable for Cubs and upwards.
Whilst working towards the award some of the activities the Cubs completed were, building and placing bird boxes and bird feeders in local woodland, geocaching, improving their fire lighting skills, tree planting, a residential experience and much more!
Thankfully the weather was kind to us and we didn't get any rain but that didn't stop the Cubs from doing their favourite activity - getting extremely muddy!!
More information on the John Muir Trust can be found on their website www.johnmuiraward.org
Tanks to Chris McGrory from the 78th Lanarkshire for this story.
Have you tried Rock It Ball?
Author: Gary Bainbridge | Date: 21-03-2011
Looking for a new activity to try out? Have you heard of Rock It Ball?
Rock-It-Ball was developed over 2005 and launched in February 2006. In the short time since then it has had a massive impact in schools all over the UK and is making inroads into universities & leisure centres. In some areas it is being used by the fire brigade & police for community projects. It is also being used in youth organisations such as the Scouts, Air Cadets and the Guides. There is an international federation, a growing number of national governing bodies and it has a presence in over 20 countries. There are currently two senior clubs established in the central belt of Scotland, the first being the Falkirk Cannons (www.falkirkcannons.com), the other club is Enigma which is based in Coatbridge.
Rock it ball is best described as a crossover between lacrosse and dodge ball. The team game is 5 v 5 and there are always 5 balls in play too. It is quite an intense game and it keeps you on the move for the duration.
key point is that you can get people playing in 5 - 10 minutes. If this is something you would like to try, then in the first instance we'll show you how to perform the basic skills that you need, give you 5 - 10 minutes to practice and then we'll get you playing Rock-It-Ball.
Rock-It-Ball is growing so fast and spreading so rapidly that there are many opportunities for you to become involved and to progress further. Within Scotland School tournaments have started, independent clubs are springing up, there is an international program with international tournaments and more is happening on a daily basis.
The following are a few examples of why we think this is such a great sport to be involved in:
Versatile - it can be used in all sorts of scenarios: skill building (schools), team building (corporate events), fitness regimes ( fitness/leisure centres) and just for recreational fun with friends and colleagues.
Inclusive - because the player doesn't have to bend to pick up the ball the game can be played by wheelchair users. In combat form it also means that pupils who wouldn't normally get involved find that they have to - e.g. all PE teachers know that there are some children that don't get involved. They hang about on the sidelines and avoid getting involved. With five balls in play it is actually easier to be involved in the game than not, so children who tend to avoid the more established sports get a lot of success very quickly, which in turn helps boost their sense of self worth and confidence. Rock-It-Ball is a mixed gender sport so males and females play alongside each other in the same league and club.
Popular - Wherever we have played or demonstrated Rock-It-Ball, children and adults have crowded round, desperate to play.
Fast - In all versions of the game, players get an exhausting work out, however it is versatile enough to be played at different paces in different formats and so can be included in any sort of fitness regime.
Structured - It allows the development of structured exercises for skill development and is excellent for hand/eye co ordination and spatial development - front/ back and lateral movement, however it is still a game that you can get people involved in quickly.
Suitable for all ages - When demonstrating Rock-It-Ball we have youngsters of all ages wanting to play. We have worked with children as young as 4 and adults as old as 82!
Above all though, Rock-It-Ball is fun for all participants.
For further information, contact David Straiton.
Safeguarding Awareness Training - Important Information
Author: Gary Bainbridge | Date: 15-03-2011
The following is the text from an email that was sent to all GSLs and Group Contacts on 11 March 2011:
Dear GSLs & Group Contacts,
You will be aware from information that has been circulated from SHQ, UKHQ and Clyde Region that during the latter half of 2010, The Scout Association introduced a requirement for all adults who are subject to a 5 year appointment review, to undergo Safeguarding Awareness Training as part of the preparation for the consideration of their appointment renewal.
Below, is some important information about why this change has been introduced which I would ask you to take time to read.
Why has this change been made?
The Association reviews its safeguarding arrangements constantly and following a formal internal review and external advice from the NSPCC, it was decided that training in safeguarding should be an on-going requirement, as it is with first aid. The issues facing Scouters in keeping young people safe are changing all the time and it's essential that we provide up to date training.
Who is responsible for ensuring adults have completed the training?
The appointee's line manager, which for the majority of adults in Scouting is their Group Scout Leader or Group Contact will need to check that those they review have completed the training; as they do for First Response (and Disclosure checks). Form AR reflects this. It is therefore your responsibility to remind adults in your Group that they require to register for a Safeguarding Awareness Course.
Who is responsible for ensuring that training is available?
Clyde Region's Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinators are provide training sessions meeting the objectives and can offer advice about the NSPCC Keeping Children Safe package.
The training will be offered in each District, once every year, between September and June. You do not necessarily have to attend the training in your District, you can attend the one on the most convenient date for you.
How should we record this safeguarding training?
Following completion of the training, the staff in the Regional Office will record it on the adults record on the membership database at scouts.org.uk
Which appointments does this rule apply to?
All those subject to an appointment review - essentially anyone who holds an appointment except for Scout Active Support and those in elected roles.
How is this training different to the safeguarding training delivered in Module 1?
Module 1 provides basic knowledge and information for Adults in Scouting regarding their role and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding young people. This training is delivered by specialist trainers who are equipped with a deeper knowledge of the subject matter. It supplements and builds on the training given in Module 1, so adults have more confidence in their safeguarding roles and responsibilities.
How long does this training take?
Participants in the NSPCC Keeping Children Safe package can complete the training at their own pace. Training workshops would normally be expected to last about 2-3 hours.
What should be checked at review?
Adults need to be able to demonstrate that they have completed safeguarding training during the period since their last review. Form AR has been amended to assist.
External courses can be used in 'exceptional circumstances' - what are these?
Our preference is a session with a Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinator or participation in the NSPCC Keeping Children Safe package. When this is not seen as a viable option, external courses (such as those offered by local authorities) may be a suitable way to meet this training obligation, subject to the prior approval of the Head of Safeguarding.
I am a police officer / social worker / teacher. Why should I have to be trained again?
Professional training for the likes of police officers, Social Workers or teachers will not have any Scouting context. For example, a specialist police officer will have a detailed understanding of the law and investigative techniques, but will not (by virtue of their professional background) have an understanding of what the Association's stance is in respect of alcohol on activities or best practice in terms of the Yellow Card.
Why should I have to do the same training every five years?
Safeguarding training is constantly reviewed and our understanding of the issues faced by young people change over time. The content of this training will, therefore, change to reflect this. Best practice suggests that those completing online training for one appointment review may benefit from doing an alternative method for the following one - but this is likely to be affected by local priorities.
What happens if my leaders do not complete the training?
Any adult who does not complete the Safeguarding Awareness Training cannot continue to be involved in Scouting. They will have their appointment cancelled for failing to comply with the rules of The Scout Association.
If you have any queries in relation to this, please don't hesitate to contact me, your District Commissioner or one of our Safeguarding Awareness Coordinators.
