News and Views

Scouting Otago

February 2005

From the Area Commissioner

2005 promises to be a great year for Scouting in Otago. Many of our Scouts started the year by showing that they can take on almost anything that nature throws at them and have a positive experience. I was delighted to hear stories of how the Otago contingent of children, leaders and parents took on the challenges of the wet weather, helped their team and other people plus had a great time – isn’t that what Scouting is about??

2005 will see the opening of the new Adventure Trail and the MTC barbecue area at Waiora. The new Queenstown hall will be built, the new DVD for promoting Scouting will be released, the Gang Show will be FANTASTIC, the Cromwell Regatta will grow in stature, and with a bit of luck the Highlanders will win the Super 12.

But most important of all is that 1000+ Otago children will have Scouting experiences that will make them better people. For this to happen, as leaders and parents, we must work together to make sure it happens. Don’t let hurdles get in your way – ‘get over it and get on with it’!!!

The last word – a successful future for Scouting is so dependent on a positive image. Please make a special effort in 2005 to understand and put in practice the Duty of Care.

All the best for a great year.

John Guthrie

Area Commissioner

Scouting Otago

New Appointment

Congratulations to Sue Smith!

Sue is Otago’s newly appointed Area Kea Leader.

Sue has been the Kea Leader for the Tainui Scout Group for 14 years. She has been very active in supporting area kea activities, has run 4 area kea days, and run the kea programmes for Founders Weekend for some years. She is the “front-of-house manager” for the Gang Show and with other members of her family is very busy promoting the coming show. She organizes catering for the Gang Show and for other scouting events.

Her aim as Area Kea Leader is to increase the number of keas in Otago. She aims to do this by increasing the number of kea leaders. She believes the kea section to be the most important section because when a child becomes a kea and really enjoys the programme they go on to become a cub, scout, and possibly even a venturer later.

A case of being prepared taken to the extreme

Record Set for Eric the ultimate boy scout

Lyon, France: An eccentric Frenchman who goes by the name of Crazy Eric has entered the record books for the unusual feat of carrying permanently about his body more than 1000 useful objects.

Dubbed the human penknife, Eric is a 30-year-old electrician from Lyon who has an obsession with neatness and an ingenious line in clothes design.

“It all began very gradually about 10 years ago. First of all, it was a screwdriver, then a pair of scissors, then some snack-bars and a torch…just in case,” says Eric, who refuses to give his family name.

But soon the backpack he used became too heavy, so he decided to “integrate my things about my person”.

The result is a sartorial tool-kit comprising a panoply of pockets, folds and attachments that puts any one of 1300 items within immediate hand’s reach.

The number has been verified by the Guinness Book of Records, which in its last edition granted Eric a slot as owner of the world’s “most practical suit of clothing”.

Eric’s outfits weigh 15kg, 12kg of which are gadgets.

Among his latest innovations is a velcro leg-pocket containing an umbrella and a paint-brush. “I use the brush a lot because I often end up sleeping in odd places and this is the best way I have found for removing dust.”

Elsewhere, he carries a shaving kit, comprehensive first aid gear, a mini-saw, blow-up mattress, spare batteries, a water-filtering unit, soldering iron, tape-measure, digital camera…

Eric says his aim is simply to be prepared for all eventualities.

“It is like a doctor with his medicine bag. I always have my kit,” he says. “But if I don’t need something, I don’t bring it. I used to carry a pedometer, for example, but I’ve just taken it off. I never found I needed it.” _____AFP

Quotable Quote

Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though chequered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much or suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that neither knows victory or defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

1899

National Scout/Venturer Schools – Reminder

The National Caving School is planned for April 20-25, 2005. those interested in finding out more about the venue, activities and costs should contact Warren Turnwald email: wturnwald@xtra.co.nz or phone 07 839 5311.

The National Aviation School is to be held in Feilding April 24-May 1, 2005. Those interested in finding out more about the venue, activities and costs should contact John Woolston email: woolly@xtra.co.nz or phone: 04 232 2345.

BSA Summer Camp Programme

An invitation has been extended to young leaders to serve on the Boy Scouts of America Summer Camp Programme during 2005. this is a great opportunity for a leader between 18 and 30 years ( male and female) to be part of a resident summer camp team for a period of between eight and eleven weeks alongside not only BSA leaders, but other young leaders from many countries depending on the camp assigned.

Full particulars and the initial application form have been circulated to all Area Commissioners for distribution within their areas. Any young leader interested should follow up to obtain this information and if interested forward their application to national office as soon as possible.

Over the years a good number of young leaders from New Zealand have participated in this programme, and all have greatly valued the unique experience it can provide.

All leaders at a summer camp are paid a salary which is equal to what is paid to American counsellors at a particular camp, and all food, keep, and medical care is provided while at the designated camp.

AUSTRALIAN VENTURE 2006
National Office has received several expressions of interest for the 13th Australian Venture that runs from the 3rd to the 14th of January 2006 at Sydney Scout Park, Sydney NSW. More information can be found by visiting the website http://www.venture.scouts.com.au/. Any Venturers interested in going should register their interest with Hamish at the National Office in the first instance, preferably by email. It is important that they do this ASAP to enable us to gauge interest, so please pass this on to Venturers at the earliest possible chance. The event is likely to cost $600AU base fee plus contingent fees and expedition costs, so those who are keen need to start saving and fundraising (or greasing up to mum and/or dad!).

PLEASE NOTE: Venturers should not apply directly via the AV2006 website as all applications for the event must go via National Office. Once an initial registration of interest has been conducted National Office will call for applications from those who have registered their interest and provide further instructions.

Yours in Scouting,

Hamish Denston
Service Support Officer
Scouting New Zealand 

2005 Otago Gang Show

Auditions will be held shortly for the 2005 Gang Show3, which is an exciting, live, stage show of the highest standard. It is performed by 75 members of Scouting and Guiding Otago.

The show features modern musical and comedy items, great costumes, scenery and a full orchestra!

Those who take part will do some singing, some acting, some dancing… a bit of everything!

The show will be performed in the Mayfair Theatre from Tuesday 12 July to Saturday 16 July.

All cubs, Scouts, Guides, Venturers, Rangers, Rovers and young Leaders aged 10 and above at 1 July 2005 may audition for a place in the Gang. Auditions will be held during the week 21-25 February.

For information about audition dates and venues, contact

Margaret Tagg Phone 467 5460

Wayne or Sue Smith Phone 455 0144

Did you know?

Otago Area Office have programme ideas for the four weeks leading up to Gang Show for keas, cubs, and scouts.

Ask Ross or Ruth for a copy. We have lots of other resources as well just waiting to be used. When you are looking for ideas and inspirations think of us and give us a visit.

The Bone People

The Wishbone People

They hope for, they long for

They wish for and sigh

They always want things to be done

But are never willing to try!

The Funnybone People

They laugh, grin and giggle

And have a twinkle in the eye

If work were but a joke

They would still give it a try!

The Jawbone People

They scold, jaw and splutter

they froth, rave and cry

They are always long on the talk

But are always short on the try!

The Backbone People

They always strike from the shoulder

And they never say die

They are always are the winners in life

Since they are always willing to try!

Some Fun for Scouts

Quickies
1. One Scout sits in a chair and places his right hand flat across the top of his head. The other tries to raise it by direct lift. I’m told it can’t be done.
2. Neither can this one, provided the victim does the right thing. His opponent is trying to lift him clear of the deck by slipping his hands under his armpits. To prevent this, all the other has to do is to press upwards on his wrists.
3. In this one, the Scout has to walk six times round the stick while resting his forehead on top, then walk directly to some stated objective. Said to be good for a laugh — for the spectators.
4. Stand with heels touching the wall and try to pick up the matchbox without bending the knees.
5. Stand about three feet from the wall with the forehead resting on it, pick up the stool and return to the upright position. Said to be impossible.
6. The task is to kick the matchbox over without crossing the baseline or touching the deck with the kicking foot.
7. The object of the exercise is to butt the other fellow off balance with your own butt.
8. ‘Flying Angel’: the ‘angel’ springs upwards on his hands and spreads his ‘wings’ as they move forward together.

Hec’s Trip to Brunei

The 21^st Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Conference was held 6-11 December 2004 in Brunei, Darussalam.

These conferences are held every 3 years – the next one (which you dear reader could attend) will be held in Japan in 2007.

The 2004 Conference theme was “Bridging the World”.

The New Zealand delegation was:

Lesley Anderson – Delegation Leader, two New Zealand youth delegates who had the Youth Forum held before the main event – Alissa Bell and Edward Cook, Wayne Philip - Area Commissioner for Mahurangi area and “Hec Browett”.

Ross McKenzie, New Zealand National Vice President is Vice Chairman of the APR Scout Committee.

Edward Cook as chair of the Youth Forum now represents those under-26 age group on the APR Scout Committee.

The conference was well organized and “full-on” for the whole time.

Many scouts and cubs from Brunei were about at every function, helping and welcoming. They made a great impression. The Sultan of Brunei opened the conference and his son, the Crown Prince spoke at and closed the event.

On 9^th December everyone was invited to the palace for morning tea – a real palace with lots of real gold.

Lots of work was done including the following eight discussion groups

1. Programme ideals – Dealt with major issues related to youth programmes and improving them.

2 Motivating volunteers – Motivating leaders and adults in scouting.

3. Building financial capabilities - Talking about resources development and self-reliance of National Scouting Organisations.

4. Reaching Out - Strategy priority of the scouting in APR, basically talking about expanding scouting into places not yet reached.

5. Networking for Growth in scouting - Basically ICT and networking related.

7. APR Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2006: What National Scouting Organisations could contribute in preparation of this, the 5^th anniversary of the APR.

8. Centennial Celebrations of World Scouting 2007 - Mostly talking in relation to what the region can do to celebrate the centennial.

What is a Kea Scout?

In 1979 Scouting introduced a programme of discovery to the movement. It was called Kea Scouts. This was started for six and seven year old boys.

But in February 1989 girls were admitted. The official birthday of the Kea Section is celebrated on 1 October.

The Kea section is a fun programme designed for children aged six to eight years old.

It works towards the same goals as all other scouting sections, helping young people develop into better citizens in our community.

Keas is a simple, flexible and positive group experience where the accent is on SHARING and FUN. If children love to learn and share they will carry these values through life. They will definitely be on their way towards making the world a better place.

Keas is fun and exciting. Keas are involved in activities at all times without the stress of competition. They interact with nature, create and learn to share through co-operation and team effort. They learn to share through giving themselves and what they have. They identify with leaders and follow their example.

Parents are encouraged to share the Kea programme with their children.

Kea Objectives

To learn through fun

To develop a sense of sharing

To develop a sense of surroundings through exploration and nature

To provide a means of personal creative expression

To give a sense of belonging

Important Notice: Updated Adult Leader Warrant Application Form

Unfortunately due to new legislation passed before Christmas Scouting New Zealand has had to issue an updated version of the Warrant Application Form. This is necessary to comply with the Criminal records (Clean Slate) Act 2004. It is available from the Area Office and also from the National Scout Website under Adult Members / Resources

Service activity at Jamboree

Flagstaff camp at Jamboree

Swamp challenge at Jamboree

17th NZ Scout Jamboree deemed a great success

Despite adverse weather in the form of several unseasonal rain storms which created a very muddy and damp site the nearly 5000 participants all appeared to have had a great time for the duration of the event. A dynamic and diverse activity programme, exciting opening, closing and New Years ceremonies all combined to give the youth an exciting time and awesome experiences. Our Overseas guests thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to mix and mingle. The setting at Manfeild Park gave the 'On Track' theme real meaning and the local community were very supportive of the event and were very kind hosts. The NEC wishes to express its grateful and sincere thanks to the Jamboree Organising Committee and National Scout Team for their significant efforts that ensured the success of the event and to all those others who also played a part as Troop leaders and staff to ensure we delivered for our youth.

Scouting NZ Tsunami Appeal

On behalf of the Asia-Pacific Scout Region Tsunami Appeal for Scout families affected by the disaster participants of the 17th NZ Jamboree raised over $7000. This money will directly help brother Scouts in the areas hit by the disaster. A big thank you to all who contributed especially those who lost facial hair and undertook 'beauty therapy' to aid this good cause.

18th NZ Scout Jamboree Organisation

The NEC has indicated that it would like the 2007/8 Scout Jamboree to be held in the South Island and in order to determine venue, programme opportunities and viability a bid team is to be formed by the Chief Executive to undertake the initial feasibility study. If you have previous Jamboree / major event  organising experience and/or are interested in being a part of this team please contact the Chief Executive. Membership of the bid team does not necessarily mean membership of the jamboree organising committee.

JOTA Report available online

The World Scout Headquarters advise that the electronic version of the World JOTA Report is now on line. You can find instructions on how to find it on Jim Parnell's NZ JOTA site at

http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~jim-p/jota/jota/

SADDLE HILL-TAIERI DISTRICT NEWSLETTER 2004-2005

The last year has been a very positive one for the district. Our aim for the 2005 year is for a period of consolidation. The following are bullet points regarding our 2004 season.

LEADER TRAINING

Seven leaders gained their stage three and four module training courses, and are looking at completing their stage five (Woodbadge) course this year.

NEW DISTRICT BADGE

Designed by Ian Hebbard, (ADC) and Brian Turner (DCL), the Saddle Hill – Taieri district badge is the only round district badge in New Zealand and we have received many positive comments about it.

LEADERS AWARDS.

A well earned service award, a first for the district, was awarded to the Mosgiel group leader, Malcolm Sherlaw with many of the leaders, cubs, scouts, keas and parents attending the presentation. The medal of merit and certificates were awarded to both Andy Manson and Brian Turner. These awards were presented to both leaders by the mayor, Ms Turner. A private reception was then held in the mayor’s office. The chief scouts commendation certificate was awarded to both Thomas Lawless (Taieri Mouth group leader) and Simon Van Aalst (Fairfield scout leader). These awards were presented to both of the leaders at the 17^th Jamboree, Feilding. Five other leaders awards are pending. With this high level of achievement and dedication to the scouting movement by our leaders within the Saddle Hill-Taieri district the future for our district looks positive.

SCOUT, CUB, AND KEA TRAINING

Training within our district is at a very high standard. The uniform turn out at all levels is a credit to my leaders. This next year should see many of our scouts, cubs keas, verturers and rovers obtaining higher awards. Mathew Marshall, a scout from the Strath Taieri Group in Middlemarch, was presented with his chief scout’s award by the assistant chief scout of New Zealand at the 17^th NZ Jamboree. Mathew will also be having this award presented again by Mr Chin our new mayor of Dunedin, on 7 February 05.

GREEN ISLAND GROUP

The past year has been a very positive one for this group. It has seen the start of the kea club for the first time in the group’s history. Cubs continues to flourish and is a credit to the leaders. Two new long-serving scout leaders, Sandra Basford and Sue Chave, with over 30 years of scouting between them plus many awards in scouting, have taken the Green Island scout troop out of recess. Three service awards are also pending for leaders of this group - Sandra Lukeman, the long standing group leader, Vickie Smeehuyzen, cub section, and Wayne Facer, ex cub leader, and chairperson.

FAIRFIELD GROUP

The Fairfield group has a very active committee and parent support team. Simon Van Aalst, scout leader, reports a good growth for this scout troop, with a new leader supporting him for the 2005 season. Keas and cubs report strong support and a waiting list in both sections. With exceptional leadership and group support, this group will go from strength to strength. It is to be noted that the high level of leadership within the Fairfield group, has resulted in four new service awards pending. A special note should be made for Nikki Wheeler, a young lady who has put in many hours of leadership from the age of thirteen (PAL). Nikki has also completed stages 1,2,3 and 4. Nikki is able to take a full warrant out in February when she turns 18.

MOSGIEL GROUP

A very active group with a strong parent and group committee support. The Mosgiel group has a very strong management support base. Malcolm Sherlaw (group leader) received a national service award for outstanding service and commitment to this group. Mosgiel also has an outstanding chairperson, Karl, who is very committed to the Mosgiel group and the Saddle Hill-Taieri District. Cubs and keas are well supported with waiting lists for both sections. The scouts are showing strong growth with exceptional leadership from both of their Rovers and venturers continuing to flourish, and are a credit to scouting. To show the strength of this group, four of my district leaders are from the Mosgiel group, and are showing strong leadership skills.

TAIERI MOUTH SEASCOUTS.

With strong support from both Thomas Lawless and Andy Manson, the seascouts are a strong knit unit. The strength of this group shows with the leaders awards of Meritous medal to Andy and the chief scout’s commendation to Thomas. A new year project for this group, is to see a new boat shed by April 05. The Taieri Mouth seascouts have been very active in water activities, and have won a number of competitions at regattas.

STRATH TAIERI GROUP, MIDDLEMARCH

This group is very strongly supported by Vicky and Jason Barton. Vicky is a credit to scouting and is well supported by Jason as our district chairperson. This scout group continues to flourish with five new scouts attending. A credit to this group is also the strong parent support. Vicky is a very committed leader, and with exceptional support from the Mosgiel scout leaders, Brian Mason and David Thomson, has seen one scout gaining his chief scout’s award. This is a first for Middlemarch. This is also a credit to Mathew Marshall’s previous scout leader who will also be attending Mathew’s presentation at the mayor’s office.

To conclude I must apologise for not naming all leaders within my district. All have given many hours of exceptional leadership, with many gaining stage 4 in the 2004 season. Most have indicated that they would like to advance to Woodbadge level in the 2005 season. With this strong support and commitment, this district can only go from strength to strength.

Yours in Scouting, Keith Moore

Wanted: Stories and ideas for this newsletter.

Let me know about exciting activities that your group have done and we can tell others about them. Photos of what your youth are doing would be good, too. Stories of your scout’s achievements, of leader’s achievements will be gratefully received. This is your newsletter. If you have any suggestions or ideas please let Ruth know by phoning 477 6644 or email trainingsupport@scoutingotago.org.nz

Day Skipper Course

Thank you to all those who registered to attend the Day Skipper Course. We apologise for having to postpone it but will let you all know when a new date is set. Anyone else who would like to go please contact Ruth.

Calendar

February March

5	National Executive Committee	9	Campsite Committee
6	Waitangi Day	9	Being a Mentor 7-9pm
6-7	Area Keas Meet	12-13	Scout Skills Weekend
9	Campsite Committee	13	Gang Show Rehearsals start
		14	Admin & Finance Committee
14	AWA Committee	16	Being Safe Module
18-20	Founders Weekend	18-20	First Gang Show Camp
20-25	Gang Show Auditions	21	Otago Anniversary Day
		25-29	Easter
		25-28	National Rover Moot