In this edition:

Thanks to all of those of you that made it to the Regional Conferences in Hamilton and Auckland last weekend, it was great to see you all and hear about the challenges that are facing your local groups at the moment. I was particularly struck by the positive and energetic influence being shown by our youth members on a range of matters, something that I am keen to foster.

SCOUTS NZ is continuing to spread its wings and there will doubtless be more mountains to climb over the next few months, but if we can all work together, for the greater good, the future looks very bright.

I do have a list of issues, which came up during the course of the conferences (particularly relating to website and branding), which I will ask Richard to answer via the e-news over the next couple of weeks. Please don't forget that we are always happy to receive your calls down here in Wellington, so if you have any questions just pick up the phone!

On the Hot Cross Bun front, you should all know about it but if you don't know about it please watch out for further news on next year's national campaign very shortly!!

Keep up the great work,
Chris

You can be noticed by your behaviour

National Office received the following note concerned at our member's behaviour in the outdoors:

"Our daughter and family have just tramped the St James walkway, last weekend. They followed a group of about 20 Scouts. We were upset to follow a trail of their sweet wrappers and litter all the way. There were no other trampers ahead so the litter had to have been dropped by these Scouts. Please would you forward this note to the appropriate leaders and I hope that this inconsiderate behaviour is brought to their attention.

Some years ago when we walked the Milford our guide asked who had remembered to bring barley sugar or similar. When various trampers put up their hands he said "Good. Now I know who to reprimand if I find a single wrapper on the track".

As ex Guide and Scout leaders we find this incident very upsetting. Regards..."

We followed up the complaint and found that it wasn't our members who were the culprits.

However there is a message here - Respect the outdoors.

Service Awards for Rovers

In addition to the opportunity of being awarded a BP award by your crew, members of Rover Crew Executives are, as adults holding lay appointments, entitled to adult service awards.

These service awards are not only open to leaders but for adults holding lay appointments. Rover Crews are run as being separate scout groups within a zone. Crews don't have a Group Committee but do have a Crew Executive instead. Membership of the Crew Executive counts as a lay appointment, just the same as if they were in a Group Committee. Rovers who are Crew Secretaries, Crew Treasurers, Crew Quartermasters, Hall bookings person etc. do the same job as if they were lay support on a Scout Group committee.

Make sure you Zone leader has a record of your Crew Executive and the roles they undertake so appropriate recognition can be given. Ensuring your Zone Leader attends your AGM will assist with this.

Regional Representative Elections

All Regions have concluded the election process to elect the current Regional Representatives on our National Council.

Thanks to all who agreed to be nominated for this role. Congratulations to those who have been successful and thanks to those who were unsuccessful for making themselves available. This ensured a robust process proceeded by allowing our Regions the opportunity to decide from a selection available.
Several of the unsuccessful nominees have provided many years of additional service in representing their Region. A sometimes thankless task. We appreciate your time and effort given in this role.

The current representatives to meet on 7th November are:

Chief Scout's Award

There has been some confusion surrounding the procedure for ordering the Chief Scout's Award certificate and badge. So there is now an application form available to be completed when a Scout has achieved their Chief Scout's Award.

The procedure for applying for a Chief Scout's Award is as follows:

Scout completes the Chief Scout's Award requirements

Scout Leader to download the Application form from the website
Scout Leader is to complete the Application form

Post the completed application form to your Regional Service Centre

Once received by National Office the certificate and a letter of notification will be prepared and posted to the Region for presenting

SCOUTS Direct will be notified that you are authorised to purchase the Chief Scout's Award badge.

Oldest Living Scout

We acknowledge the recent passing of Len Moss our oldest scout at almost 102 years.

Please advise who might be our oldest living leader now.

Reply admin@scouts.org.nz

Group Centennial Celebrations

Congratulations to those who have celebrated their 100 year centenaries. Some we know of are: Brooklyn, Kelburn 1909, Northdown Te Rangi, Gisborne, 1st Greytown, Hawera,

There will be many more, so let's know so we can add you to the list.

Reply admin@scouts.org.nz

LAST CHANCE:
to Win Double Passes to the Movie 'UP'

I am looking for exciting, adventurous stories from Scouts or Venturers that tells why they are involved with Scouting and what keeps them coming back.

Be quick as there are 12 free double passes to see 'UP' for the first people to send in their stories.

We would also like a couple of photographs of you doing something exciting to go with the story. You will need to give us permission to use the story and the photos for the purpose as intended. So if you see yourself as an advocate for SCOUTS NZ then get writing and send something through to me, tony@scouts.org.nz before the end of October.

Give A Little

... is a donation website that provides some level of funding for SCOUTS NZ. Please visit this site and get your friends or workplace to donate to our wonderful organisation. https://www.givealittle.co.nz/org/scouts

Hot Cross Buns

At the recent Regional Conferences a positive response was received to the question of Groups selling hot cross buns to help with fundraising. Next year's fundraiser will provide an opportunity to pre-sell and pay, so that once they are delivered to a central pick up point they will just require local distribution. To help even further we have negotiated some excellent prizes for those who sell the most packs. We will calculate the winners based on the number of youth divided by the number of packs sold. So whether you are big or small you have an even chance to win a significant prize. We will produce an information pack with everything you need to make this fundraiser a success and should be in your hands before the end of term four.

Bob A Job

... is almost back. You will have heard from the Regional Conferences that we are bringing back 'Bob A Job' or as it is known in Australia 'Job Week'. This iconic activity that was so popular in the 60's and 70's is again going to help raise the profile of Scouts in New Zealand. We will soon be asking for help and ideas to make sure that this is as successful as it was and ask that you keep an eye on future communications from me. We are aiming to launch this activity in November 2010 and will provide all the necessary resources for each Group. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to drop me a line.

Kiwi's in Demand at Summer Camp USA

Each summer thousands of parents across the US pack their children aged 6-16 years to go to summer camp for up to 8 weeks. For the children it's a unique opportunity to get away from city life, games consoles and fast food, and instead get amongst nature, meet new friends, learn new skills, and have new experiences. For the parents it's most likely considered a welcome break from the rug rats.

Summer Camp is an American tradition, which has been going for over a hundred years. There is an amazing range of camps that provide different experiences, and cater to children from different backgrounds. Camp activities include sports, music, arts & crafts, science, media and more. There are about 12,000 camps across the USA; it's a big thing.

Every year IEP New Zealand, a not-for-profit youth travel organisation, sends Kiwi's to the US to work as camp counsellors. The role of a counsellor involves being a leader, a role model and a friend to the kids. You teach them new skills, celebrate their wins, and are there when they are feeling a bit low. The counsellor's responsibility includes making sure the kids keep themselves and the cabin clean, eat correctly and follow camp routine. It's a full on job but for enthusiastic people it's often a life-changing experience.

Summer Camps in the USA love employing Kiwis with certain skills. They especially like employing kiwis with experience in watersports due to the fact that many of us are brought up around water. In demand skills include life guarding, swim instruction, sailing, waterskiing, rowing, windsurfing, boating and kayaking. If you have experience in any of these then Summer Camp USA wants you!

IEP helps sort out your working holiday visa, will find a camp that best suits your interests and experience, and will guide you through the whole process. They've been doing it for over 40 years and, as a not-for-profit organisation, you can be assured that they are working for your best interest.

If you love working with kids, aren't afraid of hard work, have a sense of adventure, and are keen to experience a summer in the USA, then Summer Camp USA is for you.

Suggested pull quote: 'In demand skills include life guarding, swim instruction, sailing, waterskiing, rowing, windsurfing, boating and kayaking. If you have experience in any of these then Summer Camp USA wants you!'

The Nitty Gritty on Summer Camp USA

When is Summer Camp?

Summer Camp runs from mid-June to mid-August. Counsellors usually arrive in the US between the last two weeks of May and the first two weeks of June.

Who is eligible for Summer Camp?

You have to be 18-35 years of age and have experience working with kids. For full eligibility check out www.iep.org.nz

How long can I travel in the US?

You can travel in the USA for up to 5 months including working at camp and travel afterwards.

Do Counsellors get paid?

Yes, you will get paid a salary based on your age and position. For those under 21 years the salary is around $USD1775. For those 21 years and over the salary is around $USD1950.

To find out more about Summer Camp or to apply contact IEP:
Freephone: 0800 443 769
Email: info@iep.org.nz
Website: www.iep.org.nz

Group Invoices

By now your Group should have received the invoice for the first of the quarterly instalments of the 2009-2010 registration fees. Enclosed with that invoice is the option to pay your annual fees in full to receive a 3% discount. This means your cheque needs to be in our hands before 31 October 2009 when this offer expires.

If you have not received your invoice please email shirley@scouts.org.nz to get a scanned copy sent to you.

Driving - Cell phones

Monday 1 November sees the introduction of 20 demerit points and an instant $80 fine for using a cell phone while driving if you don't have a hands-free kit.

Please don't get caught out - safety first!

POINTS OF LAW

To find out how many demerit points you have, or for any other queries about driver licences, contact the NZ Transport Agency on 0800 822-422. Or email the agency at info@nzta.govt.nz. (You will need proof of identity – name, address and date of birth details.) If you have reached 100 points you could contact a lawyer and find out whether you qualify for a limited driver's licence. A limited licence allows a disqualified or suspended driver to drive in limited circumstances, for example, to and from work. To dob in a bad driver visit: www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.html 'Drivers with more than 80 demerit points should be aware they face being forced off the road.' - New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Andy Knackstedt

Banking Questions

For those who have the ability to pay by Internet:

What bank do you bank with?

How do you comply with the two-signature rule?

How much does it cost per month for this service?

Please send your responses to shirley@scouts.org.nz

19th New Zealand Scout Jamboree

Eligibility Criteria

The Jamboree is open to all invested members of the Scout section. It is not anticipated that older Scouts, who should move to Venturers in Term 4 of 2010 will be held back just so they can attend the Jamboree. These youth members will in many cases have been in Scouts for several years and have already had the chance to attend at least one Jamboree. There is concern that holding these youth back will have a detrimental effect on the Venturer section since the transition time has been designed to avoid moving up at the start or end of the year.

How do you comply with the two-signature rule? The seamless Scouting concept still applies however, so Scouts who do stay in the Scout section after the official transition point, will be eligible to attend the Jamboree. Groups should carefully consider this matter and not simply use this as a blanket mechanism to increase Jamboree attendance.

Registration of Troops - NZ

A reminder that you can now register your Troop. Forms are available on the Scouts National Website

Scouts Direct

Over the coming weeks we will be advertising Specialised Feature Items available for purchase.

This week's special offer is the FirstLight Silhouette Hydration Pack - compact and lightweight design, unobtrusive harness design, E-Z bite valve system, PVC food grade bladder, large filling point, includes 3L hydro bladder. Pine green. Weight 600 grams. Has external pocket for extra items.

This product is of extremely high quality and are currently priced over $60.00 with other outdoor stores.

Our very special price for the next two weeks is just an amazing....$30.30 includes free postage any where in NZ.



There are limited stocks available and won't last long at this fantastic price so order now at www.scoutingdirect.co.nz

Other Scouts Direct News

Unfortunately Jota/Joti badges have not yet arrived. They are now due late this week early next week. As soon as they are in we will distribute any back orders immediately. We apologise for the inconvenience. You are able to order these now on the website.

National Website

From next week you will see some changes to the navigation of the site. This will assist you, the Leaders, in finding information simply and more quickly.

Also forms are being updated, branded and placed on the site on a regular basis and we will advise you of these updates. In the interim and as has been previously stated, if there is a form of particular importance then please email richard@scouts.org.nz and we will endeavour to prioritise this for you. However, the process for the forms upgrade other than branding is for us to check that the information is still relevant and then checked with the appropriate National Leader, Adviser, Secretary etc but we will action as fast as practicable.

If you are experiencing problems please, in the first instance, email richard@scouts.org.nz and I'll ensure we get your issue fixed.

International - Sweden

Do international Scouts get 'Adventure Plus'?

There's only one way to find out – join the Kiwi Contingent to the 22nd World Scout Jamboree, July/August 2011 in Sweden!

Click here for more information.
Click here to add your name to the hot-off-the-press email list.

"We now have a responsible young man for a son as a consequence of the journey undertaken to attend that Jamboree. We found that working to earn the money to go away gave him a greater appreciation of how hard it is to earn money - which he now treats with respect. He has been left with a good focus on goals whether they relate to education or personal goals. One other benefit is that he is not judgmental about other people's choices and finds differences interesting rather than threatening."
Parent feedback after 21st WorldJam, UK

Uniform Review Visual
Response Form

  This is your chance to get creative!

At the recent Zone Leaders meeting in Wellington, all Zone leaders took away with them a pile of Visual Response Forms. These forms will be circulated to group Leaders and they need to be completed and returned to Chris at National Office by 30th September.

Forms are available to be downloaded from the website.

The forms are self-explanatory and are designed to offer all interested parties the opportunity to show the Uniform Review Taskforce what they would like to see in a new Uniform.

Please make sure that youth members are given plenty of opportunity to get their designs into National Office.

Just to re-confirm that any new Uniform won’t be rolled out until Term 1 2011, not 2010 as advised thanks to a typo two weeks ago!

Chris

Spirit of New Zealand Sailing

V559 – 01/09/09 to 10/09/09 both Male and Female
V561 – 20/09/09 School holidays - 2 male berths
A lot of schools seem to be having their mock senior exams so if you have a mature 15 year old Year10 student it may suit them.

janine@spiritofadventure.org.nz

Finance News

Financial year ends 30 September 2009. Please have your registration fees paid on or before this date.

1 August will see the 4th and final registration fee instalment for the 2008-2009 year issued to all Groups who didn't elect to pay the annual fees in full. Payment is required by the end of the financial year 30 September 2009. Thank you to all who have paid recently, it is very much appreciated.

Shirley Ward
National Finance Manager

Rovers

Rovers News Letter – link to National Website Rovers Newsletter downloads

Venturers

Congratulations to the following Venturers who will be presented over the next two weekends in Wellington and Christchurch with their Queen’s Scout and/or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. These Venturers have worked hard doing the various activities to get them to the point of achieving the highest youth award in Scouting.
Shaun from Whangarei says “To me this award is a symbol of the hard work that I, with the support of my fellow Venturers at Whangarei Combined Venturers and my family, have put in to get this award” Bridget from Lower Hutt says “Pictures may show you what only the eyes see, but they will not necessarily let you witness the true experience, Duke of Ed – I’ve finished.
Laughter, commitment, blister and tears. I’ve accomplished some of my biggest fears.”

• Paul Brunton – Morrinsville Venturers,
• Nathan Carrington – Feilding Venturers,
• Rebecca Chandler – St Joseph’s Venturers,
• Bridget Cook – Valley Venturers,
• Carl Halliburton – St Joseph’s Venturers, Zoë Henderson – Valley Venturers,
• Scott Jaggard – Feilding Venturers,
• Nicholas Johns – Pioneer Venturers,
• Matthew Kennedy – Ngaio Venturers,
• Mikaela Lancaster-Weerts – Pioneer Venturers,
• Kristina McCrae – Raukawa Venturers,
• Nathan McGregor – Morrinsville Venturers,
• Jessica McIntyre – St Joseph’s Venturers,
• Sophie McKay - Te Runga Air Scouts Venturer Unit,
• Michael McNair – Valley Venturers,
• Jason Motha – St Joseph’s Venturers,
• Samuel Owen – St Joseph’s Venturers,
• Shaun Peacock – Whangarei Combined Venturers,
• Rebecca Raines – St Joseph’s Venturer Unit,
• Gavin Ralph – Morrinsville Venturers,
• Iain Richardson – Ngati Toa Venturers,
• Thomas Shaw – St Joseph’s Venturers

Clean up the World campaign

SCOUTS New Zealand got involved in this last year and had some great photos of Scouts doing their bit for our environment published not only in local media but also on the world Scouting Web sites.

This year, Clean Up the World wants to get 750 groups involved worldwide. Let’s help them reach this goal and make a difference to our earth by registering your activity today, spreading the word and getting your Scout zones, groups, sections, friends, family and co-workers involved in this landmark campaign.

Clean Up the World encourages participants to organise an activity on, or around this weekend and celebrate their environmental achievements. Groups, organisations, businesses and communities around the world unite and take action at a local level to address the global issue of climate change.

Getting involved is easy! Come up with an activity that your group would like to do. This can be anything from planting trees, cleaning beaches, walk ways, doing an activity on recycling, environmental awareness raising activities, or anything your imagination lends to. For more information on this great event, please visit http://www.cleanuptheworld.org/en/

To register your activity, please email Jenny Rodgers (Programmes Officer) on jenny@scouts.org.nz

ADULT LEADER TRAINING

The next SCOUTS Advanced Personal Development (SAPD) Course #8 will be held in Mosgiel, Dunedin over the weekend of 31 October – 2 November. All applicants are to have completed their Initial and Practical blocks (or equivalent) plus have 12 months experience as a leader. The application form is available from your Regional Service Centre. Once completed and verified by your Zone Training Leader it should be sent with $450-00 to the Lower South Island Regional Service Centre, PO Box 5380, Moray Place, Dunedin 9058.

There are limited spaces available so don’t leave your booking too late.

Future SAPD are planned in 2010:

• SAPD 9    Central North Island    13 March
• SAPD 10    Upper South Island     5 June (Queens Birthday Weekend)
• SAPD 11    Upper North Island    21 August
• SAPD 12    Lower North Island     23 October (Labour Weekend).

ZONE LEADERS DAY

A week ago the Zone Leaders (or a representative) met in Wellington to learn of new developments and share successes with each other.

The following issues were discussed:

• CEO Update on many and varied topics
• Leader Training and the Zone Training Leader role
• Adult Awards
• Warrant procedures, Police checks and Duty of Care
• Uniform Review
• National Programmes Review
• Future Funding
• Strategic Plan
• Youth Award Scheme
• Census
• 2010 Calendar

CENSUS

Congratulations to the following Zones which were the first to return their completed Census Papers back to their Regional Service Centre: Upper North Island - Akarana Central North Island - Volcanic Lower North Island - Waiapu Upper South Island - South Canterbury Lower South Island - North Otago It is still too early to speculate BUT, all looks good to report another increase nationally ahead of last year.

To those zones we are waiting for – Groups PLEASE return your numbers to help us tell the great story of SCOUTS New Zealand being an increasingly popular and successful youth organisation.

Murray Charlesworth
National Development Manager.

National Fundraising & Marketing Manager

Antarctica Visit by Venturers
Back in 2007 four Venturers and a Leader had spent two years preparing for a trip to Antarctica to celebrate International Polar Year and Scouts International Centennial.

The four Venturers are Andy Bartle (pictured receiving Antarctica badge), Tim Johns, Matthew O’Sullivan, Tom Williams and John Dale as the expedition Leader. Katie Shaw Brown was on standby should anyone fail to make it on the trip. For a full account of the trip visit the website

The BNZ Want to Help
Just came across this website that could be of interest to everyone http://www.closedforgood.org . There are a couple of Scout Groups that have put in submissions already but more could approach their local BNZ. No doubt there is plenty of scope for groups, campsites etc to give this a go?

Do we have any exciting stories?
I am looking for an exciting, adventurous story from a Scout or Venturer that tells why they are involved with Scouting and what keeps them coming back.
Be quick as there are 12 free double passes to see ‘UP’ for the first people to send in their stories.
The reason for this is we want to produce a direct mail campaign and provide an opportunity for people to give a small donation to the organisation. We would also like a couple of photographs of you doing something exciting to go with the story.
You will need to give us permission to use the story and the photos for the purpose as intended. So if you see yourself as an advocate for SCOUTS NZ then get writing and send something through to me before the end of August.

Give A Little is a donation website that provides some level of funding for SCOUTS NZ please visit this site and get your friends or workplace to donate to our wonderful organisation. https://www.givealittle.co.nz/org/scouts

SCOUTS NZ Charity Golf Day, after last year’s success we are holding it again this year on Thursday 8th October at the Miramar Golf Club. This was a successful event last year and we would like any Scout or Venturer groups who would like to raise some money to get their names to me.

Tony Hickmore

What’s New on the National Website

As discussed both at the National Conference back in March we have encouraged feedback on the new website and constant minor changes are being made. Following on from the Zone Leaders meeting in Wellington in mid August some feedback received has highlighted a couple of areas that need bringing attention to:

• Join Now – Contact Us – Shop at Scouts Direct all on the top of the home page are all “active” links that you can utilise.
• The Regional Pages now have all the Campsites available for hire/use. There are still a couple of Regions to finalise but Upper North, Central North and Upper South Island pages have this information.
• Navigation of some parts of the site have already being acknowledged and some progress has been made towards changing this. The “Learning” section has been changed to “Activities”. Tabs added are National Programmes and Training. These tabs will be “live” later this week and will link to the relevant downloads.

Award Scheme Badges

These are slowly being rebranded and produced. The Cubs Personal Interest Badges are currently in production and should be available mid to late September.

The Scout Award Scheme Personal Interest Badges are yet to be designed and produced and will advise a date for these in the next E News.

Other National resources are slowly being updated and placed on the website for access but we do ask for patience as there are only limited resources within the office due to costs.

If there is something urgently required then please email richard@scouts.org.nz and we can rearrange priorities.

Scouts Direct
Back in stock – Green Badge Vests – backorders for these went out last Friday. Blue Sixer Woggles – backorders for these went out on Monday.

Stocktake – reminder get your orders in early this term as Scouts Direct will be closed for orders for the first part of the week beginning Monday, 28 September. Any orders received after midday on Friday, September 25 may not be received until late the following week. Fortunately this week is the first week of the school holidays so the impact will hopefully be minimal. When you search for an item, (using the search box next to “all products”), such as "scientist", and only one item comes up, the "quantity", "buy now" and "add to cart" boxes shift to the bottom left of the product - (above the Adventure Plus T-Shirts). When you search for items, such as "cub woggle" the list of them will appear and the "quantity", "buy now" and "add to cart" boxes are on the right hand side of the page. Remember to search for singular unless for example the name of the badge has an ‘s’ on the end of it.

National Schools on the Horizon
Snow School
27th September – 4th October 2009
(School holidays) – Mt Ruapehu
For Venturers and Scouts 13+, beginners to experts. Learn or improve your skiing or snowboarding skills and have a great time with other young people at Ruapehu Scout Lodge. The school has filled quickly and is now taking applications for the waiting list or head to the Mountaincraft School for more winter alpine activities.
Fee $710 for youth members. Covers all food and accommodation, lift passes, lessons and leadership. Check out scouts.org.nz/snow for more details. snow@scouts.org.nz

Mountaincraft School

4th – 9th October 2009
Ruapehu Scout Lodge
For Venturers 15+, Rovers and Rangers 15+, beginners to experts, to learn and do the real thing - ice axe and crampon techniques, rock climbing, snow caving, rescue techniques to name just a few of the specialised mountaineering skills you will acquire.
Details email mountaincraft@scouts.org.nz

Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School 8th – 22nd January 2010 For Venturers 16+ and Rangers 16+ with an interest in aviation this school is one you just do not want to miss. Learn to fly a real aeroplane, fly solo and get the biggest high you will remember for the rest of your life. Two weeks at Matamata in the Waikato will give you eight hours flying, briefings in the theory of flight, air traffic control, aviation engineering, rescue fire, meteorology, aviation human factors, aviation careers and heaps of fun. This could be the start of a career in aviation. The school is heavily sponsored by the aviation industry; you will not get better value anywhere else. In excess of $20,000 in prizes, some worth nearly $2,000 for students to continue flying, are presented at the Awards Dinner.
Scholarships to attend the school are also available. And yes you can go do Phase One of Venture 2010 and still go on the Walsh. Fee is $1,390 for first year students and $430 for returned students.
Information about the school and the scholarships will go out to all Venturer Units shortly but if you wish to be at the top of the list all the information and the application forms are available at scouts.org.nz/walsh
walsh@scouts.org.nz

Canoe School

17th – 23rd January 2010
(School Holidays) – Whanganui River
The School is designed to offer Scouts 13+, Venturers and Rangers 14+ the opportunity to learn the technical skills required to master the elements of canoeing. Rovers and Leaders may also attend, but preference is given to youth members. The School is initially based at Taumarunui for a few days training before proceeding down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki, covering 145 kilometres and shooting 197 rapids. Its tough but its awesome.
No previous canoeing experience is required but you must be able to swim confidently in clothes and lifejacket.
Start thinking warm weather, canoeing, mud fights, great scenery, something you should not miss. Check out scouts.org.nz/canoe Fee will be approximately $250.
canoe@scouts.org.nz

RUAPEHU SCOUT LODGE

There are a small number of weekend bookings available for the ski season and more weekday bookings for families and others after some adventurous R & R away from the office all at a low price of $40.50 per person per night including cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Time to start thinking about booking the lodge for Summer now!!

Check out scouts.org.nz/ruapehu for more information about the lodge and what bookings are available. Also visit mtruapehu.co.nz to check out the latest conditions and up to date weather forecasts before you hit the slopes.

19th New Zealand Scout Jamboree

If you are not aware the Jamboree dates are 29 December 2010 – 6 January 2011 and the venue is the Mystery Creek Event Centre in Hamilton. The first newsletter will be issued in the next two weeks, but to answer a couple of questions that are arising here are some date/timelines for you:
Theme – will be announced early September 09
Fee will be announced in early December 09.

Any queries please email the Jamboree Manager richard@scouts.org.nz

International

Sea Scout Centenary.

Members of the World wide Family of scouts met over the weekend in St Andrews to celebrate 100 years of sea scouting. Scouts from as far afield as New Zealand the USA and Ireland joined local sea scouts and scouts to celebrate the event. The reason St Andrews was chosen is because Warington Baden Powell, eldest brother of Lord Baden Powell who founded the section in 1909 is buried in his wife’s family plot in the Eastern Cemetery at St Andrews.

The celebrations began with morning worship in Holy Trinity Church where the minister Cameron Harrison began by welcoming the distinguished guests, including the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, Margaret Dean.

Roy Masini sea scout historian was invited to give a brief introduction to Sea Scouting to set the background to the day. The service had a suitable nautical theme and the Rev Harrison in introducing his sermon explained that he took his inspiration for the sermon from Jerome K Jerome’s book Three Men and a Dog (not forgetting a dog called Montmorency). He turned it round and entitled his talk Three Boats and a Man (not forgetting a disciple called Peter).
Three readings illustrating how boats and the sea were part of Jesus ministry were given by three scouts from New Zealand, St Andrews, and Ireland.

After church the celebrations moved to the 8th Fife St Andrews Scout Hall where everyone enjoyed a buffet Lunch. A video message from Michael Baden Powell grandson of the founder Robert Baden Powell was played and three young people received awards. The Lord Lieutenant presented Thomas Ansell Burt with his Queen Scouts Award and in doing so took the opportunity to thank leaders of all voluntary organizations; especially the scout association for the time and energy they give to assisting young people achieve all that they can.
Lt Commander David Griffiths RN Staff Officer Scouts then presented Hamish Thorpe formerly of 1st Onerahi now Shackleton Sea Scouts l from Whangarei North Island New Zealand with his Chief Scouts award and Derek Colley Regional Commissioner for east Scotland Region presented Callum Sinclair from St Andrews with his Chief Scouts Gold Award.

After lunch they were joined by Sir Menzies Campbell MP and Frances Melville Provost for a short wreath laying ceremony at Warington Baden Powell’s grave in the eastern cemetery. A minutes silence was held marked by two young sea scouts from Limekilns sounding “the still” and “ carry on” on bosun’s pipes .

Wreaths were laid on behalf of Scottish Scouting by Eleanor Lyall Chief Scouts Commissioner . Several scouts then laid wreaths on behalf of North East Fife Scouts and New Zealand Sea Scouting , a special wreath was also laid for Warington’s wife Cecilia (Hilda) who was born in New Zealand but whose family originated from Brownhills St Andrews.

The day was designed not to be a sombre occasion but to be full of fun and celebration. Undoubtedly one of the lasting benefits of the day will be the friendships made across the world between the young people taking part many of whom exchanged contact details so they could keep in touch.

Many of these young people are already planning to meet again in New Zealand, so they and their leaders better be prepared for a lot of work planning and fundraising over the next year or two but as this and many similar events and jamborees have shown throughout the last 100 years nothing is impossible if the scouts themselves are determined that it should happen, then usually it does.

Sweden

You may have heard a buzz… the 22nd World Scout Jamboree is approaching. We’re going to Sweden! Wahooo!

Following the roaring success of the Kiwi contingent to England in 2007, we’re now calling for youth and adults to join us on the fields of Rinkaby, not far from the town of Kristianstad, in the south of Sweden.

When? The actual event is 27 July to 7 August 2011 but of course we have to gather as a contingent and travel. Plus (depending on numbers) we hope to experience a bit more of Europe while we are there. Obviously, details like this can’t be sorted until we know how many people want to attend!

Who? If you are a youth member born on or between 25 July 1993 and 27 July 1997, you fit the age-range to participate.

If you are a warranted leader (born on or before the 24 July 1993) you can put your hand up to be either a) part of the Troop/Contingent team, or b) International Service Team. Note – these numbers are limited by the Swedish organisers so a selection process will be followed.

How much? You guessed it… an experience like this is an investment. Best-guess at this early stage is $8-10,000 per person.

What are the next steps? Simple:
Check out http://www.worldscoutjamboree.se/ for a peek at the Jamboree site.
Flick info@scouts.org.nz an email with ‘WorldJam’ in the subject line. Indicate: Your name, address, phone and whether you want to join the contingent as Youth / Leader / IST.
Tell a friend where you are going in July 2011 and convince them to join you!

That email list will get all the up-to-the-minute information as it comes to hand, so make sure you get on it.

It’s going to be an awesome trip with a bunch of very enthusiastic people. Are you one of them?

Stuart Fleming - NZ Contingent Leader

Stuart Fleming - NZ Contingent Leader

BP International House – Special “Scouting Home” in Hong Kong

In order to enable Scout members around the world to discover and enjoy our special “scouting home”, we would like to introduce to you again if you have not yet been to our BP International House, the convenient and modern accommodation inside our own Hong Kong Scout Centre.

The 25-storey BP International House is located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui in the Kowloon Peninsula, close to the lush, calming green of Kowloon Park as well as the convenience of a flourishing world famous business and shopping district. Shopping and leisure opportunities are everywhere. This would be a wonderful choice for your members and their families. We also offer special rates exclusively for scout members worldwide. Please refer to our website www.scout.org.hk/bpih for details.

We would be grateful if you could promote this ideal accommodation and scout home to your members if they happen to travel to this part of the World in the Asia Pacific Region. Should you need further information, please feel free to contact us.

Sailing Team Chosen.

The team to represent New Zealand at the William I Koch International Sea Scout Cup in the USA was decide by a sail off between three teams, one from the New Lynn Sea Scout Group and two from the Lyttelton Sea Scout Group. The sail off was held during The Upper South Island Regional Regatta on Lyttelton Harbour over Easter. After nine races in 420’s there was little doubt as to who were the winners and Amanda Norris and Mike Anderson from the Lyttelton Sea Scout Group will be winging their way to the USA Coast Guard Academy in New London Connecticut in August 2010 to face off against sailors from across the USA and the rest of the World. This is the 5th Koch Cup to be held and New Zealand has the proud record of coming second at every event. Maybe this time we will bring back the cup. We wish them well.

Roger Horton
National Water Activities Adviser.

Volunteer Organisation News

Nominations for the Asthma and Respiratory Achievers Awards close very soon, on 31 August, 2009.
Do you know a kid or an adult who has asthma or some other respiratory illness who achieves things in their life through a positive attitude, despite their illness?
This special person might be a fellow cub, scout, venturer, whomever.
Well, you can give them a pat on the back!

The Asthma Foundation’s Achievers Awards celebrate people like this. Here’s a great opportunity to big up someone who, for example, is right into their scouts, music or sport, does well at school or shows great leadership, has an interesting hobby or participates a lot in their local community. It might be someone who simply puts a smile on the dial of everyone they meet. Eight Supreme Achievers will have transport, meals and accommodation paid for themselves and a friend to travel to Wellington in November to be presented with a special award by the Governor-General.

You can make a nomination on the Asthma Foundation website or download a nomination form from the website If you want to send in your form via post, the Foundation’s postal address is PO Box 1459 Wellington 6140.