Autumn is certainly with us now, especially here in the Highlands with fabulous colours on the trees and the nights definitely drawing in. As mentioned in the September bulletin, the Explorers have had a great summer travelling to many different parts of the globe. Now is the time you will be planning next year’s events and activities and to help with this the SHQ team have been putting together a series of programmes related to our pledge to support Scouting in Malawi. These will be ready in the next few weeks and circulated to all by email.
Young Leaders
Lapwing Lodge are once again hosting a Young Leaders’ weekend which is open to all to attend. You must have done Module A and Module K is not offered. The date of the event is 12th – 14th February 2010 and it is recommended to book early to take advantage of their early bird price of £32. Applications received after 11th December will have to pay £35.
If you are interested then please email either dougaldoesrocks@hotmail.com or warden@lapwinglodge.org.uk, or call Lapwing Lodge on 01505 812035. Application forms can also be downloaded from www.theexplorerscouts.org.uk or the events section on this website.
GAPP - Global Awareness Partnership Project
As mentioned in the last ebulletin, the 3rd GAPP weekend is being held at Auchengillan Scout Centre over the weekend of 13th – 15th November 2009.
We are already over half way to filling this event and Auchengillan can only take 60 people. If you are interested in this great and cheap weekend (£10 per person full board), please contact any of the following for further information and application forms.
Again, the more information regarding this event is available from the both www.theexplorerscouts.org.uk, the events section on this website or by emailing me at jennysteven@aol.com.
Wings Jamboree 2009
138 Scouts and Guides from Scotland participated in WINGS 2009, a Jamboree held for Scouts and Guides this summer in the Great Park of Windsor Castle.
The Scottish contingent was amongst 6,000 Scouts and Guides representing more than 40 countries from New Zealand to Canada and Mexico to Ukraine.
The theme of the Jamboree was 'Make A Difference' with participants encouraged to do so by raising money for the jamboree's chosen charities and taking part in various community service projects in the local area.
The programme was very busy with plenty to keep the participants occupied such as archery, climbing, caving, craft, circus skills, science projects and inflatable madness.
In the evening, entertainment was provided in each of the six sub camps and on the main stage with various bands, Native American dancers, cultural performances and talent shows being the highlights.
The picture below, taken at WINGS, shows Explorer Scouts meeting DEFRA Minister and MP Jim Fitzpatrick at the event, with whom they had a long conversation about the conservation and environmental work they get involved in.
Scottish Explorer Belt – Poland July/August 09
Presentations are still going on round the country and below are 3 proud Explorers from the 30th Inverleith displaying their certificates and belts to a packed audience.
The Explorers and Network have delivered their presentations at a number of events over the past few weeks. Some have been asked to go to the Group’s AGM, some to a slot in a quiz night, some to specifically organised nights.
Wherever they have given their presentations, the audience has been amazed by what they have achieved. At every presentation I was able to attend, their Leaders have been incredibly proud of their achievements. For many Groups, this is the first time any of their Scouts have achieved this award. Hopefully, the Scottish Explorer Belt event has spurred Groups to plan their own belts in the future.
I would like to see many more Explorers attending the Scottish St George’s Day awards held annually, which the Queen’s Scouts also attend. The Explorer Belt is up there with the best!
Red Rose 2010: 31st July – 7th August
This International event, which alternates between home and abroad, is being held at Great Tower Camp Site in the beautiful Lake District. More information can be found on www.redrose.org.uk.
Jenny Steven
SHQ Commissioner (Explorer Scouts)