Edition 5 - Scouts Australia NSW

Transcription

Look Wide Ed 5 v3:Scouts Australia
22/9/10
3:16 PM
Page 1
Scouts Australia
New South Wales Venturer Publication
Edition 5 September 2010 Issue
The Queen’s Scout Award
Good School Photography 02 9672 7400
In Look Wide this edition
Listing of Queen’s Scouts
................................
Importance of Scouting in Modern Times
....
2
Wild Dayz: Design a Badge to Win! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3
Near Death Experience: Savannah McGuirk
.......
8
Scouting or School? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
History of the Queen’s Scout Award: Part 3 . . . . . . . . 9
My Dragonskin by Amanda Griffin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
State Venturer Scout Council Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Wild Dayz: Applications Now Open
State Venturer Calendar
..............
6
.......................................
11
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Page 2
Congratulations to
Queen’s Scouts
Jennifer Lucy Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Austinmer
Matthew Kwaku Romeo Kusi-Appauh . . . 1st Austinmer
Nicholas Whitelaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Austinmer
Erica Victoria Barlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Blaxland
Joseph Anthony Gleeson. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Blaxland
Julian Charles Watson Stewart. . . . . . . . . 1st Brush Park
Luke Upton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Budgewoi
Nathan Peter Zaremski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Bulli
Daniel Stephen Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Oatley Bay
Kristy Maree Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Teralba
Kathleen Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Waitara
Ryan James Loney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Wearne Bay
Savannah Louise McGuirk . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Yass
Nicholas Wirth Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Gordon
Matthew Stanley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Gordon
Daniel Seddon-Powell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goulburn
Matthew James Albert Gibb . . . . . . . . . . Maryland-Shortland
Elisabeth Frances McLaughlin . . . . . . . . . Normanhurst
Page 2
LOOK WIDE » EDITION 5 » SEPTEMBER 2010
22/9/10
3:16 PM
Page 3
The Importance of Scouting in Modern Times
from Michael Baden-Powell (Grandson of BP)
Considering the improbabilities and background
behind the commencement of the Scout and Guide
Movements, I have never ceased to be amazed that our
great Movement ever got off the ground at all. From
that simple acorn planted on Brownsea 100-plus years
ago the great oak tree of Scouting grew rapidly,
spreading its many branches across the seven seas to
the extent that it has now grown to 216 Countries with a
membership estimated at some 28 million; add a
further 10 million Girl Guides and it makes our total
membership impressive in any person’s language.
The essential point about the Movement is that the
destruction and terrible carnage of war gave birth to
what can be arguably claimed as the greatest peace
Movement in the history of human endeavor. The Scout
and Guide Movements are without question the World’s
largest youth organisations. The often overlooked gem
of Brownsea is the fact that it was at the time one of the
greatest Social experiments of the 20th Century, which
in concept was to examine human behavior specifically
amongst young people.
Recollecting who went to Brownsea my grandfather said
“I took a selection of boys, some from the east end of
London, some from such schools as Charterhouse, Eton,
Harrow and everywhere in between, and I mixed them
up like plums in a pudding to test the techniques of
Scouting. I started to publish more program ideas based
on my experience in the Army firstly, concentrating on
the army style of self discipline, self defence,
independence, team work and morality”.
Having read the fortnightly publication, “Scouting for
Boys”, young men formed themselves into Scout Patrols
and followed the instructions contained within the
pamphlets on the basis that B-P talked about – the need
to learn the art of “how to lead and be led”, hence the
high emphasis placed on what we refer to as “the Patrol
system”. B-P often said “it is essential that we work
together as a team to get the job done”. These early
Scouts recruited school teachers and other local
principals to become their Scout Leaders, and thus
began the first Scout Troops.
As a B-P, my own thoughts about Grandfather are
simple: he had a dream of making this a better world by
creating an environment to enhance future prosperity, by
establishing a sustainable and lasting peace amongst
peoples of the world irrespective of colour, class or
creed. B-P, a highly decorated Soldier, served his country
in many parts of the world notably in India, Afghanistan
and South Africa. He recognised the futility of war and
had seen what war could do to people. B-P believed to
make his dream a reality, it would be most effectively
achieved through young people using Scouting
principles. During his research into human behavior, B-P
found that older people generally tended to hold a
more traditional style of thinking; harboured stronger
and pre-conceived ideas on a wide range of topics, like
the holding of grudges,
colour prejudices within
the human race, and
political values; and thus
lacked the ability to
effectively communicate
with
one
another.
Young people have
none of these hang ups
and therefore they
communicate far more
freely and effectively
with
one
another
irrespective of colour,
country, class or creed.
B-P reasoned that if you want to achieve world peace
you won’t get it through the politicians of this world, but
you stand a better chance of accomplishing this ultimate
goal through young people. Thus he reasoned, if you
can get enough young people together on a regular
basis, world peace is achievable; hence he developed
the idea of World Jamborees, and history tells the story.
B-P believed in his dream passionately to the extent that
he possessed the unique ability to communicate those
ideas to others with devastating effect. As a result, he
was able to enthuse and attract many millions of people
from all walks of life and from all parts of the world into
the Movement very successfully. Simply put, he caught
their imagination with an idea and they followed. In
short, he saw a social need and created a practical
answer to the world’s problems as he perceived them
through the principles of the Scout Law. Yes, B-P knew
what he was unleashing on the population of the UK and
the world. It is my belief he never at any time
underestimated the huge potential the Scouting
concept offered. Let us be under no illusions, the need
for Scouting is greater now than ever before. Changing
values and life’s expectations makes our training very
much a part of a young person’s ongoing personal
development. I conclude by leaving you with this one
thought:
“As Scouts and Guides we simply
know the meaning of TRUST,
FRIENDSHIP and we understand
the IDEALS and PRINCIPLES which
our Movement stands for.
With all life’s uncertainties –
just maybe, just maybe, the
Scout left-hand shake has much
to offer the World after all.”
Michael Baden-Powell
Page 3
22/9/10
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5
REPRINTED FROM AUSTRALIAN SCOUT MAY 2010
WITH PERMISSION OF AUTHOR NICK BROWNE AND THE AUSTRALIAN SCOUT MAGAZINE
Page 4
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Page 5
My Dragonskin
Amanda Griffin – 2nd Casino Venturer Unit
Every Year, hundreds of Venturers, Rovers and Leaders
flock to a central location for a few days of fun,
competition and socialising. This even alone is said to
be one of the highlights of every Venturer’s lifetime, and
why wouldn’t it be? You gain experience and friends
while acquiring skills in leadership, hiking, camping and
a multitude of other things.
This was the amazing thing about Dragonskin, even
starting at a disadvantage; everyone was still enthusiastic
and willing to have a go. Getting to the first base we
were greeted with several rather menacing looking
Rovers who had come up with an activity to not only
challenge and teach us, but to entertain them. And so it
was for the rest of the day, hiking then doing bases.
You know Dragonskin has unofficially begun when you
are crammed onto a train with hundreds of other hyped
up, sugar and caffeine filled Venturers. This is when the
fun begins; every stop acquires more people destined
for the same place, all as excited. Some know what
they’re in for but many have never been before and so
they listen wide-eyed as the “seasoned” Venturers and
Rovers fervently tell of their experiences from the
previous years.
The first night we set up camp, the people who had
gone to Dragonskin before eagerly and impatiently
waited for the night activities to start whereas the people
who had never been before cooked their dinner and got
ready to go to bed to get ready for the next day. Then
the music started.
By the time we are close to getting off at the station, the
train is a hive of activity. Lollies have been handed out,
Trail mix is continuously snacked on and meals for the
next few days have been mysteriously disappearing
throughout the trip. If someone isn’t deep in a
discussion with someone, bets are they’ll be eating
something.
We all migrate off the train, collect our maps and move
off to the buses. Most groups are excitedly pointing out
the bases they plan to go to to try and get the most
points, or other Units, like 2nd Casino and Byron Bay are
Fairy Floss, hot Milo,
live bands, fun activities...
Why go to bed?
This went on for two more nights. On the last day of
Dragonskin we all slowly walked to where the closing
ceremony was being held. The smell of sausages
assailed our senses and many cried in relief as they saw
actual, flushable toilets. We all settled down to listen to
the results and 2nd Casino/Byron Bay, two of the furthest
travelling teams, got in at 11th place!
Even if the teams didn’t get a good place
during Dragonskin, they all enjoyed
themselves and were happy they actually
finished it. We all jumped on buses and
travelled back to get on the train back home.
Compared to the way in, there was almost no
sound. Venturers lay stretched out on the floor,
on the seats, on piles of bags and in baggage
racks trying to catch some sleep before they
had to get off. The odd few people found the
energy to wander up and down the aisles but
even they soon settled down. Sugar long ago
consumed, everyone was ready to go home. It
was an amazing experience which most would
go on again without hesitation. In the few days
the Venturers had together, the essence of
Scouting was captured in many forms, the
fun that was had was incomparable and
the riendships formed were strong and
memorable.
trying to get some sleep because their Dragonskin
started a day or two beforehand. Travelling for so long
had taken its toll and the sugar consumed on the train
could only sustain for so long.
Every sane Venturer would agree... Dragonskin is
definitely an opportunity not to miss out on.
My team and I finally came 11th in the game.
Not bad at all!!
Page 5
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Page 6
Applications Now Open!
Wild Dayz
15th Australian Venture
Tasmania 2012
www.wilddayz.com
The 15th Australian Venture will be held in Tasmania
from 3 to 14 January 2012
Applications are NOW OPEN
We want you to be part of the NSW Contingent
heading to Tasmania in 2012
Register online NOW!
Page 6
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3:16 PM
Page 7
Design
a Badge and
WIN!
Badge must include:
Light blue background
Platypus
15th Australian Venture
Tasmania
NSW Contingent
3-14 January 2012
The Badge will be for the NSW Contingent to the
Venture in Tasmania.
Please be as creative as you can!
It can be round, oval, square, or any shape you like.
Closing date for entries is 30 November 2010
Email your design to Warren Batty
State Commissioner Lones
warrenbatty@bigpond.com
Page 7
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3:16 PM
Page 8
A Near Death Experience
Reprinted with permission of Yass Tribune, 30 June 2010
Bowning girl, Savannah McGuirk, has
a lot to smile about these days. She
was recently made a Queen’s Scout;
she can’t wait to get stuck into her
Bachelor of Science degree at the
ANU; and she has had an incredible
recovery from a horrific accident that
could have spelled the end of her life.
The accident occurred in February of
this year, during O Week; the time
when new students arrive on campus
and try to get oriented with their new
learning environment. Savannah was
already ahead of the game – she’d
been taking a chemistry bridging
course on campus over the summer
holidays. Being a very active young
woman, she enjoyed getting to and from campus each
day under her own steam, using pedal power. She shared
the ride with a friend, as far as Manuka, and then they
would split up with Savannah heading on to her family’s
Canberra base in Symonston alone.
Savannah describes the following events in a straightforward, no fuss way, as if she is describing a trip to the
shops. This particular day, she was riding home a little
later than usual. She remembers the road was busier, as it
was getting on towards peak hour. She was a kilometre
and a half from home, travelling on the footpath as there
was no bike lane. At the intersection of Jerrabomberra
Avenue and Hindmarsh Drive, she was making the
crossing when a truck turned the corner and collided with
her front wheel. Her bike was flung in the air and tossed
metres away. Savannah was wrapped around the side of
the truck, her head striking the side mirror with such force
that it knocked the mirror clean off. She recalls being
conscious long enough to tell a woman, who rushed to
her aid, what numbers to call. Beyond that, she
remembers nothing of the next week, as she slipped into
a deep coma.
It was the worst possible time for Savannah’s family, who
didn’t know firstly if she would wake up, and secondly if
she would have permanent brain damage. The accident
had caused Savannah’s brain to shift inside her skull. It had
also caused serious bleeding on her brain. All that week in
the Canberra Hospital ICU the doctors debated whether
to operate or ‘wait and see’. She surprised them all by
waking up on the eighth day. From then on, Savannah’s
recovery has been at almost break-neck speed. It was
anticipated that she would take 12 months to recover.
Doctors warned Savannah’s parents that she would need
time to regain her balance, her short-term memory, and
her high level cognitive reasoning – otherwise known as
problem-solving ability. But when the Trib met Savannah,
there was no apparent difference between her and any
other vivacious young woman her age.
Page 8
Savannah has a wonderful outlook on
life and isn’t going to let a little thing
like a near-death experience slow
her down. During her recovery time in
hospital, she was initially confined
to bed but Savannah found this
incredibly frustrating and one
evening, when a friend came to visit,
they snuck out and did a lap of the
hospital car park. “No-one told me
off,” Savannah said, and from then on
she got up each day. As time passed,
she got more and more impatient
with having to stay in hospital. She
was desperate to go home but was
thwarted by a memory test that a
doctor performed on her each day.
“He would ask me stuff like ‘What day
is it?’ and ‘Who is the Prime Minister?’, and then he would
show me three picture cards out of this little pile. The next
day I would have to remember which three he showed me
but I kept forgetting. You had to get it right three days in a
row. It was so frustrating. I told him I could tell him every
card he had in the pile, but it was really hard to remember
exactly which three he’d shown me the day before!” But
eventually Savannah’s actions convinced medical staff that
she would be better off at home. She had taken to
sleeping in the patient’s lounge to get some peace and
quiet at night. “One lady (in my room) had her TV going
24/7. And then the orderlies would be bringing people in
and out. I could never get any sleep,” Savannah said.
Apart from her new short hair-do there is little to give
away the trauma Savannah experienced – certainly not her
attitude. She is not even sorry that she missed out on
starting university with her friends. “I’ve been going to
lectures for the past couple of months,” she said, excited
that she’s got a head-start now for when she does begin
in July. Savannah’s Mum, Kathy McGuirk, is amazed at the
speed of her daughter’s recovery. “Her personality seems
to be stronger, if anything,” she said. She is not concerned
that Savannah wants to get straight back into her uni
degree. “The doctors have told her that she should put
herself under pressure.”
When the Trib asked Savannah if she thought the accident
had changed her at all, she took a moment to think before
responding: “I’ll keep in contact with more people”.
During her stay in hospital, she was overwhelmed by the
number of visitors she received, many of them people
who knew her through the Scouting network. “I had no
idea I knew so many people!” she said. She has clearly
been touched by the care and support of so many friends,
and is grateful for the role Scouting has played in her life.
“I’ll always be involved in Scouts,” she said. “No worries!”
Photo supplied by
Karan Gabriel, Yass Tribune
22/9/10
3:16 PM
Page 9
The History of the Queen’s Scout Award
The New South Wales Branch
September 2001
Part 3 of 3
...continued from Look Wide Edition 4
Prior to 1947 King’s Scouts were recognised by the
award of a badge by Imperial Headquarters in London.
No records appear to have been kept of the names of
any NSW awardees, or if they were, the UK Scout
Association has advised that all records would have
been destroyed in the Second World War.
In 1947 His Majesty King George VI authorised the issue
of a special certificate to each Scout who had gained the
badge. The badge was sent out as a gift from the
Association for local presentation, however certificates
were to be held for official presentation as often as
required.
The first presentation ceremony conducted by the
NSW Branch occurred on 20 February 1949, involving
26 boys who were presented with their King’s Scout
Certificates by His Excellency the Governor and Chief
Scout of NSW, Sir John Northcott at Government
House. The Chief Commissioner of the day was
Major E A “Pop” Lloyd.
The Branch was always indebted to the Chief Scout
for the keen enthusiasm he showed at these
functions and in particular his message to the
boys: “Having gained the King’s Scout
Badge by your hard work, do not now fail
to go back and stand as an example to
your younger brother Scouts.”
His Excellency usually entertained the
boys at afternoon tea after the ceremony.
His Excellency also commented at the fifth
investiture to 50 boys on 15 March 1952, “that this would
be the last ceremony at which the Royal Certificates
would be signed by His late Majesty King George VI.”
With the accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to
the Throne, the time-honoured rank of King’s Scout
became Queen’s Scout. The 6th Investiture, on 26 July
1952, was a unique occasion for the 32 Senior Scouts
and Scouts over 15 who were the first in Australia to
receive their Royal Certificates signed by the Queen.
Since that time the NSW Branch has normally hosted
two Queen’s Scout Presentations annually – mostly on
the parade ground at Government House. On a few
occasions wet weather has caused the ceremony to
be conducted indoors at Government House, or at
alternative city venues such as the Conservatorium of
Music or St Stephens Uniting Church in Macquarie Street.
In the early years, after the investiture ceremony, the
Queen’s Scouts and Commissioners proceeded to the
Baden-Powell Training Camp at Pennant Hills for a
weekend of camping and visits to Sydney attractions.
The 7th Queen’s Scout Investiture was held at the
4th Australian Jamboree 1952-53 at Greystanes. On
4 January 1953, the Governor and Chief Scout of NSW,
Sir John Northcott, presented to 56 Queen’s Scouts
certificates signed by Her Majesty the Queen. After the
ceremony “the Governor and Queen’s Scouts were
entertained to tea in the Camp Chief’s mess”.
In most years from 1965 to 1994 the Ceremony was
followed by a formal luncheon hosted by the Chief
Commissioner at a city venue, however due to declining
attendances these are no longer held.
The average number of King’s Scout and Queen’s
Scout awards made each year since 1949 is 188.
Baden-Powell Awards to Rovers have also
been regularly made at Queen’s Scout
Ceremonies, and occasionally awards
for Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct
have also been presented.
The largest ceremony held so far was on
14 September 1973 when 310 Queen’s
Scout and five Baden-Powell awardees
qualified to attend. Sir Roden-Cutler VC, AK,
KCMG, KCVO, CBE was the Governor and Chief Scout
of NSW for this and for all ceremonies between 1966
and 1981.
The very special 100th Ceremony [was] held at
Government House on 20 October 2001 with 46
Queen’s Scouts and two Baden-Powell awardees having
qualified to be presented with their certificates.
The total number of Queen’s Scout and King’s Scout
certificates presented in NSW since 1949 is 11 123. The
Branch also has records of 407 Baden-Powell awards and
60 awards for Gallantry or Meritorious Conduct. (Figures
as of 21 September 2010).
Page 9
22/9/10
3:16 PM
Page 10
NSW State Venturer Scout Council
State Commissioner Venturer Scouts
Charles Watson
02 4992 3688
Asst State Commissioner Venturer Scouts
Mike Bearryman
02 6566 7632
0418 238 507
Andrew Millen
0418 650 735
Rick Gomez
0407 277 436
Greater Western Sydney
Aaron Wardle
0421 076 497
Hume
Luke Bartley
0421 134 187
Hunter and Coastal
Phillip Murphy
02 4328 3247
0418 675 406
North Coast
Ian Hale
02 6681 6706
0416 253 545
North West
Cameron Baxter
02 6722 1222
0428 329 622
Riverina
c/– Wanda Whittaker
02 9735 9011
South Coast and Tablelands
Alan Blake
02 4295 1184
South Metropolian
c/– Regional Office
02 9570 4525
Sydney North
Kerry Griffin
0438 239 001
Goldern West
Jim Buchan
02 6337 4161
Lones
Warren Batty
02 6760 7430
0427 607 430
Branch Venturer/Rover Liasion Officer
Alison Maynard
02 9601 1694
0423 530 815
Branch Venturer/Rover Liasion Officer
Mitchell Shaw
0431 218 368
Regions
Page 10
0411 755 571
22/9/10
3:16 PM
Page 11
Venturer Scout Calendar: Sept 2010 to Feb 2011
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
New South Wales Branch
9-13
Cuboree
Greater Western Sydney Region
Canoeing Course
9-10
Region Camp – Waratah
12-14
Canyoning Course
27-28
Region Fun Day on the Water
12
Hume Region
N/A = No Activity
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Hunter and Coastal Region
Initiative Course
23-24
Region Venture
3-5
North Coast Region
N/A = No Activity
N/A
N/A
North West Region
Unit Management
16-17
Youth Helpers
16-17
Narrabri Raft Race
27-28
South Coast and Tablelands Region
N/A = No Activity
N/A
N/A
South Metropolitan Region
Youth Helpers
7
Riverina Region
N/A = No Activity
N/A
N/A
Sydney North Region
Regional Ventureout
13-14
RCV
Abseiling
4
28
Canyoning
7
24
4-5
The Golden West Region
Golden West Venture
20-21
NSW Lones
Week Long Camp – Orange: Lones
25 Sept to 2 Oct
All Sections
25 Sept to 2 Oct
Page 11
22/9/10
3:16 PM
Page 12
Message from Charles Watson State Commissioner Venturer Scouts
The Review of the Venturer Section (which concluded early 2006) confirmed one of the objectives of the Venturer
Scout Leader as: “To strongly encourage the progression of Venturer Scouts to the Rover Crew”, and is
reinforced again in the Venturer Scout Handbook, that the Venturer Scout Leader should “plan the progression of
members into the Rover Section by developing an understanding of the adjacent section”.
At a recent QSA certificate presentation at Government House, fifteen awardees were asked if they had
progressed to a Rover Crew. Only one had done so and the majority had not even been either encouraged or
approached to join a Crew. This is an example of failure of the system.
As you are approaching the final stage of your Venturing experience, please “Look Wide” and go forward in linking with a Crew.
Your experience there will demonstrate clearly whether you continue in Scouting. Let us hope the experience will convince you to
do so. This is my sincere wish.
To all you Assistant Venturer Scout Leaders and Venturer Scout Leaders, get cracking! Don’t wait to be asked by the Rover Crew
for interchange. Use your initiative and approach the Crew, establish firm liaison and ask for Rover help in the visitation program.
This is a sure way of continuing the development of our youth members.
Charles Watson OAM
State Commissioner Venturer Scouts
LOOK WIDE is a publication by the New South Wales State Venturer Council:
The contents are derived from submissions by the Regions, Districts, Venturers and Leaders.
The collation of this publication is the responsibility of Mike Bearryman (Editor) who can
be contacted on 02 6566 7632 or 02 6524 7902, email bearrymanm@aol.com
Submissions can be made either by email or writing to:
Mike Bearryman, Look Wide, 7a Victor Perry Place, South West Rocks NSW 2431
If undeliverable please return to:
Look Wide
Scouts Australia NSW
PO Box 125
Lidcombe NSW 1825
Look Wide
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PP255003/09434
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