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January 2010 promises to be an exciting month for Scouting!

Some 14,000 Scouts, Venturers, Rovers and Leaders will be on the move in January, either attending the Australian Jamboree (AJ2010) at Cataract Park near Sydney, or in New Zealand at the 11th NZ Venture near Wellington.

However, we as Leaders face a daunting task. After surviving either a Jamboree or a Venture we must return to work and to a new Scouting year and manage the anticlimax as our Scouts and Venturers “come off a high”. How can we possibly compete with the offerings and experiences of major events such as these in our normal Section and Group activities? We can’t – however, we can manage their expectations by being prepared with some adventurous activities that are within our reach. (Read more)

The year that was...

We can look back with a great deal of satisfaction on 2009. Our youth numbers grew overall by 7.2 % whilst unaided public recognition as the leading youth organisation reached 27%. However, most significant was the 3.5% increase in leaders, most of these gained from the parents of the youth. Parents continue to be our major source of Leaders but we constantly struggle to get them trained adequately and in a timely manner. (Read more)

2010 – The Year of Training?

Paul Parkinson, National Commissioner Adult Training and Development, and MindVision Interactive have been working steadily over the past 12 months, thanks to funding from the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, to produce a series of online/DVD training videos that will reduce the requirement for some face to face training and thus provide more flexibility in the delivery of training. (Read more)

I look forward to seeing many of you at AJ2010 and wish you a happy and blessed Christmas. Thank you for your contribution to Scouting in 2009 and I trust that you are able and willing to continue your valuable service in 2010. 

Reg Williams
Chief Commissioner of Australia
chief.comm@scouts.com.au

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Three exciting projects... and your Group can be a part of them!

At the recent National Executive Committee meeting in Brisbane, three important projects were discussed.

The first was the near completion of the 100th Year Scout Water Tank project, where 1099 Scout Halls and around 200 Campsites have had water tanks already installed.

The second project discussed was the establishment of a test site for solar panels on the 1st Baden Powell Park Scout Hall at Mt Eliza in Victoria.

The third project was “World Scout $1 Day” (01-8-10) where each Australian Scout member will be asked to raise at least a dollar between now and 1st August 2010. The proceeds of the fundraising drive will be sent to the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) headquarters in Geneva and then distributed to the African Region to keep the “Food for Life” project funded. (Read more)

David W. Jones OAM, FCA
Chairman, National Executive Committee
nec.chair@scouts.com.au

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AJ2010 – Test Your Limits

Whether youth member or Leader, Jamborees are a unique event. They are Scouting at its best, a fantastic experience that everybody should enjoy. Although fun and a great social experience they are really the ultimate training tool to put into practice everything we are about. (Read more)

After AJ2010

Jamborees are life changing experiences – which means some Scouts think that any involvement in Scouting after a Jamboree is an anti-climax and so leave. What is your group doing to ensure this doesn’t happen? (Read more)

2010 – How’s your planning going?

Has your section developed your long term program for 2010? (Read more)

2010 – What’s happening with the national program team?

The program team are busy working on a number of projects for 2010 and beyond to grow Scouting. (Read more)

OzMoot (30 Dec 2010 - 11 Jan 2010)

OzMoot is coming – are you prepared? Rovers from all over Australia and the world will converge on Woodhouse Activity Centre in SA to take part in the ultimate experience – OzMoot! (Read more)

John Clarke
National Commissioner Youth Program
youth.comm@scouts.com.au

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Looking forward to a terrific 2010 as we embark on new initiatives!

Greetings once again for this final edition of E-News for 2009. I think you will agree that 2009 has been a different, most interesting, and challenging year. We have seen a year with such diversity and extremes in our weather, some settling after much economic unrest, and further change.

It was certainly a ‘year of years’, but also one of excitement and reward. The excitement and reward has happened, I’m sure, through all of your endeavours for Scouting across Australia, and we continue to be impressed by the developing professionalism and commitment of our adults and Leaders. Regardless of the experience in 2009, we can look forward to a terrific 2010 as we embark on a number of initiatives to develop and assist our Leaders and other adults in Scouting.

Our national eLearning project – Leader Training – Access for all, is in its final year of development. Work is progressing on finalising the setting up of a number of Modules and associated material. The ‘background framing’ and setup is complete, and after some further testing, a number of modules will be set up for Branches to test. This is expected to occur before the end of this year, thus allowing the remainder of time for the project in 2010 to prepare, test and upload all other modules and sessions. Modules/sessions for testing and upload include: The Cub Scout Award Scheme; The Scout Award Scheme; Fundraising; Managing Conflict; and Negotiation.

Why not make 2010 the year of starting (or even completing) your Diploma? It’s not as hard as you think. (Read more)

Paul Parkinson
National Commissioner for Adult Training & Development
training.comm@scouts.com.au

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So many International opportunities for members of Scouts Australia!

We have never had so many opportunities for Scouts to be involved in International Scouting. For Joeys, Cubs and Scouts why not have an International night at the hall and write a letter for the Pen-Pal Program or organise a JOTA or JOTI link with a group overseas.

For the Scouts, Ventures and Rovers there are many overseas events that you can participate in such as the upcoming World Moot in Kenya, the Nippon Jamboree in Japan, the World Jamboree in Sweden, the NZ Jamboree or the NZ Moot to name a few. More information can be found at www.international.scouts.com.au.

Venturers - applications for the 2010 Scout International Student Exchange Program (SISEP) are now open until 1st April 2010.

Don’t forget to say “G’day” to our fellow Scouts at AJ2010 from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Fiji and Vanuatu, as well as all the many other International Scouts that will be in attendance.

Wanted – a sailing crew to go to the US... represent Scouts Australia on a scholarship event!

Scouts Australia wishes to send a crew of two to represent Scouts Australia in the William I Koch International Sea Scout Cup, which will be held at United States Coast Guard Academy in scenic New London, Connecticut, USA. This 6 day event will be held from 1 – 7 August 2010 and is open to young men and women between the ages of 14 – 21. Individuals or teams are more than welcome to apply to the International Commissioner of Scouts Australia. Scouts Australia will support the team by covering 50% of the costs to attend the event. Apply Now!!

Emma Barker
International Commissioner
int.comm@scouts.com.au

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What a great time for Scouting and the environment!

What a great time for the environment - programs that are successful, plans being fulfilled, positive action. We are moving forward not just in steps, but in leaps and bounds! So what has been happening? Well....

Since June your State Commissioners for the Environment and some others have been busy, extremely busy in fact, as individuals and as a team. So let us start with pats on the back and bravos to all concerned.

Annette Cook (Victoria) – Funding ($375K) for their new environment centre at Gilwell Park. We look forward to the opening – what an effort!

Steve Kingham (SA) – SWAMP. What a tremendous program and what a tremendous attendance by SA Scout section – 600 plus attendees – who missed out?? (Read more)

Gus Lloyd
National Adviser for Environment
environment@scouts.com.au

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2009 - A big year for the National Youth Council!

NYC has had a jam packed year. We have made a few changes to NYC which include reducing our numbers down by five and a few other things; however all the changes are to help improve NYC and in turn Scouts Australia. If you would like to know about these changes in more detail get in contact with me on nyc.chair@scouts.com.au or talk to your Branch Chief Commissioner. NYC has recently had a proposal about badges on our uniform passed however it needs to go through a few more processes before it is fully approved so keep an ear open early next year for information on it.

AJ2010 is not far away and several NYC members will be there, a few of us will be working at the Yakkery so feel free to come down and say hi or have your say about how you think Scouting in Australia should work.

In October the 6th Asia-Pacific Region Scout Youth Forum was held in Malaysia, with five Australian Rovers  representing Scouts Australia. For several days we joined over 100 Rovers from around the Region and discussed lots of different topics including the World Scout Environment Award, Scouts of the World program, youth involvement in decision making at a regional and national level, and many many more.

If you ever want to ask a question about how Scouts Australia operates or would like to make a suggestion contact me on nyc.chair@scouts.com.au. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic and safe New Year.

Jade Elliott
National Youth Council Chair
nyc.chair@scouts.com.au

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NYC Chair Jade Elliott named as a winner in the APR Outstanding Scout Award!

On Sunday, 1st November 2009, the three winners of the Asia-Pacific Region Outstanding Scout Award were announced at the Asia-Pacific Region Conference in Kuala Lumpur. National Youth Council Chair Jade Elliott was named as a winner, alongside Dicky Lam Kwok-Hei of Hong Kong, and Chathura Deshpriya Mataraachchi of Sri Lanka. Congratulations Jade!

Jade was selected as a finalist for the Award in August, based on her accomplishments in Scouting, the positions she has held in Scouting, her academic performance and achievements, community involvement and awards. Following a final round of interviews with a panel of judges at the APR Conference, three of the five finalists were selected as the "Most Outstanding Scouts of the Region".

Jade has been a part of Scouting since 1998, starting with the Nhulunbuy Cub Pack in NT. She became a member of the National Youth Council in 2006 and was awarded the Queen's Scout Award in 2007. While part of the Lones Rover Crew, Jade took part in the 2007 APR Scout Youth Forum and Conference in Tokyo, Japan, and in 2008 took part in the World Scout Youth Forum and Conference in Korea. She is currently the Crew Leader for the NSW Lone Rover Crew.

Photos courtesy of Tan Sow Sung and Dicky Lam.

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Applications open for Senior Volunteer Role
National Commissioner - International, Scouts Australia

The Chief Commissioner of Australia is seeking a dynamic person to lead the International Activities of Scouts Australia for the next three years.

The successful candidate must be highly motivated and have very strong organisational and communication skills. The nature of the position is such that it involves considerable weekend work usually involving travel away from home and occasional international travel. Hence the candidate must be both prepared and available for this type of commitment.

This is a key position in Scouts Australia’s National Team and one that has potential to significantly influence the future direction of Scouting in Australia and its relationship with the Asia-Pacific Region and member National Scout Organisations.

It is expected that the candidate will be available to take up their appointment from 21 March 2010, following the selection process in January and a handover from the outgoing Commissioner, Emma Barker, during February/March 2010.

* See the Statement of Role and Functions at www.scouts.com.au/jobs for more detail.

Applications close on 31 December 2009 and should be directed to chief.comm@scouts.com.au.

Enquiries about the role should be directed to Reg Williams, Chief Commissioner of Australia, on (08) 8308 1262, 0419 970 799 or chief.comm@scouts.com.au.

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The National Youth Council needs YOU!

Are you ready to make an impact on Scouting at a national level?

Scouts Australia’s peak youth representative body is now accepting applications for three-year terms beginning in May 2010. The National Youth Council has representatives from all states and applications are open to any member aged 13-23.

The NYC provides advice and recommendations directly to Scouts Australia’s National Committees and Councils on a range of issues that affect young people in Scouting. Have your say and make a difference!

For more info or to download an application form, visit the Scouts Australia national website.

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Is this special national Scouting activity going to be a part of your program in 2010?

Join Scouts across Australia and be part of the very first Scouts in Action Week, an annual national activity where every Scout from all corners of Australia will be able to participate in programs specifically targeting a skill that Scouts can use in their day to day lives.

All Sections of Scouting (Joey Scouts to Rovers), including Leaders, will be able participate in a range of first aid programs that have been developed specifically for Scouting and which align with each Section’s Award Scheme. Groups will be encouraged to link with their local St John Ambulance Division who will assist by providing training, equipment, and even helping to set up mock emergencies to make the experience as realistic as possible. Groups might even like to invite St John Ambulance members along to a combined camp that has a first aid theme.

How to get involved:

• Plan for your Group to participate in Scouts In Action Week - First Aid from 26-30 April 2010.
• Visit the official website at scoutsfirstaid.stjohnqld.com.au for information about Scouts In Action Week - First Aid, and to download sample programs for each Section.
• Register your Group's participation online at scoutsfirstaid.stjohnqld.com.au.

On 1st February 2010, the finalised programs for each Section will go live on the website, and all registered Groups will receive the programs by email.

35 groups have already registered! We just have 1,677 groups left to register to make this a unique national event.

Check out the website today or visit the display in the National tent at AJ2010.

Scouts in Action Week – First Aid is a concept developed by John Parr, who has 35 years of Scouting experience in Victoria and Queensland. John approached Scouts Australia earlier this year after receiving funding from Vodafone Australia Foundation’s World of Difference Program to dedicate a year of his life teaching 50,000 young Australians first aid skills through St John Ambulance Queensland. From that, the concept of a Scouts in Action Week was created.

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2010 Asia-Pacific Region Scout Photo Contest now open!

Are you a keen Scouting photographer? The 2010 Asia-Pacific Region Scout Photo Contest is now open to all adult and youth Members of Scouts Australia.

The theme for 2010 is “Community based Scouting” and the aim of the contest is to demonstrate how Scouts are increasing awareness and the expansion of Scouting, as well as contributing to and participating in their local communities. For example, photo subjects could include:

• Scouting for and with children in difficult circumstances;
• Everyday Scouting in your local community or neighbourhood;
• Scout Group projects or involvement in the wider community.

Don’t be limited by these suggestions though… use your imagination!

Any youth or adult Member of Scouts Australia may enter the competition. Photos can be hard copy or digital (preferably 300dpi minimum). Entries close on Friday, 22 January 2010, and MUST be submitted through the Scouts Australia National Office.

To submit your entry, visit the Competitions & Awards page at www.international.scouts.com.au and either download an application form to post with your hard copy photo, or submit your digital photo by email.

There will be six prizes: one Gold Prize, two Silver Prizes and three Bronze Prizes. Each winner will receive a plaque, and the winning entries will be used on APR posters in 2011. The six winning entries and six other finalists will be featured in the 2011 APR Calendar.

For more information and to see a gallery of photos that have already been entered, visit www.international.scouts.com.au or contact Shanna Hanson, Scouts Australia Marketing Communications Officer, on (02) 8440 5905 or nat.marcomms@scouts.com.au.

Photo: 'Fire Safety Night' by Claire Roll, 1st Rainbow Joeys & Cubs (VIC)

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2009 McHappy Day fundraising an outstanding success!

On Saturday, 14th November 2009, almost 100 Scout Groups around Australia pitched in to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) on McHappy Day. Most Groups attended a local McDonald's restaurant to help the staff by carrying fundraising buckets around the dining area, but several Groups (including some who don't have a local McDonald's restaurant) also got into the spirit by holding raffles, barbecues, car-washing... and more!

100% of the funds raised on McHappy Day go to Ronald McDonald House Charities' programs to help seriously ill children and their families. Several Members of Scouts Australia have benefited from the assistance of RMHC in the past, and you can read some of their stories on the McHappy Day Gallery at the Scouts Australia website.

Scouts Australia would like to thank each and every Member of Scouts Australia that participated in McHappy Day this year - you have helped make life happier for sick kids and their families! A big thank you also to the McHappy Day Coordinators in each state Branch who worked so hard to make Scouts Australia's involvement in McHappy Day a success.   Photo: 1st Pakenham Cubs - VIC

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What's new on the Scouts Australia website?

The Scouts Australia Online Library has been revamped, and new documents have been added to for Members to download. Supplementary resources for the Fieldbook for Australian Scouting are also now available through the Online Library, and you can always find a wealth of great program ideas and useful resources for each Section.

The National Products & Publications Catalogue has been completely updated with an image and description of each item produced by Scouts Australia. There's a wide range of excellent publications available... take a look, you might be surprised!

The Scouts Australia Institute of Training Program and General Course Information has been updated. Find out more about the training opportunities available to Venturers and adult Members of Scouts Australia.

The website is constantly being updated with new information, so make sure you check in regularly and keep up-to-date with the latest news from Scouts Australia's National team!

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Contact Us Scouts Australia Level 1 Scouts Australia House 8 Help Street Chatswood NSW 2067 Phone: 02 9413 1133 Fax: 02 9413 1177 Email: nat.marcomms@scouts.com.au

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