CONSULTATION FOR THE YOUTH PROGRAM REVIEW
At last we have begun the consultation process for the next part of the Youth Program Review having just advised the State Chief Scout, Heads of Churches/Temples/Mosques etc., Guides Australia and other external stakeholders that there is a proposal to change the Promise and Law amongst other proposed changes in age ranges, program etc.
All members (youth and adults) of Queensland Branch will receive official notification by September 1st 2015 and briefing sessions will be held in all Regions and at Queensland Branch between September and December 2015. All who participate will be given feedback forms to complete and forward to our coordinator and the National Task Force.
23RD WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE IN JAPAN (SCOUTS AUSTRALIA)
At the time of writing this article Scouts Australia will be sending its second largest contingent to the 23rd World Scout Jamboree from July 28th to August 8th 2015. The Queensland Branch is well represented with Leaders and very excited Youth Members.
“WA: a Spirit of Unity” is the theme for the Jamboree. The Kanji Character “和” (WA) embraces many meanings such as unity, harmony, cooperation, friendship and peace. WA also represents Japan and its culture.
The Australian Contingent departs for Japan on July 18th 2015. Troops will enjoy a weeklong tour of Japan before arriving at the Jamboree site. The tour will include major attractions in Tokyo city including Senso-ji (the oldest temple in Tokyo) and the new Tokyo Skytree as well as traditional cultural activities such as karaoke, sumo wrestling and a tea ceremony.
Participants will enjoy the opportunity for adventurous activities including white water rafting, cycling and hiking, including a day trip to Mt Fuji. Following a ride on the Shinkansen bullet train, participants will visit the Big Buddha at Nara, explore Osaka Castle and travel to The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto.
After the Jamboree, participants will be hosted by Japanese families for a period of home hospitality. The Contingent will return to Australia on August 13th 2015. I hope to catch up with many Australians and especially Queensland members when I visit the Jamboree during August 4-8th 2015.
BCORE CHILD MODULE
Approximately 120 Adult Members and Rover Scouts were terminated this month for not having completed the obligatory module BCORE CHILD. The next group of suspensions for the completion of this module for members who joined prior to December 2014 are being sent. They will have one month to complete the module and then they too will be terminated for not complying with a National Policy.
Everyone needs to remember that the Basic Core module WHS and Scouting must be completed by December 31st 2015 or again members will be terminated. It really is very sad that people chose not to comply and as a result this must happen.
DISTRICT APPOINTMENTS
There have been a number of District Leader appointments recently that are outside Policy and Rules.
District Commissioners need to ensure that all District Leader appointments follow the correct terminology (e.g. District Leader Youth Program or District Leader Scouts etc.) All personnel appointed to District Leader section roles MUST hold a current Wood Badge with the appropriate section training and a copy of the current duty statement given to the person prior to appointment. District and Assistant District Commissioners must hold a Wood Badge and if this has not been completed with the Leader of Adults training then that must be completed within 12 months of appointment.
ADULT RECOGNITION AWARDS
96 Adult Recognition Awards have been announced by the Chief Scout of Australia. As is normal practice the Special Service Awards will be presented in the local Region. Queen’s Scout Awards, Baden-Powell Scout Awards, Silver Kangaroos and the National President’s Award at Government House on August 24th and all other awards including Australian Scout Medallions, Gallantry, Chief Commissioner’s Commendations at Queensland Scout Centre on August 30th.
This year Government House is only allowing each recipient one guest which is extremely difficult for most families. Unfortunately this was not able to be renegotiated for this year’s ceremony.