[Euroscoutinfo-en] Euro.Scout.Info - Issue 77 - February 2010
Rupert Schildböck
Kandersteg Weekend 2010: Regional Groups and Units Meet to Review Progress Made and Plan the Future
29-31 January 2010 in Kandersteg, Switzerland
For the third and last time in the current triennium, members of all Core Groups and Units of the European Scout Region gathered at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) and worked individually or jointly to review progress made in implementing the different areas of the Regional Scout Plan. The different groups spent considerable time reviewing achievements made during the present triennium with respect to the strategic areas and what work would remain to be done before the end of the current work period. The participants spent one half day of the weekend discussing matters related to the forthcoming 4th European Scout Symposium (March 2010, Budapest), the 20th European Scout Conference (July 2010, Brussels) and the 13th European Scout and Guide Conference (July 2010, Brussels).
On Saturday afternoon WAGGGS colleagues joined the meeting and the different Joint Working Groups discussed the implementation of current regional projects jointly planned and run by WOSM and WAGGGS. The groups then reflected on the main common themes for the joint work for the coming triennium as identified by the joint committee meeting in November 2009: volunteering, growth through quality, and embracing change.
With just a few months left in the current triennium, the chairpersons of the European Scout Committee, Craig Turpie (UK), and of the Europe Committee WAGGGS, Fabiola Canavesi (IT), expressed their gratitude to all members of the various groups and units for their commitment, energy and excellent working spirit which had marked the joint work during the past three years.
A warm thanks to all pinkies at KISC who again guaranteed a smooth running of the sessions and largely contributed to the good spirit and excellent working conditions. They even succeeded in providing beautiful weather, which had transformed the Kander valley into a romantic winter-wonderland!
Areas of Work
Educational Methods
Competence Based Education
Following the Module on Recognition held at the Scout Academy 2008, experts from Scouting Gelderland, a support partner of Scouting Nederland at local level in Gelderland, worked with regional training commissioners of KFUM, Denmark, presenting their work done on developing their Training System using an approach based on personal competencies.
KFUM is currently changing its training system from traditional acquisition of skills to a competence-based concept, so experiences from the Netherlands were of great value.
Two workshops delivered contained issues as:
- The Definition, principles, and characteristics of competence-based education
- The consequences of changing the training system towards competence-based education
- The new role of the trainer
- Guidance in the learning process of the leader in the local group
- The responsibility of leaders for their own learning process.
Workshops were as practical as possible, using card games, questionnaires, and other exercises.
Those interested in getting more information on this interesting issue can contact the WOSM European Region, or directly Jo Peters on j.pe...@scoutinggelderland.nl.
Relationships and Funding
Using International Funds for National and Local Activities
When it comes to European funding one of the main problems for national organisations is that the greater majority of these kinds of funds require international partners and the development of international activities. But some European funds are also available for projects and activities developed at National and Local levels. The European Regional Office identified four funding lines that can be used by NSOs/NSAs for activities taking place at national and/or local levels:
Youth in Action Programme – Action 1.2 “Youth initiatives”
A Youth Initiative is a project initiated, set up and carried out by young people themselves. It gives young people the chance to try out ideas through initiatives, which give them an opportunity to be directly and actively involved in planning and carrying out projects. A Youth Initiative can be also designed at local, regional or national level and developed by a single group in its country. This could be a good way to get funding for Rover or Group projects!
An example: 12 Young people developed a project aimed at giving basic computer skills to children who are obliged to work in the streets. The group cooperated with a local NGO that works regularly with these children.
Based on discussion with the children, the group learned about their situation and asked them what they would like to do; the idea of the computer training was born there. The training in computers lasted three months and the project reached some 70 children.
For more information about this opportunity check http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/index_en.php
Youth in Action Programme – Action 5.1 “Meeting of Young people and those responsible for youth policy”
This funding line supports cooperation, seminars and structured dialogue between young people, those active in youth work and youth organizations and those responsible for youth policy. It can be developed also at National level.
An example: The aim of the project was to organise a 5-day seminar for young people aged from 18 - 25 and for experts and decision-making actors in the field of youth policy. The programme of the event was based on non-formal learning workshops and lectures and was divided into two parts. The morning lectures were given by young people to their 'students' - experts and politicians. The afternoon session were devoted to workshops facilitated by experts and decision-makers about youth policies and the local youth reality. The learning activities were complemented with communication and social games. Through this approach participants were able to confront on various themes. Experts and decision-makers were able to improve their understanding of young peoples' opinions and needs. Vice-versa, young people were able to better understand the dynamics of the decision-making processes having consequences on their life, and they were able to influence, through commonly agreed recommendations, decisions to be taken in
the future.
Further information about this opportunity is available at http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/index_en.php
European Youth Foundation – Category D Pilot Project
A Category D is a pilot project that contributes to the following elements – the format of the activities or meetings is extremely open:
• Help young people, in particular the disadvantaged, to find ways of meeting both the challenges facing them and their own aspirations;
• Encourage new forms of youth participation and organisation;
• Contribute to social cohesion, in particular by combating exclusion and by preventing phenomena specifically affecting young people;
• Adapt and open up programmes and structures to the changes in society.
For further information about this opportunity check http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/youth/fej/Cat_D_priorities_2010_E.pdf
European Youth Foundation – Category D Human Rights Education Pilot Project
A Category D-HRE project is a pilot project focusing specifically on Human Rights Education, as part of the commitment of the Council of Europe’s youth sector to develop awareness, skills and action about, through and for human rights. The projects must be directly related to Human Rights Education with young people and human rights issues affecting young people and be prepared, run and managed by a local association, institution or youth group acting directly with children or young people;
More information about this opportunity is available at http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/youth/fej/Cat_D_priorities_2010_E.pdf
!!! We recommend that you take into consideration Category D and Category D-HRE because they could be developed at national and local level without the need of international partners!!!
If you are interested to receive more information or support please do not hesitate to contact Nicoló, of the European Regional Office’s team in Brussels at npra...@scout.org
Life of the Movement
European Region
José Filipe Sousa, from the Portuguese Scout Association AEP, to Preside National Youth Council (CNJ)
For the first time in its history, the Portuguese National Youth Council (CNJ), will be presided by a representative of Portuguese Scouting. José Filipe Sousa, a young Leader of AEP, one of the Portuguese Scout Associations, was elected as president at the recent General Assembly of CNJ. The election reflects the strong involvement of AEP’s representatives in Portuguese Youth Fora during the last couple of years.
The General Assembly also re-elected Nelson Raimundo, president of AEP, as CNJ’s representative to the Board of the Portuguese Youth Institute (IPJ), the Portuguese government’s structure responsible for the implementation of youth policy.
In his first comments as new president of CNJ, Mr Sousa highlighted the role of CNJ as bridge builder between youth policy makers and the youth movement. Unemployment, labour conditions and work-life balance would be central issues for the Council’s coming work.
(Source: Associação dos Escoteiros de Portugal)
Anniversary Jamboree of Scouting Nederland in 2010
One of the highlights of the centenary celebrations of Scouting Nederland will be “JubJam100”, the anniversary jamboree of Dutch Scouting and Guiding. More than 10,000 Guides and Scouts aged between 7 and 18 years from the Netherlands and many other countries in Europe and from overseas will gather near the city of Roermond on the river Maas for five (Beavers and Cubs) or ten (Scouts) days this coming summer.
Participating Scouts and Guides will build a temporary village where they will live memorable moments and experience a wide range of attractive activities.
Those older than 18 years may join the camp as members of the International Service Staff (IST). A variety of tasks are available in areas like sub-camps, public relations and communication, programme and infrastructure.
For further details about JubJam100 please check information available on http://jubjam100.scouting.nl. Those interested in volunteering as IST should contact i...@jubjam100.scouting.nl.
(Source: Scouting Nederland)
The Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) Awaits you this Summer
Open to Scouts and Guides from around the world throughout the year, the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) has its real high season during the Summer months! Every year, more than 7500 Scouts and Guides from many different countries choose KISC as the destination for their summer camp.
With the recent additions of “Sunneblick” and “KanderLodge”, the choice between different types of accommodation is increased: indoor facilities in a romantic Swiss Chalet or a modern building and of course a large campsite for your tents. A Mini-Jamboree atmosphere is guaranteed!
The offer for activities is even larger: just check out “KanderActive 2010”, the newly released KISC guide listing a vast variety of programme ideas, describing the different facilities and much more. English and German language versions are available on www.kisc.ch. And don’t worry about equipment: you can rent it at KISC!
For bookings and all other questions, please check www.kisc.ch
(Source: KISC)
Short Term Staff Opportunities at KISC
Become a “pinkie” and live the experience of your lifetime! Applications as member of KISC’s short-term staff opportunities for Autumn 2010 are welcome and should be received at KISC by 15 June 2010.
In order to be eligible as a KISC staff member, you must be a Scout or Guide registered with a National Scout Organisation recognized by WOSM or WAGGGS; you must be at least 18 years old (on the day of your arrival), and you must be able to communicate in English. KISC offers you adequate training, free accommodation and full board as well as the opportunity to help running one of the World Scout Centres!
For all details and background stories about life as a pinkie check www.kiscstaff.com. This is also the website where you will find the application form.
(Source: KISC)
Austrian Jubilee Jamboree Celebrating 100 Years of Austrian Scouting and Guiding this Summer
More than 8000 Scouts and Guides between 10 to 20 years old from around the world will gather for “urSPRUNG”, the Jubilee Jamboree of the Austrian Scouts and Guides (PPÖ) in the grounds of the Laxenburg Palace outside Vienna in August.
The campsite area offers a large variety of outdoor activities and its close vicinity to Austria’s capital city Vienna will allow alternative programmes discovering its urban jungle.
Deadline for registrations is 15 March 2010. Those interested in joining the camp as member of the international service staff (IST) should consult relevant information available at www.ur-sprung.at/en/staff/informationen.
For further details check www.ur-sprung.at/en.
(Source: PPÖ, PPÖ Brief 4/09)
Lëtzebuerger Guiden a Scouten (LGS) Co-organise fifth International Youth and Heritage Camp in Stolac (BiH)
The Luxemburg Guides and Scouts (LGS) are again partners of the International Forum Bosnia this Summer when they both will be co-organising “Ćuprija 2010”, the fifth International Youth and Heritage Summer Camp (IYHSC) in the city of Stolac in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The NSO of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Savjet izviđačkih organizacija u Bosni i Hercegovini, is also part of the organising team.
The aim of the camp is to build tolerance among young people from different backgrounds by instilling in them a greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity and plurality of world cultures, particularly those present in Europe. Approximately 70 young people will be participating, with half of them coming from Stolac and other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the remaining coming from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Luxemburg and other countries in Europe and beyond.
Supporting staff from the two organising partners and a faculty of international specialists in cultural and religious dialogue as well as heritage preservation and promotion will ensure a lively and interesting encounter. The programme offer will include seminars, fieldwork, practical activities as well as recreational and social events. The 2010 camp will particularly focus on the understanding of identity under conditions of European integration, the various forms of globalization and the reaction to them.
For further information and registration details contact if_b...@bih.net.ba or the Luxemburg Guides and Scouts (LGS) at www.lgs.lu.
(Source: IYHSC 2010 announcement)
Paolita and Paul Join Forces to Strengthen Rights of Children and Young People
The 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and 45 years of partnership between the two associations led the Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg (DSPG) and the Asociación de Scouts de Bolivia (ASB) to join forces once again: DPSG’s national project (Jahresaktion) in 2010 will focus on the realities of the rights of children and young people in both countries.
Paul, representing DPSG, and Paolita, from ASB, will help members of both associations understand the cultural differences and diversities. Specific projects aim at getting to know realities faced by children and young people in Germany and Bolivia, which corresponding provisions of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child address them on how those rights might be applied.
A number of merchandising products have been developed by DPSG and will promote this activity throughout the association. For further information check the project’s website at www.dpsg.de/aktionen/jahresaktion2010/cms/
(Source: DPSG, mittendrin 4/09)
Spanish Red Cross Includes ASDE’s “Intercultural Camp” in New Handbook on Best Integration Practices
“Intercultural Camp”, a project developed by Federación de Asociaciones de Scouts de España (ASDE) developed in 2007, which aims at reaching out to children and young people with immigration background, has been included in a new handbook published by the Spanish Red Cross featuring best practices of integration programmes.
More than 6,300 young people from 42 countries have participated in “Intercultural Camps” during the past three years and joined different integration activities organised by young Scouts. Confronting with and demolishing of existing prejudices and stereotypes, as well as the promotion of intercultural learning are at the centre of the camp’s activities.
For further information, please check www.scout.es or contact Sandra Hernández, International Commissioner of ASDE, at sandra.hernadez(at)scout.es.
(Source: Federacion de Asosiaciones de Scouts de España, www.scout.es)
Asia-Pacific Region
Nepal Scouts and ARP Organises 1st Annual Baden-Powell Scout Peak Climb
To mark the Centenary of World Scouting and the 50th anniversary of Scouting in the Asia-Pacific Region (ARP), a mountain situated in the Ganesh Himal region of Nepal was named after the Founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell, on 14 September 2006.
The 5,890m high Baden-Powell Scout Peak was first climbed by a group of 31 Scouts from different countries to celebrate Scouting’s centenary in Summer 2007.
In collaboration with ARP, the Nepal Scouts have now decided to organize the “Annual Baden-Powell Scout Peak Climb” as a regional Scout activity.
The first expedition will take place from 5 to 17 September 2010. Participating Scouts and non-Scouts should be experienced climbers, trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Successful participants will be awarded a special certificate during the official closing ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 18 September 2010. Deadline for registration for this year’s expedition is 31 March 2010. Cost: USD 850 (not including travel to and from Kathmandu).
More information and reports of previous climbing expeditions to Baden-Powell Scout Peak are available on the website of Nepal Scouts at www.nepalscouts.org.np/?&pg=events&newsid=35
(Sources: ARP, Circular 01/2010; Nepal Scouts)
Interamerican Region
Two Special Presents Mark the Centenary of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA): a Stamp and a Permanent Jamboree Campsite
8 February 2010 was the 100th Birthday of the Boy Scouts of America. Amongst a range of special events marking the centenary of Scouting in the USA, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offered a very special birthday present: a “Celebrating Scouting” stamp was unveiled recently and will be on sale in Summer 2010, with the first day of issue coinciding with BSA’s centenary Jamboree to take place in Fort AP Hill, Virginia.
With the stamp, the role of Scouting and its opportunities for adventure, skill building, leadership, personal development as well as community service was recognized, a representative of USPS said during the unveiling ceremony.
The other birthday present was made possible due to the largest donation in BSA’s history. A 10,600 acre site near Beckley in West Virginia had been identified as the perfect location for realising BSA’s vision of a national centre for Scouting excellence and permanent home for the US National Scout Jamboree. The new campsite will complement the existing three high-adventure bases in New Mexico, Minnesota and Florida, and will help meet the growing demand for new high-adventure activities not offered elsewhere.
(Source: Boy Scouts of America; US Postal Service)
World Scouting
Results of and Follow-Up to WOSM Service Satisfaction Survey 2009
Results of the first WOSM Service Satisfaction Survey have recently been published (cf. WSB-CO Circular No. 2/2010) reflecting the level of satisfaction by NSOs with the services provided by WOSM’s Committees and the World Scout Bureau’s Central and Regional Offices. For the sole purpose of the survey, “WOSM services” had been referred to as comprising “the work of volunteer committee and the World Scout Bureau Central and Regional Offices”.
With a response rate of 20% this first survey constitutes only a baseline against which results of follow-up questionnaires will be measured, WOSM Secretary General Luc Panissod said when commenting the survey’s report. Nearly two thirds of the responding Official Contacts of NSOs had rated their level of satisfaction with at least seven on a scale of ten (10 = “very satisfied”).
The Central Office has now launched a first follow-up survey encouraging all recipients to participate and to return their replies by 28 February 2010. Should the Official Contact within your NSO/NSA not have received the initial survey or the follow-up questionnaire please make sure that all relevant information is updated and made available to the World Scout Bureau.
The full report of the WOSM Service Satisfaction Survey 2009 was published as WSB-CO Circular No. 2/2010 and is available at www.scout.org/en/information_events/resource_centre/circulars/2010.
(Source: www.scout.org)
Aktuellt 3 – News Update of the 22nd World Scout Jamboree Sweden 2011
The public relations team of the forthcoming World Scout Jamboree in Sweden has redesigned its news update “Aktuellt”. Issue 3 is now available on the website at www.worldscoutjamboree.se. It features articles on the jamboree programme and introduces more key members of Jamboree Executive Team and Office. Subscribe to “Aktuellt” and be regularly informed about planning progress. You can also follow developments on www.worldscoutjamboree.se/facebook and www.worldscoutjamboree.se/twitter.
(Source: www.worldscoutjamboree.se)
Management of the Region
Rupert Schildböck (AT) and Tim Watson (UK) Reinforce European Regional Office Team
At a brief ceremony held at the recent working meeting of the European Region in Kandersteg (cf. page 1), Rupert and Tim renewed their Scout Promises and received the purple scarf identifying them as members of the European Regional Office Team.
Rupert Schildböck, of Austrian origin but resident in Switzerland since 1998, has taken over responsibilities as “Executive Assistant to the Regional Director” based at the Geneva office. In this newly created position, he will coordinate the compilation and editing of Europak and Euro.Scout.Info. Other tasks are related to reporting, travel arrangements as well as health and safety aspects at the European Regional Office.
Tim Watson (UK) has joined the team in Brussels, until the end of July, and will be working specifically on advocacy for development and cooperation; focusing on strengthening the partnership and coordination between the European and African Regional Offices.
Top 10 Training Event in Budapest
Need to strengthen your Association with specific knowledge on organisational management? Want to know more and share experiences on youth organisations management and organisational sustainability? Then don’t miss the Top 10 in Budapest at the end of April!
The Top 10 is a modular training event and will be held at the European Youth Centre of Budapest from 28 April to 2 May 2010. Please remember that the deadline for applications is Sunday, 28 February. Invitation and application form are available on the Europak-online website. Travel grants up to a maximum of EUR 200 per participant are available upon request.
For any questions, clarifications, comments please contact the Europe Office WAGGGS at eve...@europe.wagggsworld.org.
Reminders and Deadlines
Follow-up Questionnaire to WOSM Service Satisfaction Survey
28 February 2010
Top 10 – a Pick ‘n Mix Training Event
28 April – 2 May 2010, Budapest, Hungary
28 February 2010
Overture Network Meeting
19 – 21 March 2010, Luxembourg
1 March 2010
North-South Network Meeting
19 – 21 March 2010, Porto, Portugal
1 March 2010
Agora 2010
22 – 25 April 2010, Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland
26 March 2010
Growth Network Meeting
30 April – 2 May 2010, Budapest, Hungary
30 March 2010
Useful Information
Web www.scout.org/europe
Europak www.europak-online.net
Stay in contact
World Scout Bureau
European Regional Office
Switzerland
P.O. Box 327
Rue Henri Christiné 5
CH-1211 Geneva 4
Tel: (+41 22) 705 11 00
Fax: (+41 22) 705 11 09
Email: eur...@scout.org
Belgium
Avenue de la Porte de Hal 38
BE-1060 Brussels
Tel: (+32 2) 534 33 15
Fax: (+32 2) 534 16 54
Email: eur...@scout.org