February 2010
Happy New Year!
As we start a new year may it be a time to start afresh. Problems that we encountered last year can be put behind us as we move forward. We have learned from them but it is not worth dwelling on. Taking a positive approach to the year helps us to better achieve.
JAMBOREE
Good reports have been received about the Jamboree. Sure we can all find a thing that would have been better but the Scouts had a great time and that is the most important thing.
Once again thank you to all the leaders that attended.
VALE RUSSELL
Sadly I advise that Russell Clark (CSL 2nd Geelong) passed away today (Saturday 30 January) after a long battle with cancer. Russell has been a fantastic leader for 25 years, a leader trainer and a wonderful friend to many. The District extends its sympathy to Helen, and Russell’s family.
COMING MEETINGS
Mon 1 Mindari @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 22 Group Leaders @ Russell St Scout Hall
TO PONDER
“Experience is the teacher of all things.”
Julius Caesar
Could this have anything to do with Scouting’s “learning by doing?”
CONGRATULATIONS
Helen Cervinski (CSL 1st Barwon) and Russell Clark (2nd Geelong) on their wedding at the beginning of January.
Ryan Gibbons (VL) and Megan Quarrell on their wedding in November.
DISTRICT CALENDAR
The calendar was emailed in mid January. Please let me know if you didn’t get it.
Some extra dates may be added later. Pako Festa should be listed as 27, not 20, February.
EXTRA CALENDAR ITEM
Group Leaders have suggested that we hold a Leaders camp. What do you think? Please let me and your Group Leader know your comments about this before 22 February. We could make it at Eumeralla, do a bit of a clean up at the District site, have a nice dinner and socialise.
REGION TEAM
The following appointments have been made to the Region:
Assistant Region Commissioner Venturers – Karen Kennedy (Karen will also continue as Venturer Leader at 1st Hamlyn Heights)
Assistant Region Commissioner Adult Training and Development – Tracey Myers (Tracey will also continue as Cub Scout Leader at 1st Barwon Heads)
The Region Commissioner is acting as District Commissioner for Barwon District, for the time being, following the retirement of Syd Bysouth in December.
DCs CONFERENCE
I attended the District Commissioner’s conference today. Guest speaker was Dr. Michael Carr-Greg who spoke about Resilient ‘kids’ and Scouting – a slightly different presentation from that given at the Region Conference. He listed five aspects to improve resilience:
1. A charismatic adult – eg leader
2. Sense of spirituality – a value system – eg Promise & Law
3. Social and emotional competencies – life skills
4. Positive self talk – flexible thinking
5. Islands of competence – what you’re good at.
He implored Scouting to help to improve this important current issue.
SCOUT MAGAZINE
The February Australian Scout magazine will be out this week and will include the 2010 Info Book for your use.
A copy of the magazine will also be sent to each youth member family and to listed office bearers. This is a trial with the possibility of three such issues during the year. Would you please let me know of any comments received from youth members or parents about this?
NEW REGIONS PROPOSAL
You will read in future Branch bulletins of a change to the metropolitan Regions. Instead of the current three the suggestion is for six. This will allow for development in the new growth areas on the outskirts of Melbourne. Geelong Region is not affected by this proposal.
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210
March 2010
COMING MEETINGS
Mon 1 Mindari @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 22 District Leaders @ Russell St Scout Hall
TO PONDER
Success in training the scout (boy) depends largely on the Scoutmaster's own personal example.
Robert Baden-Powell
CONGRATULATIONS
1st Barwon Heads on the formation of their Scout Troop. They started last week with two new leaders and three Scouts with another three Scouts to start over the next two weeks.
Ben Hodder on being elected Crew Leader for the 1st Otway Foresters Boss Hurst Rover Crew. Thanks Tania Atkins for your past leadership.
WELCOME TO NEW LEADERS
Melanie Scarlett ASL 1st Eastern Park (Try Boys)
Karen Weaver SL 1st Barwon Heads
Michael Shipley ASL 1st Barwon Heads
Damien Peucker ACSL 1st Portarlington
Chris Taberner ACSL 1st Drysdale
Craig Bridger Adult Helper CS 1st Barwon Heads
FAREWELL AND THANKS
Katrina McDonald ACSL 1st Drysdale
Chris Ross ACSL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE
This meeting comprises the Group Leaders, District Leaders, District Office Bearers and Group Committee representatives. At the Christmas break up we thanked and farewelled Jenny Eichler, who has been the District President since I formed the Executive committee. I am pleased that Brad Crabtree has accepted the position of District Chairman, a change in title as requested by the Chief Commissioner. Brad was formerly the Group Leader of 1st Otway Foresters.
EXTRA CALENDAR ITEM
Based on feedback from leaders to Group Leaders we have agreed to arrange a leader’s weekend at Eumeralla in the middle of the year. I will organise a booking and let you know the date.
STANDARDS
One of the roles of District is to look at the standard of Groups. District Leaders undertake regular visits to provide support to leaders, to be seen by the youth members and comment on the standards. Sometimes the comment may be made to the leaders or the Group Leader or to me as District Commissioner. The standards can be to do with program, activities, behaviour, controls, attitude and appearance.
In many newsletters I have talked about the importance of having a program; putting into practise the motto of “Be Prepared.” At the Group Leader’s meeting last week I talked about their Group Growth/Development Plan being their program. The program is designed to guide us and get us prepared with equipment, etc. It’s not difficult and shouldn’t take a lot of time.
Appearance is an equally important standard that we as leaders need to set the example with. Neat clean uniforms and appearance encourage others to do the same. It enthuses parents about their child joining. We need to make sure we have our badges in the correct place before we comment to our youth members about theirs. This may be an “old-fashioned” idea (but then I am old!) but it is a proven approach.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
I look forward to hearing about the involvement of Groups in the various community activities. 1st Portarlington at the Miniature Railway festival; 1st Queenscliff at the Maritime Festival; 1st Barwon Heads at the Festival of the Sea; 1st Drysdale at the Bunyip Festival; 1st Eastern Park at the Whittington Flame Festival; 1st/2nd Ocean Grove with their Field Day.
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210
April 2010
COMING MEETINGS
Mon 12 Mindari @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 26 District Executive @ 1st/2nd Ocean Grove Scout Hall
TO PONDER
“The most important object in Boy Scout training is to educate, not instruct.”
Robert Baden-Powell
CONGRATULATIONS
Patrick Coutin ASL 1st Queenscliff 5 Years Service Award
Lel Shipley SL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove 10 Years Service Award
Peter Wotherspoon RA Boss Hurst Rover Crew 25 Years Service Award
Mike Smith DL Water Activities 25 Years Service Award
Darlene Gerusel ACSL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove Cub Scout Wood Badge
Certificate IV Front Line Management
Certificate IV Leadership
Ryan (AVL District Venturer Unit) and Megan Gibbons on the birth of Samuel David Gibbons.
WELCOME TO NEW LEADERS
Ross Nitz GL 1st Queenscliff
FAREWELL AND THANKS
Jacqui George ACSL 1st Eastern Park
HIGHLAND GATHERING
Well done to members of the District who took part in Highland Gathering in March. Not only did they run a fundraising stall of tea, coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches and pancakes but they also looked after the rubbish bins and erected/dismantled a suspended flagpole. Great PR.
TARGET SHOOTING
Target Rifle Geelong at Breakwater caters for visits by Scout Groups for small bore rifle shooting. It is restricted to people over 12 years of age so would be for older Scouts, Venturers and Rovers. The special requirements for Adventurous Activities would apply. Contact David Knight 0419 157 410 david.knight666@yahoo.com.au if interested.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
Is an international program for young people aged 14 – 25 years. Activities undertaken in Scouting can also be used towards this award. Venturers and Rovers may be interested in this award and can obtained further information from me or from www.dukeofed.org.au
HAPPY EASTER
To all I wish a happy Easter. To those celebrating this special Christian period may it be a time of renewal. To those enjoying the holiday period may it provide you with some well-earned break. To those taking part in Stradbroke Cup camping, thank you for giving up time again for your Scouts. I know many Troops have had lots of camps so far this year and it is really great to see the development of Scouts.
Of course it is also the time when you need to do the planning for Term 2. It’s my time to “harp” again about the importance of planning programs. Our youth members deserve our best effort and that can only happen if we program in advance. Remember to involve youth members in the process – Cub Scout Sixers at a Pack Council, Scout Patrol Leaders at Troop Council, Venturers through the Unit Council.
CUBOREE
Applications are required to be submitted for Cub Scouts by the parents or Group Leader using the on-line system as well as printing the details for signature. The on-line system has been improved since the Jamboree but I am happy to assist if you have any problems.
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210
June 2010
APOLOGIES
It wasn’t that you missed the May newsletter; it just wasn’t produced! A couple of people did ask me about it so I know that some people read the newsletter.
COMING MEETINGS
Mon 7 Mindari Dinner meeting
Mon 28 District Leaders @ Russell St. Scout Hall
TO PONDER
“The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.”
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
CONGRATULATIONS
Neil Cotter Scout Fellowship 25 Years Service Award
Lel Shipley SL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove 10 Years Service Award
Patrick Coutin ASL 1st Queenscliff 5 Years Service Award
Ryan Gibbons – Certificate of Adult Leadership
Ben Hodder (ASL Leopold) and Emma on the birth of Angus Wolfgang Hodder.
WELCOME TO NEW LEADERS
Amanda Rusiniak ACSL 1st Eastern Park
Fiona Topolcsanyi ACSL 1st Queenscliff
FAREWELL AND THANKS
Wil Minett DL ATS
Helen White ASL 1st Queenscliff
Barry White GL 1st Queenscliff
Frank McMahon ASL 1st Queenscliff
Gary Johnson ASL 1st Queenscliff
James Grundell ACSL 1st Queenscliff
Robyn Baylor ACSL 1st Drysdale
Shane Curran ASL 1st Drysdale
SPECIAL THANKS
After 26 years service Wil Minett has retired. Wil started as Assistant Cub Scout Leader at Leopold, then Cub Scout Leader, Assistant Scout Leader, District Leader Scouts and finally District Leader Adult Training Support. He completed a Cub Scout Wood Badge and the Scout Wood Badge. He was awarded the Medal of Merit and the Silver Koala. In recent times he has also acted as the Group Leader for Leopold. We are very appreciative of Wil’s service to Scouting and the contribution he has made to the development of youth and adult members.
FUEL VOUCHERS
Three members of our District were successful in gaining a $50 BP fuel voucher. Thank you to all who did apply. There were about 10,000 applicants for the 5,000 vouchers across Australia.
CUBOREE
We have 31 applicants for the Cuboree so far. Closing date for applications is 30 June so Cub Scout Leaders and Group Leaders please chase up your Cub Scouts now.
RESPECT
I have recently been to a church annual meeting/conference and have seen the meaning of this word (respect) in action. There had been a very upsetting situation in one part of the church. At the start of the meeting it looked like this would have a major effect on the discussions but because of the consensus model of decision making it was possible to talk through the concerns and actions to be taken so that everyone agreed with the result. This required everyone to respect the views of other people even if they did not agree exactly with them.
For us in Scouting respect is a given – it is part of the Law that all leaders promise to live by – “A Scout is respectful.” Is this true? When I was running training sessions about fundamentals I explained that the Promise and Law was a two-way aspect of membership. We are expected to live by the Law and, amongst other things, show respect. But we must also give respect and expect respect. We must be trusted and we must be able to trust others.
Scouting created the Code of Conduct to help us understand how we should act and what other people, including our members, could expect of us. At times we fail to achieve aspects of this. Just like me failing to produce this newsletter last month. Sometimes our actions are at our Best but in other cases it must be as set in the Code.
We must all work hard to be best leaders we can possibly be; to be role models to our youth members; to be great ambassadors. Thank you for doing that in our District.
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210
July 2010
COMING MEETINGS
Mon 5 Mindari @ Russell St. Scout Hall
Mon 19 District Executive @ Drysdale Scout Hall
Thu 22 District Training @ Russell St. Scout Hall
NEW APPOINTMENTS
I am pleased to advise of the following District appointments:
Lel Shipley as District Leader Scouts working with Jim Hunter to support Scout leaders
(5256 1705 fishley@bigpond.com.au)
Scott Laidlaw as District Leader Adult Training & Support (5250 3715 scotliz@bigpond.net.au) encouraging all leaders to undertake training as well as assisting the District Personnel Committee.
TO PONDER
“If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.”WELCOME TO NEW LEADERS
Naomi Watson Adult Helper 1st/2nd Ocean Grove
FAREWELL AND THANKS
Paula Kehoe ACSL 1st Barwon
Guy Krippner Adult Helper 2nd Geelong
CUBOREE
We have 49 Cub Scouts and 14 Leaders/adult helpers attending Cuboree which is great.
DISTRICT TRAINING NIGHT
Our only Training night for the year is on Thursday 22 July at Russell Street Scout Hall starting at 7.30 pm. and is for all leaders. The theme for this night is camping and will include a talk by Ray Weston, Assistant Region Commissioner (Camp Eumeralla). I will have the heaters on and supper will be included.
REGION CONFERENCE
Notice of the Region Conference on Sunday 8 August has been sent to all leaders by the Region Commissioner. The conference is again being held at the Deakin University Waurn Ponds campus. It is free to attend and includes lunch – in return for your participation. I encourage your attendance. Last year’s conference was really successful and you can expect the same again.
REGION NAME TAPES
Region has decided to remove the name tape as a required badge for members. The Region badge (Geelong Nauru) will continue to be used. Groups may continue using existing stock if they wish but no new tapes can be obtained.
WORLD SCOUT $ DAY
Are you planning to do anything for this National project? The request is for each member to raise or donate at least a dollar for Scouts in Africa. This is to take place on or about World Scout Day, 1st August 2010. The “Food for Life” program is where Scout youth members are given a packet of seeds and a Starter book that explains how to prepare a garden bed and grow the food. At Silver level it teaches more about growing food, the type of plants to grow and their nutritional value. At Gold level it teaches them to work up a business plan and barter their crops with others who have different produce, so you can see that this is a ‘help yourself’ type of program where African Scout Members can make a difference to their families and their communities.
THANKS
Thank you to all members of the District who have expressed congratulations to me on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. I consider it a great privilege to be able to contribute to the development of youth and adults in Scouting. Thank you for helping me to do my job
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210
September2009
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210
Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210