February 2009

Happy New Year everyone!
I hope that you are refreshed and ready again to provide wonderful Scouting to your members.

EARLY NEWSLETTER

This newsletter is issued early as I will be on holidays at the end of the month. I will be overseas from 17 January – 3 February. During my absence any concerns can be directed Jim Hunter (5275 8413 or hhunter1@iprimus.com.au).

PREVIOUS DC

Sadly Andy Dickson, a previous District Commissioner for the old Geelong City District passed away on 8 January. Geelong Peninsula District was formed from Geelong City and Bellarine Districts. Andy had started as Scout Leader at 1st Barwon, then became Assistant District Commissioner Training and District Commissioner, Assistant Area Commissioner Administration and Honorary Commissioner for Geelong. He was a great Scout and friend.

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 2              Mindari                       @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 16            Scout Youth Council
Thu 19             Seeonee                       @ Barwon Heads Scout Hall
Mon 23            Group Leaders                        @ Russell St Scout Hall

TO PONDER

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
Mother Teresa

WELCOME

Mario Car – Cub Scout Adult Support – 1st/2nd Ocean Grove
Rob Chakir – ASL - 1st Eastern Park

CONGRATULATIONS

1st Eastern Park is restarting their Scout Troop in February with Rob Chakir and Kellie Densley as leaders.

Bronny Nieuwenhuis ACSL Leopold – 5 years Service award

 

WORKING BEE

Thank you to the following who helped in a wonderful clean up at St Leonards Scout Hall in December:

Peter and Darlene Gerusel and family, Wayne Simpson, Rachel Ross, Tracey         Myers, Lel Shipley.

 

HIGHLAND GATHERING

Sunday 8th March. The District is operating a stall and is looking for volunteers to help. If you could spare some time please let me know. This is a fundraising effort for the District.

 

CALENDAR 2009

The District calendar is included with this newsletter. Cub Scout District dates are to be finalised at the first Seeonee meeting – so please attend to have your say.

 

FOUNDER’S DAY

The Region Founder’s Day event is not being held now so there will be a District event instead. This will be held on Founder’s Day (Sunday 22 February) at Kingston Park, Adco Grove, Ocean Grove (off Grubb Rd). Commencing at 5.30 pm with a BBQ tea followed by some activities and finishing by 8.00 pm. District will provide sausages and bread and a can of drink for each person. Families should bring other items required. I hope you will organise for your section to attend as we start off a new year.

 

ACTIVITIES

This year culminates with the Scout Jamboree in Sydney next January. Scout Troops will be holding lots of camps to ready their Scouts for this event. Groups will be undertaking lots of fundraising activities to assist participants and the Group. The last of centenary years happen this year as we celebrate 100 years of Scouting in Geelong (then a breather until 2016 for 100 years of Cub Scouting!).

I look forward to hearing about your section and Group activities. I hope that you will take advantage of daylight savings for some night time section meetings outside.

 

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210

 

                                                                                                March 2009

BUSH FIRES

The bushfires bring home to us the risk associated with our activities within the bush and our campsites and in life in general. I hope all sections have made mention of the bushfires with their youth members, recognising the actions to be taken to prevent fires and to deal with them.

We remember those members of the Scout Movement who have lost their lives or their property or family/friends. We also give thanks for those members of the Movement who have helped fight fires or assist in some ways, including members of our District.

As previously advised the money that would have been spent on the Founder’s Day BBQ is to be donated to the bushfire appeal. $300.00 is being sent to the Scout Appeal to be used directly with Scout Groups or members as Branch decides.

Geelong Region made Eumeralla Scout Camp available as needed and has indicated to Branch and the other Regions that any Scout Group affected by the fires are able to come and camp or stay in the buildings at Eumeralla free of charge.

Lastly, I want you all to think about the risks associated with the activities that you conduct. I know that you are doing this but please take this time to think again. Don’t stop activities; just make sure the risks are planned for.

 

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 2              Mindari                       @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 23            District Leaders          @ Russell St Scout Hall

 

TO PONDER

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

          Andre Gide (French writer, humanist and moralist, 1947 Nobel prize for literature)

 

CONGRATULATIONS

Ben Hodder ASL Leopold - Certificate of Adult Leadership and Certificate of Adult Appointment

Daryl Gardiner ACSL1st Portarlington - Certificate of Adult Leadership and Certificate of Adult Appointment

Tania Atkins has been elected as the new Crew Leader for the 1st Otway Foresters Boss Hurst Rover Crew.

Rob Chakir (ASL 1st Eastern Park and Boss Hurst Rover) and Jessica Smith (Boss Hurst Rover) marry at the end of the month. Best wishes to you both.

 

SICK LIST

In December Lyn Sobko, ASL 1st Barwon, spent time in hospital with pneumonia but is fighting fit again.
Also in December Mark McClure, ASL 2nd Geelong, had a heart scare but is recovering now.
Keith Jones, GL 2nd Geelong is still recovering from his heart bypass surgery.
Russell Clark, ACSL 2nd Geelong, is still undergoing chemotherapy.

To all we send our best wishes for good recoveries.

 

FOUNDER’S DAY

Thank you to all who came and helped with our Founder’s Day activity. Every Group was represented by at least one person, although we did not have many youth members. There were 12 activities including billy carts, tyre carry, brick wall building, ladder climbing, orienteering, sling shots, knock ‘em down, ten pins, bocce and frisbee golf.

 

FESTIVALS

Many Groups have been taking part in local festivals or activities which is providing good PR in their local community. I know others are coming up. Some held were:
1st Queenscliff with Benito’s Treasure.
1st Portarlington with the Mussel Festival and Portarlington Expo.
Ocean Grove with the Harmony Festival and their annual Group Field Day.

As I write this I am aware of some Groups taking part in Clean up Australia activities on Sunday. Well done!

 

CUB SCOUT CAMPFIRE

With the fire ban day this ended up as a Singsong. Numbers were very small but thank you to those who attended.

 

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210

 

 

                                                                                                            April 2009

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 6              Mindari                       @ Russell St Scout Hall
Thu 16             Seeonee                       @ 1st Eastern Park, Try Boys Centre
Thu 23             District Training          @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 27            District Executive       @ Barwon Heads Scout Hall

TO PONDER

“Spoon feeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.”

                                                             E.M. Forster
Sounds a bit like learning by doing is important!

CONGRATULATIONS

Robyn Baylor ACSL 1st Drysdale - Certificate of Adult Leadership and Certificate of Adult Appointment

Darlene Gerusel ACSL1st/2nd Ocean Grove - Certificate of Adult Leadership and Certificate of Adult Appointment

Bernard Attard ASL1st/2nd Ocean Grove - Certificate of Adult Leadership and Certificate of Adult Appointment

Shane Curran ASL1st Drysdale - Certificate of Adult Leadership and Certificate of Adult Appointment

Ruth Gilbert ASL1st Drysdale - Certificate of Adult Leadership and Certificate of Adult Appointment

Jim Hunter – DLS - 30 Years Service award

Greg Hollett – GL 1st Barwon – 10 Years Service Award

FESTIVALS

Many Groups have continued taking part in local festivals or activities which is providing good PR in their local community. I know others are coming up. Some held this last month were:
1st Portarlington with the Miniature Railway celebrations
1st Eastern Park with the Whittington Flame Festival
1st Barwon Heads and the Festival of the Sea
1st Drysdale and the Drysdale & Clifton Springs Primary Schools Bunyip Festival

Thank you to those who helped out at Pako Festa and Avalon Airshow. The District and the Venturers ran stalls at the Highland Gathering and also constructed a spectacular suspended flagpole for the organisers – thank you all who took part.

1st Queenscliff invite everyone to visit their stall at the Queenscliff Good Friday Sea Feast. The Group will be trying to cook more than 1000 pancakes to break last year’s record.

FAREWELL

We farewell the following leaders:
Henriette Mair – CSL 1st Drysdale – after 5 years service
Brad Crabtree – GL 1st Otway Foresters – after almost 40 years service

We thank both for their contribution to Scouting and wish them well for the future.

REGION CONFERENCE

Keep Sunday 26 July free for the Region conference. A great program will be presented on the theme “Achieving 1000 using “The Power of Ten”.

REGION DINNER

Tickets for the dinner to celebrate “100 years of Scouting in Geelong” are now available. It will be held at Lyndon Grove Receptions, Grovedale from 7.00pm. Cost is $40 per person for a two course meal with drinks from the bar. There are only 200 tickets so contact Rachel Ross on 5251 1830.

PUNCTUALITY

Are you always punctual? I think I can answer “most of the time.” Why is it important? It fits into our laws as a matter of courtesy. As a leader we have a responsibility to the other leaders, the youth members and the parents to start our meetings on time. This also helps to encourage youth members to arrive on time. It is also important to be punctual as far as finishing our meetings. Parents will understand some of the times if we are late finishing but not always – they want to get home to their television programs or other things. Punctuality can also apply to the completion of administrative tasks. They can be a real pain but serve a purpose. I recently sent forms to some leaders to sign and pass to their Group Leaders for return to me – I am still waiting for some to come. Please help to make your section/Group more effective by starting and finishing on time.

 

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210

 

 

                                                                                                           May 2009

After writing last month about punctuality I must have jinxed myself by being late with this newsletter – my apologies for delay.

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 4              Mindari                       @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 25            Group Leaders                        @ Russell St Scout Hall

 

TO PONDER

“Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
George Bernard Shaw

 

CONGRATULATIONS

Richard Gasior ASL1st/2nd Ocean Grove - Certificate of Adult Leadership and Certificate of Adult Appointment

Scott Laidlaw – 5 Years Service Award

1st Queenscliff Scout leaders for encouraging and assisting Scout Lachlan Thompson to complete the Adventurer (Green) Badge and Cord that was presented last week, with the  Scout Medallion to be presented later in the year. They also achieved getting the Mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe to attend the presentation.

 

FESTIVALS

Well done 1st Queenscliff on cooking pancakes at the Queenscliff Good Friday Seafood Feast. They didn’t break their record but they did a great job.
Also congratulations to 1st Portarlington who had the PR trailer at the Easter Sunday Easter Egg hunt at Bellarine Estate and gained some names for various Groups.

 

UNIFORMS

As previously advised the blue uniform is now the only uniform to be worn. Branch has now given event organisers the right to refuse “entry” to any leader in the old khaki or moss green uniforms.

 

STRADBROKE CUP

Our District had every Scout Troop in attendance at Eumeralla for this year’s Easter competition camp. Thank you to all leaders who attended and helped assess and to Neil Cotter who was the Chief Assessor. The results were:

            1st Barwon/2nd Geelong – Silver
1st Drysdale - Silver
1st Eastern Park – Bronze
Leopold – Silver
Ocean Grove – Silver and two Bronze
1st Portarlington – Bronze
1st Queenscliff – two Gold

REGION CONFERENCE

Keep Sunday 26 July free for the Region conference. A great program will be presented on the theme “Achieving 1000 using the Power of Ten”. The conference is going be held at the Deakin Management Centre at Waurn Ponds – a first class conference facility with great catering. And it will not cost you to attend! This should be seen as an important activity in your year’s program. It is open to all leaders and committee members.

REGION DINNER – 100 Years of Scouting Geelong

Friday 7th August is the date for this dinner to celebrate the start of Scouting in Geelong as a social occasion. It is open to all leaders and committee members and their partners, along with former members. It will be held at Lyndon Grove Receptions, Torquay Rd, Grovedale from 7.00pm. Cost is $40 per person for a two course meal with drinks from the bar. Please contact Rachel Ross on 5251 1830 to get your ticket. Why not arrange to attend with others from your Group.

Volunteer Cinema Day - National Volunteer Week

St Laurence recognises the important role of Volunteers in the Community; in an endeavour to thank Volunteers for their valuable contribution they are hosting a complimentary screening of the movie “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.” The movie is about celebrity photographer Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey) who loves freedom, fun and women – in that order.
Date: Wednesday 13th May 2009
Time: 9.30am at Village Cinemas Geelong.
If you are interested call Volunteering Geelong on 5221 1377 for your free ticket.

What do you call an ant that helps a patrol leader?
An AssistAnt Patrol Leader.

What badge do you earn for getting your ears pierced in China?
Orient Earring.

Why did the fly eat on the tent flap?
It was a dining fly.

Why did the Scout tiptoe past his tent?
He didn't want to wake up the sleeping bags.

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210

 

                                                                                                June 2009

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 1              Mindari                       @ Russell St Scout Hall
Thu 4               Seeonee                       @
Mon 22            District Leaders          @ Russell St Scout Hall

 

TO PONDER

“An important reward for a job well done is a personal sense of worthwhile achievement.”
Unknown

CONGRATULATIONS

Darlene Gerusel - ACSL1st/2nd Ocean Grove – Certificate III in Business and Certificate III in Leadership Support.

Ben Hodder - ASL Leopold – Certificate III in Business.

Lyn Sobko - SL 1st Barwon – Scout Wood Badge, Certificate IV in Business and Certificate IV in Leadership.

Dave Douglas - GL 1st Portarlington – 25 Year Service Award

Brad Crabtree - Australian Scout Fellowship – 40 Year Service Award

Sue Gibbons – Committee 1st Drysdale – 10 Year Service Award

Kristi Gardiner – ACSL 1st Portarlington – completed Introduction course

Shane Werner – ACSL 1st Barwon – completed Basic Common Core course

1st Portarlington and 1st Eastern Park on gaining $500 each from the Woolworths Community grant program.

Rob Chakir – ASL 1st Eastern Park and Wayne Myers for gaining BP fuel vouchers for volunteers. There were 5000 successful people across Australia from 15000 applicants. If you applied and missed out I would be interested to know.

 

REGION CONFERENCE - Sunday 26 July
Guest speaker at the conference will be Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, well-known Melbourne psychologist and spokesperson on youth. He has spoken to a number of Scouting conferences in the past and is a fantastic speaker.
Please, please make an effort to attend - open to all leaders and committee members at no cost. It will run from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds.

REGION DINNER – 100 Years of Scouting Geelong - Friday 7th August

We are hoping to make up a few tables from the District so need your support. Remember that we are not holding our District Dinner this year so that we could support this event. Tickets are limited to 200 so contact Rachel Ross on 5251 1830 to get your ticket - $40 each. It is open to all leaders and committee members and their partners, along with former members. It will be held at Lyndon Grove Receptions, Torquay Rd, Grovedale from 7.00pm.

DISTRICT ACTIVITIES

The Cub Scout Bike Hike to Queenscliff seemed successful with lots of Cub Scouts, Leaders, parents & siblings taking part. I heard a few people had sore backsides at the end.

June sees the Scout Cooking Camp at Eumeralla on 20/21 June and the Cub Scout Bike Mud Bash on 20 June.

ROLE MODELS

As leaders we are in a privileged position of being able to influence the young people in our care. We benefit from seeing them develop skills, behaviour changes and general characteristics. Seeing a smile of achievement from someone who has really had to work at the task is worth its weight in gold. But we must also recognise that we also have the responsibility of being a role model to the youth. It is important that we live the Scout Promise and Law which is what we have promised at our investiture and what we expect from our youth members. I have had to speak to a few leaders in the past few weeks to remind them of this important role and to ask them to improve their behaviour. So much good work happens in our sections but this can be destroyed with little effort if we are not careful.

CENSUS

At the end of June we count our members (and pay the fees) so it is important that the Group Leaders are assisted to ensure that anyone who has left is removed from the system. I don’t want to lose any leaders but if you are questioning your role now is the time to discuss this with your Group Leader before fees have to be paid for the coming year.

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210

 

                                                                                                            July 2009

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 6              Mindari                       @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 13            District Training          @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 27            District Executive       @ St Leonards Scout Hall

CONGRATULATIONS

Peter Miles - ACSL1st/2nd Ocean Grove – Certificate of Adult Appointment and Certificate of Adult Leadership

Patrick Coutin – ACSL 1st Queenscliff - Certificate of Adult Appointment and Certificate of Adult Leadership

WELCOME

Monica Nitz – ACSL 1st Queenscliff – Monica was previously ASL 11th Box Hill

Julieanne O’Farrell – ACSL 1st Portarlington – Julieanne was previously ACSL 1st Hamlyn Heights

FAREWELL AND THANKS

Neil Cotter – DL Activities – 25 years service
David Douglas – GL 1st Portarlington – 25 years service
Darren Innes – ASL 1st Portarlington – 3 years service
Daryl Gardiner – ACSL 1st Portarlington – 3 years service
Rob Chakir – ASL 1st Eastern Park – 6 months service
Greg Tyrrell – ASL Leopold – xx years service – transferring to 1st Lara
Mario Car – Adult Support 1st/2nd Ocean Grove – transferring to 1st Portland

CHANGES OF POSITION

Jocelyn Peucker to GL 1st Portarlington
Patrick Coutin to ASL 1st Queenscliff

TO PONDER

Scout: My leader thinks I am very responsible. Every time something goes wrong at a Pack Meeting, he says I am responsible.

                                                            Unknown

REGION CONFERENCE - Sunday 26 July

Have you booked in for the conference yet? I have promised that it will be a great day and all it needs now to make it work is your attendance.
It will run from 9.00 am – 4.30 pm at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds. Coming from the Princes Hwy turn right into Pigdons Rd and then first left at Entrance 1 and immediate left into Nicol Drv South. The Management Centre is right at the back of the University buildings. Please wear uniform. Please go to the following link to see the registration form:
https://www.vicscouts.asn.au/geelongscoutconference or give me a call. You will need your membership number to register.

 

REGION DINNER – 100 Years of Scouting Geelong - Friday 7 August

Rachel is still trying to sell tickets to this important event for Geelong. Please help us sell our quota of tickets. So please contact her on 5251 1830 to get your ticket - $40 each. It is open to all leaders and committee members and their partners, along with former members. It will be held at Lyndon Grove Receptions, Torquay Rd, Grovedale from 7.00pm.

DISTRICT ACTIVITIES

The Scout Cooking Camp at Eumeralla on 20/21 June was very successful with about 40 scouts attending and the Cub Scout Bike Mud Bash on 20 June had a similar number of Cub Scouts, leaders and parents who tackled the mud holes along the rail trail.

DISTRICT TRAINING MEETING – Monday 13 July

This night perhaps needs a new name to explain what it is all about. Instead of having Seeonee and Mindari meetings include a training component this separate meeting was created for that purpose. This month the leader development topic will be Cooking (and with all cooking there is Eating). Please come along to also explain your cooking ideas for Cub Scouts or Scouts. No uniform required. 7.30 pm start.

ADVANCE NOTICE

Planning has started for the Region Camp on 17/18 October at Eumeralla. Activities will be arranged and run over the weekend. Groups are asked to arrange their own catering. Region will be providing a bar-b-que for Sunday lunch and covering the cost of activities, but not meal costs this year.

FIRST AID TRAINING

ARC Joey Scouts/Cub Scouts, Jeanette Morris has arranged for level 2 first aid training to be provided with a pre-course workbook being completed before the course so that the course is reduced to one day only. If you are interested in a course on 22 August (9.30 am – 4.30 pm) please complete a training application and send to Jeannette at 40 Austin St., Lara 3212 with the fee of $85. Lunch will be provided

 

DCs CONFERENCE

I attended the bi-annual District Commissioner’s conference last weekend. The theme was “Fill ‘em up” referring to the goal of increasing youth numbers in sections. Sessions related to the previous conference theme of “Power of 10,” understanding leadership styles and how to relate to leaders, understanding the different generations and preparing for the annual review meetings.

CENSUS

It has been quite disappointing to see the number of youth members removed from the membership system over the last few weeks. We have not made the 10% increase expected by the Chief Commissioner – in fact we haven’t had an increase at all but about a 0.5% decrease. What are you doing to ensure that your current members are retained for more than the next year? Have you looked at your program to ensure that there is fun and learning, indoor and outdoor activities? Have you questioned at Group Council why specific youth members have left? That is always a worthwhile exercise to start your review. I have started the review process with the District Leaders and have to report on how we are going at Region meetings. The figures will be provided at the Annual Review and Presentation night on Monday 14 September.

 

Steps to Build a Campfire

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210

 

                                                                                                August 2009

Happy World Scout Day!

ADULT RECOGNITION (GOOD SERVICE) AWARDS

World Scout Day sees the announcement of awards to adults in Scouting that recognises their service to Scouting for more than just the years of service. The years of service (Service) awards are received automatically whereas the Recognition awards are based on a recommendation. This recommendation, that any adult can initiate, looks at the extra tasks a leader or adult member has undertaken. These may be Jamborees/Cuborees, training course assistance, involvement in District, Region and Branch events and the general promotion of Scouting other than the normal week night program.

Congratulations go to the following awardees:

Certificate of Merit:  Genevieve Ireland     District Personnel Committee (DPC)
                                    Gary Johnson                        ASL 1st Queenscliff
Silver Arrowhead:    Philip Buck                DPC
                                    Russell Cameron       DPC
                                    Greg Hollett               GL 1st Barwon
                                    Robin Miller              DPC
                                    Malcolm Paul             ASL 1st Portarlington
                                    Russell Phemister      CSL 2nd Geelong
                                    Chris Ross                  ACSL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove
                                    Max Snell                   DPC
                                    Lyn Sobko                 SL 1st Barwon
                                    Maureen Walker       DPC
Outstanding Service Award:
                                    Gordon Dendle          DPC
David Gibbons          1st Drysdale Group Committee
                                    Sue Gibbons              1st Drysdale Group Committee
Silver Koala:              Keith Jones                GL 2nd Geelong
Silver Emu:                Helen Cervinski         CSL 1st Barwon

Congratulations also to:

Silver Koala:              Greg Timney             ARC Scouts
Silver Emu:                Ray Weston               ARC Camp and former DC Bellarine

WORLD SCOUT DOLLAR DAY

National have asked that each member contribute $1 as a World Scout Day gift to be used in a project called “Food for Life” in an African country. The project will train Scouts to grow food for their families providing seeds and instruction on planting and caring for the plants. There are about 60,000 youth in Scouts Australia and this will provide a real boost to this project. Please send your gift to Victorian Headquarters.
 
COMING MEETINGS

Mon 3             Mindari                      @ Russell St Scout Hall
Thu 20                        Seeonee                       @ 1st Eastern Park, Try Boy’s Centre
– use rear door
Mon 24           Group Leaders                      @ Russell St Scout Hall

CONGRATULATIONS

Darlene Gerusel ACSL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove who completed her Advanced Cub Scout training courses at Ballarat in June.

Peter Gerusel – GL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove – 5 Year Service Award

WELCOME

Jeff Brooks                ACSL 1st Barwon Heads

FAREWELL AND THANKS

Kristi Gardiner         ACSL 1st Portarlington moving to a Melbourne group

GET WELL

Ruth Gilbert ASL 1st Drysdale is recovering from a broken ankle – not caused on a Scouting activity thank goodness. Best wishes Ruth.

TO PONDER

There is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.

                                                            John Ruskin

I have used this slant on being positive to overcome my initial disappointment with the census figures. We all need to look at how we can see the positives before focusing on the negatives.

REGION CONFERENCE - Sunday 26 July

There were 18 leaders from our District at the conference. Indications are that it was very successfully with some aspects that could be improved for the future. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg was certainly the top-notch speaker that he is known as with many things for us personally to use, as well as for Scouting in general. I have asked Jim Hunter to discuss with Scout Leaders at the Mindari about how we could introduce the “badge” idea that he “proposed” to do with sleep, mental health and suicide. Margaret Tremewan, Assistant Chief Commissioner, spoke about the six key strategies for Victoria indicating that we are recruiting well but not retaining members long enough – we lose one-third each year. We therefore need to concentrate on programming. The 2nd Lara case study and David Hills’ session about marketing showed how important it is to be involved, to be seen, to help, to not make excuses and to ask District for help. John Ravenhall’s workshop for DLs, GLs and ARCs was about giving feedback – positive and constructive negative feedback. The section leaders’ workshop was about the going-up requirements. Michael Baden-Powell spoke and showed videos of the story of Scouting which gave a wonderful insight into our history.

REGION WEBS ITE

www.geelongscouts.org.au was launched at the conference. Our District pages show the Group meeting times, locations and contacts, District contacts and calendar. Groups can develop their own pages or link separately developed sites. Check it out. I still have to do some more updating of the information.

DISTRICT TRAINING MEETING – Monday 13 July

Thank you to the representatives from the four Groups who attended. The cooking involved bush donuts, crepes with orange sauce, caramel dumplings, potato pancakes, face biscuits and healthy faces.

ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATION NIGHT

The meeting will be held on Monday 14 September at 7.30 pm at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Vicarage Road, Leopold (just off Bellarine Highway). This night is open to all leaders and all committee members as well as invited guests. Leaders are asked to wear uniform – award medals may also be worn. A small plate of supper would be appreciated.

PINEWOOD GRAND PRIX

1st Portarlington have their second annual Pinewood Grand Prix on Sunday 23 August at Parks Hall, Portarlington. 10.30 am – 3.30 pm.

HERITAGE CENTRE

Have you thought about visiting the centre on your Pack or Troop night? They currently have an activity running at the Centre that results in the Cub Scout or Scout gaining a blanket badge. They are currently preparing for a display on 100 Years of Scouting in Geelong at the Geelong Wool Museum from 8 – 25 October. They are looking for Scouting people to visit.

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210

 

September2009

COMING MEETINGS
Mon 7 Mindari @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 14 Annual Report Night @ Leopold
CONGRATULATIONS
Tracey Myers ACSL 1st Barwon Heads on gaining the Cub Scout Wood Badge and Certificate of Advanced Leadership, Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management) and Certificate IV in Leadership.
TO PONDER
The sun will set without thy assistance.
The Talmud
This means that our part in the world is insignificant. But we can help “the sun to set” by how we act as a leader for each individual member. Do you agree?
ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATION NIGHT
The meeting will be held on Monday 14 September at 7.30 pm at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Vicarage Road, Leopold (just off Bellarine Highway). This night is open to all leaders and all committee members as well as invited guests. Leaders are asked to wear uniform – award medals may also be worn. A small plate of supper would be appreciated.
PINEWOOD GRAND PRIX
Congratulations to 1st Portarlington on the success of their second annual Pinewood Derby Grand Prix.
EASTERN PARK 100 YEAR CELEBRATIONS
1st Eastern Park celebrates 100 years of Scouting in the Try Boys Brigade on Wednesday 16th September at 7.00 pm. The original Scout Group was 1st Geelong which became 1st Eastern Park after the move to East Geelong and a merger with 14th Geelong (St. Andrews). Anyone interested in attending will be most welcome.
HERITAGE CENTRE
Please remember the display on 100 Years of Scouting in Geelong at the National Wool Museum running until 25 October. They are looking for Scouting people to visit and it would be good if you could do so in uniform. They are also keen for helpers.
REGION ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATION NIGHT
Is being held on Friday 2nd October at Lyndon Grove, Grovedale commencing at 7.30 pm. Open to all leaders and supporters of Scouting – please wear uniform and awards.
REGION REGATTA
Will be held 6th - 8th November at Indented Heads. More information available from Mike Smith Mob 0418 389865.
REGION CAMP
16th -18th October at Eumeralla the camp will be held again. Activities for Cub Scouts and Scouts on Saturday morning and afternoon, campfire for Cub Scouts on Saturday evening and films for Scouts, Scout activities run for Cub Scouts and Venturer activities run for Scouts on the Sunday morning with a Scouts Own and bar-b-que lunch Sunday. The Sunday lunch will be provided by Region with Groups responsible for their own catering arrangements for other meals. Packs and Troops can move in Friday night or early Saturday morning.
VEHICLE USE
With lots of camping activity happening it is an opportune time to remind everyone that Scouting members are not to be transported in trailers or utes, etc. You may have done it before; you may never have had any problems before but there is always the time when it may be a problem and I don’t ever want to have to deal with the consequences. Please do not use the excuses “someone else did it” or “we’re on private property” – the answer is still don’t!
ST. LEONARDS SCOUT HALL
A water tank has now been installed (and is half-full) and connected to the toilets, the toilets have been repaired. It is now available for use for camps. Contact me if you want to book or check it out.

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222

 

October 2009

COMING MEETINGS
Mon 5 Mindari @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 26 District Leaders @ Russell St Scout Hall
TO PONDER
“Silence can be more disturbing than noise.”
P.K. Shaw
CONGRATULATIONS
To Ryan Gibbons, Venturer Leader, who became engaged to Megan Quarrell recently. We wish them great happiness for the future.
1st Eastern Park for their celebration of 100 years of Scouting with Try Boys Brigade. At the celebration the Region Commissioner announced approval for the Group to be designated as 1st Eastern Park (Try Boys).
REGION ANNUAL REVIEW AND PRESENTATIONS NIGHT
Is on Friday (2nd October) at Lyndon Grove, Torquay Rd, Grovedale from 7.30 pm. The night will start with nibbles before the meeting and be followed by supper. Uniform to be worn – award medals may also be worn. Even if you have not replied you can still attend. Come along and hear the wider Geelong story. Adult Recognition Awards are to be presented to those who were unable to go to Gilwell two weeks ago..
DISTRICT ANNUAL REVIEW AND PRESENTATIONS MEETING
Thank you to those who attended the meeting. A pleasing part of the meeting was the presentation of $100 cheques to each Group as a 100 year celebration from the Eumeralla Working Unit (which comprises Bryan Brew, Barb Butler and Sandra and Gerry Niewenhuis).
REGION CAMP
October 17-18 at Eumeralla. The camp opening takes place at 10.00 am with activities for Cub Scouts and Scouts happening in the morning and afternoon. Saturday evening there will be a campfire and night walk for Cub Scouts and films for Scouts. Sunday will see linking activities between the sections ending with the closing parade before a BBQ lunch. Groups may arrive from 7.00 pm Friday – you need to check in and be directed to your campsite. Groups are responsible for their own meals Saturday and Sunday breakfast with Region providing supper and Sunday lunch. Last year was a great camp to celebrate 100 years of Australian Scouting so lets look forward to this year’s camp which celebrates 100 years of Geelong Scouting. Each section has set a closing date for application to attend so please keep this in mind.

“COME AND TRY SCOUTING”
Region is hosting this activity on Saturday 31st October at Steampacket Place. If you are able to assist it will be greatly appreciated. District Leaders have information.
WATER ACTIVITIES
The Region Regatta is to be held on 6-8 November at Indented Heads for those Troops interested. More information can be obtained from Mike Smith 0418 389 865 or Mick De Wit 0430 021 566 mickdw@dodo.com.au.
Mick is also setting up an email list of leaders interested in receiving information about water activities. If you would like to be part of this communication please contact Mick. He is the Region Water Activities co-ordinator.
Sailing courses are planned to be held at Limeburners Bay in 2010. If interested contact Rob Mitchell on 5461 1397. The available dates are:
2-5 January
6-8 March
27-30 March or 2-5 April (to be confirmed)
24-27 September
DISTRICT TRAINING MEETING
The last meeting for the year is on Thursday 26 November. I would be pleased to receive ideas for this night over the next three weeks so that I can plan and advise in the next newsletter.
TERM 4 ACTIVITIES
What special activities will you be doing this term? Region camp, visit to the Scout Display at the National Wool Museum (up to 25 Oct – well worth a visit), a Christmas play, last minute catch up before Jamboree, Cub Scouts starting to think about Cuboree??? This term is all daylight savings time so is a great chance to spend some time away from the hall. I would love to hear what you have planned – I’m sure that your term programme is now in place.

Wayne Myers
District Commissioner
dc.geelongpeninsula@vicscouts.asn.au
39 Coronae Drv
Clifton Springs 3222
Ph. 5251 2210