February 2011 

Happy New Year!
I look forward to working with you this year as we provide opportunities for young people to develop as responsible citizens and for adults to also develop and have fun in our roles.

I attended the District Commissioners’ Conference last weekend along with Gordon Dendle, the Chair of our District Personnel Committee. The theme was “Focus on Fundamentals” and included Tom O’Toole from the Beechworth Bakery as guest speaker. Tom has described himself as “John Cleese on steroids.“ His presentation was very “active” and left us tired just from watching him. His message was so much about remembering the customer and the staff – in our situation that would be remember our youth members and leaders. A lot of what he said was very basic, common-sense but something that frequently gets forgotten. I hope this newsletter shows each month that you as a leader are important to me and to the success of Scouting in our District. 

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 7             Mindari                       @ Russell St Scout Hall
Thu 24             Seeonee                       @ Drysdale Scout Hall
Mon 28           Group Leaders            @ Russell St Scout Hall

WELCOME

To Belinda Pechotsch as ASL 1st Queenscliff.

FAREWELL

Thanks to Amanda Rusiniak ACSL 1st Eastern Park who left at the end of last year.

CHANGE OF APPOINTMENT

Matt De Been has moved from being GL 1st Barwon Heads to Adult Helper in the Cub Scout Pack.

CALENDAR 2011 AND HIGHLAND GATHERING

There is a change of date to that published in the calendar- the Highland Gathering is now on 20 March at the Geelong Showgrounds. The District runs a stall as a fundraiser, selling pancakes and drinks. Leaders that participate will receive a share of the profits for their Group. Please let me know if you can help. Last year we did not have enough people.

GEELONG SCOUT HERITAGE MUSUEM

A reminder that the Geelong Scout Heritage Museum invites all members and friends to an Open Day at the Centre on Sunday February 20th to celebrate B.P.s Birthday. Every one is invited. There will be a sausage sizzle and tea/coffee available on the day.

ROLE OF A SECTION LEADER

As a section leader your role is to provide the best possible program for the youth members in your care. This covers the weekly section night as well as various activities. To do this you need to prepare so that you have programs, games and activities ready. It is not as bad as it sounds but it does make it easier for you and it helps in the control of the youth members if things can run smoothly. If you require more equipment to undertake activities you need to pass those requests onto the Group Leader – it is not your responsibility to organise fundraising functions (although it is good to be seen to be involved in them) or to apply the grants – these are responsibilities of the Group Leader in conjunction with the Group Committee. It is also part of your role to create public relation opportunities – being seen in the community in uniform – and to provide the Group Leader with information to promote the Group.

ST. LEONARDS OPEN DAY

The Open Day is on Saturday 26 March with activities for Cub Scouts and Scouts. District Leaders will work with the Seeonee and Mindari to plan these. This day is to provide an opportunity for the District to get together and for the St. Leonards community to see Scouting in action; many people drive past and wonder what the hall is like. I will be publicising the day in St. Leonards. There will be a free sausage sizzle for lunch, but I am asking that you let me know estimated numbers attending. Please come along in uniform – 10.30 am – 3.00 pm.

SMOKING

As we start the year it is appropriate for me to remind you of Scouting’s policy.

Scouts Australia regards smoking as being a matter for individual decision. It has no wish to impose restrictions on its members beyond those covered by the Law. It is, however, expected that Leaders will set an example to the Youth in their care, and will ensure that they conduct themselves accordingly and not smoke in their presence during meetings and activities. Leaders who smoke are expected not to smoke, or allow smoking, in any permitted environment which would lead to “passive” smoking by the Youth in their care, or non-smoking adults. Leaders should not knowingly allow young people under the age of 16 to smoke at all. All Victorian Scout buildings, including Training and Camping facility buildings are declared as “Smoke Free Zones”.

As an organisation also concerned about the environment smokers must ensure that cigarette butts are appropriately disposed of.

We want to be  role models to our youth members so we need to be sure that we adhere to this policy.

FIRST AID TRAINING

Region have arranged for a Level 2 First Aid course to be conducted at Russell Street Scout Hall on 5/6 March. This is open to all leaders, Rovers and Venturers. Applications have to be submitted by 18 February so you need to act now. Cost is $75. Contact District Leader Adult Training Support Scott Laidlaw for further information.

GEELONG LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Congratulations to Brandon Peucker, a Scout at 1st Portarlington, who was awarded the Richard Marles Outstanding Leadership Award at Drysdale Primary School last December, for courage, kindness and leadership within the school. He was also selected as a finalist for the Geelong Youth Leader Awards, and although not successful it is a great achievement. Brandon is the son of leaders Jocelyn and Neville.

NEW INFO BOOK

The 2011 Info Book is on the way with your February Scout magazine. This has a wealth of information in it but it is only valuable if you actually use it. If you think extra information needs to be included in the next edition please let me know.

TO PONDER

“The best way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing!”

Tom O’Toole, Beechworth Bakery                                                                   

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

 

March 2011                     

  COMING MEETINGS

Mon 7             Mindari                       @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 28           District Leaders          @ Russell St Scout Hall

WELCOME

To Tommy Harrold as AVL with the District Venturer Unit.

FAREWELL

Thanks to Kellie Densley ASL 1st Eastern Park who has left after 5 years service.

CONGRATULATIONS

Mel Scarlett ASL 1st Eastern Park – Certificate of Adult Leadership/Adult Appointment
Chris Taberner ACSL 1st Drysdale - Certificate of Adult Leadership/Adult Appointment
Shane Werner ACSL 1st Barwon - Certificate of Adult Leadership/Adult Appointment
Fiona Topolcsanyi ACSL 1st Queenscliff - Certificate of Adult Leadership/Adult Appointment
Monica Nitz ACSL – 1st Queenscliff - Certificate of Adult Leadership/Adult Appointment

Greg Fleet ASL 1st Barwon – 25 Years Service award

WOOD BADGE

Congratulations to Garth Williams ACSL 1st Eastern Park on completing the Cub Scout Wood Badge and gaining the Certificate IV in Business. These will be presented shortly.

The Wood Badge is the culmination of the advanced training level of leader training and signifies a commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for the members in our care. I would encourage all leaders to consider attending an advanced course when the opportunity arises.

HIGHLAND GATHERING

The Highland Gathering is on 20 March at the Geelong Showgrounds. The District runs a stall as a fundraiser, selling pancakes and drinks. Leaders that participate will receive a share of the profits for their Group. Please let me know if you can help. Last year we did not have enough people.

 

ST. LEONARDS OPEN DAY

The Open Day is on Saturday 26 March with activities for Cub Scouts and Scouts. The program will be:
10.30 am         Opening Parade – please wear uniform
Activities
12.00 pm         Lunch – sausage sizzle, drinks
Activities
3.00 pm           Close

This day is to provide an opportunity for the District to get together and for the St. Leonards community to see Scouting in action; many people drive past and wonder what the hall is like. Would you please let me know estimated numbers attending by Thursday (24 March) night so that I can buy sufficient lunch. Please bring insect repellent.

ROVERS TRIVIA NIGHT

The Rover Crew is having a Trivia Night on Saturday 9 April to be held in the Guild Hall, 33 Myers Street, Geelong, commencing at 7.30 pm. The price is $10 per head and bookings can be made in advance by contacting either Tania Atkins on 0404 649 194 or Laura Wood on 0421 286 994.

ROVER ELECTIONS

At the recent Crew elections the following Rovers were elected:
                        Crew Leader                                          Laura Wood
                        Vice Crew Leader/ Secretary                Peter Fullarton
                        Treasurer                                               Kira Nieuwenhuis

SEEONEE/MINDARI

Seeonee is the meeting of all leaders of Cub Scouts and Mindari is the meeting of all Scout section leaders. They are intended to be part of the support structure for leaders giving leaders an opportunity to talk informally to other leaders, to share ideas for activities or how to deal with a concern and also to plan for District activities. For us Mindari meets each month at Russell Street hall and the Seeonee every second month in different Scout Halls. I would encourage all leaders to attend and to contribute to these meetings but I recognise that it is not always possible to attend all meetings. The important thing is to make sure your section is represented so that you know what is going on and can talk directly with the District Leader and other leaders.

TO PONDER

It is far better to speak with a person than to a person.

                                                                           J. D. Boatwood

                                                          

 

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

 

 

April 2011

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 4     Mindari                  @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 11   District Executi v e @ Guild Hall, Myers St. (for GLs and DLs)
Mon 18   District Scout Youth Council
Thu 28    Seeonee                @ Leopold Scout Hall

WELCOME

Michael Townsend ASL 1st Queenscliff

FAREWELL

Phil Carroll has resigned as District Leader Cub Scouts after 7 years in that position and 25 years service in total. His contribution to Scouting as a Scout leader, Cub Scout leader and District Leader will be greatly missed. As one leader said – his enthusiasm with the Cub Scouts will be really missed – you only had to see him planning for the Cub Scouts to go through the mud holes to know that!

HIGHLAND GATHERING

Our District provided a great public relations function at the Highland Gathering as well as fundraising. The Venturers ran the BBQ stall and the District did the Pancake and Tea/Coffee stall. With more people involved this year it was more “relaxed” although still exhausting for those who put in a 12 hour day. The District also erected the suspended flagpole, took part in the flag breaking and two Scouts open car doors for the Mayor and Agriculture Minister. Thank you to – Rachel Ross, Jill Simpson, Nicole Simpson, Lel Shipley, Michael Shipley, Lyn Sobko, Nathan Sobko, Peter Sobko, Greg Fleet, Bernard Attard, Ruth Gilbert, Doug McAuliffe, Wayne Simpson, Wayne Myers, John Robb, Travis Parsons, Harry Portas, Ryan Gibbons, Tommy Harrold and the Venturers.

ST. LEONARDS OPEN DAY

Our Open Day/Activity Day was a fantastic day for activities for the Groups that took part. Unfortunately we didn’t get many from St. Leonards to join us but there will be two boys probably joining Drysdale and Portarlington. A number of newer parents thought it was a fantastic day and better than what they thought Scouting would do. There was a rope bridge, jousting, darts, knock the cans, billy carts, flour bombs, ladder climb, water carry course, pancake cooking, gumnut craft and magnet making. We were joined during the day by former DCs John Robb (who looked after cooking lunch), Ray Weston and Bryan Brew as well Joan Weston a former District leader and an acting leader at St. Leonards many years ago. We now have a former leader from Melbourne cutting the grass in the paddock section on a regular basis and the toilets have been painted. Thank you to all who came and helped run activities.

Remember if you want to use St. Leonards just contact me.

ROVERS TRIVIA NIGHT

The Rover Crew is having a Trivia Night on Saturday 9 April to be held in the Guild Hall, 33 Myers Street, Geelong, commencing at 7.30 pm. The price is $10 per head and bookings can be made in advance by contacting either Tania Atkins on 0404 649 194 or Laura Wood on 0421 286 994.

WELL DONE

To 1st Queenscliff, 1st Eastern Park and the District who were successful in getting grants from VicHealth under the Active Health program. The District grant will be used to purchase GPS units and portable radios that will be available for Groups to borrow when required.

WORKBOOK AND SKILLS TRAINING DAY

This training support day is being held on Saturday 2 April at Leopold Scout Hall from 2.00 pm. Thanks to the Region Training Council along with Scott and helpers.

GEELONG NAURU BADGES

Maureen Herron reports that we are currently out of stock of these badges. Region has ordered more but it will be a little while before they arrive.

COMING EVENTS

District 10 year old Cub Scout leadership course – 9/10 April at St. Leonards.
Stradbroke Cup Easter camp – 22-25 April at Eumeralla.
District Cub Scout Bike Hike – 7 May.
Region Camp – 21/22 May at Eumeralla.

TO PONDER

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

                                                                              Dolly Parton

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

  May 2011

 Better late than never! Sorry for the lateness this month.

 COMING MEETINGS

Mon 2              Mindari                    @ Russell St Scout Hall
Mon 9              Scout Youth Counci l  @ Guild Hall
Mon 23            Group Leaders           @ Russell St Scout Hall

CONGRATULATIONS

Donna Parsons            ASL Leopold              5 Year Service award
Ross Nitz                    GL 1st Queenscliff      Certificate of Adult Leadership / Appointment

STRADBROKE CUP

Congratulations to 1st Queenscliff and Leopold who gained Gold pennants and to 1st Barwon/2nd Geelong and the combined 1st Drysdale/1st Barwon Heads/Mooroolbark patrol who gained Silver. It was great to see how our Scouts camped and participated in the activities as well as the contribution by our leaders to the success of this camp – well done all.

VENTURER EASTER ACTIVITY

This year instead of the normal Hoadley Hide hiking activity Venturers in the state went and helped in the flood affected areas. Some of the tasks completed may be considered menial, such as removing the grass and branches from the fence lines, but as one farmer reported what was achieved by Venturers over a couple of days would have taken him weeks on his own or resulted in fence wire rusting away. Two of our Venturers took part in this activity so well done on this community service.

DISTRICT CUB SCOUT BIKE HIKE

This annual event is on this Saturday (7 May) as Cub Scouts, leaders and family ride from Leopold or Drysdale to Queenscliff. Thank you all leaders who help to make this day successful.

REGION CAMP

 I look forward to seeing a good participation from our District in the camp at Eumeralla on 20-22 May. Activities are sounding great. Please remember that you need to apply by Friday 13 May with likely numbers so that the organisers have enough equipment for activities and Sunday lunch. Approval has been given for registration time to be from 4.00 pm Friday not 7.00 pm as previously advised. There will now be a camp fire for Cub Scouts on the Saturday night.

DISTRICT DINNER

You will know from your study of the District Calendar (!!!) that we are holding a dinner for leaders, committee members and partners on Saturday 23 July. Details are now being finalised by the District Executive and more information will be in the next newsletter but please mark you diaries now (if not already done) so that you can join in this night.

TO PONDER

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

                                                                                                Nelson Mandela

PROGRAMS

I always push for programs to be in place to make section nights run smoothly and weekend activities to be productive. It helps us to “Be Prepared.” Our programs need to cater for the individuals in our sections at the time but in most cases programs can be recycled each three years if appropriate, so it is useful to keep them on file. There are many activities available for us to take part in to make our term programs more interesting. These are run by District or Region or Branch. By taking part leaders are getting activities that perhaps they can’t provide in their own section, mostly organised by others, and youth members are also getting the opportunity of mixing with a wider group of youth members.

CENSUS DATE COMING

The end of June is when Scouting officially counts its members and annual fees need to be paid. All leaders need to follow up on youth members who have not returned this term to tell Group Leaders if they need to be removed from the computer list. We also need to make sure that new members are advised for inclusion. More importantly all leaders need to make sure that the programs they are running and the manner that they are being run encourages the youth members to stay involved. We do reasonably well recruiting new members but sometimes fall down in retaining members. Think about how your section is going compared to last year!

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

 

   June 2011

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 6              Mindari                       Dinner @ Preston Hotel
Thu 23             Seeonee                    @ 1st/2nd Ocean Grove Scout Hall
Mon 27            District Leaders          @ Russell St. Scout Hall

DATE TO REMEMBER

Sun 7 August              Region Conference

CONGRATULATIONS

Genevieve Ireland - 5 Year Service Award as District Personnel Committee member
Karen Weaver –ASL 1st Barwon Heads - Certificate III Leadership  

REGION CAMP

If you attended what did you think? I would be happy to receive comments to pass on to Region. The weather was great and it appeared that activities were well received by Cub Scouts and Scouts. Thank you to our leaders/parent helpers who attended and especially those who ran the activities – without you it would not have happened: Cub Scout activities – Fiona Topolcsanyi, Scott Laidlaw, Mark Teven and Ro Evans; Scout activities – Lel Shipley, Jim Hunter, Neil Cotter, Donna Parsons, Ruth Gilbert.

RAFFLE

Our District raised $3950 in the Monster Scout Raffle so congratulations to all.
The results were:
1st prize : Toyota Camry Hybrid Winner: Ticket No. 443010  This ticket sold by: Friend of Scouting 
2nd prize : Westfield Shopping Voucher Winner: Ticket No. 338580  This ticket sold by: Benalla Scout Group
3rd prize : Jetset Bentleigh Travel Voucher Winner: Ticket No. 205610 This ticket sold by: 2nd Korumburra
4th prize : Travel Pack From Snowgum Winner: Ticket No. 138796  This ticket sold by: 1st Timboon
5th prize : Lenovo Laptop Winner: Ticket No. 310209  This ticket sold by: 1st Vermont

CUBOREE

Cub Scout leaders and Group Leaders will be chasing up Cub Scouts to encourage them to attend the Cuboree in September. It is good hearing of all the activities being undertaken as leaders prepare Cub Scouts for this event.

DISTRICT DINNER

Our dinner is to be held on Saturday 23 July. The dinner is open to all leaders, partners, adult helpers and committee members. The cost will be $xx for a 2-course meal with drinks at bar prices. We’re hoping to organise some entertainment so it should be a good night. More information will be sent during the month.

DISTRICT TRAINING NIGHT

This is the night when we look at some development topic that should normally be included in the Seeonee or Mindari meetings. We only hold one for the year so please consider coming. The heaters will be on!! It is to be held at Russell St. Scout Hall, Newtown on Thursday 23 July. The topic this year is “Does it fit into the program?”

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

The first group of leaders gaining a Working With Children Card are now nearing the 5 year expiry of their WWCC. The Department of Justice will send each person a renewal notice and it is a legal requirement that you act on this immediately as you cannot continue as a leader without a WWCC. If you have changed your address in the last 5 years, or do so in the future, it is your responsibility to tell the Department of Justice so that they can maintain contact with you. Branch will provide me and Group Leaders with the names of leaders in this expiry category because we want to ensure that you can continue in your Scouting role.

NEW DISTRICT EQUIPMENT

As a result of a grant from VicHealth we now have 4 Walkie Talkies and 4 GPS devices which are available for Groups to borrow. There will be no charge for use but they will need to be replaced if lost. Please contact me if you want to borrow them.

TO PONDER

“It matters little how much equipment we use; it matters much that we be masters of all we do use.”

                                                                                    Sam Abell

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

 

       July 2011

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 4              Mindari                       @ Russell St. Scout Hall
Mon 11            District Executive       @ Heritage Centre
Thu 28             District Training          @ Russell St. Scout Hall

REGION CONFERENCE

Sunday 7 August at the Deakin University Management Centre, Waurn Ponds. This is open to all leader, adult helpers and committee members and I really encourage you to attend. You will need to register when the Region Commissioner sends out the link.

WELCOME

Jess Andrews            ACSL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove
Craig Malcolm            ACSL 1st Eastern Park
Mat Doyle                  ACSL 1st Drysdale
Lisa Dyson                Adult Helper 1st/2nd Ocean Grove – Cub Scouts
Julie Sheridan           Adult Helper 1st Eastern Park - Scouts
Wes Sheridan           Adult Helper 1st Eastern Park - Scouts
Andrew Rofe             Adult Helper 1st Barwon – Cub Scouts
Pete Williams            Adult Helper 1st Barwon Heads – Cub Scouts
Steve Cassar            Adult Helper Leopold – Cub Scouts

FAREWELL

Rob Williams              ACSL 1st Drysdale with 3 years service
Malcolm Paul              ASL 1st Portarlington with 19 years
Jim Hunter                  DL Scouts with 32 years service

JIM HUNTER

After 19 years as District Leader Scouts Jim has retired from an active leader role but is continuing in the Scout Fellowship. Members of the Mindari used their mid-year dinner meeting as the chance to thank Jim for his service and friendship. He will be formally thanked at the District Annual meeting. Jim kept telling leaders how important it is to program, to include lots of practical activity and to recognise the positives in their Scouts. Well done Jim on your contribution to the development of young people.

CONGRATULATIONS

Phil Carroll                  25 Years Service award          now as ACSL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove 

CUBOREE

At the end of June we have 38 Cub Scouts, 2 Venturers, 9 Leaders and 1 Adult Helper. It’s amazing how many applied in the last few days. The closing date has been extended to 14 July.

DISTRICT DINNER

Our dinner is to be held on Saturday 23 July. The dinner is open to all leaders, partners, adult helpers and committee members. It will be held at the Lord of the Isles bistro in Fyans St, Newtown (by the corner of Latrobe Terrace). It will be a la carte menu (mains price range $20 - $35) and drinks from the bar. Please let me know if you can attend by 16 July for booking purposes. We will make it a fun night.

DISTRICT TRAINING NIGHT

This is the night when we look at some development topic that should normally be included in the Seeonee or Mindari meetings. We only hold one for the year so please consider coming. The heaters will be on!! It is to be held at Russell St. Scout Hall, Newtown on Thursday 23 July at 7.30 pm. The topic this year is “Does it fit into the program?”

REGION FIRST AID

There is to be a Level 2 First Aid course on 20/21 August run by the Scout First Aid Service. Cost is only $35 so this is a fantastic opportunity to undertake the course. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

GREENHOUSE GAMES

As listed in the June Scout magazine – you might like to take part in the environmental challenges that start on 25 July. Check out the magazine or the web site www.greenhousegames.vic.gov.au

TO PONDER

“When I look into the future, it’s so bright it burns my eyes.”

                                                                                    Oprah Winfrey

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

 

August 2011

 Happy World Scout Day!

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following leaders for awards in the 2011 Leader Recognition Awards. These awards are for special good service over a number of years and are in addition to the Service Awards for actual years of service.

 

Certificate of Merit	Julieanne O’Farrell	ACSL 1st Portarlington
	Ruth Gilber	SL 1st Drysdale
	Donna Parsons	ASL Leopold
	Richard Gasior	ASL 1st/2nd Ocean grove
Silver Arrowhead	Lel Shipley	DL Scouts
	Scott Laidlaw	DL Adult Training Support
	Jocelyn Peucker	GL 1st Portarlington
	Fran Lakey	Secretary Leopold Scout Group
Silver Koala	Doug McAuliffe	SL 1st/2nd Ocean Grove

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 1              Mindari                       @ Russell St. Scout Hall
Thu 11             Seeonee                       @ 1st Eastern Park Scout Hall
Mon 22            Group Leaders                        @ Russell St. Scout Hall

REGION CONFERENCE

Sunday 7 August at the Deakin University Management Centre, Waurn Ponds. Applications are closing on Monday 1 August so please apply immediately if you wish to attend and have not yet applied.

WELCOME

Andrew Rofe              ACSL 1st Barwon – Cub Scouts – previously listed as Adult Helper

CUBOREE

The Cuboree Orientation day is on:

Bacchus Marsh Scout Hall. Saturday August 6th
Joseph Harris Park, Mt. Martha. Saturday August 13th
Gilwell Park, Gembrook. Sunday August 14th

You need to register at:
http://www.cuboree.com.au/index.php/component/content/article/45-diary-note-and-general-news/114-orientation-day-registration

DISTRICT DINNER

Thanks everyone for a great night with 28 attending. Well done to the competition winners.

DISTRICT TRAINING NIGHT

Our programming night was small in number and involved speed programming. Resulting programmes will be distributed later.

SCOUTS IN ACTION WEEK

22-29 August. This national day has a theme of Disability Awareness for 2011. Last year was first aid. Two alternative programs for each section are provided on the web site. It costs nothing to take part, although there is a badge you can buy.

http://www.scoutsinactionweek.com/

TO PONDER

“Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen

pulsating desire, which transcends everything.”

                                                                        Napoleon Hill

DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS NIGHT

Commonly called the “annual meeting” this will be held on Monday 12 September at 7.30 pm at Leopold. This is a uniform occasion and award medals should be worn. Guest speaker will be Travis Parsons about his time at the New Zealand Jamboree in January. A small plate of supper would be appreciated.

ACHIEVEMENTS!!

Our census result for the past year is a loss of 20% youth and 4% leaders. No Group achieved an increase and only two sections did. Why? This is the question I have been asking everyone, starting with myself. Are we not doing enough? – but I know that some sections are so busy that they can’t fit anything else into their program. Are we programming for section nights? – some sections have submitted their term program to the District Leader and weekly programs are seen during visits. Are we not providing opportunities for youth members to complete the Award badges or special badges? – achieving is an important recognition of taking part, learning & having fun and a chance to show off to others. Are we not enthusiastic enough? – because enthusiasm breeds success. Are we just short of leaders and cannot do enough for our youth members? Tell me what you think.

WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE

Two members of the District are part of the 190 strong Australian Contingent to the 22nd  World Scout Jamboree in Sweden on now – Zoe Gerusel from 1st/2nd Ocean Grove and Aidan Harris from 1st Queenscliff.

USA SUMMER CAMP

Bel Pechotsch, ASL1st Queenscliff, is away this term working at one the USA Summer Camps. Bel works for the YMCA and the camp is part of her development program.

ST. LEONARDS

Thank you to Jeff, Craig and Pete from 1st Barwon Heads we now have a repaired and repainted flagpole at St. Leonards.

SCOUT FELLOWSHIP WORKING BEE AT EUMERALLA

The Scout Fellowship annual working bee will be held at Eumeralla on 26/27/28 August. Call Joan (9740 5868) or Glenyse (9850 5813) to book in. Although especially for Fellowship members others can also attend.

 

                                                                                     

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

 

September2011

COMING MEETINGS

Mon 5              Mindari                       @ Russell St. Scout Hall
Mon 12            District Annual Report @ Leopold Uniting Church

WELCOME

Robert Ailey - Adult Helper – Cub Scouts – Leopold
Brendan Lukin - ACSL – 1st Drysdale
Nicole Simpson – Adult Helper – Scouts – 1st Drysdale (previously a Rover Helper)
Ted Pitfield – GL – 1st Eastern Park

CUBOREE

Best wishes to all leaders, helpers and Cub Scouts going off to Cuboree this month. We have 42 Cub Scouts attending which is great.

 

TO PONDER

“The real fault is to have faults and not amend them.”

                                                                        Confucius

DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS NIGHT

Commonly called the “annual meeting” this will be held on Monday 12 September at 7.30 pm at Leopold Uniting Church, corner Bellarine Highway and Ash Road. Please note this change of location – NOT as last year at the Leopold Anglican Church. This is a uniform occasion and award medals should be worn. Guest speaker will be Travis Parsons about his time at the New Zealand Jamboree in January. A small plate of supper would be appreciated. This meeting is open to all leaders and supporters of Scouting in our District.

REGION ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS NIGHT

The Region “annual meeting” will be held on Friday 7 October at the Geelong Conference Centre, Adams Crt, Eastern Park commencing at 7.30 pm. Again this is a full uniform and awards occasion, and open to all.

ADULT HELPERS

We now have a number of Adult Helpers in the District and that is great; two new ones are welcomed above. It is opportune to remind/advise everyone of their role.

Adult Helpers have committed to help Scouting by assisting the leaders in the running of the section programs. They are non-uniformed members who do not undertake the formal training program although they should attend an Introductory course or the complete the equivalent eLearning modules. They are different from parent helpers who might come on a roster once a term or for a special program. In the Cub Scout Pack they can be given a Jungle name.

The Adult Helper cannot take charge of the section night if the leaders are absent but they operate under the direction of the leaders. They can run games and activities and can help with test instruction and passing with advice from the leader. They can take part in overnight camps/activities as they will have a Working with Children Card. They should be involved in the program planning so that they can understand the programs and contribute their ideas (maybe in due course they might decide to be a leader.)

In summary, they are a non-uniformed and untrained leader.

ADVENTURER CORD AND AUSTRALIAN SCOUT MEDALLION

Congratulations to the leaders of Leopold Scout Troop and 1st Barwon Heads Scout Troop for their work and encouragement in getting Scouts to gain the section top award of the Adventurer Cord and Australian Scout Medallion. Travis Parsons from Leopold was presented with his award in August and Harry Portas from 1st Barwon Heads is to receive his soon.

2012

I am now starting to think about what is needed in the District calendar for 2012. Please share your ideas at Seeonee/Mindari/District meetings. Next year will be busy for Scouts with preparations for the Jamboree.

Where is God?

There were two young scouts that were twins and they did not quite get the Scout Promise. They stole things, swore, and generally got themselves into trouble around town when they were not on scout outings.
Their mother, realizing she needed help, asked the Scoutmaster to talk with them. He agreed and decided to see them one at a time and hopefully get them to understand that they needed to change. He thought he would first get them to see that their actions were sinful.
When the first scout arrived, he was sat in a chair and the Scoutmaster, who was a big man with a pretty loud voice asked, "Where is God?" He wanted to get the scout to understand that God is everywhere.
The scout's mouth dropped open, but he said nothing. So, the scoutmaster repeated more sternly, "Where is God?"
Again, the scout just sat and stared dumbly at the Scoutmaster so he raised his voice and asked a third time, "WHERE IS GOD?"
The little scout screamed, jumped up, ran out the door, all the way home, into his room, dove into his closet, and hid under his dirty clothes. And, that's where his brother found him.
He asked, "What happened?"
The first scout replied, "Man, we are in BIG trouble! God is missing and they think WE took him!"

 

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