The Viewpoint Newsletter provides information to all the Adults involved in Scouting in the Arundel and Littlehampton District.

January 2003

Child Protection – Please ensure that as an adult in Scouting you are fully aware of the Associations Child Protection Policy and the ‘Yellow Card’, what they say and how you can carry out the policy in your dealings with young people in your Group. During 2003 we will be holding awareness sessions for adults in the District to refresh understanding and to provide a forum to ask questions on such a sensitive issue. Watch this space.

Diary Dates – Here are the dates of the next few District Meetings/Events. For a full 2002/2003 programme see www.al-scouts.org.uk/diary

Scout & Guide Joint Activity Award – To remind you there is a Badge available to wear on the Uniform for participating in activities with the Guide Movement. To gain the badge you must take part in an activity with any part of the Guide Movement 6 to 25. There must be at least 2 members present from both the Scouts and Guides. The District Commissioner must approve the activity before commencement so that the District Team can get involved. More details from your Group Scout Leader/Group Contact or the District Commissioner. See also www.al-scouts.org.uk/guides.

12^th World Scout Moot, Taiwan 2004 – For an international experience of a lifetime, if you were born between 30^th July 1978 and August 10^th 1986 then this could be for you. For details contact the DC or see www.moot2004.org.uk/

Explorer Scouts – Acting Explorer Scout Leaders will be meeting at 1^st East Preston HQ on 15^th January 2003 @ 8.00pm to formulate the final plans to fully implement the Explorer Section in Arundel & Littlehampton. If you want to put your point of view across, please either tell your acting Explorer Scout Leader or contact the District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Ian Buckman explorers@al-scouts.org.uk who will be only too pleased to listen. Soon after this meeting has taken place a young peoples meeting will take place (TBA) to ensure that Explorer Scout themselves have a say in their future.

Programme & Development Sub Committee – A sub committee of the District Executive the Programme & Development Sub Committee will look at ways to provide support to developing Scouting in the District. Its remit will be to look at not only ways to increase numbers (particularly Leaders) but also in ensuring exciting and relevant programmes are being delivered to retain both young people and adults alike. A meeting was scheduled for December but due to unforeseen circumstances had to be cancelled. It gives you the opportunity to feed your ideas on how the District should develop before the next meeting on the 19^th February 2003. At this meeting members of the County Development Team will be working with the committee to come up with initiatives to help Groups Develop. Contact the DC with any suggestions dc@al-scouts.org.uk .

The Way Forward Survey – Thanks to the 4 Groups who spent the time completing this survey for the County Team to aid in development.

First Aid – We are in the process of updating all our training information on Leaders within the District. To assist us, and to ensure we don't bother you unnecessarily, we would be grateful to know whether you hold a current Scouting First Aid First Response - or higher - certificate and its expiry date. Nil responses are also required please. Remember you can order a First Aid Badge for your uniform from the badge shop, if you have the relevant qualification. Details required - Name/Group/Section/Certificate Held/Expiry Date

We would also welcome information on any other First aid courses you may have done through work etc. Please either phone our ADC (Adult Training) - Julie Dixon -  e mail her at training@al-scouts.org.uk

Badge Shop – A reminder of The Badge Shop contact details: - Dawn Burgess, badges@al-scouts.org.uk

Please either post (or drop through the door) your order using the yellow order form or now you can email your requirements to the address above. An electronic version of the order form will be available shortly. Orders will not however, be dispatched or allowed to be taken away, until payment has been received in full. The badge secretary can be visited at any reasonable time day/evening, but please phone before arrival to confirm availability and to avoid disappointment. Not all badges are kept in stock so please plan ahead. A badge list is now available from the District Web Site www.al-scouts.org.uk/badges

District Diary & Directory – The District Team must apologise for not getting a new Directory and Diary out before Christmas, but hopefully this will be with you in the next few weeks.

Founders Day Celebrations – This year as duty Group 1^st Yapton & Ford have organised this year’s Founders Day celebrations. This year rather than a church service the Group will be organising a social event to which all adults involved in Scouting in the District will be invited. Full details will follow shortly but in the meantime please put the evening of February 22^nd in your Diaries.

NEXT COPY DATE: 25th January 2003 ALL COPY to Prue Payne  secretary@al-scouts.org.uk