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Issue 129: 12 August 2021

In this Issue: 

Paradise Point Scout Group - Planning for Scouts in Action Month (Prior to SEQ Lockdown)

From the Chief Commissioner

Scouting and COVID-19 Restrictions 
The COVID-19 situation continues to rapidly change. 

In southeast Queensland's 11 local government areas (LGAs), what ended up as an eight-day lockdown has been replaced by 14 days of stringent social restrictions. QBSI 7.15 was amended to reflect those restrictions, effectively implementing a ban on face-to-face Scouting for the duration until written directions declaring relaxing restrictions were received. Two directions totalling 48 pages were published, and based on our analysis of those documents, QBSI 7.15 has been amended to allow Formations to choose to meet face-to-face, provided they follow the additional requirements. 

Cairns and Yarrabah entered a three-day lockdown on Sunday 8 August whilst the rest of the State plays a waiting game. The Delta variant is 40-60% more transmissible than Alpha and rapid responses are required to control it. Many of our Scouting families in the western suburbs of Brisbane are still home quarantining due to member(s) of their family attending one of the schools where COVID-19 was detected. We really appreciate everyone who is taking this seriously to help stop the spread. 

Vaccination is the only long-term path to eliminating COVID-19 and returning us to normal and I encourage you all to roll up your sleeve for the jab. For the remainder of Scouts in Queensland, enjoy the post-lockdown freedom! 

Reminder that we are now required by Queensland Government to implement the Check In Qld app | Queensland Government (covid19.qld.gov.au) and this should be implemented by each Formation as a 'business'. Note that Youth Members are not required to check-in using the app. 

Compliance with QBSI 7.15 remains important to enable us to continue delivering for the young people of Queensland. 

Impact of hard COVID-19 lockdown on Scout events over the next few months
The uncertainty associated with both the effectiveness of the hard lockdown and compliance of the community under lockdown conditions makes planning upcoming events difficult. 

This table shows the known status of upcoming events as at 12/08/21

Joey Jaunt Online Prequel 
Congratulations to Branch Commissioner Nick Warwick for converting the face-to-face Joey Jaunt into the online 'Prequel - Joey Jaunt' and through the efforts of Peter Blatch and Paul Parkinson, arranging for Boy Scouts of America Leader and NASA Commander and Astronaut Michael Fossum, to record a message for our Joey Scouts which you can access by clicking here

Scouting@Home                                                                                                                       
During our first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, most Scout Units moved rapidly to delivering the successful Scouting@Home using Zoom. For security, a number of recommended controls were implemented to prevent unauthorised entry of persons from accessing the Zoom meetings. Within the Office365 package that is now available to all adult members, the MS Teams meeting format should be considered for Scouting@Home. The benefits are being able to invite Youth Members as 'guests' using their personal or parents/carers’ email accounts (as agreed by parents/carers) and allowing for break-out groups for patrol work. There are also good 'mute all' controls and good security around the meetings. 

From experience, I know that using a smartphone to attend an MS Teams meeting also works well as an alternative option. For support in getting started, consult this article on our Support Hub: Setting up a Meeting using Teams (scoutsqld.com.au) Weekly resources will continue to be provided on the Scouting@Home webpage to support Youth Members who are unable to attend their Unit meeting. These provide great opportunities to encourage other family members and friends to share in Scouting.   

'Public' Camping on Scouts Queensland Campsites 
For some years now, we have encouraged the controlled access of public camping on Scouts Queensland Campsites to help fund the operation and maintenance of those campsites. This revenue helps to fund facility upgrades and subsidise the cost of Scout Group usage onsite. Our campsites exist for Scouting purposes but public revenue is still needed. Public useage must be managed and compatible with Scouting.  The separation between Scouting and public use by timed bookings is the preferred option however, separation by distance can also work. For example, the use of the ablutions block maybe 100% dedicated to Scouting use for shower time and the buddy system outside of that time. The on-site caretaker or warden is useful in organising these arrangements. It also means that we will book out large sections of the campsite for the duration of large Scouts events but it is important that these bookings make it into campsite schedules early. 

Scout-owned campsites are generally not secured through fencing and/or alarms and particularly at sites closer to urban areas. We have an ongoing battle to prevent unauthorised access to our properties by community members who think they have the right to access our sites for walking or bike riding. The only time that we can enjoy secure camping is at Jamborees, Cuborees, and Agoonoree - where boundary fencing is secure and regularly patrolled. These statements are not meant to alarm but to highlight an ever-present risk that we need to manage in delivering our moral and legal obligation to protect the young people in our care. When camping at a National Park or camping in a privately run campground, or even when visiting a museum, we are vigilant when our Youth members are in proximity of the public. We use the buddy system for youth attending the toilet and we assign Leaders to monitor periods of intense ablutions use such as showering. QBSI 5.8 covers these issues in more detail.

Stay safe and good Scouting! 

Daryl Scott
Chief Commissioner

Upcoming Dates - August / September

August
1 - 31 August - Scouts in Action Month
14 - 22 August - National Science Week
22 August - Ullambana 
27 - 28 August - Scoutfest Camp
28 August - Australian Scout Medallion Presentations
29 August - Queen's Scout Award, Baden Powell Award and Adult Recognition Award Ceremonies

September
4 September - St George's Ball (The Warehouse)
18 - 24 September - Agoonoree
19 - 24 September - Cuboree

Scouting@Home - New Resources

Scouting@Home Resources - 12 August 2021

National Science Week

SciScouts has been leading a collaboration with Fizzics Education and various State Scout STEM leaders, funded through a National Science Week grant, to create quality information for scouts to understand outdoor scouting-associated science activities.

Are you keen to accept the challenge?
Make your own compass, build a da Vinci bridge and have some dazzling fun with campfire chemistry experiments. There are 'how to' resources and fabulous videos made by Scouts for Scouts now available from SciScouts: Science of Outdoors - National Science Week

Districts or Groups who would like some assistance in running either virtually or in-person (Brisbane SE) training events for a selection of your Scouts to support them learning to do these activities please contact ba.stem@scoutsqld.com.au to discuss possibilities.

There is also an opportunity to register for the live-streamed webinar scheduled for 28 August from 1pm to 2pm AEST.

In this interactive webinar, we will be learning the science behind:
  • How to create a water filter
  • Weather...Make a cloud in a jar
  • Topography and map reading
  • Making a sundial

This online Zoom event is targeted at ages 5 - 14 [Max 1000]. A Zoom link and password will be sent to registered participants. $5/participant (plus standard 50c booking fee), includes event badge.

Book no later than Friday 20 August via Science of Outdoors webinar with Fizzics Education Tickets | TryBooking Australia. A materials list will be provided so you can join along in the hands-on activities at home or at your Scout hall.

This month is also Scouts in Action. SDG 4 focuses on Quality Education which the Scouting of the Outdoors activities would be an excellent fit for too. Have fun doing science scouting in the outdoors!

Adventurous Activities Conference

This year’s Adventurous Activities Conference was cut short due to the COVID-19 lockdown but that didn’t stop everyone from enjoying themselves while they could. On Saturday morning the delegates had the opportunity to attend workshops ranging from Paddling, Pioneering, Bushwalking, Vertical, Cycling and more before the conference ended.

The conference ended with the presentation of the 'Lynette Kingston Paddle Award' being presented to Lachlan Wright and Matthew Vella. A massive congratulations to them for their contributions to the paddling pursuits.

The Adventurous Activities Conference is gaining a lot of interest not only from Scouting Members (with Approx. 100 members attending) but by businesses supporting the event.

Thank you to our supporters:

Youth Program - Review our Unit Codes

This month is a great time to talk with other members of your Unit Council and to review your Unit Code.

Remember each Unit has its own Code which is developed and reviewed. It provides a common understanding of what behaviours and attitudes are expected of everyone within the Unit.

Here’s a checklist you could use to ask your members the following:

  • Does the Unit Code represent the 'group norms' of your Unit?
  • Do all members use this as a source of reference for their work?
  • Have all members agreed to and understand what it means?
  • Was the Unit Code helpful to navigate any issues happening in the Unit?
  • Is our format still suitable for our Unit?
  • Is the Unit Code understood by everyone in the unit?
  • Is it displayed in the Scout Den as a reminder?
  • How does it help to make our Scouting environment adventurous, fun, challenging, and inclusive for all?
  • When was the Code last reviewed?
  • How could we make it better?

More information about Unit Codes can be found here.

Agoonoree - Rover Scouts and Leaders

Rover Scouts and Leaders - Agoonoree needs you!
Due to some recent changes with the Agoonoree make-up, we’re now in a position to accept more Rover Scout and Leader applications for the 2021 camp. If you are looking for a challenge and want to make a difference to the lives of young people whilst having fun, then Agoonoree is your answer. Your camp fee of $185 includes all your camping, onsite fees, and catering for 7 days.
 
Agoonoree has played a special role in changing the lives of young people for 40 years and in 2021 we’re planning to make our impact even more special.

For more information on the camp and to apply head to www.agoonoree.scoutsqld.com.au or email info@agonoree.scoutsqld.com.au.

Be quick as applications will close once maximum numbers are reached.

Rover Scout Leadership Opportunities

Are you a Rover Scout looking for your next big leadership opportunity?
Do want to learn new skills or further develop your current skills?
Nominations are open for a range of positions in Queensland Rovers including;

Branch Rover Executive Roles
• Executive Secretary
• Program Officer
• Marketing Officer
• IT Officer

Branch Rover Council Roles
• Diversity and Inclusion Officer
• Rover - Olave Liaison
• Merchandise Officer
• National Rover Council Delegate

Branch Rover Event Chair Roles
• Queensland Moot 2022
• Urban Challenge 2022

Region Representative Roles
• Brisbane North
• Moreton

(If you are from another Region and interested in getting involved, please reach out)

This is a great opportunity to learn more in a supportive environment. For more information, relevant position description/s and any questions, please email Jadzia Clifford-Pugh, QBRC Chair chair@qldrovers.org.au

Brisbane Gang Show 2022 - Applications Open

Are you, or do you know a Youth Member who loves the Performing Arts? If so, applications to be part of the 71st Brisbane Gang Show Cast in 2022 are now open!

Click to apply here.

Container Recycling - July Top 16 Groups

Congratulations to the Top 16 Groups collecting containers for recycling in July. Together these Groups have collected 37,175 Containers valued at $3717.50.
 
Excellent work by Tamborine Mountain Scout Group on collecting 4722 containers, Oyster Point Scout Group 4384 containers and Birkdale Scout Group 3786 - Brilliant work by everyone!
1. Tamborine Mountain         4722
 
2. Oyster Point                    4384
 
3. Birkdale                           3786

4. Kenmore                          3139

5. St Johns Woods               2996

6. Brackenridge                    2746

7. Belmont                            2373

8. Enoggera                          2003

9. Jindalee                               1660

10. Aspley                                1588

11. Brownsea                           1545
 
12. Paradise Point                   1423

13. Stafford                              1351

14. Richlands - Forest Lake     1253

15. Sunnybank                         1132

16. Taringa Milton Toowong     1074

Did you know you can vote for Scout Recycling Centres Queensland in the People's Choice Award for the Best Refund Depot. Check it out here.

Expression of Interest: Branch Adviser (Rover Scouts)

Expressions of Interest for suitably qualified Adults in Scouting are now open to apply for the position of Branch Adviser (Rover Scouts). This position reports directly to the Deputy Chief Commissioner Youth Program and supports the Queensland Branch Rover Council and Chairman with the oversight of the Rover Scout Program for young people aged 18 to 25 years. In line with the WOSM Youth Empowerment Policy and the outcomes of the Scouts Australia Rover Section Review, the previous terminology of Branch Commissioner (Rover Scouts) in Queensland has now been replaced with this title.

Applicants must apply in writing addressing selection criteria and submitting a brief statement no later than Sunday 29 August to Linn Pihl by emailing ccea@scoutsqld.com.au.

The Duty statement is available here

Additional criteria for this role includes:
  1. All applicants should hold a Program Support Leader (Leader of Adults) wood badge or be prepared to complete Program Support Leader training within 12 months of appointment;
  2. Have a good understanding of the Youth Program and of the One Program concept;
  3. Have a demonstrated ability to work effectively with young adults with an emphasis on those aged 18 - 25 years;
  4. Proven leadership skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment to build collaborative relationships with leaders, families, youth members and the community
  5. High level verbal and written communication skills to develop and maintain strong internal and external Scouting relationships and deal with issues sensitively
  6. Proven ability to prioritise workloads and ensure commitments are fulfilled in a timely manner
Further information is available from BA Rover Scouts ba.roverscouts@scoutsqld.com.au or Deputy Chief Commissioner (Youth Program) dcc.youthprogram@scoutsqld.com.au

Skillorama Update

Due to current lockdown restrictions issued for Queensland, the Skillorama Committee has decided to postpone the event to a future date that is yet to be confirmed. Thank you to all those who support Skillorama and we look forward to seeing you in the future. 

Tales from our Heritage

Our apologies to the Heritage Team for the mix up with last weeks article. Check out the full article in the updated version of last weeks newsletter, available here.

Training Update - Out with the Old

All 'Old Youth Program' curriculum e-Learning was turned off on 5 August 2021.

All adult members who login from this point forward will now be directed to new curriculum modules now known as On Demand training. Depending on your role within the organisation, you will need to complete a different set of modules.

If you have any old links bookmarked or saved on your computer, please take some time to update the links to reflect these changes so you don't get an error message. All modules for the Scouting Essentials course (except one) are now available. Modules for the Scouting Adventure course have also been updated. The Scouting Leadership and Scouting Management modules are still coming.  
  • If you are a Youth Section Leader - you will be directed to Youth Program Leader (LoY) modules.
  • If you are a Leader of Adults (e.g. Group Leader) - you will be directed to Program Support Leader (LoA) modules.
  • If you are a member of a Group Support Committee - you will be directed to Group Support Committee modules.
  • If you are a Parent Helper - you will be directed to Parent Helper training modules.
  • If you are under 18 - you will be directed to Training for Youth Member modules.
All members are encouraged to login and complete the updated and new modules in On Demand training to refresh your knowledge, update your skill set and learn more about the Youth Program.

If you have any questions, please talk to your PLA, ask your fellow Leaders at a District Training Meeting (DTM) or send an email to bc.training@scoutsqld.com.au (Julia - Branch Commissioner Adult Training & Development) or training.support@scoutsqld.com.au (Melita - Training Administration Officer).

QBSI Update

QBSI 7.15 - face-to-face Scouting under COVID-19 Restrictions is now available on the Scouts Queensland Homepage as a button here

Dear members - please note that the following updates to QBSI are now available HERE.

  1. QBSI Cover and Content (content updates to reflect this update to Queensland Branch Scouting Instructions)
  2. QBSI 2.1 Youth Sections and Units (updates throughout, re-read recommended)
  3. QBSI 2.12 Disability Inclusion in Scouting (update to QBSI 2.12.1, and QBSI 2.12.2)
  4. QBSI 2.19 Event and Activity Approvals (update to QBSI 2.19.5)
  5. QBSI 3.10 Disputes Grievances and Complaints (updates throughout, re-read recommended)
  6. QBSI 3.12 Youth Behaviour Management (update to QBSI 3.12.2, and QBSI 3.12.3)
  7. QBSI 5.1 Resources and Assets (updates throughout, re-read recommended)
  8. QBSI 5.6 Insurance (update to QBSI 5.6.8.1)
  9. QBSI 5.10 Watercraft (update to QBSI 5.10.6)
  10. QBSI 5.11 Windfall profits from property transactions (new chapter)
  11. QBSI 7.15 Face-to-face Scouting under COVID-19 restrictions (update to QBSI 7.15.6.1)
  12. QBSI 9.16 Information Technologies (new chapter)
  13. QBSI 10.1 Child Safe Scouting (update to QBSI 10.1.A.3.2.6, QBSI 10.1.A.5.4, QBSI 10.1.A.5.7, QBSI 10.1.B.3.7, QBSI 10.1.B.8.2, QBSI 10.1.B.9.1, QBSI 10.1.B.9.4, QBSI 10.1.B.16.6, QBSI 10.1.B.17.2)
  14. QBSI 11.9 Boating - Power Boating (update to QBSI 11.9.5, and QBSI 11.9.6)
  15. QBSI 11.13 Cycling - On Road (updates throughout, re-read recommended)
  16. QBSI 11.27 Terra Firma - Bushwalking (updates throughout, re-read recommended)
  17. QBSI 11.41 Aquatic - Swimming and Water Safety (update to QBSI 11.41.5)
  18. QBSI 11.44 Vertical - Mobile Climbing Walls (update to QBSI 11.44.7)
  19. QBSI 12.1 Management Operation and Reporting Structure (update to QBSI 12.1.2)
  20. QBSI 12.2 Strategy Committee Terms of Reference (update to QBSI 12.2.1, QBSI 12.2.2, and QBSI 12.2.3)
  21. QBSI 12.3 Management Committee Terms of Reference (updates throughout, re-read recommended)
  22. QBSI 12.4 Reference Committee Terms of Reference (update to QBSI 12.4.2)

Please remember to update your QBSI USBs if you use one.

The update of the complete QBSI document is available HERE.

Property Banding Explained 

To assist in the completion of the your Property Return, we have prepared a guide to Property Banding.

We hope that this will assist Formation Leaders understanding property banding better, particularly how it applies to their own facilities.
 
New articles are being added to the Scouts Queensland Support Hub all the time. We encourage Leaders to use it as a first point of contact should you have any queries. Articles can be found here.
 
For any other questions of queries related to your Property Return or any other facility related matter please contact facilities@scoutsqld.com.au 
 

Census Reminder

30 September Census reminder
A gentle reminder that all changes to your Formation’s membership records need to be completed by midnight 30 September and can be done directly within SMS.
 
On 1 October 2021, a renewal invoice will be issued to each Formation for each 'active' Youth Member, Adult Member and Youth Program Supporter recorded in the Scout membership System (SMS) as at midnight Thursday, 30 September 2021. This invoice will cover the membership period from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

Membership fees are published on the website and can be accessed by clicking here (scoutsqld.com.au).
 
Please remember that whilst Scouts | Terrain and Scout Central are great tools for youth programming all updates to Membership details need to be completed within SMS. Download the SMS census guide here.
 
If you are unsure of how to access the Scout Membership System (SMS) please contact the Membership Support Officer via email: membership@scoutsqld.com.au to obtain you Membership number and password. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further queries.

Xero - Aged Receivable Summary Report

We recommend that you regularly review your Aged Receivable Summary to identify money owed to the Formation that is beyond 30 days so that you can follow up on unpaid debt. You should ensure that all invoices have been entered and the bank reconciliation is up to date prior to running this report. Please refer to the link below on how to generate this report. Also, QBSI 6.12 provides guidance on managing Group Debt.
 
Aged Receivables Summary report (xero.com)

If you have queries please email financehelpdesk@scoutsqld.com.au

Long Service Certificates

Carmel Headberry Venturer Scout Leader Ashmore Scout Group
David McKendry Adult Member Banksia Scout Group
Lance Burgess Adult Member (Caretaker) Barrabadeen Camp and Activity Centre
Aylana Watkins Assistant Joey Scout Leader Burleigh Heads Scout Group
Murray Carr Assistant Scout Leader Cooroy Scout Group
Michael Bell Assistant Cub Scout Leader Indooroopilly Scout Group
April Rogers Member - Scout Fellowship Rowallan Park Fellowship
Darrin Pearson Venturer Scout Leader Atherton Scout Group
Troy Richardson Scout Leader Edge Hill Scout Group
Victoria Wilson Youth Program Supporter Everton Park Scout Group
Mark Krebs Venturer Scout Leader Morningside Scout Group
Ian Beynon Assistant Cub Scout Leader Northern Beaches Scout Group
Julie Garland Assistant District Commissioner (Adult Training and Development) Beaver Masters District
James Wilson Scout Leader Gracemere Scout Group
Carolyn Orpin Venturer Scout Leader Millbank Scout Group
Philip Robinson Group Leader Paradise Point Scout Group
Karen Stone Assistant Cub Scout Leader Queens Park Ipswich Scout Group
Michael Conboy Scout Leader Karana Scout Group
Margaret Flecker Cub Scout Leader Wulguru Scout Group
John Lovegrove Assistant Scout Leader Belmont Scout Group
John Palmer Group Leader Longreach Scout Group

Training Calendar

To access the Learning and Assessment Plans (click below):

Learning Plan - Youth Program Leaders
Learning Plan - Program Support Leaders

Click here to access the current Adult Development Training Calendar.

Have a story for us? Send your submission to newsletter@scoutsqld.com.au
The weekly deadline for contributions is midday Wednesday.
Please keep contributions concise and Scouts Queensland reserves the right to edit all items for style consistency, brevity and clarity.
Need help? Check the Scouts Queensland Support Hub
You can review the knowledgebase or log a support request - or send an email to helpdesk@scoutsqld.com.au
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