The State Scout Youth Council meeting was held on November 8th and 9th at Mount Keira Scout camp. This article contains the minutes from that meeting.

NSW BRANCH
STATE SCOUT YOUTH COUNCIL
8 & 9 November 2008.

Held at Mt Keira Scout Camp

Minutes
 
1.                  Opening and Welcome to all participants, and Introductions:
 
After an interesting exercise to create working patrols run by David Spear (Desperate), Facilitator Gail Paddison (Fluff) welcomed all scout representatives to the SSYC, thanking them for attendance and inviting them to use this opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns about how their organisation is run. Fluff then handed over to Josh and Briony (Bob) who jointly chaired the SSYC.
Present: Josh Aird (Hume), Briony Grainger (Hume), Taleisha Hunt, (Hume), Rosemary Garratt (GWS), Ben Watts (GWS), Jarrod Allan (GWS), Nick Ryan (H&C), Conor Hayes (H&C), Daniel Provost (H&C), Amanda Griffin (NC), Daniel Turner (NC), Tegan Walsh (NC), Corey Gold (NW), Brendan Austin (NW), Alan Blunt (NW), Rachael McLaughlin (SN), Keiran Clarke (SN), Sunil Chandra (SM), Brendon Kingdom (RR), Bradyn Faye (TGW), Ann-Marie Van Duin (TGW), Heather McKie (TGW), Josh Chate (SC&T), Scott McInally (SC&T), and David Simpson (SC&T).
Leaders - Phil Crutchley, David Spear, Gail Paddison, Michael Barnes (SC&T), Barry Read (TGW), Robin Garrett (GWS) Council Scribe, Gerhard Grauer (Riverina),
 
Apologies: Louise Brunker (Hume), Aaron Lauder – Jones (SN),
 
Visitors:    Ray Read (Hume), Chris Chapman (AJ2010 Contingent Presentation), Nowra Scouts for International Scouting Presentation.
 
2.                  Presentation – Scout Youth Council Project                                        BG/JA
 
Bob and Josh went through the history of where SYC came from. It is hoped that Scouts from this year’s SYC will come back next year and carry on and/or improve the function of SYC.
 
Current forum has been the State PL conference, which met once per year. The aim of SSYC is to increase the meetings to three per year. There has not been enough follow on with the process of the PL Council. We want to have more input into the Region and State Mindari’s. SYC will be a different style to the existing Troop Councils. Want to get better communication between the different levels, both to the District/Region/State Mindari’s and up and down the PL councils. Decisions are not made in a timely manner, and with the PL Council being only once a year, feedback is not received until the next year and with a whole bunch of different Scouts. We also need to have more involvement from the Scouts and not the leaders.
 
Interestingly - There were more than three Scouts in the meeting that indicated that they do not even have Troop Council!
 
Bob and Josh outlined the SYC format:
District:                         Executive (Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary)
                                                                Plus 2 PL’s and 1 Scout per Troop.
 
Region:                          Executive (Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary)
                                                                Plus 1 PL and 1 Scout per District.
 
State:                             Executive (Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary)
                                                                Plus 1 PL and 2 Scouts per Region.
 
Operation and Frequency:
a) Frequency: - To meet at the same or similar time as the equivalent Mindari.
b) Membership:
     - Have only 1 Adult Advisor in attendance.
                             - Minimum membership is for 12 months, but prefer longer.
c) Methods (Potential):
                             - Meet at one location (at least once per year).
                             - Teleconferencing.
                             - Videoconferencing.
                             - Email.
                             - Chat Room.
 
Outstanding Matters
        a) Transport to & from Meetings.
                       
        b) Cost of meeting more frequently.
                       
        c) Part or Full time representation at Mindaris.
        d) Your help in setting up Scout Youth Councils in Regions and Districts.
        e) State Mindari suggestions and agreement.
 
Often this is being pushed from the State PL council and the State Mindari, which goes to the Region Mindari but often stops from there as many Districts do not have a District Scout Leader. It needs to come from the bottom up as well.
 
An information pack will be coming to everyone that has all the information in it including format for minutes etc.
 
 
3.                  Discussion of the 10 recommendations from 2007                               PC/JA/BG
 
1. Activity Record Book
This was agreed to by State Mindari. This has been presented to the State Activities Commissioner who has been quite busy this year. Mindari will follow up with it.
 
2. State Rally Theme 2008
This was adopted and was successful. We need to discuss the theme for 2009.
 
3. State Scout Council
This is being implemented now.
 
4. NSW Travel Shirt
For this Jamboree in 2010 NSW Contingent decided that Scouts can wear their NSW Contingent shirt to and from the Jamboree. This applies to both Scouts and leaders. As far as an alternative for the whole State, it was felt that it should be up to the each Troop Council. Mindari would like your feedback on this.
 
5. Wrist Bands at State Rally
As far as after hours movement between RAC’s, this was rejected by Mindari as it was an administrative concern, particularly as far as security was concerned. It was also felt that the card around the neck can carry more information than the wrist band.
 
6. Marketing - The True Image of Scouts
Mindari agreed with this recommendation and approached the NSW marketing campaign manager who agreed with it and will look at taking it on board. It is still on their work list. National have made some changes on theirs. There is a number of ads going out.
 
7. 14 Year Old Camp
This was agreed with but decided to not implement something till next year because of the many centenary activities that are on this year. Mindari to make sure they include it on the programme for 2009.
 
8. Uniform
White cords had a lively discussion at Mindari. At this stage they want to defer the decision and have State, Region, District SYC and Troop Councils to decide what they want to do. This was presented to National but was rejected. NSW felt that it could be worn on the right shoulder under the Scout Leadership badge but would have to be looped back to itself. A suggestion was made by this council to have another pocket on the right side of the shirt, which could hold the above referred to Activity Log book.
 
For the pants, National will not make a decision of what is worn below the waist. They have made a recommendation of what to wear. In NSW the Commissioners Council could not make a decision but was deferred to the Chief Commissioner that was advertised. It is fawn or stone colour or grey. School pants are acceptable.
 
9. Scout Leadership Training Course
This has now been completed and rolled out across the state.  A few courses have already been run. National are also interested in what NSW are doing.
 
10. Scout Advanced Leadership Training Course
The work on this has commenced on this and it is hopeful to complete it by the end of this year. National are also interested in this. This course is to function more on life skills whereas the basic course is more focused on Scouting.
 
4.                  Group Issue Brainstorm                                                             Chair/GP
 
Items raised for discussion this weekend:
Go back to old style uniform but with the new colours
Cubs to Scouts linking camp aka Ventout.
Advertising, include more outdoors mottos
TV ads to be more in line with real scouting, not just exciting adventurous stuff
PL badges to be different colours
More ideas on how to implement SYC particularly in the country.
Need more qualified activity/resource leaders in country areas.
Uniform- zip off sleeves
A PL camp to make up their own activities and share ideas for activities
Rally activities are either too long or too many.
Travel shirts
Want more courses, like canoeing in regions
If you get a green cord can we automatically get the Venturer Skills Badge
Some proficiency badges are a bit old. Can we get more modern ones.
Can we get a forum in the Internet to discuss items
Scout Exchange programme
Can the Chat forum like JOTA remain up throughout the year for PL’s
Does Grey Wolf badge equal automatic Scoutcraft badge
Proficiency badges that revolve around skills
Do more joint Troop nights
More abseiling weekends
Camp exchange people with other troops
Access to Inter regional activities
More notice to troops about events outside of the district/region
Requirements for Patrol Activities badges
Uniform – broader brim hats
Make our State Rally more public to help with advertising.
Extend the Rally to maybe three days with one day being an open day to the public
Boys and girls going in each other’s tent for discussions/games
Water camps
PL’s canoe hike
Can we a state level water activity/camp like Sirius Cup
Theme for 2009 Rally
Scouts organise camps/activities for Cubs
Advertising for high schools that is focussed more to that age
Advertising to include lists of local groups etc
Sunglasses??
Camp with adventurous activities
An open day camp for public to attend
A fishing badge
Once every three years have a trip to Uluru
Activities website for all activities
Different Proficiency badges for region specific things
Points/awards for being in uniform wearing badges earned
Fund raising activities like fun runs, or hikes
Region specific Proficiency badge
Award for the most improved Scout
Relay for life Scout team
Scout Olympics
Forensic badge
 
 
 
Break for Morning tea and Swim
                       
Re-arranged Items for discussion this weekend:
 
Camps                                           State Rally                           SYC                                        Communications
Linking                                          Themes                                  Start up Kit                           Calendar
Activities/Training                    Awareness of Rally                Action Plan                          Exchange programmes
PL                                                   Market day                           Brainstorm                            Forums
Publicity                                        Sponsorship                                                                          Advanced notice
 
 
Advertising                                  Badges                                  Random
Image                                            Proficiency                            Scout Olympics
Motto                                             Linking                                  Uniform
Wider appeal                                Learning difficulties            Training
Local                                              System of awards                Inter gender tents
Relay for Life
 
5.                  Patrol Workshops – selected Items as identified by Conference        Chairs/GP
 
Plenary Sessions                   
Camps
Linking
Cubs becoming Scouts
Scouts becoming Venturers
Level of camps – troop camp
Cubs who have their Grey Wolf wont get their Scout Craft without having to work for it.
Scouts who get their Green Cord shouldn’t get their Venturer Skills without having to work for it.
Try Scouts Award
 
Activities/Training
Advanced activities
More linking caps for cubs including teaching
More opportunities for badgework at camps/activities
More leadership courses
More courses for leaders to teach Scouts and qualifications
Basic skills training - construction
More water camps/activities
More training/basic skills opportunities
 
PL
Make up their own activities with materials
·                                                                                  Make activities with random scouts
·                                                                                  Share skills
·                                                                                  New friends
Survival camp                                                            40 Hour Famine
Rations                                                                         Sea Kayaking
Make own activities                                                  Movie Marathons
Skiing/water/snow                                                      Games
Pit toilets                                                                      Badge Swapping
Leadership camp                                                       Parachuting                                         
Travel to different places & camp                          Mountain biking
Companionship camps                                             Scouts schoolies
Tents & Patrol tents                                                   High ropes courses
First Aid                                                                        Flying Fox
Bush marathon                                                          Rock-climbing/caving
White water activities                                                Bludge camp
Canoeing & abseiling camps                                   Friends already met
14 year old camp
 
PL Camps
Lollies                           Cooking
Campfire                     Learning
Bunk houses               Courses
Camping                      Adventure
Leaders                        Patrols
Challenges
 
Publicity
Publicity stunts
Fun run
Relay for Life teams
Sponsors – obstacle course
Play against each other – sponsorship
TV
Mud marathon
Open day camps
Run for money
 
State Rally
Themes
 

               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Themes were then discussed and broken into 4 groups for discussion, ideas for activities and voting
 
Board Games                                                                                    7 votes
-          Snakes & ladders – crate stacking
-          Battleships – slingshots, water bombs, flour bombs
-          Miniaturised PPI playing on board games
-          Leapfrog Checkers
-          Human chess (ala Harry Potter)
-          Ratatouille Mouse Trap under cargo nets
-          Mouse trap – build trap with sticks and rope
-          Guess who
-          Free parking
-          Jail – build/construction to get out of
-          Go Go Stop
-          Noughts and Crosses – Make
 
Past, Present and Future Executions Around the World         6 votes
-          Medieval executions
-          Ancient executions – lion pit
-          Future executions
-          Torture/torture executions – dript torture (lollies dropped on head of PL
-          Present executions – firing squad
 
Medieval                                                                                       6 votes
-          Crime & punishment – witch burning (flint, 2 leaves & cottonwool trip)
-          Famous battles – Hastings, Agincourt
-          Daily life – Pheasants, slaves duties
-          Entertainment – Jousting, Court Jesters
-          Medieval movies – War,
 
Military                                                                                       4 votes
-          Medieval – weapons before gunpowder, spears, shields, catapults
-          Camouflage – hiding, running, not getting spotted stealth
-          Navy – water activities
-          Army – boot camp
-          Air Force – flying fox
 
Recommendation for State Rally 2009 is “Board Game Battles”
Because so many of the narrowed list was based on medieval and war, it was suggested that the Board Games theme focus on some of the ideas from the other theme activities.
 
 
Raising Awareness of Rally
Scout Website/chats
Link off State Website
Region publications
Emails
TV
Newspapers
Pamphlets
Letters
 
Market day
Visitors participate in activities
Have visitors also carry packs
People buying things
Media to come and get involved
More adventurous activities for media to see
Look at all aspects of activities and camping
Sausage sizzle
Activity of Scouts against parents
 
Sponsorship
Organisations to sponsor major event, such as Telstra, Snowgum, Bar-B-Ques Galore, Coleman
Local businesses to sponsor Troops/Patrols/Districts/Regions
Bus Company to transport them
 
 
SYC
Start up Kit
Examples, - Success stories, Notes from existing SYC meetings, what does/doesn’t work, Minute examples
Handouts – flyers
Calendar – important dates, schedules for meetings
Action plans
Sample Agenda’s
Photo’s of people
Slide shows
Notes on brainstorming
Instructions
Choose a site for the meetings
Video footage of ones that work
Information Book – Definition, - What SYC does, - What SYC influences
Use Internet, post
Go through and set it up one night
Use leaders
Contact Book of people who have done it, Leaders who will help,
Advertise in region, Scout newsletters
Advertise in troop councils
Districts ????????
Defined startup point
Frequently Asked Questions
 
Action Plan
Mention to Scout leaders
District/Region councils
All meetings
 
Use subject matter specialists
Speak to others and communicate
Produce/get starter kit
Distribute starter kit
Organise intro camp at a Region
Spread the word via all communications
Organise how often to hold Region meeting
Set some rules – have fun
Organise team
Invite PL’s/APL’s Scouts
Invite two leaders
Invite RC Scouts
Advertise in Patrol and Troop Councils
Website with SYC chat and Forum
Decide how often to have
 
Identify Who Needs to know and who can help:
Troop Council
Dedicated people
PL’s APL’s
Leaders who can help
People from other Troops
What they can do:
Find people who would want to help
PL’s/APL’s to organise it
Everyone to attend
Leader can supervise/help get it going
People to spread the word
Motivation
Where to Start:
Start at Troops then work up.
 
Another List
Get a starter kit
Tell three close Groups
Have an initial SYC meeting
Tell your leader to come
Have another meeting but invite another Group
Have another meeting and each group invite another Group (make it a camp).
Setup a Website with a SYCCL (Scout Youth Council Chat Link) and forum
Tell Region Commissioner and District Scout Leader
 
 
Badges
Due to the number of issues about badges, David Spear ‘Desperate’ was invited to enter and address the council on the topic of Award Scheme and badge requirements. As the Council was interested in establishing a Region Badge, Desperate was asked to speak to that topic also.
Award scheme is a National delivery and they only meet once a year. They only make small changes as every seven years the whole Award Scheme is reviewed. 
We do have some badges used in NSW such as “Get Out in NSW”.
Any out of date badges, please talk to Desperate this weekend about it.
 
Proficiency Badges
Region Badge. Something that is specific to that Region which a Scout has to go to that Region to learn about that Region. If it is an activity out doors, then it could be included in the Get Out in NSW awards. Suggest that each Region (Scouts, not leaders) go  back and decide what activity people need to do in their Region to earn this badge. Need to report back before next year so that it can be presented in the February State Mindari.
Other badges like Fishing and coloured PL/APL badges, talk to “Desperate”. 
Should the Patrol Activity requirements to be increased in effort as they go up? The Troop Council should set the standard. Information is in the Scout Award System Guidebook. 
Does The Grey Wolf award equate to the skills of the Scoutcraft? – Not really. The Scoutcraft badge needs to be earnt on linking/during first few weeks of joining the scout troop. The Cub Scout Link badge to Scouts actually covers all the requirements for the Scoutcraft badge.
Linking
Learning difficulties
System of awards
 
 
Advertising
Image
Two images – outdoor and Indoor. Need to promote both types of activities.
 
Motto
Get out Become a Scout.
Don’t be gay join us today. 
Scouts for life. 
Anywhere any time come join us today.
Meet new people every day when you are a Scout.
Live, laugh, love, play, become a Scout, join us today.
Don’t live a lie, give Scouts a try.
It may not be rocket science, but it’s sure physical science.
 
Wider appeal
Use billboards, magazine, posters, movies, newspapers, TV, Radio, Bus Stops.
Advertise camps, knots, hikes, badgework, canoeing, meeting new people, mingling with others.
Demonstrate all ages
Advertise looking for teenagers and adults
 
Local
Flyers - windscreen
Community events
Community service - Landcare
Posters with tear off strips
Verbally spread the word
Door knocking/flyer drop
Advertise in shops, community halls etc
 
Relay for Life – Form a Scout Team.
Get TV coverage
Get donations
Wear scarves at least when walking
Carry a Scout flag
Volunteer to help
Massive breakfast registering
Do Scouts Own in the morning
 
 
Random
Scout Olympics
Regions go through games and challenges
Teach other things
Multi themed marathon
Quick time trial on doing a lashing or knot etc.
 
Uniform
PL badge replaced with wihte cord on the right shoulder
Want epaulette returned
Zippers to be stronger
Want standard pants again
Longer sleeves for winter and more badges
Two pockets in Shirt
 
Training
Have trained leaders travelling around state to train others in activities
Have leaders to do course in various activities
Make better courses for leaders
 
Inter gender tents
Have an open tent where both can join in and be seen in the open.
 
Communications
Calendar
Have a MySpace for the troop
Scout magazines/newspaper
Subscription email
Interactive calendar where all can see and add to
Scout hall notice board
Want to include:
 -            Event/camp notification
 -            Coloured coded for different sections
 -            SYC meetings
 -            Other meetings
 -            District camps
 
Exchange programmes
Have an Internet site for Troops who want to participate
Do it interstate/inter region/inter district/international
Interstate is probably cheaper than international
Have exchange badges
Internet site
Region badge
Hot line
Camps
 
Forums
Chat rooms on www.patroltent.com
Q&A on www.patroltent.com
MSN chat rooms
Jamboree Q&A on www.patroltent.com
Organising to ask groups to join meetings for activities e.g. camps
To speak to people who you rally need to know info on things
 
Advanced notice
Monthly notice board on a Myspace for troops
Websites
Bulletin boards in shops, businesses etc
Monthly newsletter to each member including Cubs, Joeys etc
Emails and letters
Need to have up to four months notice, no less than one month
Chat rooms
Ask leaders for upcoming camps etc.
Monthly note to SL about events of the time
Notice to website with big headings
Pass info through chain of command
PL Training camp for Jamboree
 
 
6.                  International Scouting Presentation                              Nowra Scouts
 
 
7.                  AJ2010 Presentation                                                       Chris Chapman
Chris Chapman gave a presentation on some of the items we are expecting to receive for the Jamboree. Feedback was sought re Contingent badge, but there was none. The roller bag was shown which everyone liked. The option of either a soft handle or extended hard handle was shown and everyone liked the extended handle so that the bag does not hit against their legs when walking. Cost will be a consideration as well.
Other equipment possibly to be included in the contingent package:
Contingent badge x 2
Contingent hatpin
Contingent Travel bag
Contingent Back pack/hydration pack
Contingent Polo shirt
Contingent Neck cooler
Troop badges
If we need to cut costs, we could drop the Troop badge from the provided equipment.
 
 
David Spear ran a couple of promotional clips were shown for everyone’s comments. Most thought they were good, though the second one was more on the extreme side of things where as the first one was better.
 
 
8.                  Finalisation of Recommendations of SSYC for State Mindari
 
Information, ideas and feedback during Plenary sessions have led to the following recommendations: -
 
1.       The State Scout Youth Council recommends that Mindari support the start-up kit, action plan and rolling out of Scout Youth Councils from Troop level to state level.
2.       The State Scout Youth Council recommends that Mindari encourages the running of PL training camps in the run up to the Jamboree to support and train PL’s and APL’s in Jamboree leadership.
3.       The State Scout Youth Council recommends that Mindari continue to pursue the 14-year-old camp as recommended from 2007.
4.       The State Scout Youth Council recommends that Mindari adopt “Board Game Battles” as the theme for the State Rally 2009.
5.       The State Scout Youth Council recommends that Mindari endorse the addition of a Regional badge to the “Get Out” in NSW scheme. The Regional badge needs to be unique to each Region and the criteria for achievement to be set by the Scouts of that Region. To earn the badge you need to travel to that region and complete the requirements of that badge.
6.       The State Scout Youth Council recommends that Mindari make freely available a web based statewide calendar of events with links/contact details to allow timely distribution of information.
7.       The State Scout Youth Council recommends that Mindari investigate the possibility of establishing JOTI style chat forum for worldwide Scout use.
 
9.                  Elections For State Scout Youth Council Executive         JA/BG/GP
 
Phil Crutchley was invited to address the Council to give a quick overview of his thoughts on the roles of the SSYC Executive members.
 
Chairperson chairs meetings. Sets meeting agendas in consultation with Executive. She/He is the prime representative of the State SYC.
 
Deputy fills in for chair, participates in projects and learns the job, assisting wherever needed.
 
Secretary keeps minutes, maintains communication to all the Region SYC’s, distributes agendas and minutes and circulates any information as directed by the Chairperson.
 
All three have to get out to Region SYC at least once a year to help support them, to provide information and be there to answer questions and get good feedback on how SYC is progressing. 
 
Chair and Deputy chair attends State Mindari. 
 
There are a lot of other activities that will follow on from these basic functions. We want to maintain continuity and would recommend that the executive be in the job for at least 12 months. This may rule out anyone going into Venturers within the next six months. We would probably suggest you hold elections each year. This means that an existing exec member could stand for re-election.
 
With a clear view of role responsibilities, all scouts in attendance were encouraged to nominate themselves if they wished to.
 
 
Election of Executive
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson    
                                                Nominations (votes)
Josh Chate 2
Jarod Allan 0
Connor Hayes 1
Daniel Provost 1
Brendan Austin 0
Alan Blunt 5
Tegan Walsh 0
Brendon Kingdom 7
Anne- Marie V. 5
Daniel Turner 1
Ben Watts 0
 
Brendan Kingdom was voted chair of SSYC.
Allan Blunt was voted as Deputy of SSYC.
                                                           
                                                Secretary
Nominations (votes)
Anne-Marie 13
Tegan 2
Brendan Austin 1
Connor 2
Daniel Provost 2
Ben Watts 0
Jarod Allan 1
 
Anne-Marie Van Duin was voted as Secretary of SSYC.                        
 
Josh and Bob thanked all members of the SSYC for their participation and enthusiasm for the forum, and congratulated them for the way in which they had worked all weekend.
The new Executive Team of the State Scout Youth Council were introduced to the State Scout Youth Council, and they presented their recommendations to those from the State Mindari who were present.
 
 
10.              State Scout Youth Council Closed                                 GP/PC
Phil Crutchley and Gail Paddison formally thanked all members for their time and enthusiasm and encouraged all to take SYC back to their regions, find scouts to help them and start rolling out SYC at Troop, District (what are they) and Region level.
 
Josh and Bob were thanked for their enormous contribution to the formation of Scout Youth Council, for their energy and enthusiasm for their Scouting Organisation, and for leading this Council this weekend.
 
Phil Crutchley also advised the SSYC membership that two members – Amanda Griffin and Rachael McLaughlin have been asked to assist the new executive with the rollout of SYC across the state, and with special projects as negotiated with the Mindari
 
Thanks also went to Robin Garratt for his patient and diligent scribing of proceedings, particularly as he was not allowed to speak!
           
Email addresses for
Briony                    bree-may@hotmail.com
Josh                        josh100@live.com.au
 
Phil Crutchley       phil.crutchley@optusnet.com.au
Gail Paddison       paddo13@bigpond.net.au
David Spear          dspearoz@hotmail.com
 
Brendan Kingdom (Chairman)        brendon_scouts@yahoo.com
Alan Blunt (Deputy Chairman)        ablunt@as.edu.au
Anne-Marie Van Duin (Secretary)   anne_marie@internode.on.net
 
 
 

• GP = Gail Paddison, BG = Briony Grainger, JA = Josh Aird, PC = Phil Crutchley