The Scout Association - Tsunami Appeal

An open letter from the Chief Scout

Dear Fellow Scouts

Together with our Scouting family around the world, our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters Scouts across the Asia Pacific Region.

I have travelled both to Sri Lanka and Sumatra. I have fished with men from Galle, and worked with Oxfam to provide pumps to provide fresh water in remote villages in Indonesia. I have been thinking about the disaster with vivid personal memories of the places I went to and the people I met.

Many of our UK Members have been asking how best we can offer support and solidarity to the countries affected by the tsunami. The Scout Association - Tsunami Appeal is part of a global Scout effort to help Scouts rebuild their communities.

All of the money raised will go to fund work in the affected countries. For supporting the immediate disaster relief effort, we encourage anyone who wants to make a donation to do so direct to the Disaster Emergency Committee.

Since Boxing Day, there has been close contact with the organisations in those countries, and with the Asia Pacific Regional office.

Scouting in the Asia Pacific Region will be preparing a coordinated plan for the months ahead. This will prepare not only for the reconstruction of Scouting in those areas, but also for how Scouts can assist with the wider task of community regeneration.

I know you will give generously to the appeal. In the meantime, I know that all Scouts here in the UK join me in offering your thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters across the world.

Peter Duncan

Chief Scout

www.scouts.org.uk/tsunamiappeal





Background Information

With the devastation caused by the tsunami earthquake still fresh in our minds, it is vital that we in the UK act quickly to extend the hand of friendship to Scouts in the disaster areas. The Scout Association has therefore provided a way of making a direct contribution to those in the Asia Pacific Region in this time of great need. It's about Scouts helping Scouts.

The focus of the appeal is not on providing emergency aid - there are aid agencies already tackling this sort of work. Rather, this challenge is about what you as Scouts can do to help fellow Scouts begin the process of reconstruction and recovery.

The money from the appeal will go directly to fund regeneration work the affected regions. It will be used to re-start and re-equip Scout Groups, and to support Scout projects to help rebuild communities. Some of the funds raised may be for emergencies, but most will be for longer-term recovery and development projects.

Scouting is working closely with the Asia-Pacific Regional Office, which has encouraged each of the World Scout organisations to start open routes for the appeal.

Contributing to The Scout Association - Tsunami Appeal is a most effective way of showing your support. The World Movement discourages Scouts from travelling to affected countries to offer their help, unless as part of a recognised aid agency.

The best way to donate is on-line at www.scouts.org.uk/tsunamiappeal Please tick the Gift Aid declaration as it increases your donation by 28%if you are a UK taxpayer. You can also send a cheque payable to: 'The Scout Association Tsunami Appeal', The Scout Association Gilwell Park , Chingford, London E4 7QW

Reports on the appeal progress will be posted on www.scouts.org.uk and in Scouting magazine.

Cambridge Scouts are set to open a Beaver Scout Colony in Trumptington

District Commissioner, Simon Gates, has invited leaders to a special gathering on 1st February to discuss the future of Cambridge Scouting

County Commissioner, Richard Hames, is pleased to announce a new District Commissioner for Cambridge Scouting

We are looking for adult volunteers to work with the Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer Scout age ranges in Cambridge

Cambridge District are offering basic training in leadership for young people aged 14-18.

Cambridge City Council's Street Services Section would like to let all scout groups know about the "Big Tidy Up".

The Phoenix Explorer Scout Unit return home after an activity-packed trip to Malta

The 14th Cambridge Beavers look to the heavens with an evening at a local observatory

30 Beavers from the 12th, 18th and 26th Cambridge Colonies learn about local wildlife at sleepover

50th Cambridge Beavers raise £200 for charity in Penalty Shoot-out Competition

120 Beavers from Cambridge and Granta attend a special water-based Activity Day

The 18th Cambridge Cubs raise funds for SSAFA at "Charity Laps" evening

Preparations for the Cambridge District Annual General Meeting are underway

Scout Group launches media gallery to promote Scouting activities

200 Beavers and Cubs come together for an activity-packed morning and afternoon St George's service

Cambridge Scout Chairman, David Law, has been awarded the Bar to the Silver Acorn for Specially Distinguished Services to Scouting

Beavers from the 12th, 18th, 26th and 50th Cambridge colonies swap Easter Eggs for Snowballs as winter returns for their sleepover

Young People from the Princes Trust have spent two weeks painting and decorating the aging 14th Cambridge Scout HQ.

Cambridge and Crafts Hill Scouts compete in the annual District Swimming Competition

Sixers and Seconders from across Cambridge take part in a special Activity Day designed just for them!

Children's Scrapstore provides recycled materials for arts, crafts and play activities at low cost

Beavers, Cubs and the Scout Fellowship reveal their plans for District events in 2008

If you have a scouting story you'd like to share with the world, why not share it here!

Cambridge District are offering a one-day leadership course for Young People aged between 14-18

County Commissioner, Richard Hames, takes charge in Cambridge

Youth Proficiency Scheme Air Rifle Shooting course for adult volunteers run by the National Smallbore & Rifle Association

The next opportunity for First Response First Aid Training takes place on 20th January 2008 in Cambridge.

A reminder about Getting Started training for new leaders during 2007

130 Beavers bring the Scouting Centenary to an end with a giant Christmas Party

Beaver Scouts from the 12th, 18th & 26th Cambridge colonies have spent a weekend finding out what it might be like to celebrate an Australian Christmas

See the Jungle Book musical at the 29th Cambridge Scouts in November

Around 80 Beaver Scouts from the 12th, 14th, 18th and 26th Cambridge colonies have spent two chilly November evenings participating in Night Hikes.

100 Beavers Scouts from across Cambridge gatherd at Abington Campsite for a special 'Cowboys and Indians' activity day.

The annual University adult recruitment event for Cambridge Scouting will take place on Wednesday 17th October 2007

A day/night incident hike with 26 checkpoints... and surprise challenges! For Explorers, Senior Section, SSAGO, Guiders and Scouters - yes, even Leaders!

Programmes Online is a new programme planning tool for Scouting volunteers

The 2007 Cambridgeshire 222 Mountain Orienteering Competition will be held on the weekend of 12th to 14th October 2007.

Beavers and Cubs have celebrated the start of scouting's second century with a special Sunrise Sleepover

The annual Swimming Gala for 200 plus Cubs and Scouts in Cambridge and surrounding villages will take place on Saturday 10/03/07 at Parkside Pools, Cambridge.

The next Training Drop In will be held on Thursday 6th April 2006

As at 31st January 2006 there were 1,071 members of the Scout Association in Cambridge

This is advance notice that the County AGM will take place on Tuesday 26th June 2006 at the Maltings, Ely.

More than 200 adult volunteers attended the County PRIZE conference at St Ivo School, St Ives on Sunday 12th March 2006.

Many of you will have seen two very positive pieces about the voluntary work Scouts and Explorer Scouts are involved in being highlighted in recent editions of the Sunday Telegraph.

In recent months there have been various changes made to the Policy Organisation & Rules of the Scout Association.

The 4th Cambridge Brownies and the 14th, 18th and 54th Cambridge Beavers joined forces on Thursday 8th December to be amongst the audience for Cinderella.

Cambridge District Beaver Scout Leaders will meet on 1st February to finalise the activity programme for Beaver Scouts in 2006 (boys and girls aged six to eight years)

The County PRIZE Day is a conference for all adult volunteers in Cambridge Scouting on Sunday 12th March 2006

Induction training for new adult volunteers will take place on Saturday 21st January 2006 and Saturday 11th February 2006.

Xmas drinks for adults working in Cambridge Scouting

I was very saddened to hear today of the untimley death of Cambridge scouter, Mark Sewell.

Scouts and Explorer Scouts from Cambridge are enjoying the Eurojam experience. The European Scout Jamboree is taking place in the UK and runs until 10th August 2005.

Scouts from Cambridge attending Eurojam this Summer have received a financial boost from the Cambridge University Rag Appeal at a special presentation for members of the Cambridge Community Volunteer Service.

We will be promoting Cambridge Scouting at the City Council's Big Day Out on Parkers Piece in July and will have a display to support this.

Nominations are currently sought for the position of District Commissioner for Cambridge Scouting. The closing date is 11th June 2005.

This will be my last Annual General Meeting as your District Commissioner. It will take place at the Diamond Room, Selwyn College, Grange Road, Cambridge on Thursday 19th May 2005 at 7.45 for 8.00pm.

The annual Craft Competition for 200+ Cambridge Beaver Scouts takes place on Saturday 12th March 2005

The next Cambridge District Team meeting, for Assistant District Commissioners and Group Scout Leaders, will be on Thursday 17th March 2005, 7.45 for 8.00pm at the 54th HQ, Shirley School.

It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you of the passing of fellow Scout, Derrick Hopkins on 19th January 2005.

Explorer Scouts (boys and girls aged 14 to 18 years) enjoyed Christmas dinner in a differnt way in 2004 at Merstham Mines in Surrey.

Cambridge Scout Fellowship will run craft activities for Scouts of all ages.

Cambridge Astronomer, Andy Green is offering Cambridge Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts the opportiunity to explorer our solar system

The Cambridge District Activity Day for Beavers on Saturday 2004 was a day to remember.

Scouting's Mobile Display Unit was on Parkers Piece this weekend for the Summer in the City event this weekend on Parkers Piece

The annual District Cubs Hike will take place in the Fen Ditton area on 25th June 2004.

Cambridge Beavers will visit Colchester Zoo on 27th June 2004. Hope you can make it!

Results of the Scout District football competition

Thanks to all Cambridge Beavers for participating in the annual hike and to all the adults that made it happened.

The Annual General Meeting of the Cambridge Distrct Scout Council will take place at Selwyn College on 20th May 2004 at 8.00pm. All welcome!

There are lots of opportunities to participate in the new Adult Training scheme during 2004

Results of the Cub district sports day held on Sunday 25th April

Sunday 25th April 2004 will see the annual St George's Day celebrations in England and Cambridge Scouting will of course play its part in the celebrations.

Wandlebury celebrates its 50th anniversary on the weekend of 3rd and 4th July 2004.

This fast-moving and ever-popular show, staged by members of the Scout and Guide movements, makes a welcome return to the Arts Theatre after 66 years

Hinchingbrooke Country Park has an Iron Age Farm in which we now have a full size reconstructed roundhouse.

Welcome to new Scouting year and I hope in whatever role you are undertaking it is a successful year for you

The District Team workshop will be held on Saturday 12th July 2003

Nine Scouts from Cambridgeshire (6 from Cambridge) are in Thailand for the World Jamboree.

Cambridge District Swimming Gala will be held on March 8th 2003.

The week of the 4th-11th August saw several thousand Scouts and Guides camping near Peterborough for Camjam 2002, Cambridgeshire's International Camp.