May 2019

Welcome to second edition of the new Region Newsletter.
As the region is large and I cannot meet with everyone frequently, I decided to follow the Chief's lead and start putting some articles out as part of a small regular newsletter. I am hoping to release the newsletter each month with a few things I want to cover.

This edition went out to all Adult Members and Rover Scouts with an email address registered in SMS but is available to anyone via the region website. If you know someone that should be receiving this, send them the email and they can register at the following link.

https://www.ccrscoutsqld.com.au/newsletter/


Dougal McWhinney
Region Commissioner (Central Coast Region)
rc@centralcoast.scoutsqld.com.au
0417 462 463

Mandatory e-Learning Modules

Scouts Australia, as part of the child protection policy, requires all Adult Members (leaders, Group Support Committee members, youth program supporters etc.) to complete the mandatory e-Learning module "Child Safe Scouting".

With the inclusion of volunteers into the QLD Workplace Health and Safety legislation, Scouts QLD requires all adult members to also complete the e-Learning module "WHS for Scouting".

Everyone has to complete these, initially at sign up and then every three years.

When an Adult Member is signed up, as part of the sign up process they should be informed about the requirement to complete the two modules within 6 months of signup. These modules then need to be redone every three years.

Providing you have a valid email address registered with Scouts QLD, you will receive an email from Scouts Australia nearing the expiry date. The email will inform you about the need to login to the training site (link below) and complete the module within 4 weeks of the expiry date.

Scouts QLD also monitors the completion of these modules and sends through to the Region Commissioners on a monthly basis, a list of people that need to complete the modules.

Failing to complete the modules in the required time frame will result in the Adult Member being suspended (notice of suspension is sent to the Adult Member, the team leader, the DC and the RC). Once suspended the Adult Member will have 4 weeks to complete the module or face being terminated.

The modules are completed through the Scouts Australia training site.

Talk to your team leader if you don't know your login details.

http://training.scouts.com.au

How is everyone going with the New Youth Program?

The New Youth Program has been developed to ensure that the activities, programs, challenges and outcomes of Scouting in Australia remain relevant to our Youth Members now and into the future. 
 
The New Youth Program is made up of many exciting elements, all working together the form a Program that is developmental, and provides one exciting journey over the 5 Sections.   
 
Queensland will be progressively implementing the different elements of the New Youth Program in layers, so that we can all focus on one element at a time, and help each other as we go. We know some will be keen to do more, however we have built this approach to best prepare our teams to support the New Program.
 
The elements build on one another, and will initially run alongside our current program and award scheme. In time, they will begin to replace parts of the current award scheme.

In January 2019 the award scheme was launched and QLD introduced the "Outdoor Adventure Skills Area".
Youth members should have now started to benchmark themselves and others in this area.

September 2019 will see the next stage introduced - Special Interest Areas and in April 2020 the final component, "Milestones & Challenge Areas" will be introduced.

We expect to have all elements of the New Youth Program up and running throughout all Queensland Groups by the end of 2020. No current peak awards will be issued after 2022. 

April 2018 - The Adventure Begins
 
January 2019 - Outdoor Adventure Skills Areas introduced
 
September 2019 - Special Interest Areas introduced
 
April 2020 - Milestone & Challenge Areas (Program Essentials) introduced
 
December 2022 - No further current peak awards issued.

If you want to know more, talk to one of the section leaders or visit the QLD New Youth Program Website.

Permission Forms
Over the last few months I have been asked when does a C4, C5 and F31 need to be completed and who approves. Below is a brief description of the forms but click on the button below to read more about them

C4 - Parent Consent - Camp / Outdoor Activity - Current Version: Issue 12 (03/18)
The C4 (Parent Consent Form) is required any time a section activity (excluding Rover Section) is going to be held away from the den. Examples of this are (but not limited to) camps, visits to a location (e.g. fire station), walk around the block. The form is to inform the parent of the activity, what is required for the activity and allow them to give permission to undertake the activity (including any adventurous activities).
The “Leaders Copy” part of the form is held by the leader in charge of the activity and should be accessible throughout the duration of the activity.

C5 - Event Advice and Approval - Current Version: Issue 10 (11/18)
The C5 (Event Advice and Approval) is required for all camps, all adventurous activities and any activity that is not a “normal” meeting night. A proposed program for the Event should be submitted and an Event risk assessment (F31) submitted for approval with the Form C5.  The approving Leader assesses whether the proposed Event is suitable for the Youth Members involved and that the Event conforms to prescribed safety and supervision standards. Note that separate risk assessments should be submitted for each outdoor adventurous activity by the Leader in Charge of the Event to the Approving Leader.

Examples of where a C5 is needed
Section camp with Combined Groups
Youth Hike / Patrol Camps

District Leadership Course
Region Camp
Rover Moot

F31 - Risk Assessment - Current Version: 1 (07/13)
A Risk Assessment is required to be submitted with ALL C5 forms.
It is recommended to use the Branch Risk Assessment template – F31 Form.
There is a spreadsheet used by some that contains a large number of prefilled sheets for various activities. Please be aware that it contains many variables which may not be relevant to your activity. If it's not relevant - do not include it.
The activity leader/youth completes the F31 with the assistance of others organising the activity/event.

Location of Forms
The latest versions of the forms are located in the "Forms" section of the Members Area.

Read more here
Want to talk to the RC?
If you have something you would like to discuss, don't forget to use the line system (talk to your team leader).
However, I am happy to be contacted should you wish to discuss Scouting process, procedures and innovative ideas.

Regards,
Dougal McWhinney
Region Commissioner (Central Coast Region)
rc@centralcoast.scoutsqld.com.au
0417 462 463
Critical Training Dates
The following Training Courses are coming up in our Region:

* 08 Jun - Abseiling (Natural Surfaces) L1 (Gladstone)
* 23-25 Aug - Advanced Practical (Rowallan Park - Mackay)
* 15 Sep - Venturer Unit Management Course (Banksia Scout Den - Mackay)
* 20-22 Sep - Venturer Leadership Course (Lake Awoonga - Gladstone)
* 23-26 Sep - Sea Kayaking L1 (Yeppoon Scout Den)
* 25-27 Oct - Basic Outdoor Skils (Rowallan Park - Mackay)


Refer to the Branch Training Calender for further detail on the course and when applications close (normally 3 weeks prior to course date).
You are receiving this as a registered Adult Member in the Central Coast Region.
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