INFO 2013 - Scouts Victoria

SCOUTS IN ACTIONThis program began in 2010 and has provided great program resources. The first 3 years of this National program had a healthfocus and material is available for all sections: http://scoutsinactionweek.com/ Year 2012 was based on International. Scouts in Action (2010) – First Aid - a range of programs aligned with Award Schemes -.scoutsfirstaid.stjohnqld.com.au.Groups are encouraged to link with their local St John Ambulance Division so that they could assist by providing training,equipment, and maybe to set up mock emergencies to make the experience as realistic as possible. Scouts in Action (2011) – focus on Disability Awareness - an opportunity to raise the awareness of our members about thosewith special needs such as Autistic spectrum disorder, Intellectual impairment, Learning difficulties, Medical conditions suchas diabetes, epilepsy, mental health issues, Mobility impairment, Speech-language impairment, Vision or hearing impairment. Scouts in Action (2012) – focus on International Scouting - program and resource materials were developed to help foster abetter awareness of and fun with International Scouting, and are available at http://scoutsinactionweek.com. Scouts in Action (2013) – 19 th til 25 th August 2013 - http://www.scoutsinactionweek.com/SPECIAL DUTIESProvided by Michael Baden-Powell, BC Special DutiesTo promote and support members of Scouting and Guiding nationally and internationally. Pleased to visit - initialcontact per telephone essential (to check availability), must be followed up with confirmation letter giving eventdetails and contact points.SPECIAL NEEDS - SCOUTING WITH (DIS) ABILITIESProvided by Rev. Grant Morrow OAM, BC Special NeedsBranch Policy is that young people with special needs including disability should be given the opportunity ofparticipating in Scouting locally - if this is not possible a placement in a specialist Scout Group may be considered.Registration: Children with special needs/disability are enrolled like other youth members. However leaders are entitled to fullinformation about the nature of the child’s disability, the details of personal care required including medication and the use of anyequipment and whether leaders require special training. Before registration the Group should be aware of any need to makechanges to the meeting hall such as the installation of ramps and modification to toilets and the costs involved. Funding issometimes available from local council for this type of work. The Special Needs Support Team is available to make theintegration process as smooth as possible and also to provide helpful tips about including the child in your program.Age Policy: Age brackets for the various sections apply but where there are special circumstances consideration may be given toan extension of time in any of the sections. When the extension of time is the recommendation of a section leader and otherleaders of the Group it must be discussed with the BC special needs.Progress through the Scout Program: All youth members are expected to complete aspects of the scout program to the best oftheir ability. Adaptations can be made to assist a person with a disability. Short time extensions can also be made to enable ayouth member to complete a particular level if their progress has been slow due to physical or intellectual impairment. Otherspecial needs that may require an extension of time might include prolonged illness, family breakdown, close bereavement,interstate move and difficulties when English is not the main spoken language. These extensions of time are not automaticallygiven and each situation must be discussed with the BC Special Needs who will seek permission from the Chief Commissioner.Participation in Wider Scout Activities: Youth members with special needs/disabilities, whether integrated into local Groups ormembers of specialised Groups, should be encouraged to be involved in activities at all levels of Scouting – Group, District,Region, State, National and International.Special Needs Support Network: is being redeveloped and we are seeking more people to assist in a variety of ways such as - being a local contact who will liaise with the BC in mobilising local support for special needs members in your Region andcan distribute notices about events including workshops and training for leaders and special events for youth members. being able to work with section leaders as a supporter or aide to a youth member. This is a suitable task for Venturers andRovers who may be able to include this work as part of their own Award scheme. being a professional and/or experienced trained leader who is able to provide information and assistance when dealing with aspecific disability and also assisting with adapting programs and modifying badge work to suit a particular child.BC Special Needs: Rev. Grant Morrow OAM 9722 1595 wmor@alphalink.com.auWestern Region: Erolyn Blythe 0419 417 468 erblythe@bigpond.comVenturer Liaison: Mark Ten Buuren 0459 585 940 lost_tambo@hotmail.comRover Liaison: Lisa van Muers 0423 654 446 lisa.vanmeurs@gmail.comWeb site: www.vicscouts.asn.au/Disabilities - access Scouting with (dis)Abilities through Special Needs iconReferrals: to contact a specialised Group or someone working with youth with a specific disability, contact the BC.Workshops: will meet the 3 hour training module requirement and will be advertised on the web and in Scout magazine. Saturday 2nd March 2013 a special "hands on" Workshop for working with scouts with disabilities. Doncaster. Saturday 27th July 2013 a Regional Workshop on working with scouts with disabilities. Ballarat Fri. 27 th - Mon. 30 th August 2013 the 1 st Victorian Agoonoree – location to be advised.Page 106