INFO 2013 - Scouts Victoria

4x4 Level 1 Code 611 for novices and experienced drivers. Cost $130 adults, $50 for Venturers* includes accom.Date Location Closing Date23-24 February Mafeking Rover Park - Yea 3 rd February18-19 May Mafeking Rover Park - Yea 27 th April19-20 October Mafeking Rover Park - Yea 28 th September4x4 Level 2 (Code 612) for drivers who have completed 4X4 Level 1 Cost $130 adults, $50 for Venturers* includes accom.Date Location Closing Date20-21 July By Arrangement 29 th June*Venturers must hold a Learner’s Permit and have access to a 4x4 vehicleDriving Clinic, Code 614: Driving techniques for difficult conditions [2 and 4WD], 2 hr session, Dates/venue by arrangement, $0OTHER COURSE DATESAdditional part time and weekend courses for groups of 6-10 people can be arranged. Full payment is required when lodging thecompleted Application Form [TR1]. Payment must be by cheque or money order made out to “Victorian Scout 4X4 ServiceUnit”. Applications and payments are to be mailed to: 4x4 Service Unit P.O. Box 2202 Fountain Gate Vic 3805. Contacts:Branch Activity Leader - Four Wheel Driving or Brian Twining 9727 3541PARASCENDINGThis team is currently in recess, but a group of enthusiasts are keen to reform the team. If interested, contact BC Adv. Activities.RAFTINGProvided by Richard Groom – BLAA: RaftingRAFTING - GENERALLYFlat Water rafting is an inexpensive activity that combines Water Activities with Construction for Cub Scouts andScouts, although other sections’ members may also enjoy such activities. The range of craft that may beconstructed and used varies and most Groups will have access to drums, poles, lashing ropes and paddles. Rafts can also beconstructed using milk cartons and other materials, but the use of polystyrene foam should be avoided, as it is a potential hazard tolivestock.A few basic rules will ensure safe and enjoyable activities. As with all Water Activities, suitable clothing, footwear that enclosesthe foot, e.g. old sneakers and correctly fitting PFDs, must be worn by all participants. Care should be taken to ensure that PFDsare not too big or too small, as incorrectly fitting equipment will not provide the safety or confidence that the provider or thewearer intended.All participants must be able to swim 50 metres wearing a shirt, shorts, suitable footwear (such as old runners, but not thongs,gum boots or other heavy footwear) a correctly fitting PFD and a “canoe” helmet. This testing should be done before the day ofthe rafting activity. Venues such as ponds, dams, small lakes and rivers without rapids, can be used.Each activity must be under the control of a Leader who holds a C2 or K1 craft Competency Level 1 qualification as a minimum.Cub Scout Leaders may arrange for the Group’s suitably qualified Scout Leader or Assistant to participate. If your Group doesnot have any Leaders with such qualifications, your Region Water Activities Leader will arrange for a suitably qualified Leader.Leaders do not need to be part of the raft’s crew. Raft activitiesshould be limited to areas of quiet water. Craft are not to venturemore than 50 metres from waist deep water for the smallestmember of the raft’s crew. Leaders should be aware of the likelyweather conditions and keep a look out for changes which couldblow rafts from the shore and make return paddling difficult. Asuitable rescue craft, which could be a canoe, with appropriatelyqualified Leaders ready to rescue, should be provided. The venue(especially smooth flowing rivers) should be devoid of any whiteor broken water, or any possibility that the conditions will changeafter you visit the venue to check it before the activity, preferablythe day before, or during the activity.Suitable clothing for rafting, that should avoid the use of jeans,should be advised to all those participating prior to the activityand the Leaders should ensure that the clothing requirements arebrought and worn during the activity. A complete change of dryclothing will need to be available for each participant to wear anda towel to dry off, after the activity.86