Applications are sought from patrols from Scout Troops and Explorer Scout Units within the District of Brent to compete in the annual Patrol Camping Challenge.

The Patrol of the Year competition will consist of a standing patrol camp from Friday, 28th June 2024, to Sunday, 30th June 2024. Patrols will compete against each other (regardless of troop/unit membership) to prove to the judges that they are best.  All aspects of the patrol’s activity will be judged with an emphasis on the following:

• Skills

• Team-work

• Leadership

The cost of the camp (covering the campsite, activities (inc. archery & rifles), and judging arrangements, but not equipment or food) will be £20 per attendee (i.e. £120 for a patrol of 6).

Booking Deadline: Sunday 9th June 2023

Trophies and Pennants

There will be five trophies up for grabs during the weekend:

• Best Newcomer Award for a patrol with no one that has taken part before.

• The Brent District Scouts Patrol of the Year Trophy

• The Brent District Explorer Scouts Patrol of the Year Trophy

• The Brent District Scouts Cookery Competition Trophy

• The Brent District Scouts Archery Trophy

• The Brent District Scouts Rifle Trophy

Pennants (small flags) will be awarded graded A, B and C based on point scoring for display at future District events. 

Basic requirements

Patrols are expected to bring all equipment required (equipment option available).  In terms of tents:

• Sleeping tent(s) (may be of any type, but a maximum of three are permitted, and boys and girls must have separate tents for sleeping in).

• Store tent (must be separate from the sleeping tent, large enough for all food and equipment whilst not in use, and must allow sufficient ventilation).

• Dining shelter (must be distinct from the store tent and be of sufficient size to allow the whole Patrol to sit under it).

• NB toilet tents are not required.

Patrols are expected to bring all food required, store it properly and prepare all items on site (no pre-cut vegetables etc.).  Alcohol is not permitted, even as an ingredient.  Judges will inspect all food and remove any that is out of date (even if it has been frozen).

Gas appliances must be in good order.  Any deemed unsafe by the judges will be removed.

Alter fires will be provided (No ground fires are allowed). NB firewood is available, but provided kindling is recommended.

Camp gadgets are not judged as a subject in their own right but do contribute to overall site development. Well-constructed camp gadgets, made using traditional Scouting techniques, are therefore likely to attract higher marks during the judging of the site. Gadgets should be constructed on-site, but wood may be brought to site already cut to size. No live wood can be cut at the campsite.  Patrols are advised to bring all the gadget wood that they may require.

Axes and saws must have appropriate covers and must only be used by scouts with adequate safety knowledge.

Sheath knives are permitted on camp but must be legal (i.e. blade no longer than 7 cm). They must be used properly and sheathed when not in use. Contravention of this rule will result in confiscation of the knife until the end of the camp, when it will be returned to the Scout Leader. It is strongly advised that clasp knives are brought in preference to sheath knives.

Mobile phones may not be brought to camp.

Wet pits must not be dug.  Rubbish disposal will be available, but the patrols must provide sacks.

All patrol members should ideally be in the same patrol within their troop/unit.  If this is not possible, they should all be from the same troop/unit; if not, two troops may enter a joint patrol.

Patrols must be of 5, 6 or 7 people.

Serious misdemeanours will result in the home contact being called to arrange immediate collection of individuals or the whole Patrol.

A quiz will be issued to all patrols on arrival.  The quiz is to be handed in by 11.00 Sunday for judging.

Advanced Requirements

Annotated timetable

NB On-arrival patrols will be given individual timetables, which will provide bespoke times for some judged aspects to ensure that judges get to all areas.

Friday 30th June 2023

17.00-20.00 - All patrol members in full uniform (POR rule 10.7 and 10.11).  Patrol to report to the judging area for allocation of pitch and inspection (judged).

All equipment is to be loaded to the ‘technical space’ immediately adjacent to the allocated pitch.  Nothing can be moved into the pitch itself until all adult helpers. have left the site completely. Set up a standing camp.

20.00 – all parents/supporters to have left the site

20.00 – Patrol Leaders briefing (APL to take charge)

22.00 lights out

Saturday 1st July 2023

07.00 – rise, wash and breakfast

07.00-10.00 – site development.  Judges will award points for thoughtful development of the pitch.  Think about fences, gates, gadgets to assist with cooking, cleaning etc.

10.00 – flag break (uniform tops only)

10.00-12.00 – judged inspection of pitches. This will cover tents, cooking areas, stores, site set up, gadgets etc.

12.30 Lunch

13.30-17.00 – bases – each patrol will be given a timetable detailing which base they are doing and when.  Bases will include navigation, canvas ridge tent pitching, hiking tent pitching and pioneering.  Patrols will be judged on senses, i.e. hearing, sight, smell, touch, memory and taste.

18.00 – Dinner – the highest scoring patrol will win the trophy.  The points will also be included in the overall trophy.  This should be a three-course meal with judging considering presentation, cooking and preparation.  Scouts can cook this on gas or alter fire, Explorer Scouts must cook this on an alter fire.  Total budget must be no greater than £5 per scout – receipts must be provided to the judges.

19.30-20.00 – Patrol Leaders Council (APL to take charge)

20.30-22.30 – campfire – hot beverages and a snack will be included – bring a mug and plate.

23.00 Lights out

Sunday 2nd July 2023

07.00- Rise, wash and breakfast

09.30 – Flag break and Scouts Own (full uniform – judged)

10.00-11.00 – final bases – as detailed in individual timetable

11.00-12.00 – judged inspection of pitches

12.30 – lunch and strike camp – all packed up equipment and belongings are to be neatly piled up in the technical area outside the pitch.  Adult helpers cannot enter the site until after the 14.15 inspection.

14.15 – judged inspection of vacant pitch

15.00-16.00 – presentation of trophies and pennants (adult helpers are welcome to attend for this)

16.00 – scouts depart.

Summary - Key Information

• The Larkin Jamboree takes place in North Yorkshire between 27th July and 3rd August (Saturday to Saturday).

• Brent are taking a contingent of 24 Scouts to Larkin. There will be a preparation programme of activities and a fundraising campaign to support costs of the camp.

• Cost to parents and carers - £300, with additional £200 fundraising from Scouts. This is to be paid in six instalments over time. There is funding available to those who meet the criteria for the District Access Fund.

About Larkin

Larkin is North Yorkshire’s International Scout and Guide Jamboree – Being held for the first time in 2024, promising a week of fun and adventure celebrating Yorkshire Day 2024.

Larkin ’24 takes place from Saturday 27th July to 3rd August 2024. Set in the beautiful countryside in England’s largest county, North Yorkshire and just 25 miles from the historic City of York.

Brent Scouts are taking a contingent of Scouts to the Larkin Jamboree next summer - members aged 10.5 - 14 at the time of the camp can join the contingent.

Programme

We have over 100 different activities with more to come!

We will have water activities (both on and offsite), high ropes, mountain biking, bouldering, bushcraft, archery, abseiling, inflatables, shooting, caving, zip wire, circus skill workshops, baking, zorbing, an escape room, craft zones, trampolines and much much more!

Every lunchtime and evening, a range of activities and entertainment will be taking place on the Main Stage, alongside or in other locations. You could go to a disco, watch a film, look at the night sky or take part in the  "Larkin' Got Talent" show.

There will be a celebration to mark Yorkshire Day with many surprises and much more!

Timeline for the Brent Scouts Contingent

Applications are open and will close around the 18th November. There will be an initial limit of 24 places but depending on interest and leader capacity, there may be capacity for more.

January 2024 - First Contingent Meeting and Preparation Day (including parent briefing)

January - July 2024 - Fundraising for the Camp

March 2024 - Contingent Teambuilding @ Monopoly Run Live

May 2024 - Preparation Camp @ PACCAR

July 2024 - Final Preparation Day and Parent Briefing

27/07 - 03/08 - Larkin Jamboree - seven-day international camp!

September 2024 - Debrief with Groups and at District AGM

Cost - £300 to be paid in instalments, with additional £200 fundraising from each participant.

• This covers:

  • Camp fees and programme costs.

  • Transport costs to and from the site by minibus as well as kit transport.

  • All meals and materials for the full week of camp, including a custom badge and necker.

  • A preparation programme to support the Scouts getting the most out of their camp experience and grow together as a strong team - this is the equivalent of another four days of activities.

Questions and Queries - the email for the Contingent Lead can be found on the information letter above and the Application Form on the link below.

Located high in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, Kandersteg hosts the world’s only International Scout Centre.

The trip to Kandersteg offers many opportunities for all Scouts. Whilst it is an ideal time to provide challenge and adventure for the older Scouts, it is also a great experience for younger Scouts too; who rarely get a chance to take part in international Scouting events on this scale.

The Kandersteg Expedition is for Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Network Scouts and Scouters aged 12 and over, be it relaxing in idyllic surroundings, or for the more energetic there are numerous activities available - Swimming, Bowling, Cycling, White Water Rafting, A Hike up the Mountains or a Stroll to the Village, a ride on the Cable Cars the views are beautiful.

There is a boat that takes you across the lakes from Thun to Speiz. The biggest bonus of all is the opportunity to discover a warm, friendly international environment in one of the most beautiful countries.

Greater London Middlesex West

The county will be taking the main strain of organising this International event. They have been coordinating this expedition since 1960’s and every four years set up a solid framework for Groups and Districts to attend. To date, they have over 700 members interested from across the County. Many members of the team have a great deal of experience from previous expeditions and plans since early this year have already started proceeding.

Brent District Contingent

We would like to seize this opportunity and take a large contingent of Scouts, Explorers, Network, Leaders and supporters from Brent District on an International Experience to Kandersteg. For some, it may be the chance of a lifetime to camp at the only World Scout Centre. Explore the breathtaking scenery and at the same time, work to gain International Friendship. For others hopefully, it will be the start of many International experiences and be able to springboard from this experience into planning their own International experiences for the years to come. It is also a chance for the District to come together coordinate and formulate a Leadership team to mirror the County and organise the District Contingent.

Expedition Fees

• Scouts (12 - 14 only): £1,500

• Explorer Scouts (14 - 18): £1,750

• Scout Network (18 - 25): £1,750

• Adult Leaders: £1,000

Ages are those at the time of travel.

This fee includes:

• The Expedition, including all travel and food costs

• Two pre-event camps, a one-night in 2024 and a two-night in 2025

• Two pre-event activities (day or evening)

• T-shirt, badge and necker

Access Fund

Fundraising

We will be undertaking fundraising activities in the run-up to the expedition including cake sales and supermarket bag packing. Depending on the success of the fundraising we may be able to add additional activities or reduce the fees.

Payment Schedule

Payments will be 15 monthly payments from March 2024 to May 2025.

• Scouts (12 - 14 only): £100

• Explorer Scouts (14 - 18): Initial £140, then 14 payments of £115

• Scout Network (18 - 25): Initial £140, then 14 payments of £115

• Adult Leaders: Initial £68, then 14 payments of £63 (£50 already paid with registration)

Extra Costs

In addition to the expedition cost you will need spending money for occasional expenses and souvenirs. We recommend using a prepaid currency card rather than cash.

Travel & Transport

The County is negotiating with both BA and Swiss Air for seats on morning flights from Heathrow and London City to Zurich and Geneva, with flight time approx 2hr 20min. We are hoping to arrange a transfer to Kandersteg by train from the airport (with perhaps one change of train) to Kandersteg village. Hand luggage will only be taken on the outgoing and return journey.

The return journey will be the reverse and the County is negotiating for afternoon flights from Zurich and Geneva. Scouts and Scouters will need to proceed to the designated airport under their own steam once this has been allocated to us.

The county is organising two trucks to transport both your main personal baggage and our camping equipment directly to KISC from London. Your personal kit will need to be delivered to a central collection and loading point on a specified day shortly before departure. The district will arrange this for you. This could be as early as one week before departure. For the return journey, the kit will be loaded on the morning of the day we leave and collection will be from the central warehouse a couple of days later. With your kit, you will need to provide a customs declaration of the items and their value.

We will give you more details on the packing and loading of your kit nearer the time. By having everybody’s personal kit on the trucks we make the transfer process as efficient as possible by avoiding the check-in and collection delays of bags at the airports.

Activities

During several of our contingent meetings, we will discuss programme activities. These will be a balance of adventurous, challenging, alpine, cultural, and relaxing days. There will be an opportunity for Scouts and Scouters to gain some of the badges and alpine awards.

From activities on the site including the Nature Trail, Eco Quiz, and Bat Watch; through to activities in the surrounding area such as hill walking, abseiling, and climbing; up to Alpine High Adventures like ice climbing, and white water rafting. Spending a night at one of the Mountain Huts surrounding the valley should be considered a must, while for a more relaxing day, jump on the train to Thun or Interlaken and take in the shopping. For those wanting to visit another Country during their trip then the Italian Lakes are only 120 miles by train; while the natural wonders of the Trummelback Falls and the Eiger are closer at hand.

When choosing activities care and consideration will be adhered to budget, value for money, and the suitability of the Scout.

Food

This will be distributed by the County daily and calculated per head. We will have no refrigeration facilities on site so all food is kept centrally. Food will be prepared and cooked back at our camp by a duty patrol and Leader for the whole contingent. At our pre-Kandersteg meets there will be an opportunity to experiment and taste some food. The menu will be set each day by County and the ingredients sourced locally are of Swiss Culture. Dietary and allergy requirements will need to be confirmed to the County with good notice.

Administration

During the lead-up to the Expedition, we will need to collect a lot of information, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Special diets, passport numbers, national health numbers, etc.

To keep costs down we will be using e-mail where possible as well as have a Facebook page, WhatsApp Group, and website to keep you regularly updated.

Planning Meetings

We will schedule pre-Kandersteg meetings with our Brent District Contingent once we have selected our unit members. This will be to develop teamwork amongst Scouts and Scouters. Learn and hone specific skills needed for the expedition. Choose activities and organise rotas, keep up to date with the latest information. Design the camp and help pull equipment together. Equipment lists and personal kit lists will be listed at the next meeting.

This will include:

• 2x Full Days Events

• 1x 1 Night Camp

• 1x 2 Nights Camp with travel

• 4x Evening Meetings

What happens next?

Information Webinar

We are running two webinars where you can find out about the expedition and ask question. There will be a 30-minute presentation and then 30 minutes for questions.

• Wednesday, 17th January at 19:30

• Monday, 5th February at 19:30

Applications

Scouts & Explorer Scouts

Those born between 12th August 2007 and 12th August 2013

We have a limited number of places for Scouts and Explorers and anticipate a high demand; we will be running two selection days for those interested in attending.

• Saturday 17th February, 10 am to 4 pm

• Sunday 25th February, 10 am to 4 pm

Both days will include a parent Q&A session at 3 pm

You will need to book a space at one of the two sessions if you are interested in joining.

After the second selection day we will inform you if you have been selected to take part.

Scout Network

Those born between: 22nd August 2000 and 12th August 2007

Those who will be Scout Network members at the time of the event can join as participants without the responsibilities of leading young people. They will take part in their own programme.

Adult Leaders

Those born before 12th August 2007