1st Avoca Beach Scouts (www.avocascouts.com)

Anzac peace prize for Scouts

2008-05-23T15:03:00.000+10:00

The ANZAC Peace Prize, announced annually, is awarded by the RSL to ‘recognise any outstanding effort by an Australian citizen who has promoted the concept of international understanding and who, in so doing, has made a contribution to world peace.’

The RSL Anzac Awards Committee awarded the 2008 Anzac Peace Prize to Scouts Australia. 2008 is the Year of the Scout and marks the centenary of Scouting in Australia. The award of the ANZAC Peace Prize recognises the part that Scouting has played in the development of two million Australians over the past 100 years, both as individuals and as citizens.

Avoca Scouts Big International night

2008-05-20T15:22:00.001+10:00

Dear scouts,

For those that came to our Darkinjung dreaming experience (I think most of you), I trust you had a good time, I did!

Although I am not so sure if I really can make a decent meal out of Termites, they didn't taste too bad though...

This week on the calendar is our International Night for this Thursday night (22nd May) at the hall.

Now for this you have a bit to do, after all we're scouts, we make an effort...

You must come and represent any country of your choosing, the only exception being Australia, we're all Australians after all.

You choose the country you like, it does not have to be based on your heritage, ethnicity or anything else, just one you like, interests you and can get information on, perhaps you have visited it before, which might make it easier.

For your country of choice, you must:

1. Dress in something appropriate or representative of that country. It does not have to be national dress or anything like that (although can be if you want..) but just something that is representative of, or worn in that country. But please do not dress in anything dereogative, poor taste or perhaps offensive to that country (wrapping yourself in bandages and saying you come from China is definitely not acceptable at this point in time! I think you get the idea...).

2. Obtain information in regards to that country, history, background, population, language, geography, sports etc. together with any other interesting facts, humorous or otherwise and be prepared to present it to the group. Hint, there's lots of stuff on the internet.

3. Be prepared to do a skit, sing a song, play music or entertain us in some way (follow on from our entertainment night...) in regards to some cultural aspect or otherwise of your country of choice.

4. Bring food to share that is representative of your country. A national dish, a taste of the country, something to eat. Please bring enough to eat that will contribute as a meal. We will sit down together to eat it as a meal, so bring enough for all to share. If you all make an effort, this is dinner.

5. Anything else you want to do for your country, remember, your country needs you!

OK again the rules are, all countries except Australia are acceptable. You must genuinely make an effort and satisfy all four topics above. Please, if you are not willing to make an effort and be prepared to have a bit of fun, then give this night a miss and do not come. Also do not come if you don't bother dressing appropriately for your country either.

The work above forms part of badgework for learning about international cultures, so bring your green books for marking off. Again, no effort, no sign off.

There will be a prize for the best effort made and you will be voting for it.

Note that cubs aged 10 or higher I will also be inviting so they can see what scouts do and do a bit of linking. You are also welcome and encouraged to bring friends along, again provided they follow the rules above and above all make an effort.

It will be a great night, if you want it to be, cya globe trotters!

Musca.

Scouts offer a National Amateur Radio School

2008-05-19T12:47:00.003+10:00

Get your amateur radio licence and badge!

Scouts Australia is offering a school in Amateur Radio for youth and adult members of Scouting.

The school will be conducted in Melbourne over 5 days during the September school holidays, and hopes to attract Scouts from around Australia.

The school is modeled on a successful activity conducted in Perth last January, at which three Scouts earned their Foundation Amateur Radio License. Scouts of all ages who hold an Amateur Radio license may wear a special insignia on the sleeve of their Scout Uniform.

The idea of the school is to bring together Scouts from far and wide to learn new skills. The School aims to give participants a wide range of practical experience and on-air time as well as gaining the knowledge needed to pass the
exam.

One example of the practical application of theory at the January School was where each participant calculated lengths, cut and constructed a half wave dipole for 10 metres, then tested and tuned it using two methods, using a Transmitter and SWR meter, and by using an Antenna Analyser.

The course is being hosted by the Scout Radio and Electronics Service Unit in Melbourne, the same team who brought us the amazing ARISS contact during the Australian Jamboree in January 2007.

We’ve something to look forward to from the team that took Amateur Radio to the Jamboree.

We’ll keep you informed as the detail of the school is finalized.

Bob Bristow VK6POP

JOTA-JOTI Coordinator, Scouts Australia

Note, this information was provided by Bob Bristow, whom I had the pleasure to work with during the Australian Jamboree in 2007 in the internet cafe. Bob knows his radio stuff!

Musca.

Darkinjung Dreaming and Bush Tracker Experience

2008-05-14T14:20:00.006+10:00

G'day scouts and cubs,

Here's an update and further details on this weekends Dakinjung Dreaming activity.

Darkinjung Dreaming includes a walkabout through our natural bushland, discovering ancient Aboriginal engravings and paintings, mixing ochre into face paint and washing up with bush soap

Bush Tracker includes catching yabbies, learning how to track kangaroos and wallabies, trying out real bush tucker, learning how to get water from trees and hearing about how the Darkinjung people used bush medicine

Provisional Plan for the Day

(This may change according to conditions at the park)

13:00 Arrive at park, get organised, toilet break, quick lunch (self-catered).

13:30 Darkinjung Dreaming program begins

15:00 Short break: toilets etc.

15:15 Bush Tracker program begins

16:45 Program ends

17:00 Leave park

No food will be provided (other than that which you catch or find yourself!) so please have lunch beforehand. Drinks (hot and cold) and ice creams are available in the shop if required at cost.

Please ensure you do arrive by 1.00pm sharp (we won't wait!) so there is plenty of time before the start. You can see that it is a packed afternoon of activities.

Uniform optional, but please wear your Avoca scarf and sensible clothing suitable for walking around the bush in. I would suggest good shoes or boots and a sun hat. Also if the weather looks a little dicey bring rain gear. The activity goes ahead rain, hail or shine (well hopefully not too much hail...). Also bring a filled water bottle.

Overall cost is $15 per person, so if you have already paid the $10 deposit at the meetings last week, then please bring the balance of the $5 with you. Note that only those who have paid can attend the activity, the numbers are fixed. As this is an external activity, please bring your signed permission note with you. Additional copies will be provided on the day.

Cya there, Musca.

The location is the:

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park
2375 Peats Ridge Road & Darkinjung Road
Calga NSW
Australia 2250

Phone: (02) 43751100
Website: www.walkaboutpark.com.au

Here's a map:

“Bush Experience” Weekend 17th/18th May

2008-05-07T10:37:00.000+10:00

Cubs and scouts,

Avoca Beach Scouts have put together a fantastic weekend of bush oriented activities for you to enjoy and whether you want to do it all or just part, its completely up to you!

Firstly the Gosford District scouts have put on a fun day at the reptile park on Saturday 17^th May from 9am to closing. There is a big reduction in entry fees and activities for badge work. Note this is run by Gosford district not Avoca Beach, cubs and scouts from all across Gosford will be attending; information attached. Once you have finished with the reptiles, it’s onto camping…

Avoca Beach cubs, scouts and their families will be camping at the Camp Kariong scout camp (directions attached) over the weekend, which is in close proximity to all the activities. This is great scout camping, in a full bush environment, but with all amenities close by and a campfire! Camp fees for the weekend are only $3 for one day/night per person, BYO food and camp gear. Arrive anytime you like during Saturday, after 9am. Depart Sunday afternoon. We will have the group BBQ for a Saturday evening feast and also for a hot breakfast on Sunday if you desire. Please advise if you are not attending with one of your family members and also if you do not have your own gear and require anything. For a list of what to bring (other than your own camp gear) see our website under the Library tab in the document “Packlist for a Camp”.

Then on Sunday following lunch its the Darkinjung Dreaming experience, indigenous Australian bush lore and tucker at it’s best! The plan for this is:

Meet at the corner of Peats Ridge and Darkinjung Rd, Calga

Time: 1.30 til 3pm Darkinjung Dreaming

3pm - 3.30pm Break ( bring your own drinks / food)

3.30pm - 5pm Bush Tracker Programme (face painting, bush tucker food, bush medicine, bush soap etc.)

Great activities for all ages, educational, bring your friends, bring your family!

If you intend to do the Darkinjung activity then we need to book now. Please bring $10 deposit for each person attending to the cub or scout meeting this week. Depending on the final numbers attending it is expected to cost no more than $15 per head in total for this activity. Note that any costs for the reptile park and camping are not required in advance, they are payable on the day.

For all members uniform is required for the Reptile park activity (see attached note), when arriving and leaving Camp Kariong (normal scout etiquette), but is optional for the Darkinjung activity on Sunday. Wear suitable clothing for walking in the bush for this.

So you choose how much or how little you wish to do, depending on your own weekend commitments, time and budget. Remember you can camp for just $3 plus food. There is no obligation or requirement to attend any or all of these activities, it’s up to you. But I am sure it will all be fun!

CU there, Musca.

Reptilian Scouts!

2008-05-07T10:20:00.002+10:00

Well scouts are not really reptiles, perhaps with the exception of a few old leaders...

But it's more a case of scouts meet the reptiles at the Gosford district scouts:

Family fun Day

The Australian Reptile Park

Saturday, 17^th May 2008

Cost: Under 3 years: free

3 – 15 years $ 7.00

15 years – adults $15.00

Concession: $ 8.00

This is a big reduction in cost especially for Scouting and their families and friends, so bring everyone for a fun day out!

Bring your own picnic lunch or buy from the canteen.

Please wear your uniform, hat, sunscreen, sensible walking shoes.

Apart from the great things to see at the Reptile Park, we will have several activities where youth members can work on some of their badge work.

See you there, Musca.

Anzac Day Dawn Service

2008-04-22T14:34:00.003+10:00

Dear cubs, scouts, leaders and parents,

I trust you are enjoying your holidays, even it has been a bit wet...

This Friday is Anzac Day of which the dawn service and marches have always been well supported by the scout association.
Avoca Beach Scouts has also been invited to attend and support by the Terrigal Wamberal RSL Sub Branch. Additionally as this is the Australian Centenary of Scouting and Year of the Scout, special mention will be made at the service of scouting's support over the years. Also remembering those past and present scouting members who have served in the armed forces over the past 100 years and indeed for those many scouts who gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedom we do now.
I trust where possible our members will support this purpose.

For the dawn service we meet at the Terrigal Police station (behind the shops at Terrigal) at 5am (yes, it's early...) for the march to the Terrigal memorial, next to the surf club for the service. The march will start at 5.15am sharp.

We need a member of both the cub pack and scout troop to carry their respective flags. Also representative members to lay a wreath/flowers to remember those members, scouts, who made the ultimate sacrifice; their lives.
Please feel free to bring flowers, weaths and a card if you wish to dedicate to those former scouts.
Full uniform for all members please.

Following the service we will retire to McDonalds Erina for a well earned breakfast!

I look forward to seeing as many as possible there, bright and early, permission note is on our website www.avocascouts.com in the Calendar section for the date of the activity, 25th April.
Please remember to invite all your family, friends and anyone else you can!

Also if you wish to, there is also a March and service in Gosford at 10.00am which I will be attending as well as many other scout groups from across the Gosford district. If you would like to also attend this and require more information please email or call me.

If you are away on holidays, then perhaps get up at dawn (it's worth it!) and perhaps find a local service in the area you are staying (check with the local RSL club), for sure there will be other scouts there so wear your uniform, or perform your own service to remember.

PS the good news, even after all this rain the forecast for Friday is fine, after last year, I hope so!

"Musca"

Another famous Avoca Beach scout!

2008-04-09T14:26:00.000+10:00

Hot on the heels of Matt and Richard Branson, Celine Stylianou too steals the limelight appearing in our local newspaper following the Central Coast fun day last weekend.

Matt meets famous ex-scout Sir Richard!

2008-03-31T13:43:00.004+11:00

Matt Douglass, one of Avoca Beach's scouts, wanted to meet Sir Richard because he was in awe of the man and he wanted to promote the 100 years of Australian Scouting. Sir Richard Branson was once a scout too. He did, scouts never give in!

Sir Richard Branson is one of Britain's most successful businessmen. With a commercial empire spanning entertainment, travel, drinks, retail, insurance and telecommunications there are few sectors which have not escaped the attentions of his famous Virgin brand. In Australia the Virgin brand is in the form of Virgin Blue Airlines; and Virgin Mobile (phones).

Richard has spent his life challenging the status quo, innovating and striving for success. His parallel career as an adventurer has seen him enter the record books in hot air balloons, speed boats and more attempts are planned. Richard says about Scouting:

"Great fun, great adventures. Lots of outdoor activities which I love. Experience of leadership. Never could learn how to tie a knot though!"

Matt, you've got one up on Richard, hopefully you have learnt to tie your Scoutcraft knots!

Join the Scouts......

You never know where it might take you .....

Sir Richard Branson was once a scout !!

We Want You !

2008-03-24T22:56:00.002+11:00

No not scouts, (although we could do with a few more...), but parents.

As our current parent supporters group committee is now retiring, some members having served admirably for up to ten years, all committee positions now fall vacant and must be filled immediately if 1st Avoca Beach Scouts is to continue successfully. We ask for your support.

Our Group Committee is an essential part of the 1st Avoca Beach Scout Group. It is comprised of a group of caring parents that work to support the uniformed Leaders running the affairs of the group in practical ways like keeping the hall maintained, collecting fees, paying the bills, assisting with the organization of activities, social events and raising funds to meet the Group's ongoing expenses.

The Group Committee usually meets once a term for a one hour meeting where most of the business is conducted. It’s serious stuff keeping the wheels turnin’ and the lights-a–burn’n. The harsh reality is though our parent supporters can enjoy a pretty good social life just by being involved. Scouting is for children, but it is their parents as well as caring adults who give the youth scouting. All our Leaders and committee members have volunteered their time and talents to enable the scout program to be delivered to our youth members.

Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held on the 2nd April and it is essential we fill the important committee positions of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Hall Hirer and Fundraising/Job Week Co-ordinator by that date. There are also other roles available, but these are the important positions to be filled for our group to function. The work involved in these positions is not onerous and I can provide a full description of the roles and responsibilities together with all assistance and support needed.

If these important supporter roles are not filled for 2008, then our group would need to close as it cannot function without the input provided by these positions.

PS at any time we are also ALWAYS looking for leaders. A few new scout leaders at the moment would certainly not go astray. For the ultimate challenge and fun, be a leader!

Please support us.

Rob “Musca” Milne – Group Leader, 1st Avoca Beach Scouts

Family Surf Camp – Weekend of 15th & 16th March

2008-03-12T13:32:00.001+11:00

On the weekend of the 15th and 16th March 2008 is our family surf camp. This is a great opportunity for all families of cubs and scouts to get together, relax and have fun, on the beach!

All Avoca Beach cub and scout families, parents, children, relatives and friends are not only welcome to attend, but encouraged!

Please note that whilst we may conduct some activities like hiking or boating, supervision of the behaviour and care of all children will be, at all times, the sole responsibility of their parents or carers. Note that this camp site is immediately adjacent to an un-patrolled surf beach, which at times can be quite dangerous for swimming and surfing. All children should only enter the water with the approval of and supervision by their parent or carer. Leaders will not be supervising this weekend, they need a break and will be relaxing too!

The camp is held at the Glenrock Scout Centre located right on the beach in the Glenrock State Conservation Area, Off Burwood Road, Kahibah, Newcastle.

Camping is outdoors. There are no shops in camp, but it is in close driving proximity for milk, bread, ice and gas etc. to Dudley and Kahibah. Supermarket facilities are available in Charlestown (5km away). Town water supply is provided and there are male/female septic toilets, and hot showers. There is a weekend onsite duty warden. Camp activities in the Conservation Park include swimming, canoeing, beach fishing and excellent hiking on marked trails around the park on the Yeulerbah Walking Track, part of the Great North Walk.

You will need to BYO everything for outdoor camping and cooking. No facilities or resources will be provided by Avoca Beach Scouts, other than bringing the group BBQ. Please plan and bring everything your family will need. Open fires are permissible in the designated fireplaces, but would depend on any fire restrictions on the day. No pets/animals allowed, leave them at home (but not your scout!).

Camp fees are free for all Hunter and Coastal registered scout members (cubs, scouts & leaders – membership has its privileges!) $14.60 per person, per weekend for all others (no exceptions!) and will be collected on the Saturday afternoon, please bring the correct amount and change. This is the same as to whether you arrive Friday evening or Saturday. Arrival is anytime after 5.00pm Friday (please check in with Nicole at the warden’s house) and departure before 4.00pm on Sunday.

This is an official scout camp and regional training facility, there will be members from other groups and possibly the invited public too; we wish Avoca scouts to be an exemplary example of the scouting community. Poor behaviour or disregard of the camp rules will result in the offenders being asked to leave. Please advise your children of this. Full scout uniform should be worn by all members when arriving and leaving the camp; which is normal scout etiquette at all official scout camps.

I look forward to seeing you there and have fun !

“Musca"

Scout Day at the Easter Show, Sat 29th March

2008-03-04T14:16:00.000+11:00

If you are thinking of going to the Easter Show this year, then as you know this can be an expensive experience, here is an opportunity to save some money...

All Youth Members, Leaders, and their families are invited to celebrate 100 years of Scouting in Australia at the Royal Easter Show on Saturday March 29, 2008. Purchase your tickets through Scouts and you will receive a 25% discount.
Come along on the day and join in the Grand Parade at 1 pm, as well as experience FREE Scout activities at the Overflow. To be eligible, tickets must be purchased between February 18 and March 14, 2008.

Discounted Ticket Prices:
Adults $24.00
Children $16.10
Concession $19.10

All tickets are ShowLink tickets. As well as Show entry, ShowLink tickets include return travel on CityRail, Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses, regular ‘blue and white’ Sydney Buses and Sydney Ferries. ShowLink is not valid on premium bus and ferry services or private buses.

Child includes children aged 4 – 16 years, and school children 16 – 18 years with a ROA School Pupil ID (Form 202) or School Transport Pass. Children 3 years and under have free admission.

Concession includes holders of a Tertiary Concession Card, NSW Seniors Card or Pension Card.

To be eligible for this offer all tickets have to be centrally purchased through our group. We would send in one group order for all required tickets to Scouts Australia, NSW. Note that while we must centrally order the tickets, you are free to attend the show as you wish to on the day, no need to go together or do a joint group activity, of course you can if you wish to add to the experience! The Easter Show Grand Parade is a century old show tradition and it would be a great honour to attend. Again all scout members can join in this special Centenary event if they wish to and it would be great for the kids, but there is no obligation to do so. Don’t forget to wear your uniform for it!

The closing date to purchase the tickets is on the 14th March and we would need to have the money in on that date. So if you are interested and you wish to take advantage of this offer we would need to have the money into the group by the 12th March to allow time to send it in. This will be the closing date for us. So if you are interested get your orders in now!

All the best,

Musca.

Cub swimming Wednesday and Clean Up Australia Day Sunday

2008-02-26T22:15:00.002+11:00

Dear Cubs and parents,

This Wednesday on our calendar is our swimming night.
We will be swimming at the Peninsula Leisure Centre, 243 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy from 7pm-8.30pm.
This is a lot of fun and also an opportunity for those who need to get swimming badges or achieve higher levels for those that already have them.
Double the fun, invite your friends!
Permission note for this activity is on the website, under the calendar tab for the date of this activity, please bring it with you on the night.

Cost for those swimming is $2.90 for those aged 5 - 9, ages 10 - 16 is $3.50 and above 16 is $4.80.
Non-swimmers/spectators is $2.20.

Also this Sunday is Clean Up Australia Day which is being conducted at the Avoca Scout Hall by the Lions Club from 9am - 11am.
Scouts, as both a community and an environmentally oriented organisation, are always keen to pitch and help. This is great a way for our kids to be involved in a community project. We hope to see you there. I believe that, depending on numbers, the Lions Club may be putting on a BBQ afterwards.
Permission note also on the website.

Next week, Wednesday 5th March is a hall night.

Lastly, advance notice for our Glenrock family surf camp to be held on the weekend of the 15/16th March, reserve your calendar now, don't miss this one !

For further information see our website at www.avocascouts.com

Thanks and see you there,

Musca.

PL Activity at scouts tonight (21/2) is Canoeing !!

2008-02-21T10:01:00.001+11:00

Dear scouts (and parents!),

The patrol leader's chosen activity for this Thursday night is, Canoeing!!
Please see the permission note for this activity on the Calendar under the date of this activity, please print and bring it!
Please note to bring clothing for swimming and don't forget those old, or water shoes. No water shoes, no canoeing... (also likewise with the permission note!).
Bring a towel and a spare change of dry clothes, I believe uniform is always dress suitable for any fine scout activity, but not mandatory for this night.
Mozzie repellent is a good idea too.
Note we are starting at 6.30pm and ending at 8.30pm to allow for good light for most of the activity. But this ends at 8.30pm sharp so please arrange to be picked up by then. Us scout leaders really enjoy scouting, but we also love to go home too, preferably early on some nights...
Note if weather is bad this activity is off, will send email accordingly and put a note on the News Blog on the website if it is off. Then the week's activity will still of course be the BP Bash, see below...

This weekend is also the annual BP (Baden Powell) birthday celebration, which this year being the centenary of scouting in Australia, is going to be a big "bash" event being held at Richley Picnic Area, Blackbutt Reserve, New Lambton, Newcastle. There's a flag parade at 9.00am and following that fun activities all day including flying fox, bungee, water slide, rope bridge etc. until 3.00pm. Best of all it's free! Bring a picnic, bring your family, bring your friends have lots of fun. But please come if you can, I don't want to be the only one holding Avoca's flag for the parade, that's what scouts are for... Definitely a full uniform activity this one, but you can bring a change of clothes for later if you wish.
Details also on the website under calendar.

Hope to see you there!

All the best,

Musca.

Great time at the Slamboree!

2008-02-18T15:38:00.000+11:00

Avoca Scouts and cubs had a great time at last Saturday's Slamboree activity. Bad luck the Razorback's lost, but it was so much fun, who cares!
We were the only group to go from Gosford District and about the largest single group attending across the whole Hunter and Coastal region as well!
Thanks Scouts Australia for putting this on, we loved it!

Musca.

We Want You !

2008-02-11T17:37:00.000+11:00

......and your friends

At ‘Scouting Central Coast’

An open day weekend across April 5th & 6th at Mingara club oval Tumbi Umbi.

Come along and bring your friends to show them what scouting is all about.
Rope bridges, crate stacking, craft activities, ballista, grass skiing and much more and all the activities are free. We even have a Scout BBQ if you get hungry.

Ask your Leaders for more information, mark it on your calendar and we will see you there!!!

Slamboree's on again!

2008-01-21T22:17:00.000+11:00

Remember the great fun we had two years ago?
It's back...

SLAMBOREE 2008

Saturday 16th February 2008

Slamboree is on again!
16 February 2008

Join hundreds of other NSW Scouts to watch the final game of the NBL season: Sydney Razorbacks take on the Melbourne Tigers at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre! There will be plenty of pre game activities and the chance to mingle with the Razorbacks post match.

Date: Saturday, 16 February 2008 Venue: Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

Cost: $25 per head

What your ticket price includes:

- Special pre game Entertainment and activities
-1x Ticket to the West Sydney Razorbacks vs Melbourne Tigers
-Pre game sausage sizzle snack
-Post game Activities
-Slamboree collectors cloth badge
-Autographed Razorback poster and giveaways
-A chance to sit on the bench with the players

Activity

*Check in opens 2:00pm

*Pre game activities start 2:00pm

*Pre game sausage sizzle snack will be served at 5:00pm

*Doors to Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre open 5:30pm

*Check in closes 6:00pm

*Game Starts- Game Concludes 7:30pm-9:30pm

*Post game entertainment 9:30pm-10:30pm

Musca.

2008 - Year of the Scout

2008-01-02T22:31:00.000+11:00

Scouts Australia NSW is turning 100 this year and there are many exciting events and programs on offer that will offer all Members that opportunity.

1st Avoca Beach Scouts will be Celebrating “The Year of the Scout” and the Australian Centenary of Scouting. We will be incorporating many of the Centenary events into our program for this year so please make sure you join in.

This is a fantastic year to promote and celebrate Scouting in Australia, to engage your local community, demonstrating the value of Scouting to young people and adults.

All Year of the Scout Centenary Information relating to State Events can be found on this page - www.nsw.scouts.com.au/centenary. It will be updated regularly, so be sure to visit it often.

I wish you all the best as we prepare to celebrate this very important year.

Watch this blog to find out more!

Musca.

2008 - Welcome to the Year of the Scout !

2008-01-01T01:00:00.000+11:00

Welcome to 2008 and what a big year it will be for scouts in Australia!
This year is the Centenary of scouts in Australia and the declared year of the scout.
Look where our flag is flying!

From New Year’s Day, the Scouts Australia flag is proudly flying from the western flag pole on top of the Harbour Bridge to mark 100 years of Australian Scouting.

To recognise the significance of this special Centenary year, NSW Premier Morris Lemma fully supported this initiative. The Australian Government has declared 2008 to be the ‘Year of the Scout’.

Grant De Fries, Chief Commissioner for Scouts Australia NSW, says that the opportunity to fly the Scout Flag from such an iconic location is a great way to start the many planned events throughout the year, such as the Australia Day Spectacular at Darling Harbour, and the 100 Good Turns Initiative.

“We have a lot to celebrate this year and our Centenary is a wonderful chance to share the benefits of Scouting with the young people and their families of NSW’, he said.

Get ready to share in the Centenary fun with a lot of great activities planned during the year. Now is a great time to be in or join scouts now. Come and join in the Centenary fun with 1st Avoca Beach Scouts now!

Musca.

Scouts! - JOTI this weekend @ Avoca

2007-10-18T13:41:00.001+10:00

JOTA/JOTI - The World's largest Scout activity!

Centenary of Scouting 50th Jamboree On The Air / 11th Jamboree On The Internet 20-21st October 2007

Everyone in Scouts Australia can make friends, exchange experiences and cultures and have fun in the largest activity in World Scouting. JOTA and JOTI gives Youth Members the awareness that they belong to a Worldwide movement which has 26 million members.

Avoca Beach Scouts will be running an activity at the hall for all scouts and cubs from 2 - 7pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoon the 20th & 21st October for JOTI. All members, friends and visitors are welcome to attend and participate. We will have a number of PCs in operation for you to join in on JOTI and contact fellow cubs and scouts from all over the world. If you attend please wear your uniform as there will be opportunities to take some digital photos and exchange them with other scouts worldwide. Let’s show them who Avoca Beach Scouts are!

All members who participate can earn a great looking JOTA/JOTI badge to wear !

More information can be found at: http://www.avocascouts.com/ click on the JOTI logo on the main page for information and how you can also do it at home.

Cya there, Musca.

JOTI at Avoca Beach Scouts this weekend

2007-10-15T15:08:00.000+10:00

This weekend (20/21st Oct) is the annual JOTI activity.
This year will be a special year for JOTA/JOTI, as with all scout activities this year it is of course the Centenary of scouting, but in addition it is the 50th anniversary of JOTA. More information on JOTA/JOTI can be found at:
http://www.international.scouts.com.au/main.asp?iMenuID=9071085

Note scouts can do this activity at home themselves if they have a PC with internet access, details are in this link. In the past though scouts and cubs have had a lot of fun doing this together as a group activity. This activity is also being conducted by the Hunter & Coastal Region at Camp Kanangra, Nords Wharf.

Locally, with the kind sponsorship of the local Telstra Countrywide office Telstra will again be providing the Avoca Scout hall with Broadband access for the weekend. At this stage we would probably use a similar format as per the previous years. That is setup a dozen or so PCs with internet access for use of IRC chat on the Scoutlink channel, plus web access, email etc. We would also have a couple or more "high-end" PCs setup with multimedia/webcams for use on MSN for live video chat with scouts around the world.

Again, this weekend will be available to all Avoca Beach scouts and cubs, open to all scout groups across the Gosford district and you are all invited and encouraged to attend if you wish to. Depending on people's availability etc. we would probably start around the middle of the day on Saturday going through to Sunday afternoon. However given when people can attend amongst other activities and commitments on a weeekend, we will not necessarily be there for this whole time, so please, if you are planning on coming get back to me with a suggested time so I can be sure people will be there to conduct the activity and the Hall is open.

Given all our required hall upgrades are now complete we may also plan with the scouts a hall sleepover for the Saturday night, but this will up to the patrols as to whether or not they want to do this. We will at least have a BBQ on the Saturday evening and anyone is welcome to attend if they wish to.

I planned to have also a small display of scout memorabilia (some books, badges, uniforms) from around the world to add to the international theme of JOTA/JOTI. I have a collection of items which was used in the recent Gangshow which I will bring down to display.

Please pass this information on to your respective section leaders and if they are interested in attending please have them contact me to arrange suitable times to visit.

Again thanks to Telstra for the broadband access and to ADC Krone for the use of network LAN equipment and PCs.

All the best,

Musca (Rob).

Total Lunar Eclipse - Evening of the 28th August

2007-08-21T15:53:00.000+10:00

On Tuesday evening the 28th August a total eclipse of the moon will occur across all of Australia. Fortunately for east coast observers this will happen at a very convenient time early in the evening. The partial phases of the eclipse will begin at 6.51pm, totality will commence at 7.52pm with greatest eclipse at 8.37pm where the moon will be relatively high in the sky at 38º making observing easy. Totality will end at 9.22pm.

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when part or all of the Moon passes into the Earth's shadow. Lunar Eclipses (unlike Solar Eclipses) are completely safe to observe with the unfiltered and unaided eye - no special equipment is needed. The full moon will appear to go dark and turn a deep blood or coppery red.

Use of a telescope or binoculars can help improve the view, giving you more magnification and intensifying the colouration.

Sometimes a Total Lunar Eclipse is best viewed without any optical aid, just lying under the stars watching the change as the Moon first gets slightly darker and eaten away (partial phase), finally turning deep red as it enters totality.

Whilst you can watch this event (weather permitting) from any location where you have a clear view of the moon, Avoca Beach Scouts will have an eclipse viewing evening at their hall which all Gosford district scout members, their family, friends and public are welcome to attend and view jointly. Bring a friend! We will set up some telescopes for viewing to enhance the experience. We can also show you how to find south, identify constellations, whilst watching the eclipse up close! All of which can count towards achievement of your astronomy badge.

The Avoca Beach scout hall will be open from 7.30pm to 9.00pm during the lunar eclipse totality period. A light supper will also be available for a gold coin donation, and/or bring your own or something to share!

Note there will be no organised or supervised activities by Avoca leaders on this night, just casual observing, so all youth members attending would need to be supervised and accompanied by their parents and leaders. All members attending please wear your full uniform so we at least look like scouts. If you have your own telescopes and binoculars of any sort, please bring them to enhance your experience of this rare event!

Note this evening is weather dependent, if it is heavily overcast or raining it will be off. If in doubt call me at my number below. If you plan to have significant numbers attending please let me know so I can be prepared!

Even if you can’t come to our viewing night, go outside next Tuesday and take a look!

Robert “Musca” Milne – Group Leader, 1st Avoca Beach
Mob: 0403 333030
www.avocascouts.com

Happy Birthday to Us !

2007-08-01T13:33:00.000+10:00

Happy birthday to all scouts worldwide, 100 years today !!

Musca.

Centenary of Scouting – Sunrise Breakfast, Terrigal

2007-07-31T12:11:00.000+10:00

Scouts Australia is proud to be celebrating the World Centenary of Scouting in 2007. To celebrate this special occasion all Scouts in New South Wales are being encouraged to attend Scouting Sunrise ceremonies to renew their Scout’s Promise. 28 million Scouts worldwide will be renewing their Scout’s promise in this fashion.

Avoca Beach Scouts, together with other scout groups from around our area, will jointly participate in a ceremony to be held at the Terrigal Skillion at sunrise on Sunday the 5th August; to celebrate the 100 years of scouting. This will be followed (weather permitting) by a BBQ breakfast below the Skillion in the Terrigal Haven.

As sunrise is at 6.45am we ask all past and present scouts (in uniform) to assemble at the Skillion at 6.30am. Please bring your pack, troop and patrol flags with you. Following the ceremony will be the BBQ breakfast for $2 per head. Please advise your leader if you will be attending so the breakfast can be catered for.

Avoca scouts, this is part of your Centenary 100 challenge, so if you can please be there. All Avoca members, past members, family and friends, this is a 1-in-100 year opportunity, so please make an effort to attend. Opportunity for participation by all !

Further details and a permission note can be found on our website in the Calendar tab at www.avocascouts.com

All current scout members from any group or location are invited and encouraged to attend, but also importantly all past members are welcome and what a great reunion it would make ! For any old scouts and guides, if you still have your old scarf, dust it off and wear it proudly !

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning, the 5th August, bright and early !

Yours in scouting,

Musca

Great School Holiday Activities !

2007-07-05T14:15:00.000+10:00

KIDS' FUN & ADVENTURE JULY HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Experience fun and challenging activities during the July School Holidays 2007! The Kids fun & Adventure Program is a program for the wider community in a safe and friendly outdoor environment.

Run by scouts, for everyone !

Baden-Powell Scout Centre, Pomona St. Pennant Hills.
Girls and boys from ages 6 -12 years are welcome!
8:30am - 5:30pm daily

FULL DAY PROGRAM - $44
HALF DAY ACTIVITIES - $33

Lunchtime from 12pm-1pm

BOOK NOW AND BRING A FRIEND!

Pennant Hills is only about 50 minutes drive from Avoca and it's a great day out for the kids if there at a loose end, missing scouts and looking for a bit of action !

For more information please go to:

http://www.nsw.scouts.com.au/default.aspx?ArticleID=852

Have a great holiday !

Musca.