 This takes place over 18th to 25th August 2012 . Our first training event took place in April - more news on that soon. We have 2 links to the Devon Contingent pages where you can apply to join in the fun in August 2012. This is such a limited opportunity in the sense of we have only 25 places for Scouts across Devon. Click either link to find out more: or  Devon Scouts are Welcome to apply and join us at the EIJ 2012. You need to apply and get your deposit (non-returnable if accepted) of £50 to us by 25th March 2012. You can also register with David Moate (ACC Scouts) on the County webpage www.devonscouts.org.uk This will be Fremington Air Scouts Camp for 2012 - there will be training camps for it leading up to the event. The Official Essex International Jamboree (EIJ) Website can be found at www.eij.org.uk website. Booking for 1st Fremington Air Scouts is now officially open!! Deposits by 8th December 2011 to secure your application. We have had an extension for applications and deposits to 15th March for any last minute applicants. We have to allow 3 weeks for cheque clearance and deposits have to be sent off. If we do not have enough interest, we will not be able to continue with this event. We will not know until February from the organisers whether our group application is successful or not. Great news (Jan update) we have enough Scouts who have paid deposits, so we are still aiming to - we just have to wait until February to see if our application is successful. Our Scouts were informed back in early 2011 to keep the dates in mind if they were booking holidays, and we know many have kept 18th-25th August free. On 24th November 2011 we did a full launch about the 2008 EIJ and the upcoming 2012 EIJ at a parent and Scout presentation evening. We also gave out some awards and held a recognition presentation for some of the Scouts' achievements over the last year. Along with a starting presentation by Ben, one of our Scouts. Well done Ben! Scouts, Parents and Carers were able to see and hear about what the Essex International Jamboree (EIJ) is all about. From the journey to the antics, from sub aqua, to juggling, to sumo wrestling to giant inflatable assault courses, quad biking, zorbing, archery, shooting, water slides, It's a knockout ..... the list goes on and on - see the pics and videos at the bottom of the page to get some more insight into the activities that happened in 2008. We have four firm Contingent Leaders in our Crew. Our confirmed Leadership Team consists of:
We have also approached several Leaders as backup. We now (as of 25th November) have 8 adults/leaders who wish to join us on top of the confirmed team. We do realise that 8 days and 7 nights is quite a long time for younger Scouts - we actually had Scouts in 2008 who were actually still Cub age when we went and they thoroughly enjoyed it and were more than capable of all the tasks and could handle all the fun and exhilarating activities - they were brilliant. We therefore will be running for the Leadership Team and Scouts attending the EIJ some low level training camps. This will allow the Scouts and Leaders to develop as a unit and refine skills, as well as learn new ones. Also to test new equipment and allocate each person (Leader and Scout) specific roles, tasks and responsibilities. Whether it be who sets the tables on which days, to collecting water to who organises the transport. Dates for these will be issued in early 2012 and the EIJ cost includes the training camp fees. We are also aware that financial times are difficult and some parents have already said it will save them money as they do not all have to go away and do all these amazing activities. We did also make it clear at the meeting that we do not want finance to be a barrier for young people to not take part on this amazing adventure and opportunity. Cost: The price is a difficult one to gauge as we have to factor in four key things:
See below at the bottom of the page for how we can double any donations given so lowering the costs.  Just click on the donate button to find out more or visit http://localgiving.com/charity/1stfast . Over March 2012 (until funds run out) we will receive matched funding - that is basically we would say get a donation of £10 turning into about £19.20 for the £10 - nearly doubling the value of your donation to one of our projects. What next? A non-returnable deposit of £50 needs to be paid to '1st Fremington Air Scouts' by no later than 25th March 2012. We can only apply for places beforehand and cannot add extras later in line with the organisers needs. The deposit will only be returned if Skip/Leadership Team cancel the Jamboree due to lack of numbers for budget purposes. The payments can be paid in instalments, but deadlines for certain amounts must be met. Fundraising - we do aim to do some in the form of supporting Scouts and Leaders who may need financial or resource assistance. For example if more than one form the same family going, if they need the loan of a suitable holdall etc. What if I missed the presentation? Unfortunately we will not be repeating it. The date was issued sometime ago, however several who sent their apologies are aware that they can still send their child/children. Some have said they want to send their child, even though they wouldn't be there as they have been on camps with us before. Some information is on the www.eij.org.uk website. You can of course talk to other parents and Scouts who attended the presentation. We have a download at the bottom of the page which contains the slides of our presentation but a great deal was verbally given. What if I am unsure whether my child is too young? Parents usually know their own children best, but they do surprise you when you are not there. They grow in size - mentally, physically and emotionally. The event is designed for children from 10 years old - it has been running for many years, and very successfully. We took predominantly 10 and 11 year olds - some who had very limited camping experience. As you can appreciate we cannot decide for you, but from November to August is 9 months away and children do grow rapidly in that time. Presently there are a couple who would naturally be daunted by the event, but we are sure they will be ready for this amazing opportunity. In four years time (when the next EIJ takes place) they will have moved on from Scouts to Explorers by then - this is partly why Jamborees run on a four year cycle. What specialist or additional kit will my child need for this? Well not a great deal surprisingly. Clothing of the practical type, plus their uniform, plus hiking boots and surprisingly flip flops. Apart from a sleeping bag (one that can be rolled up compactly - readily available, but we can advise on some basics of types to get and avoid that do not cost a great deal at all) a roll mat (no blow up beds or camp beds - again seek advice), a water bottle, sun hat and warm hat, plus gloves. Plus a camping plate, bowl and mug (check with us) and cutlery (again we may be able to loan). What if I want to help as a parent? Fantastic!!! We always need help. Whether it is doing administration tasks, to shopping, to helping prepare for camps, help at camps, be a backup helper or just load, stowaway or prepare kit before and/or after camp. Scouting has very stringent checks on helpers. this gives reassurance to our Young people, parents, carers, leaders and the wider community. We operate several levels where parents can 'sign-up'. All involve completing a form which incorporates the enhanced CRB and upcoming ISA checks, plus Scouting has a much more in-depth security checks as well. helpers are vetted and many appointments also have to be interviewed with a panel of trained adults in safer recruiting - if an Occasional Helper (OH) this does not usually include an interview which is often the post parents mostly apply for. Forms are available from Skip so please contact in advance as he may not always have access to them. They do take a little time to process so please plan ahead and not assume that a week after completing you can start. We do have to keep Safeguarding as a crucial part of Scouting so please plan ahead. We already have 8 additional helpers/leaders who wish to join us from the District, other Scout Groups and our parents. All will depend on the number of Young People on how many additional support adults we can take and also what skills and support they can offer. What if I cannot afford the whole amount? As we said earlier and at the meeting, we do not want finance to be a barrier to a Scout or Leader attending. We do need to know as early as possible, and we do understand that circumstances can change quite quickly. We do have access to forms and contacts for firstly the group to approach as a group - many will not accept directly from an individual. Sometimes you need to make some financial contribution to the trip etc as full funding is not normally given. Sometimes, and only sometimes, you may have to prove your situation to the organisation giving the grant. You can be active with fundraising for the Group and/or Troop without causing yourself a financial burden. We have had 3 requests already for forms for one grant board from individuals, unfortunately we do think that they may only give to one or two. However, if we apply for a group grant rather than an individual one we can gain more for the individuals and also benefit others. We would like it if you could talk to Skip or if not, Swift, if you are having difficulties or wish to apply for a grant either a s an individual or on behalf of the group. We already do have some grant applications in and if a similar repeat one is put in, it could waste valuable time or jeopardise other applications. Please do ask first - we can keep it confidential to a level you are happy to discuss with us about. Have you completed a 1st Fremington Air Scout Gift Aid form? If not then please do if you are a taxpayer on your earnings. We are able to claim back on some of your contributions to the group. Gift Aid is a simple government initiative which allows you to increase the value of your donations at no extra cost to you. For every pound you give, you can get an extra 25 pence from HM Revenue and Customs, helping your donations go further. In real terms, this means that if our Group had 50 members paying £60 per year, it would give them a total income of £3,000 per year. Assuming all of the parents/guardians are taxpayers then the potential Gift Aid is around £750 per year. So rather than us getting £3,000 we get approximately £3,750 for no extra effort to you or us except filling in one easy to use form for the time you are with our Scout Group. If you have not claimed Gift Aid before through us for your 1st Fremington Air Scout Contributions, you are entitled to claim back the previous four years of contributions. We cannot necessarily use that money for funding some things but it certainly would make a difference to the group funds, which in turn can help the Scout Troop. We do need parents to be on our Group Executive to make decisions like this - so please step forward. It is usually about 4 or 5 meetings a year. Below are some of our memories and photos of when we went in 2008: The official 2012 promo vid: This only takes place every 4 years - so don't miss out as a Scout . We can help Scouts who may be struggling financially or for equipment, transport costs or training costs down. You can make a donation and we can also get the Gift Aid if entitled. In March we can double the value of the donation you make with no extra cost to you. Over March 2012 (until funds run out) we will receive matched funding - that is basically we would say get a donation of £10 turning into about £19.20 for the £10 - nearly doubling the value of your donation to one of our projects. We have general funds and funds to raise for our Essex International Jamboree 2012 Project which will allow our Scouts to gain life skills and have a fantastic time - preparation for life! Just click on the donate button to find out more or visit http://localgiving.com/charity/1stfast . |
Essex International Jamboree 2012 |