In this Topic: Artistic Expression: Sport. Technology: Communications. Spirituality: The Inner Self. Lashings. Advanced First Aid. Survival Techniques

Transcription

1 In this Topic: Artistic Expression: Sport Technology: Communications Spirituality: The Inner Self Lashings Advanced First Aid Survival Techniques 3 Course Meal Campsite Service Living with others Advanced Mapping International Scouting

2 Introducing Explorer Level The Journey During every journey one arrives at a point where one has to stop and look back before going onwards. Appreciating and evaluating the experiences gained in the first part of a journey will help one to move forward. The Explorer This level is the next step up in your Journey in the Troop. The information that you will find here is structured around what you have learnt at the Pathfinder level. However, here you will now be increasing your knowledge to a higher level. Seeing that you have understood the basics, you will use them to reach out to more advanced themes. How do I achieve this level? Most of the requirements at this level involve building on and strengthening what you learnt at the Pathfinder level. Before attempting these requirements you must be sure you have a good knowledge of the basics. Look at the sheet on the next page so that you are able to keep track of your progress. 2

3 Progress Sheet Topic When did I learn about it? When did I complete it? Leader for assessment Artistic Expression: Sport Technology: Communication Spirituality: The Inner Self Lashings Advanced First Aid 3 Course meal Campsite Service Living with Others Advanced Mapping International Scouting 3

4 Artistic Expression Sports Requirements Choose an activity which satisfies the aim of Sports. Aim Being physically active and keeping oneself fit is important for human development. Apart from caring for your physical condition, sports aids participation, group inclusion, teamwork, self-confidence and... is fun! In sports, race, colour, religion or any other differences are not important. One only has to look at a football team; players from around the world, with different backgrounds, all play together to achieve one common goal. Discipline, leadership and confidence are other non-academic skills that are learnt through sports. Moreover, no one person can always win! Sports helps a person manage his victories and his defeats, and this in turn helps one when dealing with difficulties and challenges encountered throughout one s lifetime. It is never too late to begin some form of physical activity. One could start by taking a regular walk, join a gym or fitness centre or join a sports club; the most important thing is to keep active. Can you do it? Here are some examples below: a) Know and understand the rules of a team sport and act as a referee for this sport during a troop activity. b) Participate competitively in a team sport. Present a letter to your leader from your coach. c) Practice and improve your skills in individual sports. Present a letter to your leader from your instructor. d) Achieve the Athlete Badge. e) Be a member of a sports club for a period of six months. Present a signed letter to confirm this. f) Achieve the Sportsman Badge. g) Any other activity which you deem helps you to improve your physical fitness. Talk to your leader for approval of the activity. 4

5 Technology Communication Requirements Choose an activity which satisfies the aim of Communication. Aim Communication is a two way process of exchanging information from sender to receiver in a way that it is understood by both. Verbal speech is one method of communication. Non verbal is another way of communication. This can include writing, body language, sign language and eye contact. Communication requires good listening, speaking, observing and questioning skills. Thus having the ability to communicate using different means will help in your development. Can you do it? Here are some examples below: a) Using Morse Code, send and receive fifteen words given to you by your leader. b) Using Semaphore, send and receive fifteen words given to you by your leader. c) Talk for fifteen minutes with your leader in a language other than Maltese or English. d) Using sign language, communicate for five minutes with your instructor. e) Through writing consider a particular issue and arrive at a conclusion. f) Any other task which will show your skill in Communication. Discuss your choice with your leader for approval. 5

6 Introduction Communication Communication is usually divided into: Content What is being communicated Sender By whom is the information being sent Channel How is the information being sent Receiver To Whom is the information being sent Purpose Why is the information being sent Morse Code is a non-verbal method of communication used to send messages electronically over a telegraph line. Each letter and number is represented by a particular combination of dots and dashes as shown below. Morse code can be transmitted using sound or light and is usually used in emergencies to transmit distress signals when no other form of communication is available. Morse code will always remain a good method of providing reliable communications during difficult communications conditions. 6

7 Semaphore is used to visually communicate information over long distances. The operator (sender) holds a flag or lighted wand in each hand and moves his arms to the correct position representing a letter. The only signal that involves movement is the one to call for Attention and the only time when the flags should cross is in the Rest position. When used to signal between ships at sea Semaphore flags are usually red and yellow. Blue and white flags are used to signal to and from land. When a Numerical flag is shown it means that everything after it is a number. When the letter J flag is shown in the number, this means that the number is finished and the next sequence is alphabetic. Today Semaphores are used at sea for emergency communication. Communication 7

8 Communication Speech is the most common method of communication and can take different forms such as talks, speeches, interviews, meetings and telephone conversations. Sign language uses manual communication, body language and lip patterns instead of sound to communicate. This language is used not only by the deaf, but also by interpreters who act as intermediaries between the sender and the receiver. Writing displays the language in textual mode by making use of a set of signs or symbols known as the writing system. Amongst others, written communication can take the form of letters, reports, articles, memos, messages, minutes and s. 8

9 Spirituality Inner Self Requirements Choose an activity which satisfies the aim of Spirituality with the Inner Self. Aim In Scouting the aim of spiritual development is to embark on understanding yourself and, whilst sharing your inner self with others, discover something new. Can you do it? Here are some examples below: a) Keep a diary of your life for a period of three months. Discuss with your leader how these three months have affected you. b) Present your troop with a thought of the day for three meetings. Talk to your troop for five minutes about how this thought can be beneficial to all. c) Bring to a meeting something which defines you and identifies you apart from anyone else; present yourself to the troop for five minutes. d) Prepare a logbook of your family s history and discuss it with your leader. This may include family history, culture and nationality. e) Create a personality box; this is a cardboard box with a collage of personal items and momentoes which reflect your personality and individuality. f) Any other task which will show your inner self. Discuss this with your leader for approval. 9

10 Lashings Pre-requisite: Knots Requirements Lashings Aim Building upon the basic and advanced knots learnt at the Pathfinder level, lashings are essential for any pioneering project. They are used to build constructions out of nothing more than spars and ropes. Knowing which lashing to use is therefore very important for the safety of the final result. Simply wrapping a rope randomly around some spars and hoping they will hold together may work in the short term, but whether anyone would hazard to sleep in a tree house built in such a manner is highly doubtful! Can you do it? a) Understand the use of lashings in pioneering. b) Understand the use of the: i. Square lashing ii. Diagonal Lashing iii. Sheer Lashing iv. Figure of Eight lashing c) Show how to tie three lashings of your choice. 10

11 Square Lashing In any pioneering activity, one of the most fundamental constructions required is that of two spars held together in a cross shape. The aim is to prevent the spars from sliding along each other and this is best achieved by means of a square lashing. Lashings Begin with a clove hitch underneath the spar to be supported. Wrap the rope first over one spar, then under the other, pulling tight all the time. On the second time round, go inside the previous turn of rope on top, but outside underneath the spars. After three turns, apply two frapping turns, which pull on the rope turns already made, making them even tighter. One way of remembering it is: wrap thrice and frap twice. Finish off with a clove hitch. 11

12 Diagonal Lashing Lashings Similar to the above, the diagonal lashing is also used to tie two spars in a crossed fashion. However, here the spars do not need to be perpendicular (i.e. at 90 ) to each other. This lashing ensures that the spars do not open or close. A diagonal lashing is used where the spars have to be pulled together or when they tend to spring apart from each other for example the cross-brace of a framework. Begin with a timber hitch to draw the spars together. Pull the knot at right angles and wrap the rope three times around the spars, keeping the rope tight all the time. Wrap three more turns, this time over the timber hitch. Apply two frapping turns to pull tight the rope turns. Finish off with a clove hitch. 12

13 Sheer Lashing Lashings Sometimes it is necessary to extend a pole, or to make a supporting pole stronger by using two spars. Two adjacent spars may be tied together using the sheer lashing. When extending spars, it is a good idea to allow a good amount of overlap between the two spars, and to tie two sheer lashings, one at each end. A sheer lashing is used for joining two spars together to make a longer length. It is important to have a good overlap of spars which should be at least a quarter of the length, but better still is an overlap of one third. 1. Start with a clove or timber hitch around both spars near the end of the overlap. 2. Continue with eight to ten turns round both spars (or for about 10-15cm). 3. Finish with a clove hitch around the second spar. 4. To tighten, insert small wedges inside the turns Adding a second lashing will strengthen the overlap, as then no movement is possible in any direction. 13

14 Figure of Eight Lashing Lashings In pioneering constructions, one frequently encounters structures known as tripods. These three-legged constructions are very stable, and can be used to support further parts of more complicated constructions. The lashing required to form tripods is known as a figure of eight lashing. Experience and practice will teach you that in order to open up a tripod the lashing might need to be done a bit more loosely than in the other lashings. When opened up, the lashing will tighten itself. A tripod lashing is used to bring three spars together to form a tripod. Three spars are laid so that the centre spar goes in the opposite direction to the two outer ones. It is the lashing that shouldn t be done too tight otherwise the spars cannot move to form the tripod. 1. Start with a timber hitch on one of the outside spars. 2. Continue with six or seven turns which are taken loosely over and under the spars. 3. Finish with loose frapping turns and clove hitch. Wedges can be used to enable even spacing before doing the lashing and frapping turns. The tripod is formed by turning the centre spar through 180 degrees and opening out the two outer spars. 14

15 Advanced First Aid Pre-requisite: First Aid Note Those Scouts who are in possession of a valid first aid course certificate issued by a recognized body can be considered to have this part of the programme work ready. However you are urged to participate with your friends in group activity drills, scenarios etc. Requirements Advanced First Aid Aim Even though you are now going to further your knowledge of first aid, you are still not an expert. First aid is just the immediate help given to a casualty until medical assistance arrives. By learning these new topics you are increasing your knowledge of first aid, not becoming a medical official. Bear in mind that knowledge of first aid is no substitute for professional medical care. Always remember that SAFETY comes first do not place yourself in any situation which is dangerous to you! Can you do it? a) Make sure you remember all that was required for the Basic First Aid; this is a continuation of that. b) Demonstrate advanced first aid knowledge in practice: i. Emergency situations in the community: Fires and Gas Leaks ii. Emergency situations involving a casualty: CPR and Recovery Position; you will be assessed by a qualified First Aid Instructor. 15

16 Dealing with Emergency Situations in the community. Advanced First Aid a) Gas Leaks If, on entering a room, you smell gas you should do the following in the order listed: 1. Open a window. 2. Turn off the gas supply if you know where this is in the room. 3. If you do not know where gas supply is, leave the room at once. 4. Leave the room and call the emergency services DO NOT light any matches 6. DO NOT switch on any electric switches / equipment. 7. Re-enter the room only after the emergency services providers have said it is safe to do so. b) Fires In the event of a fire or a smoke alarm going off, you should do the following in the order listed below: 1. Get up and go to the nearest exit to leave the building. 2. Walk calmly so as not to injure yourself. 3. DO NOT stop to collect any possessions. 4. Crawl along the floor if there is a lot of smoke. 5. Cover your mouth and nose and breathe through a handkerchief if there is a lot of smoke. 6. As you leave the rooms close doors behind you. 7. Once outside, call the emergency fire services Re-enter the building only after the emergency fire fighters have said it is safe to do so. 16

17 Advanced First Aid Dealing with emergency situations involving a casualty: The Recovery Position This is the position that a casualty is placed in when he is unconscious but breathing. It is used for casualties who collapse but have not suffered any trauma. Note that when a person is unconscious the tongue falls back against the throat and obstructs the airway. The aim of the recovery position is to protect the airway and keep it open for breathing until the patient recovers consciousness or more expert help arrives. Once a patient is placed in this position you can go call for help (112) but return immediately and keep checking that he is still breathing. If he stops breathing then you need to turn the patient onto his back to perform CPR. The pictures below show the correct way to turn a casualty. A casualty can be turned to either side. Spectacles and bulky objects in pockets (e.g. keys) should be removed. 17

18 Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation CPR Advanced First Aid This deals with a casualty who is unconscious and not breathing. When the heart stops beating it stops pumping blood (and oxygen) to the brain, resulting in a casualty losing consciousness quickly. The aim of CPR is to get oxygenated blood to the brain (to prevent brain damage) until medical help arrives to start the heart beating again. Therefore the two components of CPR are the mouthto-mouth respirations (which deliver oxygen) and the chest compressions (which pump the blood). The guidelines to follow are those issued by the Malta Resuscitation Council which in turn follows the European Resuscitation Council guidelines. These are updated every three years (hence the need to re-certify your first aid course!) The latest guidelines are those issued in November 2005 and are shown below. They tell you what you should do if you find somebody unresponsive. 18

19 Advanced First Aid ALWAYS check and make sure you are following the latest guidelines! You can contact your local NGOs or search the web for more information about this. To open the airway: This is done by one hand on the forehead tilting back slightly and the other under the chin lifting the bony part up: head tilt and chin lift. By placing your ear close to the casualty you can assess if he is breathing normally by looking at his chest rise, by listening for breath sounds and by feeling breaths against your cheek. To give rescue breaths: Pinch the nose closed and place your lips around the casualty s so that there is a good seal. Give normal breaths and move away to allow casualty to exhale. To give chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest. Place your other hand over it, interlocking your fingers but lifting all fingers off the chest wall. Keep your elbows straight and your shoulders above your elbows. Compress the chest a depth of 4-5cm at a rate of 100 compressions per minute (latest guidelines). 19

20 3 Course Meal Prepared in a kitchen Requirements A 3-course meal is to be prepared in a Kitchen. Aim While in the previous level cooking was done on an open fire, this level requires you to cook in a kitchen environment. It is important that a scout knows how to cook a simple meal and knowing your way around a kitchen will be very useful to you in the future. Can you do it? a) Prepare a menu for a 3-course meal for two persons. This must include all the ingredients, and the quantities of each, required to prepare the meal. When discussing this with your leader it will show that you are able to calculate correct quantities of all the items needed. Two of the 3 courses have to be cooked and not simply prepared. E.g.: i) Fresh soup (cooked), Meat and vegetables (cooked) and fruit salad (prepared). ii) Parma ham & melon (prepared), Pasta (cooked) and a cake (cooked). b) Ready made dishes which are just oven heated are not permitted. c) Cook and serve the meal. Besides proper attention to the cooking of the food, you must also take into consideration its presentation. Therefore you should present a well served meal on a properly laid out table. Note If you wish you may cook the meal beforehand at home to see if anything needs tweaking. At the end of this activity make sure you have cleared and cleaned up the kitchen. That is also part of the cooking exercise! With your leader evaluate this activity, from the planning, food preparation, presentation, cooking and serving, up to the cleaning up aspect. 20

21 Planning a 3-course meal 3 Course Meal When planning any meal there are several points one has to take into consideration so that the outcome is successful. 1. Time Consideration First of all it is important to plan ahead for your meals. If time is pressing, work with simple courses that require little preparation. Alternatively choose something that you can cook some time beforehand and then complete the finishing touches before serving. However, if time is on your side and / or you wish to impress your guest attempt more complicated meals that entail you spend more time in the preparation and cooking. 2. Balanced Meal There is more than one aspect of balancing a meal. To begin with make sure that the different courses have a variety of ingredients, with a good combination of the basic food groups (proteins, fats and carbohydrates). The main dish should contain some meat or fish, together with vegetables and some form of starchy food (e.g. rice, potatoes, polenta etc) which makes a meal filling. One must also balance cooking methods e.g. warm vs. cold dishes. Hot meals can be complimented with a cold refreshing salad; a hot main course can be followed by a cool dessert; a cold starter can be followed by a hot main course etc. Do not forget to think about the weather. Soups and stews are more welcome in winter while salads are more popular as the climate gets warmer. 3. Type of cooking By using a variety of cooking methods the food will look and taste more interesting. There is a wide diversity of cooking methods and these include: boiling, poaching, stewing, brazing, steaming, baking, roasting, pot roasting, grilling, shallow frying, deep frying, paper bag cooking and microwave cooking. 4. Texture and colour The different textures within courses enhance the sensory experience of eating a meal. Food could taste crunchy, smooth, grainy, velvety, crispy, sticky, stringy etc. When planning a dish, think about how you can vary the texture of the ingredients depending on the method used for cooking. This is especially important if the dish is vegetarian. Try to make the meal look attractive by using foods with different colours. 21

22 3 Course Meal 5. Taste Always remember that herbs and spices enhance the flavour of your meals. These should be added in small amounts, depending on people s preferences. 6. Allergy consideration Some of your guests may have an allergy or special diet. Therefore, it is important that you are aware of any possible allergies when you invite somebody for a meal, to help you plan your dishes better. If, the next time you plan a 3-course meal, you keep in mind the above six points, you will have a satisfying result that your guests will surely appreciate. They will walk away from a wonderful gastronomic experience of textures, tastes and smell. Be sure to avoid the disaster of serving a carbohydrate-rich potato starter, followed by a pasta dish for the main course and a rice pudding for dessert. Your guest will only leave your meal feeling bloated and heavy. A velvety creamy bisque followed by a rich lamb stew and a creamy cheesecake for dessert might just be enough to give your guest the heart attack his inherent cholesterol problem was edging towards! 22

23 Campsite Requirements Camp preparation Aim Camping is one of the most popular scouting activities. However, camping can only be great fun if things are well prepared and organized! The success of the camp, therefore, depends on how well the camp is planned. Can you do it? a) Know and understand what goes on in preparing a camp. b) Know what to look for in a campsite. 23

24 Planning a Camp Countdown for Camp Planning a camp is not as easy as it might seem. There are many steps involved, each of which contributes directly towards the success of the camp. Campsite 13 Decide what you want to do The first step is to decide what you want to do during your camp. Hold a brainstorming session, and be as creative as possible! 12 Choose your site Selecting the right campsite is one of the most difficult tasks, and this is discussed in more detail later on. When choosing you camp site, keep in mind the decisions you made in the previous step since this will affect your choice. Thus, if you wanted to go canoeing during your camp, then you might want to choose a campsite which is close to the sea. 11 Obtain permission to camp As a scout, you should always abide by the law and respect other people s property. You should always obtain permission from the land owner before camping on private property. Camping in public areas may also need some form of permission (e.g. from local councils etc.). Scouts do not have the right to camp anywhere they like! 10 Plan your programme An enjoyable camp is one which is packed with different activities, which are well planned, timed and organised. It is, therefore, very important to come up with a clear camp programme. 09 Plan your route You need to plan the route you will be taking to arrive at your campsite. {IMAGE: 2 scouts planning a route on a map} 24

25 08 Plan your method of travel How will you be arriving to your campsite? Do you need to book any transport? Will you be on an expedition, and therefore walk it to the campsite? Campsite 07 Pre-Camp Training Before attending a camp, it is important that you are well prepared and trained. You should make sure that you have all the necessary skills. (e.g. being able to pitch a tent). 06 Plan your meals Decide what you will be eating during your camp. Make sure that you have a wellbalanced diet. This is necessary to give you the energy to keep you going throughout the whole camp. After deciding on the menu, determine how you will be cooking your meals (e.g. on an open fire or in a mud oven). Make sure that you have sufficient drinking water available, especially when camping in hot weather. 05 Select your gear Choose your camping equipment carefully. You will need your personal equipment, as well as some equipment which is shared by the group (e.g. a tent, stove). The choice of equipment will be influenced by your previous choices. For instance, if you plan to build a pioneering project, you will need spars and lashings. On the other hand, if you will be walking to your campsite, you will want to travel as light as possible, choosing lightweight equipment. The choice of equipment will also be affected by the current weather conditions (e.g. what type of clothes to take with you) and how long your camp will be. {IMAGE: Some camping equipment} 25

26 04 Plan your camp layout Each campsite is different and, therefore, you should carefully plan the layout before going on a camp. Usually, the campsite consists of a number of distinct areas: Campsite The central area, where one can find all the services, such as the Quartermaster s store, the kitchen tent, the washing up area, the dining area, the first aid point, the notice board, the flag pole, etc. An open area where activities such as games or pioneering can be held. The area for chopping wood and making a campfire. The area for leaders tents. A separate area for each (if possible) patrol tent. The shower and toilets area, keeping in mind that separate facilities are required for males and females. {IMAGE: A campsite with tents} 03 Buy your food Make a list of the ingredients needed to be able to cook your meals. Determine the quantities necessary, depending on the number of people who will be attending the camp. It is important to plan well to avoid having either too little food to feed everyone, or plenty of extra food which will be wasted. Once you purchase your food, make sure that you store it well. Items which should be refrigerated or frozen should be kept at the correct temperatures at all times. 26

27 02 Pack your gear Pack the equipment you decided upon earlier, making sure that you take everything you need with you. Campsite 01 Give details of your route to your leader Inform your leader about the camp, giving him all the necessary information, including a copy of the route, the camp programme and any permission forms (including the one signed by your parent or guardian!). 00 GO! You are now ready to go camping! It has taken some effort to plan everything out, but you will see that it was worth it! {IMAGE: scouts camping} What to Look for in a Campsite When choosing a campsite, there are many things which you should consider. The following list includes some of the main things which you should look out for: 1. A supply of water which is close by and potable; if the water is not drinkable, then you will need to provide your own supply of drinking water. 2. A wood supply for firewood or material for pioneering projects. 3. A reasonably flat piece of land which is well-drained shaded and sheltered from the wind; look at the contours on a map of the area so that you can determine how flat and sheltered the campsite is. 4. A pleasant area with sufficient space for activities 5. A site with easy accessibility especially for vehicles carrying your supplies and equipment. 6. A safe area away from roads and other hazards (e.g. overhanging rocks or power lines). 7. A place for disposing of your garbage which is reasonably close to the campsite but also at a safe distance away. 27

28 Service Requirements Service in the group (Eight hours) Aim Unlike other parts of the programme which have focused on the scout achieving personal goals to progress, this part of the programme concentrates on the scout having to give of himself or herself back to the group. Can you do it? a) Examples of different types of service which can be undertaken: i. Help the pack. ii. Organise games for the troop. iii. Help in the maintenance of HQ. iv. Help the GSL in general administrative tasks (e.g. posting of letters etc). v. Help in the Group Library. vi. Any other service that the group needs. vii. Any other service that you wish to do; discuss this with your Scout Leader. b) Keep a log of the times involved in this service, getting a signature of the leader in charge. Present this logbook to your leader as confirmation of your service and use it to help you discuss what you, as an individual, and the group, through your efforts, have achieved. 28

29 Living with Others Requirements Attend a total of ten nights at camp. Keep a log of these ten days and nights at camp. Prepare a report on the log kept and present it to your leaders. Aim In the Pathfinder part of the programme you got to know your patrol (Basic Communications) and spent the day with them (Hike). At the Explorer Level it is now time to live with others for a longer period of time. It is a time when you learn how people can co-exist peacefully together in spite of their differences. Can you do it? a) Attend a total of ten nights at camp. The ten nights do not have to be continuous but the count starts after the scout has finished the Hike and Basic Communications sections of the Pathfinder Level. b) Keep a log book During these ten days and nights at camp keep a log of your interactions with the other members of the troop. Note the differences between living with family members and living with outsiders. c) Prepare a report on the log kept and present it to your leaders. Discuss your report with your leader and talk about what you have learnt about living with others. 29

30 Advanced Mapping Pre-requisite: Mapping Requirements Contours Back bearings Follow a route Aim By using the knowledge you have gained at the Pathfinder Level you should now be able to read a map and know how to take a map reference. You should also be able to set the map and take bearings. It is now time to go a step further with mapping. Can you do it? a) Prepare a simple scaled model (e.g. 3D model of Comino). b) Explain the use of back bearings. Take a back bearing of three landmarks or objects. c) Follow a simple route for at least 2km using at least two map references and two bearings. 30

31 Back Bearings Take a look at the diagram below; imagine the stick man taking a bearing of the house. Using your compass you find that the house is exactly due North. Now what if somebody in the house were to take a bearing of the stick man? It would be directly opposite i.e. South. Advanced Mapping Bearings are always taken on a straight line between two objects. A Back Bearing is used when you want to find the bearing of where you are from another place. This could be very handy when you are trying to pinpoint your exact location on a map or when communicating your exact location to somebody else. The compass is made up of 360 degrees which, when divided in two gives 180. The line between 0 and 180 is straight, just like the line between the two objects you are taking a bearing of. {insert diagram explaining above} 31

32 Advanced Mapping So, just like in our example, if the bearing of the house is 0 then the bearing of the stick man is 180. In fact this is the formula one should use to calculate the Back Bearing of an object: PLUS OR MINUS 180 If the bearing of an object results in being less than 180 then all you have to do is add 180 to get the back bearing. It the bearing of an object results in being more than 180 then all you have to do is subtract 180 to get the back bearing. e.g. if you take a bearing of 40, its back bearing would be = 220. On the other hand if the bearing is of 190 then the back bearing is: = 10. Following a Route Now that you are capable of using the tools of a hiker, you are ready to undertake the real thing. Hiking can be a lot of fun but the priority is always to be on the right track and out of danger. Before leaving on a hike it is always wise to plan the route beforehand and to inform a leader of this route. Do not hurry or panic when calculating your map reference or bearing to get to a check point. Estimate how long it will take you to reach your destination. A good scout should walk 4km in 1 hour; this should help you calculate your timings. Sometimes circumstances might force you to change your route. Always do this wisely and choose the safest alternative route. Whilst walking always follow the Highway and / or Country Code. A very good way to ensure you do not get lost or take wrong turnings is to keep the map you are using always set. Since you are constantly moving, the map has to be set approximately. You learnt how to do this at Pathfinder level. 32

33 International Scouting Requirements Scouting in another country Aim A scout is a scout wherever he is in the world. Malta being a small island is physically cut off from other countries and other scouts. Getting to know other scouts from a different country anywhere in the world will help you experience a scouting world different from your own. It is also an excellent platform from which you can make new friends. Can you do it? Find out about a national scouting association in another country. a) Using any research material you wish, select a foreign country and find out what scouts in that country do, what activities they participate in and the differences and similarities that there are between them and yourself. Show your findings in a five minute presentation to your troop. b) Make contact with a scout from another country. This can be done through JOTI/JOTA or by writing letters or s. Through your correspondence try to find out what kind of activities he/she does and the similarities and differences that exist between your troop and his/her troop. 33