Re: Idea.
Jim Parnell (parnell_j@KOSMOS.WCC.GOVT.NZ)
Mon, 12 Dec 1994 00:38:54 +1200
Re: Idea.
Alan Jones <alan@sawasdi.apana.org.au> suggests that there be an
organisation for net Scouters to meet up with other scouting
people on international trips etc.
There's no need. The machinery exists.
Firstly, if you are travelling to another country, you should get
an International Letter of Introduction from your National
Headquarters. This establishes your bona fides when you meet up
with Scouting people in the other country.
Secondly, do as I do, make some enquiries before you travel to
find out the names and addresses of Scouting people in the place
that you are going to. Scouts-l, or scouting-europe is a start,
but we are rather thinly spread around the globe.
In all National Scouting administrations, there is an
International Commissioner (or someone with an equivalent title)
who can assist with names and addresses.
Thirdly, when you get there, ask your host, kids, people,
information bureaus, city hall, look under "Scout" in the phone
book etc. Meet the Leaders first before you organise yourself to
a youth meeting or camp.
Following these guidelines, I have had a wonderful time in
Scouting in a number of countries.
I disembarked from a ship in August 1958 in London (yes, we
travelled by sea in those days - none of this frantic flying
racket like now unless you were well heeled) and went straight
to the Imperial Scout Headquarters in 25 Buckingham Palace Road.
During lunch in the cafeteria, I heard some talk about a camp at
the next table, and the next weekend, I was in camp!!! One thing
led to another. In short order came the Gilwell Reunion, The
International Weekend (at Gilwell, hosted by the International
Scout Club), Senior Scout Gatherings, Gang Shows, winter
expeditions in the Lake District, speliology trips, the Queen's
Scout parade at Windsor Castle, etc, etc, etc. It was a wonderful
2 years away from New Zealand.
Other international trips have been equally rewarding because I
have been able to meet Scouting people.
I won't bore you with details, but the moral is: travel with your
uniform, letter of introduction and badges to swap.
In less than a month's time, I shall be in Perth at the
Australian Jamboree, and have arranged contacts by email for when
I get there. Not that I do not already have contacts there, as
my Australian counterpart (National Organiser for the Jamborees
on the Air) Peter Hughes VK6HU lives there and I have met him
personally at other times - the first time at one of the
International Scout Club (mentioned above) meetings.
YIS
Jim Parnell. ZL2APE. New Zealand National Organiser for JOTA.
ZL2APE@ZL2WA.#60.NZ.OC parnell_@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz
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