Amazing Program Concepts, (but who are they?)

[robinb 10]

I happened accross this troop called MAFIKENG online.

http://www.mafikeng.ontheweb.com'>http://www.mafikeng.ontheweb.com

 

They have written some amazing concepts of how to run programs on their website, how they train, how they implemented this within their troop, and how others can do it too...

 

I have been in contact with the Scout Master over a few e-mails, and I am considering starting this program method in our troop. "Training in peer groups, Activities in mixed age patrols"...Splitting our troop into Corps might also work for us.

 

One thing is though, I can't work out their location, or who they are, does MAFIKENG really exist and what is this HITLIST they reference!? see for yourself.. http://www.mafikeng.ontheweb.com

 

interested in what others think, later all,

 

-Robin

[OldGreyEagle 5]

well, Mafikeng is the name of the towm that Lord Baden-Powell hung on to after being surrounded by vastly superior forces and made him an English National hero.

 

I think the troop is paying homage to B-P

[robinb 10]

Really?

I didn't get that feeling at all. I thought they took Mafikeng as a name which just reflected what scouting is originally about.

Have you read through it? I didn't see much towards BP himself.

Although some fairly mad concepts come up in it. I like their style.

[FScouter 24]

Interesting Scouting program. From what country does it originate?

[robinb 10]

That's what we're trying to figure out.

Try asking them in an e-mail... I reckon from reading through it i'm getting an idea.. English speaking, Rainy Weather, They also have references to having a Belgian, USA, Australian & Irish Assitant Scout Leaders...

And the other interesting thing I spotted they are a mixed sex troop. The ways of seperating the sex's are interesting...Did u see their corp sylabuses?

 

I'm interesting in knowing more now!

 

[ScouterPaul 11]

They are from Ireland. There is a reference in their calendar to a Luqnaquilla Snow Expedition. Luqnaquilla is a moutaing (about 3,000 feet I think) in Ireland. They also make reference to Gaelic Football. They have some interesting ideas that are worth checking out.

[robinb 10]

Ireland huh!? Wow...I am BSA, Greater New York Council...I would love to get my troop over to them. I wonder about doing a joint summercamp. That would be fun. Maybe we could all climb Lugnaquilla!?

[robinb 10]

They seem to Have made their Patrol Leaders (PL's) into Joint Patrol Leaders (JPL's). I like that, it shares the responsibility. What do people think? Should the PL/APL tradition be broken?

(I got that off the JPL Handout link)

[Rooster7 11]

If you have a budget that will allow your Troop to take a trip to Ireland, then I want join!

[robinb 10]

 

A trip to Ireland wouldn't be too much a case of Budget for Troop, more individual.

I bet it could be done for under $800 per scout. and would be a NICE option for those not making Thailand World Jamboree.

 

 

[eisely 13]

I agree with OGE that the name "mafikeng" appears to come from Baden Powell's personal history. Unless I am mistaken, the correct spelling of the town that was besieged was "Mafeking." Baden Powell was the senior British officer commanding the forces defending this town during the Boer War. It was his successful defense that made him a hero in Britain.

[Martha 10]

Wow Robin this is a pretty cool site I found it tough going to read all the information but I am very glad I did these guys must be really active, I like their T shirts I wanted to buy one but the online ordering isn't working I have emailed the SL though. I am travelling to Ireland next Summer I have mentioned it to the SL as I would really like to see what them in action. and by the way that is the right spelling for Mafikeng I was there last year and that is how they spell it in South Africa. I think the Jpl idea is really good I think I will suggest it in my troop as a partnership approach to leadership is much better esspecially for young people as they can learn together and plan together and support each other in the patrol without one person being over the other. It has really made me think about the resources availabel to me in my locality we too have a hill I am now looking at in a new light Thanks Robin, I hope you and our troop are ok in New York My thoughts are with you and the familis of your scouts.

[robinb 10]

Wow..Martha, your getting the buzz from it too!

I know, the JPL idea is pretty cool.

I have a friend 'Richie' who i'll get to review the site...He's into his scouting knowledge and has some good history on Mafikeng/Mafeking and it's spelling, i'm not sure myself.

[gorgewalker 10]

Hmmm I took a good review through their stuff.

Filled in the 'Leave a message' box. The scoutmaster replied, he is going to publish their ACTUAL corp syllabuses for each age group.

Could be interesting. They also promised 52 program sheets for troop meeting nights! wow, what a resource when it happens.

anyhow, back to writing my book.

I'll keep u all posted when they do.

-Gorge Walker (England)

[Jude 10]

Hey Gorge,

Are you writing your book about Gorge walking ha ha ha just like that guy peter cliff who wrote about Navigation you English are so funny.

Anway I haven't gone to look at this site yet but you guys are so excited about it I m about to surf over there right now and check it out I mean this can't be so reveoloutionary can it??

Anyway a trip to Ireland sounds cool maybe wes hould set up some sort of Mafikeng Mecca where scouters forum runs an annual tour to see the worlds greatest scout troop in action.

Which gives me an idea how about a competition to find the worlds best scouting troop via the web I mean these guys Mafikeng are probably gign to win but hey I thin my troop could be in with a shot. Who is on??