Eurosea11

By Ernst-Jan | September 22, 2012

Background

Since 1985, Sea Scout leaders from all over Europe have gathered every three years to take part in the European Sea Scouting Seminar (“Eurosea”). The 10th such seminar took place in the Czech Republic in Plzen in September 2010 and brought together 60 participants, planning team, and guests.
The seminar is one of the most popular events that takes place in Europe, and has a very special atmosphere due to the participants all having the same background through working in, or being involved with, Sea Scouting.

Aims

Developing the international dimension of Sea Scouting;
Sharing best practices and ideas for Sea Scouting development;
Promoting safe practices.

Objectives

To provide a framework that encourages the international exchange of ideas and resources;
Agree on a framework for continuous programme ideas and material sharing;
Provide collective solutions and ideas for individual challenges or opportunities;
Ensure that each participant has the opportunity to meet and discuss issues and ideas with colleagues from other associations;
Share Sea Scout activity ideas;
Set up International Sea Scout events calendar, with camps, sailing matches, training etc.
Identify and elect new members of the Odysseus Group (see Additional information)

All of these objectives are tied to the seminar theme: How can I support Sea scouting?

Who should attend Eurosea? (Participants’ profile)

Members or prospective members of national or regional teams that support Sea Scouting
Representatives of national Scout associations and member organizations interested in introducing water activities, particularly members of national or regional programme teams or similar bodies
Sea Scout and Guide leaders interested in international Sea Scouting
Participants are expected to be able to communicate well in English and be capable of using electronic communication media (e.g., e-mail, Facebook

What can you expect?

An active seminar, employing traditional Scout methods, “hands-on” activities and various opportunities for exchanges, in both formal and informal settings.
Scouting activities; campfires, “walk the talk,” and morning ceremonies etc.
Time for informal idea sharing discussions and networking during scheduled coffee / tea breaks
Facebook interaction with participants and staff before and after Eurosea

Dates and venue

19th to 23rd September 2012
Arrival: Participants should arrive on Wednesday 19th September, before 11:00 am.
Departure: Should be booked for Sunday 23rd September, after 11:00 am.

Location

Spejdercenter Holmen (Holmen Scout center); GPS Location: 55°40,31’N, 12°36,09’E
The Scout centre is located on a former navy base in the Copenhagen city center, 1.200 meters from the Christianshavn metro station. The metro connects directly to Kastrup International Airport.

Address

The Danish Scout and Guide Association
Arsenalvej 10
1436 Copenhagen K, Denmark
Telephone: +45 3264 0050
Fax: + 45 3264 0075
Email: info@dds.dk

Methodology

A wide variety of working methods will be used, including plenary sessions, audiovisual presentations, outdoor activities, case studies, group discussions, team projects, workshops, exhibits, and a marketplace. Participants will also choose from parallel workshops.

Social events

There will be social activities such as campfires, an international evening (to be held outside around a campfire), sightseeing, water and outdoor activities.

Language

The event will be held in English.

Number of participants

The event is designed to involve up to 65 participants.
Registration priority is given to have the largest number of different associations and member organizations represented.

Applications

The accompanying application form (original or photocopied) should be directly mailed or faxed (email: europe@scout.org/ Fax nr. +41.22 705 11 09) to the World Scout Bureau – European Regional Office and / or emailed toeurope@scout.org before 15th June 2012. If the application is emailed, please send it through your national office or International Commissioner (to confirm the support from your national association). Applications received directly from individuals will not be considered.
” Acceptance letter will be sent directly to participants by 30th June 2012.

Participation fee

The participation fee is 2.300, DKK (Danish Kroner) but will be adjusted according to your country’s GNP. At today’s exchange rate (10-10-2011) that is € 309,12.
The fee covers airport transfer, accommodations, and meals from lunch on 19th September to lunch on 23rd September. It also covers all program materials and documentation.
The participation fee does not include any insurance or personal expenses, such as telephone and bar charges.
Participation fees invoices and payment details will be sent to national association offices. The payment deadline is 31th July 2012.

Travel arrangements

Once participants are selected, they should make their own travel arrangements and obtain visas (if necessary). If you require an official invitation to obtain a visa, please clearly indicate this on your application form.
Travel forms will be sent to participants in June. Participants arriving in Denmark earlier or leaving later and who would like assistance in finding accommodations at their own expenses should email the host committee:sailerboy@bigfoot.com

Insurance

It is your national association’s exclusive responsibility to check that you are covered by an insurance policy for illness, accidents, and repatriation.

Preparation

Participants are asked to join the Facebook “Eurosea 11” group.
International evening participants should prepare a Sea Scouting or water activity game. The game should last no more than 10 to 15 minutes.
There are 2 time periods for open workshops, as well as time for sharing best practices. If you would like to lead a workshop or discussion, please send an outline of the presentation / workshop to odysseus@seascout.org before the 15th August 2012.
Participants are asked to bring publishable photographs of Sea Scout activities, events, and training. Please obtain permission/copyright clearance before coming to the seminar since the photos may be used on the European Sea Scout webpage or on Facebook.

Climate

Participants should expect 13-17°C temperatures and occasional rain.

What to bring

Scout uniform;
Sleeping bag, or pillow, blankets and sheets
Towels and other personal toiletries
Outdoor activity clothing
Water activity clothing and footwear; lifejackets and all other safety equipment will be provided
Sea Scout or water activity-related games from your country
Materials to run a best practice workshop or discussion
Materials to present Sea Scouting in your country (e.g., handbook, photos, slides, videos, information sheets, maps, posters, fact sheets, results of surveys)
National flag (in normal proportions ca. 100 x 150 cm)
A musical instrument if you can play one.
If you really want to, you can bring samples of food from your country for the international evening, which will be held outside around a campfire. There will be only 15 minutes for preparation, so please keep it very simple.

Planning / Odysseus Team

Satu Raudasoja (Finland) Chairman
Sjoerd Heeringa (The Netherlands) Vice Chairman
Morten Haugstad (Norway)
Wiktor Wroblewski (Poland)

Host Committee

Ron Brown (Denmark) Coordinator
Finn Petersen (Denmark)
Lotte H. Molbak (Denmark)

Additional information

The seminar is open to anyone connected with scouting or guiding that wishes to attend and has the support of their Association/Organization. However only European region countries can nominate European members and vote in the elections to The Odysseus Group.
If you need additional information, please email the Odysseus Group, or the host committee.

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