The West Island Contingent F A Q list

What's this "West Island" stuff?

The publicity chicks from NZ thought that Australia was just the west island of New Zealand! Hopefully we have a large contingent so we can educate those Kiwi's about the Eastern Islands of Australia. ;-)

Can we use e-mail?

Yes! e-mail is encouraged during the preparation stages of the Venture. It is quicker and easier to keep you informed this way. If you can't get reliable access to e-mail then please advise us of a fax number.

Who is eligible to attend?

The Venture organisers have opened the contingent to all Venturers, Guides and those under 19 working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The contingent will accept applications from you if you fit this description. A small number of leader applications will also be accepted but keep in mind that this is a youth activity and we will take only sufficient Leaders to run the activity properly.

It is imperative that all members of the Contingent are registered members of The Scout Association of Australia Or Guides Australia in good standing with the Association.

What Leader Positions are available?

It is imperative that the adults / leaders chosen to support our Youth Members on a Contingent are appropriate and not in excess. The Contingent will decide early in the piece how many adults / leaders will be required to support the Contingent and the roles that these people will be required to fulfil. From the applications received, only the most appropriate and suitable people will be chosen to travel as part of a Contingent. This may mean that not all adults / leaders will be successful in applying to join a Contingent. The selection process will be done as early as we can and unsuccessful applicants and their respective Branch Chief Commissioners will be informed of the outcome of the Contingents deliberations.

The NZ organisers may request Australia to provide extra staff for the venture, particularly those with special skills. In this instance, the Contingent Leaders will seek appropriately qualified Leaders from the applicants. The final selection of Leaders will be done by the Contingent Leaders using the following guidelines:

There are usually more Leader applicants than are necessary to staff the Contingent. The Host Country may accept a small number of Leaders to fill service jobs. It is desirable to have this pool from which to select replacements, in the event of the incapacity or withdrawal of one or more of the Line or Headquarters Leaders. However, the pool of Reserve / Service Leaders should not normally exceed 10% of the total Line and Headquarters Leaders.

In reviewing excess Leaders, the Contingent Leader should seek advice from Branch Chief Commissioners but should apply the following principles: ·

• Applicants with special skills to assist in Activities as requested by the NZ organisers will be selected.
• Preference will be given to those with current Certificates of Leadership, in Venturing and in particular to Leaders who have youth members from their own Group attending the event.
• It is preferable for the Leader to hold a Woodbadge in the Section of which the event is catering for.
• Late applicants will not be given preference over those who apply on time · All other being equal, preference should be given to younger Leaders (and not those who have been before).

Applications which are rejected will have their fees refunded in full.

How do I apply?

Step 1. Download the information/application kit (from the forms page) fill in the forms, have it signed locally and send it to your branch along with your deposit.

Step 2. Since forms take time to work their way through the system, send an e-mail to David Griffiths to let us know that you have made an application.

Step 3. While you have filled in an application form to join the Australian Contingent and that is the main form you need to fill in. New Zealand also have an application form to be filled in. we will put this up on the web when it becomes available and e-mail you to let you know.

How much is it going to cost?

All the details regarding cost, when payments are due and cancelation details are in the information kit. Please download the information from from the FORMS page.

What if I Cancel?

Cancellations cost the contingent money - even many months before the Venture. If you cancel then, it will cost you money! If you cancel for medical reasons then you may be able to recover your cancellation fee from Scout Travel Insurance for the cost of the event. Just deciding not to go is not recoverable. There may be some applications received which overfill our quota of places for both youth and Leaders. These people will be notified and have a choice of being wait-listed or withdrawing their application. Anyone whose application is not accepted will have his or her money refunded in full.The schedule of cancelation fees is in the information kit, available from the FORMS page.

How will we Travel?

You will need to arrange transport to and from your home to the departure airport. This will be coordinated through your Branch. Call back later for more details. The cost of this is not included in the contingent fee.

The flights we are using are all non-smoking. Details regarding flight times and ticket issue will be advised in future bulletins, although all flights are likely to leave Australia on 27th December 2003 and be met by an Australian Leader that afternoon in Christchurch and directed to busses for accommodation that night.

We are flying into Christchurch from a number of cities and staying the night at Christchurch then begining the pre-venture tour the next day.

Do I need a Passport?

Every member of the contingent will require a passport (at your own cost) valid for the period that we are away from Australia.

Passport application forms are obtainable at all Post Offices. Generally it can take up to six weeks for your passport to be issued once you have lodged the application.

(Later on you will be requested to send us a photocopy of the page containing all of your particulars together with an original passport size photograph for our records).

An adult Passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. A child passport is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. For applicants under the age of 18 it is essential that both your mother & father sign the passport application form.

Any member of the contingent travelling on a passport issued in another country will require a re-entry permit. This is obtainable from The Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. You are responsible for arranging this yourself (A copy of this will also be required).

Before airline tickets can be issued we must have a photocopy of you Passport. If you have not already applied for your passport. Please ensure that we receive the photocopy as soon as possible but not later than October 30th.

During the Venture passports will be held securely to avoid any being lost or washed away - either in the laundry or down a river.

Do I need a Visa?

No visas are required for anyone travelling on an Australian Passport. If you are travelling on any other passport please consult the Department of Immigration for advice.

Do I need Vaccinations?

We have not been advised of any requirement but we are not experts in this field. Please seek advice from your own doctor.

Do I need Pocket Money?

The Contingent Council are conscious of the cost of participation in this event and therefore wish to encourage all Venturers to keep their pocket money to a minimum.

The total contingent fee includes all transport, meals, tours, accommodation and entry fees to most of the principal tourist attractions. Pocket money should only be required for souvenirs and daily incidentals such as drinks, ice-cream, film, post cards and stamps.

It is suggested that an amount of A$15 per day should be the maximum required by any youth member.

Do I need to be fit and Healthy?

Yes if you want to enjoy the Venture to its fullest. It is most important that you are fit, healthy and well rested before we leave. You can expect to do a lot of walking while you are away. Some of this will be in mountain areas.

In October you will be sent another medical form to be filled out. This will be used as an update to the information already provided on your application form. The information provided regarding your health would remain strictly confidential.

Few things can spoil a tour more than toothache, and we recommend that every member should have a dental check-up prior to our departure to ensure that your teeth are in a good state of health.

If you are on medication at the time of departure and you are carrying medication dispensed in your name you must advise the Contingent Welfare Officer. This information will again be treated in the strictest confidence.

What is the Drug and alcohol policy?

Use of drugs, alcohol and substances of dependence are strictly forbidden. Any infringement WILL result in return to Australia and involvement of the appropriate legal authorities. Anybody offered drugs from any person whilst on tour or at the Venture should report the matter immediately to their leader or contingent headquarters.

Youth members. You will be detained at the Venture HQ until you can be transferred back to Australia at your parents expense.

Adult members The contingent Leader will request you to immediately submit your resignation to your Branch and make your own way back to Australia at your own expense.

A SMOKE FREE policy has been adopted for this event. All reservations for flights, buses and trains have been made on a non-smoking basis.

As The Scout Association of Australia supports smoke free environments your Australian Contingent Headquarters, troop sites and leader accommodation areas are similarly designated as smoke free zones. Given the public relations opportunity the Venture and tours present, at no time is smoking permitted whilst in uniform.

Will we be wearing Uniform?

As is usual for scouting events, scout uniform is worn much of the time. Contingent T-shirts, (see equipment list) are supplied and will form part of our uniform requirements.

Full scout uniform will be worn for travel from and to Australia. Whilst on tour the contingent polo shirt will be worn with either scout shorts and scout socks, scout jeans/slacks or skirt. Black or brown polished shoes will also be worn. On occasions your leaders may require you to be in full uniform whilst on tour.

What other clothes will I need?

Given the nature of the program only a limited amount of street wear is required. You will only need these for camp wear during the Venture. Remember you are limited to 20kg of luggage and what you take YOU have to be able to carry. Leave some space as you are bound to purchase souvenirs of your travels you generally come home with a greater amount of gear.

Is There a Contingent Badge?

We are planning to produce a Contingent Badge for this event. Submit your design NOW. Each member will be issued with two badges however others will be available for purchase as 'swap badges'. We will advise you of this once the design is finalised and include an order form for those requiring extras.

Will there be an opportunity to meet New Zealand Venturers?

We are hoping to have the first two nights in Christchurch staying with scouting families. Host Families will be carefully screened before being selected by the New Zealand Scout Association. It is anticipated that you will be hosted in pairs but at this stage we have no idea of who you will be with. Perhaps now is the time for you to give some thought to the purchase of a small gift (Made in Australia) for your host family. Home hospitality is a rare opportunity to experience "living" in another country.

What are the insurance arrangements?

The Insurer: Chubb Insurance Company of Australia Limited

Policy Number: 93104277

Coverage: All authorised travel by Youth and Adult members including incidental personal travel as long as overseas travel is involved and the travel is in connection with participation in an overseas scouting event.

Geographical Limits: Worldwide

Period of Insurance: From the time you leave home to the time you return. Cancellation coverage applies from the time you make your first payment.

Insured Persons: All Youth & Adult members of the Insured who have been declared as participants to the insurer prior to the departure date.

Benefits:

• Death & capital benefits no.'s 1-19 $50,000
• Youth members 0-13 years of age $10,000
• Weekly injury benefit (income earners)(max 104 wks) $500 p.w.
• Overseas medical and additional expenses Unlimited Emergency medical evacuation $100,000
• Repatriation of mortal remains $20,000
• Cancellation/curtailment/additional expenses $100,000
• Baggage, travel documents & personal effects $5,000
• Money & credit cards $5,000
• Personal portable business equipment $5,000
• Auto rental damage/theft - excess cover only $10,000
• Loss of deposits $10,000
• Kidnap and ransom $250,000
• Personal liability $5,000,000
• Aggregate limit of liability all insured persons Any one event $2,000,000
• Deductible: Nil apart from a $20 franchise which applies to medical & additional expense claims. Journeys may not exceed 180 days.
• Maximum age for travellers not to exceed 80 years of age.
• Section 1 capital benefit coverage ceases at age 65 in respect of events 2, 20 & 21 Permanent total disablement and temporary total and temporary partial disablement.
• No cover applies where an insured person is travelling in an unlicensed aircraft or flying or engaging in any other aerial activity as part of the aircraft's crew.
• No cover applies where an insured person is participating in or training for any professional sport.

This document is a brief synopsis of policy coverage and does not purport include all policy terms and conditions. In the event of conflict, the official policy document shall be the sole interpretation of the cover provided.

What is included in the contingent fee?

• NZ Contingent Fee
• Air travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane airports.
• Transport in NZ All meals and accommodation (some of which is in tents)
• As part of the contingent fee the following items will be issued to you prior to leaving Australia.
• 2 contingent polo shirts
• 2 contingent scarves (Australian Scarves)
• 1 Gumnut woggle & nameplate
• 2. Contingent badges

It does not include:

• Supplementary Activity Fee
• Pocket money
• Commercial activities

What gear will I need?

Here is a suggested equipment list for each member of the contingent. All items are to be clearly marked with the owner's name (clothing preferably with name tapes) for easy identification. Special labels will be issued for luggage.

The maximum weight of your entire personal luggage allowed on the aircraft is 20kg. Don't attempt to take more than necessary, as there will be times when you will have to carry it some distance.

LUGGAGE:

• 1 Rucksack or large Sports Bag.
  You don't need to specially get a rucksack to carry your gear if you don't have one. A large 'sports' type carry bag will do the job. A suitcase is particularly awkward in a tent.
• 1 Bum bag 1 Day pack (for cabin use)

BEDDING:

• 1 light weight ground sheet
• 1 Sleeping bag (suitable for cold conditions -it can be cold in the mountains even in summer. That is snow you see on the peaks))
• 1 inner sheet
• 1 inflatable pillow
• 1 airbed (not plastic) or hike mattress

CLOTHING:

• 1 scout shirt (complete with badges)
• Sleeping gear
• 1 Scout long trousers/slacks
• 2 pr camp shorts
• 1 Scout shorts/skirt
• 1 pr jeans
• 3 pr long scout socks
• 5 sets underwear (quick dry)
• 2 pr socks (for hiking)
• 2 casual T-shirts
• 1 scout belt
• 1 pr bathers
• 2 contingent polo shirts
• 4 handkerchiefs
• 1 hat (not scout hat)
• 1 woollen beanie (optional)
• 1 old woollen jumper
• 1 pr Black or Tan leather shoes
• 1 money pouch
• 1 pr sneakers (suitable for day hikes)
• 2 contingent scarves
• 1 woggle & name plate
• 1 light weight track suit
• 1 Scout Jumper or Scout Polo Fleece jacket

TOILET GEAR:

• 2 towels (standard)
• Toilet bag containing:-
  • Soap in unbreakable container,
  • toothpaste & brush,
  • comb,
  • face washer,
  • deodorant,
  • shampoo,
  • Lip-eze,
  • nailfile,
  • stainless steel mirror,
  • shaving gear (if necessary).

EATING UTENSILS:

• Cloth dilly bag containing:-
  • 3 large plastic plates (2 shallow & 1 deep)
  • 1 plastic mug
  • 2 tea towels
  • Knife, fork, spoon & teaspoon
  • Drink bottle

MISCELLANEOUS:

• 3 coat hangers
• Thongs (for shower use only)
• Mending kit
• 3 plastic bags (dirty clothing)
• Spare shoe laces
• Swap badge container
• Insect repellent (roll-on)
• Travel log book/diary and pens
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Gift for home hospitality
• Camera (optional)
• 12 clothes pegs
• Clothes line (6 metres nylon cord)
• Velvet soap for washing
• Torch & spare batteries (pack batteries loose)

FORBIDDEN:

• Valuable family heirlooms (We know you just love bringing these things along!)
• Knives other than eating utensils (Swiss army knife etc. ok, but must be in checked baggage otherwise airport security will confiscate it, suspecting that you are a terrorist!
• All radios, walkmans, cd players & computer games!

What are the Activities?

Check out the Expedition pageand the info kit!

May I travel Independently?

This may be possible provided that it does not disrupt travel for everyone else.

Where contingent members are not travelling to and from New Zealand with the Contingent, special approval documents and processes need to be used. These documents allow both parents in Australia to approve or deny such arrangements. If the person expecting to pick up the Venturer does not have this approval document in hand, that matches a copy held by the Contingent Leader, the Scout will not be released to leave the Venture site. So if any parents require this type of visit or if a youth member is expected to arrive or leave the Venture independently please ask the Contingent Leader for the appropriate forms and details. Any added contingent cost which result from such an error will be charged to you.

May I use my Frequent flyer points to reduce my cost?

Yes subject to the overall consideration that this doesn't negatively impact on everyone else. There are some significant issues which you need to consider:

We will not be sure of our travel dates and times until July nor will we know who (particularly amongst leaders) will be accepted until around July-August as we have to limit leaders to about 1:5 at most. If we achieve 50 total that means about 10 leaders Max.

In order to get a frequent flyer seat it will be necessary to book now not in July or August as there are likely to be only one or two seats on each flight. As a result anyone who makes a frequent flyer booking needs to understand that they may not eventually get a Guernsey and that they may then lose more points to cancel their seat.

In addition the airlines give us a free seat for every 25 seats that we buy. This is used to effectively reduce the price for everyone. The very least then, that a points user should contribute is 1/25th of the fare. If however our bookings are close to 50 then the points user might make the difference between one free seat and two. That is a person using the seat and contributing say $40 (1/25th as above) would cost the contingent a full fare. We don't see this as reasonable.

At this stage we therefore suggest that if you have points you may want to enquire about the potential to use them on flights from your capital to Christchurch on or about 28 December, returning 11 or 18 January but only make a booking if you're willing to take a risk on cancelling. We will however still require payments in full from you according to the schedule shown elsewhere in this FAQ up until we have finalised the travel arrangements - probably in July or August. You will then obtain a reduction on the final payment provided it does not cost the contingent a free seat. If there are several people in this situation and one would make a difference in cost but not the other then first in is, as usual, best dressed.

What are the planned Travel Arrangements?

Our flights to and from New Zealand will be booked from Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane to Christchurch. Members from country or interstate will travel to these departure points. We will assist you in coordinating this travel at your cost.

How will we meet?

Because our contingent is made up of Venturers from ACT, Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland it is not possible to meet all of you before the day of our departure however we will issue a photo collage of the group with our final bulletin.

What if I'm 18 at the time of the Venture?

The NZ organisers have set the Venture age limit at 19 to accommodate those aiming for the Duke of Edinburgh's award which has a cut off age of 19.

18 year olds (as of the Venture start (2 January 2004))will be admitted as Youth Members of the contingent provided they are also registered members of Scouts Australia or their Guiding equivalent.

We must however recognise the special status of these people as legal adults who do not need parental approval on their application (once they have turned 18). Such independence comes at a price. No one is responsible for you but YOU. We expect you to be a fully functioning member of the contingent but you are at liberty at any time to resign from the Scout Movement and make your own way home at your own expense.

How will we be organised in NZ?

All youth members will be assigned to a Venture unit. This unit will generally have 8-10 members comprising Venturers from NZ, Australia, and other countries joining the Venture. Each unit will have a Venture leader. The units will be made up of people who have selected the same major activity so will stay together for the whole of the Venture. They will cook, eat, sleep and have fun as a unit.

You can expect some communication from your Venture Leader in the weeks leading up to the Venture to advise you of any special arrangements for your chosen activity.

What is the International Activity Award?

An award has been introduced for all members (scouts & leaders) of the Scout Association who participate in an overseas International Scouting activity. The award will be in the form of a Silver Belt Buckle for your scout belt. After your return from overseas and on completion of the required activities get your leader and District Commissioner to sign the appropriate sections of the award form and forward it to your Branch Commissioner (International). The award will be approved and issued by your Branch Headquarters. The form will be put up on the web-site for you to download.

Do I have to be on time - all the time?

It is surprising that you ask a question where the answer is so obvious. Yes! Please note that all of the schedules which you read here or are sent to you, show ACTUAL MEETING TIMES or departure times. They are not padded out in any way to allow for late comers. Add your own risk allowance depending on how reliable you are.

What happens if I'm late?

It depends a bit on who, when and where but it's always a serious problem.

At the airport going to the Venture, we are booked on unchangeable group tickets. If you miss the plane then for adults (that includes "youth" members who are 18) you must accept the adult responsibility of being on time and you will have just made a last minute cancellation. If you have lots of money you could buy another ticket to NZ and perhaps a taxi to the camp site. Alternatively getting home is up to you.

For those under 18 we have a duty of care to help you get home again but you too will have made a last minute cancellation, lost the lot and be charges for expenses we incur in getting you home.

During the Venture/tour we will not wait for adults anywhere or anytime. If you miss the bus it is your problem and your expense to catch up. (There are commercial busses operating along the tour route).

We have a duty of care to those under 18 and cannot just abandon them. We will either leave a leader to meet them and they will catch up as described above. The expense of this will be billed to you on return. This could include extra bus fares for both you and the leader and even accommodation costs where there is no same-day connection. Alternatively we will delay the bus and everyone on it to wait for you. If you are five minutes late in a group of 49 then you will have wasted 5 minutes for the other 48 on the tour. That is 4 hours. Expect to pay them back by volunteering to do 4 hours extra work over the next 2 days - eg you get to clean everyone's room at the backpacker lodge while they are having fun!

What is happening on the Pre Venture Tour?

This is still being finalised and subject to change!

The tour is not compulsory. You may apply to attend just the Venture.

It is intended to accept bookings for the tour up to one full bus load on a first come- first served basis so don't risk doing just the short Venture!

The tour will be for 6-7 days in a comfortable bus with professional driver/guide. We will stay in backpacker accommodation or Scout halls with showers/toilets. We will eat meals not junk food. Some meals we will cook for ourselves, others will be prepared for us. Lunches will generally be packed each day to eat at a pleasant stopping place while we relax and look around.

The tour will include some commercial activities such as a cruise on Milford Sound. Other commercial activities will be available but since everyone will want to do something different at a different price they are not included. Some which have been run in the past have been Jet boating, Bungy jumping, Trout fishing, Para sailing, Blackwater Rafting and Zorb Ball. Most of these activities will require a supplementary consent form. If there is sufficient interest we will try to arrange a bulk booking at a discount.

The tour will depart Christchurch on the morning of December 28, and return us to the Venture site for the start of the Venture. How will pocket money be handled

How will pocket money be handled?

It is your money and you are responsible for it. Remember that cash is more easily lost...

Expect to need very little cash at the Venture site. There's really nowhere to spend it. You may need some cash for a phone card at the airport or souvenirs. On the pre Venture tour, every place we stay will have access to an ATM. During the Venture, your ATM card/Wallet may be kept in the secure store.

How do I stay in contact with home?

There are no facilities to charge Mobile Phones at the Venture site. You need to be aware that although mobile phones can be called in New Zealand that the substantial extra cost for calling overseas (~$2.00 for 30 seconds) is charged to the person with the phone not the person calling them, as are the costs to call Australia from New Zealand.

This is why we don't recommend that Scouts need mobile phones during the Venture. They are also easily lost or damaged. Consider getting a phone card which enables you to make calls to Australia at regular international rates and the cost of the call is charged back to your home phone. The phone owner will need to arrange this- allow several weeks before you leave. Alternatively buy a phone card at Christchurch airport when you get there.

Tell us about Travelling Overseas.

At the Airport in Australia

When you leave Australia you will pass through the customs area inside the closed off area after you leave your family with the rest of the scouts. You need to have filled out a departure card that says where you are going and for how long. Customs will take this card and stamp your passport.

Quarantine Details

Don't travel with food. Sweets or lollies are OK but not fresh food or vegetables, no honey or dairy products.

Clean all footwear and outdoor equipment before you pack it. Especially dirt on boot soles or on rucksacks etc. Keep the outdoor equipment and boots etc at the top of your bag because the Quarantine people will want to see them and that they are clean.

On the plane

You will be asked to fill in a Declaration card on the plane to say that you have no fruits, meat plants and animals. You need to give this to quarantine when asked.

New Zealand Customs will want to see your passport with the Quarantine Declaration card. Don't forget to take a pen with you so you can fill in these forms.

You might think that this is tough, but when you come back Australian Customs and Quarantine a pretty tough too. Both countries don't want their animals to catch diseases from other places, these diseases can be carried in dirt and dairy foods, so all this is for our own good. We don't want it either do we?

What do I do with the medical form?

Fill it in and send it with the application. We are intending to trial an on-line form which we will ask you to update. This will enable us to have your information right up-to-date and accessible.

What will we wear?

You will travel to and from the Venture in full uniform, whether with the contingent or not. Wear your name bar provided at all times. You will need to wear your Contingent T-Shirt and Australian Scarf at the International Night. It would be good for you to wear the T-Shirt at other times to show that you are Australian, you will be supplied with a Venture Scarf to be worn at other times. Shorts would be suitable for most of the time. Thongs are not permitted as footwear.

How will security be managed?

We will store the irreplaceable items (air tickets and passports in a central store). Australian Contingent will have a lockup area for valuable items that you don't want to keep with you. Be security conscious at all times, don't leave valuables around for others. Valuable are different things for different people.

Historically the overwhelming bulk of items reported as "stolen" at this sort of activity turns up when you get home where it falls out of a sock or the like. Scout insurance won't entertain any claim for theft where this is not reported at the time and where the local police have not been involved and made a report. Make sure that you mean "stolen" if you say so and not just "I can't remember where I left it" "Stolen" casts a sad cloud of suspicion over your fellow campers. This is a Scout activity so look out for each other.

Who is looking after our welfare?

You of course!

Unlike a Venture where a welfare team is going to wander around looking after you; You will need to look after yourself and each other. If you have a problem that is too big for you to solve though don't hold on to it,ask one of the Leaders for help.

If for some reason you want to talk to someone else, we are always there for you at Australian Headquarters. Even if, like you, we are off site, we can always be contacted.

Will I need to sleep?

This will be an exciting time and your body will be a bit 'out of whack' from what's called Jetlag because of different time zones and international travel. It is a challenge to stay awake and there are so many people to talk to but there's always tomorrow. You'll still be able to have fun every day. Imagine missing the biggest rapid because you fell asleep in the raft!

What if I'm feeling Unwell?

If you don't feel well let your Leader know, don't keep it to yourself. The Venture has a great health support area including doctors and first aid people.

Can we do our washing?

Yes - but it's not a sophisticated washing machine! It's often the historic two hands and a sink method. You should try it at home before you go. Definitely don't take it all home to mum and dad. Don't let it build up; try to wash a pair of socks and jocks each day. You have two T-Shirts so that you can wear one while the other is washed. Definitely do it or you might find yourself sitting alone on the roof of the bus.

How do we keep air tickets safe?

We will look after your air tickets for you. At each departure airport, one leader will be appointed as the check-in coordinator. We will keep them locked in the security area during the Venture.

Is the food different?

Most of the food that New Zealanders eat and will give you at the Venture is the same as here. Try what ever is served to you.

Will it be hot or cold?

Both. A water bottle is on you gear list. You will need one at all times that you can carry with you. It can be quite hot in January at the Campsite in New Zealand. Conversely many of the activities are in the mountains (real mountains) and in cold rivers. Look at Lord of the Rings to see the countryside you will be visiting. Make sure that you have warm gear for sleeping; you can probably get away without battery powered socks. Woollen ones will do!

Is there a scholarship?

Funding assistance may be available to Youth Members from a variety of sources. This section will seek to answer questions on assistance to Youth Members.

International Funds Committee

The International Funds Committee meets two times a year and allocates funding to specific events to ensure Australian representation. Grants are made to individuals after they apply in writing to the International Commissioner of Australia. The International Commissioner of Australia uses the International Grants Committee as an independent body to consider applications and make recommendations on funding assistance.

It should be noted that not all events will receive funding allocations; this is at the discretion of the International Grants Committee.

Branch Assistance

Some Branches have established specific funds to assist young people to attend International Scouting Events. Youth Members should approach their Branch International Commissioner directly to discuss whether or not a Branch can assist.

Funding Assistance Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, a Youth Member will need to be a registered member of Scouts Australia. Additionally, it should be noted that:

• No more than 1/3 funding assistance will be available for Youth Members joining a Contingent.
• Any funding grants will only be made to the Contingent account held at National Headquarters. The individual will not receive the funding directly.
• A total of $100 will be withheld from any grant until the Youth Member has returned to Australia and completed the required reports.
• The Youth Member will be required to provide Scouts Australia with a report on their experience, together with photos for use in National publications.
• The Youth Member will be required to complete two other reports / talks / presentations at either a Group / District / Region or Branch level or outside of the Movement.

Funding Assistance to individuals is not publicised and is considered to be a confidential matter.

How soon will I know that I've been selected to go?

Your application will be acknowledged as an e-mail response to your application. Your receipt will be not be posted to you until after the final payment in order to keep down our postage costs. If your application cannot be immediately accepted as for example with excess leaders, than you will be notified. We expect to confirm all applications in July. After that time only emergency replacements will be added.