Expat Scouts join forces in autumn training

 This autumn the expat scouts in Belgium have been bettering their skills in several fields.

 

In September and October the British Scouts Overseas welcomed other expatriate scouts to two first aid courses, spearheaded by Helen Williamson and Jos Wittevrongel.

 

Anne-Mette Foreman thanking Julien Bamps of Les Scouts

Then, on 30 November our External Relations Commissioner, Henrik Söderman, arranged a training at the headquarters of Les Scouts in Brussels, on rights and obligations associated with expat scouting. This inspiring course - which led to a lively debate - was given by Julien Bamps of Les Scouts with whom we already have a fruitful dialogue.

 

Many thanks to both Les Scouts and the British Scouts for hosting!

 

Anne-Mette Foreman

Convenor, Expat Scouts in Belgium 

Meet other Scouts at the Danish Christmas Market!

Hungry for marcipan, mulled wine and carols?

Join the Danish Christmas market on 23-24 November, on rue Washington 27 in Ixelles.

The Danish Scouts are assisting at the event, and there will be a bonfire with ‘snobrød’ for kids, rolls baked over open fire.

Thank you for sharing the brochures with friends and colleagues.

And hope to see many of you there in a festive mood.

Anne-Mette, on behalf of the Danish Scouts

Invitation to join Danish Midsummer celebration

Have you ever joined a Scandinavian Midsummer celebration? The Danish Scouts in Brussels are assisting at a traditional summer solstice celebration organised by the Danish Church on rue Washington 27, Ixelles on 22 June 2024 - and you are welcome to join!

The doors open at 17:00 and there will be food and drinks to purchase, music, a bonfire and a playground for the kids. Dogs are not allowed.

Free entrance. 

ESB meeting agenda 10 June 2024

Please contact ESB for a zoom link

Expat Council Meeting

Online on zoom at 20:00hrs on 10 Jun 2024

- - - AGENDA - - -

1. Welcome, approval of agenda, and the minutes of the General Meeting

(Convener)

2. Action points from the General Meeting

a. Confirmation of the new Meeting Convener

b. Approval of the roles, contact- and distribution list from the minutes of

the General meeting

3. General updates

a. Camporee

- feedback from the last and plans for the 2025 camp

b. External Relations

- Status on the collaboration between GSB and ESB, and the

- “Doing scouting in Belgium - Benefits and Obligations” training

c. Communications

- Status on ordering Scarfs, and use on the ESB blogspot site (expat-

scouting-in-belgium.blogspot.com)

d. Training

- Plans for the questionnaire on training needs

- First Aid training opportunities

e. Treasurer;

- financial status, member contributions for 2023 and 2024.

4. Any other business

- Next Proposed ESB Council Meetings:

- 09 Sep 2024 at 20hrs - online

- 23 Nov 2024 GSB training on Rights and Obligations - Physical

presence, date pending feedback from GSB

- 03 Feb 2025 at 20hrs - online

Saint Benoit - Togo camp fundraiser

The older section of the Saint Benoit (Italian, Spanish, Polish scouting group in ESB) is holding a fundraiser 27 April at 20:00 for a camp they are planning in Togo. The concert will take place on Rue du Cornet 51, 1040 Etterbeek (near Schuman and Merode metro stations), and tickets are available here TOGO 2024 - Concert de Giacomo Lariccia (google.com)

 Normandy Camporee News

Join Transatlantic Council for the 2024 Normandy Camporee - April 19-21, 2024 - commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day!

 

Make your plans and reservations now, to join Scouts and Scouters from around the world on the historic beaches of Normandy!

 

The weekend will include a campfire on Omaha Beach with ceremonies for top achiever Scouts and Cubs. Other highlights are our own radio-station, Changing Lives Reception on Friday evening, food truck rally on Saturday evening and of course the Trading Post. The closing ceremony for the Camporee will be held on Sunday morning at the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where Scouts will have the opportunity to lay commemorative wreaths as well as individual flowers at a grave of their choosing.

 

A variety of special activities are being planned, as well as our Normandy app to help guide your weekend experience.

 

IMPORTANT Deadlines --

Merchandise Pre-orders close February 15th!

Camporee registration closes 31 March 2024! 

Normandy Camporee

 

Note for Expat Scouts in Brussels: This event is open to all scouts, not just Boy Scouts of America

Sonian forest scout day 24.02

Brussels environment has invited all youth movements to participate in a day of planting trees, blocking clandestine trails, and cleaning trash, in the company of the forest guardians and environmental experts who will share insights on how we can use the forest for scouting activities whilst protecting sensitive sites and being respectful of the environment. Pre-registration is necessary, with a 15 February deadline.

More information here (in French) https://www.foret-de-soignes.be/mouvements-de-jeunesse-pour-la-foret-de-soignes/

Practical details:

- Saturday 24 February 2024, 13.30-17.30

- Meeting point Hippodrome de Boitsfort, at the "betting village" between Chaussee de la Hulpe and the tribunes, Chaussee de la Hulpe 53, tram 8, boondael train station, bike parking available. 

- Wear appropriate clothing