Invitation to be in the UK Team for

WORLD SCOUT WINTER GAMES

KANDERSTEG INTERNATIONAL SCOUT CENTRE SWITZERLAND

28 February – 3 March 2008

Aim of the Games

The aim of the World Scout Winter Games is to bring together Scouts from many different countries to participate in an international fun competition involving various winter sport disciplines.

National Teams

For the World Scout Winter Games only teams from National Scout Organisations can apply, as only one team per country can be entered. Each team will consist of 6 Explorer Scouts aged over 16 and/or Scout Network members, who will compete on 6 different disciplines, plus a maximum of 3 support staff (leaders, coaches, and medical staff – minimum age 18), who will also be able to take part in the sports, but not as competitors, if they wish.

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Participant Profile

·          Enthusiastic Scouts with experience in skiing and winter sports and a desire to promote and explore the international dimension within Scouting.

·          Be prepared to have lots of fun and experience some new winter sports.

Programme

Disciplines:

·          Slalom Skiing

·          Giant Slalom

·          Synchronize Skiing

·          Curling

·          Cross Country Skiing

·          Triathlon based on different snow sports

A snowboard can be used in the Slalom races if required. All team members are to compete in each discipline. Points will be awarded for each discipline for the overall results. Workshops on Curling and Cross Country Skiing will be provided.

Items needed

·          Uniform to be worn on special occasions, informal wear and good walking shoes

·          Appropriate winter clothing

·          You must have your own skis/snowboards/cross country equipment. It is possible to rent this equipment through the Centre at additional costs.

·          Other equipment (curling, snow shoes) will be provided.

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Dates

The World Winter Games will be held from the 28 February to 3 March 2008. Participants should arrive at the Centre before 18.00 on Thursday 28 February and may leave after breakfast on Monday 3rd March.

Participation Fee

The participation fee for the individual members of the national teams is CHF 299 (about £130 at current exchange rates – which may vary). This fee covers:

·          Accommodation from February 28 until March 3

·          Meals from the evening of February 28 until breakfast on March 3

·          All necessary lift and ski passes

·          Workshops and activities

·          Swiss Culture Night

·          Transport to and from Kandersteg train station

·          Once the national team is confirmed the participation fee will be due, in full, by January 31

Venue and Travel

The Games will take place at Kandersteg International Scout Centre – a World Scout Centre of WOSM. Accommodation will be dormitory style and teams may be required to share rooms with other teams. Bedding will be provided. To reach Kandersteg, participants should allow 3-3.5 hours from Geneva or Milan (IT) airports and 2- 2.5 hours from Basel or Zurich airports. There are also fights to Bern from London City.

If you would like to arrive earlier or leave later to enjoy the Swiss Alps, please make your booking direct with Kandersteg International Scout Centre in advance. For details please see www.kisc.ch.

As soon as the teams receive their letter of confirmation they will be responsible for organizing their own journey, the cost of which is NOT included in the fee. Further information and details on travel will be included in the information package.

Insurance

The World Scout Winter Games does not cover the participants during travel and the cost of insurance is not reimbursed. Participants will need to arrange their own insurance. Scout Insurance Services can provide cover with a Winter Sports Extension if extra cover is required from mentioned following. Details, together with an International Letter of Introduction, can be obtained through the your own Assistant County/Area Commissioner (International). During the activity days (February 29 – March 2) the Centre will provide, for all 6 members of the team, an additional insurance on top of your own travel insurance. This insurance will cover certain costs relating to Winter and Adventure Sports which may not be covered by your own insurance. More details are available, from the Centre, on request.

Partners/Friends of Participants

There will be no special programme for partners/friends of participants. However the Centre can help you with organising equipment and ski passes. Accommodation may be available at the Centre, so please contact us to find out. We can also help with finding accommodation in Kandersteg village.

Before/After Scout Winter Games Programme

For those who wish to stay at KISC a bit longer, and enjoy the area and what we have to offer, it is possible to stay for extra nights (before February 28 and as of 3 March 2008). Please note that all fees relating to accommodation, meals and activities outside of the offered package must be paid directly to the Centre. They are NOT included in the participation fee. Prices and information is available on our website (www.kisc.ch) or by contacting our reception by email (reception@kisc.ch)

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Deadline for Applications

Anyone wishing to be considered for the UK team should e-mail Rex Smith, Chairman of the Kandersteg Scout Fellowship, who has been asked By David Bull, UK International Commissioner, to arrange for the UK team at rexsmith@glmescouts.org no later than 28 November 2007, with a brief note of their winter sport experience and confirmation of their age on 28 February 2008.