Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Area | Question | Answer |
| General | What is a Redrose Camp | West Lancashire Scouts has a tradition of regularly organising a camp that enables young people and leaders to have an international Scouting experience. These Red Rose Camps generally alternate between being held at "home" in West Lancashire, where we invite other Scouts from other Counties and Countries to come and join us, or are "away" where we travel somewhere abroad to experience activities, life and culture of a particular country. Fortunately West Lancashire Scouts has a strong team of people who have experience in running not only Red Rose Camps, but also other events such as International Community Projects, International explorer Belt Expeditions, arranging and leading UK teams to International World Scout events that make this all possible. |
| General | What are the dates of Red Rose 2008 | Subject to confirmation, a UK departure window of 29, 30, 31 July 2008 with a return date of 12, 13 or 14 August 2008 |
| General | Where is Red Rose 2008 going to take place | After considering a number of options it has been decided to travel to offer Canada as the location for RedRose 2008. As for exact location, at this moment we are in the final stages of investigating a number of options that are within a 2 hour drive from Toronto. Further details will be supplied in due course. I( NB ..it is not intended to re-visit those sites that we used in the 1994 trip ) |
| General | Will there be sub camps | At this moment in time its is not clear. It will depend on numbers attending - |
| General | What sort of clothing will we need | We will provide some guidance on equipment. |
| General | What equipment will we need to take - eg tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment etc | See above |
| General | Do we need camp chairs / sleeping bags / utensils | Everything you take will need to be in your personal baggage allowance. |
| General | What is the time difference | BST - 5 hours ? |
| General | Do I need a passport |
Everyone attending the camp will need their own full passport. We would
recommend that this has at least six months of remaining time. For administration and travel purposes, at some point a copy of the back "details" page of everyone's passport will be required. Individuals will be responsible for their passports safekeeping during the expedition. |
| General | Will I have the chance to meet local Scouts | Of course, we are planning to give everyone the opportunity to meet local Scouts. |
| General | Will there be any bears ! | Errr … you may see them - but we don’t really expect to be sharing the campsite with them ! |
| General | Is there advice for Groups who have not been on an international event before | Yes of course. Across the County we have many people who have lots of experience. Contact us via the web site and we will assist and try to get you a local person |
| Admin | Who can apply |
Applications will be welcomed from those members of West Lancashire
Scouts who are above Scout age on 30th September 2006. We are hoping that Districts would bring together groups of young people with adult leadership teams. However applications would also be welcomed from groups of young people and adult leaders on a Troop basis. Also we need a number of staff to assist with the event and its programme and we would welcome applications from people over 18 in this area. |
| Admin | Can leaders take their own children if they are under Scout age | We would like to accommodate this if this is an enabler to a eligible young people attending the event |
| Admin | Will my application be accepted if I am the only one from my Group / Unit | Yes, although we would expect you to have investigated the options of what other people from within your own District are considering attending so that you could join into an existing groups of young people. |
| Admin | Is there a selection process | There is no selection process for the camp other than meeting the above eligibility criteria. Places will be confirmed shortly after the closing date. |
| Admin | How do I apply | Applications will need to be made on the booking form and accompanied by a non-returnable deposit of £100 per head. Cheques should be made payable to West Lancashire Scouts. Please note these cheques will only be cashed once the closing date has passed. The return address for the completed form and cheques will be clearly indicated on the form. |
| Admin | When is the closing date | The closing date for applications is September 30th 2006. No applications after this date will be considered |
| Admin | Will there be a parents information evening before the closing date | It is suggested that leaders with Districts get together to arrange this type of forum |
| Admin | Will there be any training sessions beforehand |
There will be no training weekends organised by the Core Team - we would
encourage local Groups to get together to facilitate this. There will probably be a drop in weekend closer to the time that people may wish to use as a date for part of this. |
| Travel | What are the travel arrangements |
We are working with a travel company with significant experience of
assisting with Scout trips to ensure that we get the logistics of moving
a potentially large number of people from West Lancashire to Canada and
back in a safe and cost effective way. Flights will hopefully be from Manchester and it is hoped to move the party either "en-mass" or in one or two blocks, subject to seat availability. As things firm up information will be made available. |
| Travel | Is there any scope for Groups to stay out longer and get a later flight back | Yes, however this MUST BE highlighted at time of booking, or we may not be able to accommodate. |
| Travel | Will people be able to go early or stay later and do their own thing | Yes. See above. |
| Travel | How do I get to the UK airport | You / your group will need to arrange transport to and from the departure airport in the UK. Missing the plane is not an option .. And if you do that will be your sole responsibly ! |
| Travel | Do I need a VISA | Visas are not generally required for British Citizens visiting Canada for short periods. |
| Travel | How long is the flight | We will probably fly from Manchester via Glasgow to Toronto. So its probable that you will be in the air for 8 hours ! This is subject to confirmation |
| Travel | How much kit can I bring | You will be subject to the normal restrictions that apply to international air travel. This includes a non-negotiable baggage weight allowance and a list of prohibited items, full details of which will be confirmed. |
| Travel | Can we take stoves on the plane | It is not know at this time. Not all airlines apply the same rules to this. Once we have confirmed this with the airline we will advise accordingly. |
| Travel | What about knives on the plane | We are subject to the airlines normal regulations. Guidance will be issued - and this MUST BE followed ! |
| Travel | What is the position with regards to oversized activity gear | To be confirmed with airlines at time of booking. We already have this as a consideration - however - whatever you take - you need to be able to carry ! |
| Programme | Who is the programme for | Its is intended to offer a programme for the 10.5 to 25 age range and for those leaders accompanying groups of young people. |
| Programme | What programme is included as part of my camp fee | As part of the camp fee everyone will have the opportunity to participate in a day trip to Niagara Falls, a day trip into Toronto and the option to participate in some form of simple evening programme. |
| Programme | What other optional extras may there be | We are still finalising the full list of optional extras and their associated costs and these will be published as soon as possible. |
| Programme | Are the 3 programme days part of the basic cost | Please see finance "what is included" question. |
| Programme | What is the cost of the additional buy in activities | It is not know at this time. Once these are firmed up with the various activity providers information will be posted here. |
| Programme | Will there be an opportunity to do your own thing | Yes. The programme has lost of unallocated time for groups to arrange their own thing. |
| Finance | How much is this going to cost | A significant amount of work has gone into preparing a budget for the expedition - with the ultimate aim of keeping the cost as low as possible whilst offering an exciting, challenging and safe opportunity. It has been agreed that the basic cost will be £850 per head. |
| Finance | What is included |
Air travel to / from the UK Transfers from Canadian airport to campsite Worldwide Personal Insurance provided by Scouts Association Insurance Services ( a copy of the policy will be provided ) UK home contact process Campsite fees in Canada Camp shirt with logo Camp badge International scout kneckie with logo Day trip to visit Niagara Falls Day trip into Toronto Daily basic evening programme |
| Finance | What is not included |
You will be personally responsible for the following expenses - Daily lunches and evening meals whilst in Canada Any passport or VISA fees Any required immunisations that your medical practitioner may recommend Your own "lightweight" tent and cooking gear ( advice on fuel etc will follow ) Your own personal kit Additional "premium" activities not included in basic cost |
| Finance | Is there a payment schedule | Yes, there will be a payment schedule that will be confirmed once your application has been accepted. You need to be aware that the final payment will probably be 31 May 2008. |
| Finance | What do you suggest as an amount for spending money | We are not able to provide an exact figure. A suggestion would be to have a daily budget. It would also depend on if you intend to dine in / out with regards to evening meals etc |
| Finance | What about spending money | As would be expected an amount of personal spending money should be allowed for. Remember to budget for lunches / evening meals and ice creams ( ! ) as well as buying gifts and souvenirs etc |
| Finance | Can individuals / groups do fund raising for the camp | Yes ! This needs to be worked in with any existing local / District agreements. |