NAP Pre-Assessment Training

1. NAP Pre-Assessment Training North Yorkshire Scouts 2007

2. Important points about this training: • It is not for complete novices • It does not attempt to teach any of the “practical” skills of camping, such as tent erection, cooking; or how to lead activities • It may enable leaders to be “fast-tracked” in the sense of the NAP Scheme • It is based on preparation before the training session, as well as on both learning and “sharing” experience on the day of the course

3. NAP Training File As part of this training, you will be given several copies of documents, including the following: • Factsheets on the NAP scheme from HQ (120432, 120433) • Camp/Holiday Information Form • Home Contact documentation • Nights Away Notification Form • An example of a Risk Assessment • A base map for the camp layout exercise

4. Nights Away An adult’s guide to camping, holidays, expeditions and sleepovers, 2002 • This the “Bible” for “Nights Away”, and you should have access to a copy in your Group • Throughout this short course, reference will be made to specific sections of NA2002 • Some forms are available from the Info Centre, most conveniently by downloading them

5. NAP: Introduction There are several ways of satisfying the training requirement in preparation for a NA assessment: • Completing full Mod. 16 training (usually at least one weekend; possibly two) • Undergoing some preliminary training, usually through the NAA • Satisfying the NAA that further training is not needed A NA assessment, therefore, may or may not require training in advance, and, moreover, it is for the NAA to decide if a practical assessment is necessary. If the latter is not thought to be necessary, the assessment is generally known as “fast track”

6. NAP: Introduction It is important to note that completing Mod. 16 in the Adult Training Scheme does not generate a NAP However, obtaining a NAP by any means should enable a leader to have his/her training validated for Mod. 16 training The holder of a NAP does not have to be a warranted leader

7. NAP: Introduction: the Nights Away Adviser (NAA) This person, who must be suitably experienced and qualified, is appointed by the DC to advise and assess in matters concerning the NAP. He/she makes recommendations to the DC on the “technical” side of the NAP, and is not concerned with issues of “character” and “trust” with respect to the suitability of leaders to be in charge of youngsters overnight. A NAA would normally have a NAP, although at present it is not a requirement.

8. NAP: Introduction A NAP is issued by the DC, for a given period of time, subject to agreed review, at a particular level, currently: Indoors Campsite Green Field (this may change in the future with the addition of a fourth category relevant to “remote camping”) You should note that there is no such thing as a “Beavers Sleepover Permit”

9. NAP: Introduction We now look at the NAP documentation in detail, using the relevant fact sheets from HQ. What are the practical steps a leader must take to obtain a NAP? How much “paperwork” is involved? (at this point we can briefly examine the “Event Passport” system applicable to Explorer Scouts as well)

10. NAP: Introduction A leader who is given a NAP is in a position of trust because looking after other people’s children is a grave responsibility. What qualities do you associate with such a leader? A leader in charge of Scouts at a NA event is said to be “in loco parentis”. What does this mean, and what does it imply?

11. Different types of residential experience Task As a group, discuss the differences between a “night away” in a building of some sort; on a campsite; and on what is called a “green field”. Do these differences lead to any particular problems? Why is a “green field” NAP a “higher level” permit within Scouting?

12. Planning a Nights Away Event (Pages 22-28 in NA2002) • define the purpose for which the event is being organised, taking in to account the needs of the young people • draw up a timetable for the planning of the event • select a suitable venue/location and gather local information (pre-event visit) • select the most appropriate form of travel

13. Planning a Nights Away Event Task “draw up a timetable for the planning of the event” In pairs, or individually, spend 5 minutes doing this exercise for short camp or other overnight experience with your Scout section. You may like to use bullet points.

14. Planning a Nights Away Event A pre-event visit is absolutely essential if you are not totally familiar with the venue/site in question Why is this? Can you state precisely the several reasons for such a visit?

15. Ensuring the effective administration of an event(pages 32-37 in NAP2002) • ensure overall costs and individual fees are calculated, based on best predicted numbers • appropriate banking arrangements are made, bills are paid promptly and final accounts are produced • parents/carers are informed and permission sought in advance • the home contact system is set up correctly

16. Ensuring the effective administration of an event Tasks/check list • Do you have a covering letter to parents on file? • Copy of the Permission to Camp Form is to be found in Appendix 7 of NAP220 • Are you confident you know how to operate the Scout Association’s “Home Contact” system? • What are the main features of the above system, and why is it so important?

17. Preparing and co-ordinating a programme of activities(Pages 42-85 in NA2000) • the resources needed, including human, material and financial, are available at the right time • the needs and characteristics of the young people concerned are taken in to account • the Scout Association’s safety rules for the activities to be undertaken are observed • a balanced programme is developed, allowing for alternatives for adverse circumstances

18. Preparing and co-ordinating a programme of activities Tasks • What “safety rules” might be applicable to a NA situation? • Would these include the safety rules for, say, canoeing at camp, if you are not the instructor for the canoeing activity? • Please share the NA/Camp “Balanced Programme” you have prepared in advance of this training session with the rest of us

19. Choosing and preparing the event team (Pages 96-101 in NA2002) • identify the number of support team members required for the event and the range of skills and experiences needed • ensure roles and responsibilities are adequately covered (e.g. catering, First Aid, quartermaster, programme co-ordinator) • effective briefing of and communication between support team members

20. Choosing and preparing the event team Tasks • Do you know what leader/adult: child ratios are applicable to NA experiences for the different sections? • Do you know what particular skills and “qualifications” are needed for your NA? Can you list some of these? Do you also know that Activity Permits are necessary for a large number of outdoor activities? • How often would a “briefing” take place before, during, and after the NA event?

21. Choosing, organising and maintaining the right equipment (Pages 104-137 in NA2002) • ensure the equipment required for an event is obtained in good time • ensure the equipment is checked and that any damage or defects are dealt with before use or on return • the equipment meets safety standards and is appropriately insured • equipment is used correctly and stored properly

22. Choosing, organising and maintaining the right equipment Tasks • Present a list of kit/equipment you would need for the NA event you have in view for your section • How in practice do you ensure that “safety standards” are met?

23. Ensuring the health, happiness and safety of self and others(Pages 140 -161 in NA2002) • recognise the limits and capabilities of both young people and support team members • undertake appropriate Risks Assessments for the event • ensure control of and adequate supply of medication and of emergency aid cover or medical equipment • be aware of safety regulations and emergency procedures at the venue e.g. evacuation routine • know the steps to be taken in the event of an accident, including the need for keeping records • ensure adequate provision for maintenance of personal hygiene and privacy.

24. Ensuring the health, happiness and safety of self and others Tasks Do you have to be in possession of a current First Aid qualification to run a NA event? What is the recommendation for First Aid provision at a NA event? Share with the group the Risk Assessment you have produced in preparation for this training session Demonstrate the sort of First Aid Kit you would expect to have with you on a NA experience How would you deal with varying needs for personal medication amongst the youngsters in your group on NA?

25. Organising good catering (Pages 164-198 in NA2002) Provision of good meals is at the heart of any NA experience! The organisers of a camp, in particular, need to be proficient in the area of catering/cooking/and kitchen hygiene. Such “proficiency” does not, however, need to be part of the leader’s repertoire, and delegation of effective responsibility for this aspect of NA is quite acceptable.

26. Organising good catering a menu is planned that takes account of all the activities scheduled, the time of year and any special dietary requirements hygiene standards are met in the handling, preparation and storage of food there is a safe and suitable source of drinking water and of fuel responsible disposal of waste material is carried out

27. Organising good catering Task Individual presentations on this aspect of the training

28. Making best use of the venue(Pages 200-205 in NA2002) • make good use of surrounding facilities and attractions • plan the allocation of space and equipment • ensure all participants know the house or site rules • plan ahead for departure from the venue and ensure it is left in an acceptable condition • ensure borrowed or hired equipment is returned in good order, on time, and with thanks

29. Making best use of the venue Task On the sketch map provided, plot a layout for a Cubs or Scouts Camp. There are 6 adults on the camp, 20 youngsters, both girls and boys. The camp is “green field”, and there are both a river and a road on the edge of the camping area. Be quite specific about who sleeps where, and with whom! You need to make a careful note of the scale of the map, and the spacing of the tents

30. Other Aspects of the NAP Scheme • Restrictions • Review • Changes in the terms of the NAP, as agreed between DC and leader from time to time • Ongoing dialogue with the NAA • Links with Mods. 10 and 17 in the Adult Training Scheme

31. Course Completion Certificate A certificate can be provided on request. This might usefully be shown to the NAA of your District, along with the file of information that the course will have generated, and may be relevant to the award of a NAP in due course. Remember that this course does not “qualify” you to run a NA event, nor does it entitle you to a NAP!