They are however, a fact of life. Many of our scouts have mobile phones, one might say surgically attached to their hand, so we can safely assume they are here to stay.
To put it another way, you could safely bet that our scouts will always have this tool in their pocket. So why ignore it or ban it?
Using it responsibly, learning about it's limitations and advantages, can be of a great benefit for a young scout. We know that we can not rely on the mobile as the only source of communication. Come to think of it we can not rely on it for light, navigation, entertainment and all those things it offers, mainly because of it's short battery life and when it comes to young owners, the cost of the monthly contract, which is most of the times limited by the parent to only a few pounds a month.
So it is important to "Be Prepared" even with the latest phone gadget in hand!
A mobile phone is more than a communication device, it is a tool. One can imagine it as the modern day Swiss army knife; no it won't replace it, unless Victorinox makes a phone...
In-Touch
The In-Touch system does not limit the use of any communication method, let alone mobile phones.
It does however allow us to define our own methods and ways of communication and we can set boundaries. Allowing mobile phones in tents and activity sites, when we have already established the method and boundaries of communication might compromise the in-touch system.
If mobile phones are permitted then we are the ones who must consider if they are safe to use, stored appropriately and how responsible is the leadership team for loss or damage. Also the in touch system becomes too open without control and boundaries.
For example some sites that offer activities will not allow mobile phones to be switched on during the course of it. Some activities might even damage a mobile phone or a phone might be lost. This can be quite costly when some phones cost over £200. If we decide the risk is high we might need to inform the participants.
All these must be considered in your in-touch system as a factor.
For more information on In-Touch please download the appropriate fact sheet [FS120075]:
https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS120075.pdf
Last but not least, during a residential we seek of ways to increase the sense of adventure. A mobile phone can hinder that sense of adventure. Being contactable and entertained in a very private way can bring the scout out of touch with is happening around them, in the patrol or the troop.
Practical Ideas for the Program
I realise that it is easy to focus on the threats and difficulties a mobile phone brings to the scouting experience. As a communication device is invaluable in times of crisis, provided it works and it is reliable.
Activities that bring high tech into the mix must consider the fact that not all scouts are owners of that level of technology. It might be that very few have phones with certain capabilities.
Plan with care so that no one feels excluded from an activity just because their hardware is not compatible or non existent!
Discussions
Our scouts are young enough to ignore what this technology has replaced; we will also benefit from their outlook on this subject and we might want to introduce alternatives to what a phone does
- Discuss all practical uses of a mobile phone, what functions and applications does it have.
- Include the problems and shortcomings of those uses.
- Explore alternatives to those uses.
- Can you think any threats or dangers of this technology?
- Has it change our society? how?
Security
Reinforce the use of a good password and not sharing it.
Explore the social networking and sharing your location, plans, information and likes dislikes.
Navigation
Reinforce the use of a good password and not sharing it.
Explore the social networking and sharing your location, plans, information and likes dislikes.
Navigation
GPS and Navigation software is now on most smartphones. One might feel that this is enough preparation for a quick hike, all is there a small screen in the palm of your hand. This can turn to a dangerous false sense of security!
- Use a hard-copy OS Map in comparison to a mobile phone app, either Google maps or the bespoke OS map application.
- Use a compass and compare it with a compass application.
- Experiment under different conditions, day light, night, dry or wet conditions, on your own or shared two or more scouts around the map. What is the difference what is easier.
Camera & Audio
Personally I think that the use of a mobile phone as a camera is valid and is generally recognised as photography; there are photographers that create very important art and document important aspect of every day life and they do it with a mobile phone.
- The use of a mobile phone for Photography and Video is not exactly what the Photography Badge is designed for, instead look into the Digital Creator badge.
- A bluetooth speaker can be a mobile Disco with the scout D-J via their mobile phones.
Scouting Apps
There are plenty apps out there that hemp us deliver parts of our program in scouting some of the ones I have used are:
- OSM Anywhere - mobile phone companion for Leaders - Just 'Add bookmark'
- First Aid by British Red Cross - Android
- St John Ambulance First Aid - Android
- OS Locate - it works a bit like a compass - Android
- OS Maps - maps app for walkers and ramblers - Android
- My badges - the scout association personal log and guide to badges - Android
- c:geo - for taking part in the Geocaching game - Android
- Tiny Flashlight + LED - This one has the LED light and other fun features - Android
- Morse Code Trainer - Call me old fashioned, I learned a lot using this - Android
- Evernote - I use this to store notes for all the games and songs I know - Android
Accessories
Having a phone with you brings the need for a few extra stuff you will find very useful.
Finally as these devices are also used for texting and social networking please conceder the existing fact sheet [FS103011]: http://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS103011.pdf
Having a phone with you brings the need for a few extra stuff you will find very useful.
- Charger and cable; I prefer the detachable USB cable.
- Battery Pack - for 2 or three extra charges.
- Cover to protect screen or whole phone.
- Waterproof Transparent case.
- Insurance.
Finally as these devices are also used for texting and social networking please conceder the existing fact sheet [FS103011]: http://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS103011.pdf
