From SMILE 08

Hey all,

It's James here, writing from the train somewhere between Grantham and Stevenage, on his way back to uni. It's quite hard to concentrate and I'm just sat enjoying whatever thought wobbles through my head.

Why I hear you ask? Well, I've had my mind boggled by the SMILE weekend 2008, which took place this weekend in Scammonden. It was my first weekend as NJR, and I'm happy to report that it seems to have been a great success!

There were people present from all branches, with the highest turnout from LEEDS (I know where I came from), but also massive kudos to North East who had the second biggest attendance, a first in recent GBJB history! The purpose of the weekend is to train all juniors in year 10 and above, preparing them to take a more leading role in their JBs, and also learn some propa skillz on the way.

On the training side, we learnt all about CISV, internationally, nationally, and in GBJB. We heard a bit about what other JBs around the world are like, and also each other's branches, which gave us inspiration and ideas for our own. We also learnt about why JB exists, with JB Essentials and JB Goals, and found out about some tools such as the educational circle and the ASK model, that will help us to run JB meetings, minicamps and anything in general.

On the crazy side, the beautiful Ryan and Dan (or should I say Ben and Phil) brought us the brilliantly received "Do you have the balls?", a rather competitive hour of quiz and challenge! Thanks guys, it was awesome!

All in all, I think all were very happy with the weekend, and that we've got some more bright young things knocking about GBJB to be bright in the future! Thanks to the staff of Kayleigh, Phoebe, Jess, Helen and the NJRs for all efforts.

Hmmm... we just went through Peterborough. The woman 2 seats in front has this maaaaasive bag its pretty ridiculous.

So, what now for your NJRs and GBJB. Well Louisa has just started her placement, it's going well but its taking up a lot of time and energy, and as for me, I'm finding my time management skills stretched to the max trying to do a 2000 word presentation by tuesday. It's all good though, we're alive, healthy (cough cough) and happy.

In GBJB, the next thing is the year 7/8 minicamp in 3 weeks time, in Barnsley. If you are, or know anyone, who is in those years please please please make sure they're going to that camp, it'll be great!

Also, fundraising really needs to get underway, and we're looking at bringing out some new merchandise, which is very very exciting - all I'm going to say is they might be waterproof, or the solution to our 'crack' problem. I think that's all for now... Oh no it isn't... oh yes it is... Heehee, watch this space.

Right, as I'm making less and less sense, I'm going to wish you a sweet November, and if I've missed anything, Louisa might pick up on it.

James