:: Rally ::

What is a Rally?

A Rally is the national get-together of the Student Scout and Guide Organisation. These are held once a term, hosted by a different club each time. They usually run from Friday evening to mid-afternoon on Sunday, although Summer Rallies (which may be held after the end of term) may begin on the Thursday.

Who goes to Rallies?

Any member of SSAGO can attend Rallies. It does not matter if you are an individual member ('Individual'), a member of a large contingent from one of the established clubs, or just a couple of people from a new, or previously non-rally-going club. Members of LINK, SAGGA and other such groups may be invited at the discretion of the SSAGO committee and/or the organising club.

Where do they take place?

Rallies are usually held on a Scout, Guide, or similar campsite, somewhere fairly close to the organising club. Accommodation varies from event to event- it may be camping in tents, sleeping on the floor of a Scout hut, and even (occasionally!) bunkbeds.

So what happens?

Arrive Friday night. Pick-ups from local railway/bus stations can be arranged.

Some food may be available. Friday night is usually spent talking to people, meeting old and new friends. An activity (e.g. night-hike) might be organised.

Saturday morning usually starts by signing up for the day's activities. The choices on offer can range from climbing to crafts, video-film making to archery, 'cultural' trips, brewery trips.... anything the host club feels might be of interest. There may also be some sort of team game on the Saturday.

The main Saturday evening event is the barndance. This may have a fancy-dress theme. At some Rallies, numbers may make it necessary to hold another event (e.g. a disco) as well. This is usually followed by a campfire which goes long into the night....

A Scout and Guides Own is held on the Sunday morning. This is optional. The rest of the morning is taken up by the 'Silly-Games' - an excuse to forget about being 'mature' for a while. After the closing ceremony, everyone heads home.

At some stage during the weekend there is a 'SSAGO reps meeting' and an 'indies' meeting. Spring Rallies also include the SSAGO AGM.

What about food?!

Catering is done centrally, and usually consists of a snack (e.g. soup, hot-dogs) on Friday, cooked breakfasts, main meal Saturday evening, and sometimes a cooked lunch on Sunday. Food to make up a packed lunch is available on Saturday. If you have special food requirements (e.g. vegetarian, medical requirements,) these can usually be catered for. Please let the host club know in advance, giving as much detail as possible.

What do I need to take?

Sleeping bag, Karri-mat, Costume for Saturday night, OLD clothes for Silly Games, plate, mug, knife and fork etc., tea-towel, neckerchief/scarf in club/Individual colours (useful for recognition!), personal kit, cheque book, student union card (if applicable). Additional requirements (e.g. tent) may be required for some Rallies - you will be notified of this.

A detailed Rally kit list can be found here

Why should I go?

Rallies are great fun! They are the ideal opportunity to meet like-minded people from across the country. It may be a chance to try a new activity, or to visit somewhere you haven't been before. Although mainly social, they are also the place to get involved in SSAGO nationally, to help determine its future path.