Explorers Report – October 2008 October 1, 2008 (updated June 3, 2014) | By Alexis Shirtliff At present there are 7 Explorer Scouts and 3 leaders. We have had a busy summer other than our unit meetings with the Explorers helping out at Scoutabout in June and District camp just last weekend. Summer camp was full on, starting with cycling to and from camp including an extended ride on the train. Events included Snail racing (Slot car racing), Mountain boarding, Sailing, Canoeing (thanks to Southborne Sea scouts) Swimming, Visit to Portsmouth harbour and submarine. Lots of cycling and hikes including an overnight hike to a remote field as part of there training for the Scout/Duke Of Edinburgh Awards. Sleeping out under the stars after our feast proved a bit wet on the last night. A great time was had by all including the Scouts who had to put up with us. The autumn term started with Pedal car racing at Blackbush kart track. Taken very seriously by the pros and enjoyed by us in between eating! Camping was a bit damp among the millionaires in Sunninghill though. We have got rid of any bugs in the hut by opening up the fireplace and having a small fire. There was more smoke in the hut than went up the chimney! We are gradually working towards the Explorers gaining their main scouting awards linked in with DOE awards within the unit programmes. The deposit has been paid for the trip to Switzerland in 2009. Peter is organising this trip. There is a good atmosphere within the unit and it is very unusual for anyone to miss a unit evening or event. Future plans include a Survival camp, Hill walking in Wales, Techno challenge and of course our end of year meal.
Scouts Report – October 2008 October 1, 2008 (updated June 3, 2014) | By Alexis Shirtliff The Troop had a successful summer camp at Stoughton, just outside of Emsworth, along with the explorer scouts. Although only a small number of Scouts went (five) all had a good time and were able to try sailing as a new activity, mountain boarding, long distance cycling, hiking and canoeing. We had a Scalextric evening and fun day on site. The weather was probably the best week of the summer holidays and really made the week. We have presented cycling and Scout adventure and adventure plus awards to all who came to camp. We have started back, at the beginning of September, with several new young people joining the troop. We now have 19 scouts plus the twins who are now moving on to the Explorer section. Nine Scouts went to the District activity camp at runways end and all had a good time. Scott’s team won the district backwoods cooking competition on the Sunday afternoon. Again we were blessed with very god weather for the whole weekend. We have sent in our returns for the Kandersteg Expedition next summer 8 scouts along with my self intend on going. We are now moving into a autumn /winter programme with planned activities including making torches for bonfire night, a Chinese cooking evening, night hike and possible swimming trip into spectrum. Our next planned camping trip will be the County frost camp at Bentley copse on the weekend of the 18th Jan 09
Cubs Report – October 2008 October 1, 2008 (updated June 3, 2014) | By Alexis Shirtliff Currently we have 20 in the pack, with 1 linking to Scouts. There are a number of Beavers waiting to start at Cubs, however it is not known exactly how many (at least 3 due and a couple more later in the term), due to Amanda not having been given the records. Due to the fact that I am now the only Cub leader after Barbara resigned and David went to University, I am not in a position to accept any of the Beavers into the Pack, and have also had to turn away (or rather indicate that a position was not immediately available) at least 3 young people from outside the group. District Camp -15 camped, 1 attended for the Saturday. I would like to thank Mr Prime and Mr Chambers (or Lofty and Shere Khan as they’re now called) for helping out over the weekend, without them to bring up our leader/young person ratio we couldn’t have camped. I would also like to again thank Mr Pick for transporting our equipment to and from the camp. The camp as a whole was enjoyed by all, and the “late summer” weather certainly made it quite pleasant. On Saturday the Cubs took part in a number of activities with other Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from the district. Amongst other things the activities included Air Rifle shooting, Archery, Climbing, Go-Karting and Canoeing. On the Sunday 10 of the Cubs took part in a cooking competition – both managed to produce Spaghetti Bolognese and Fruit Salad with minimal assistance – however it has to be said one of the Bolognese dishes did have some heavy charcoal overtones. This term I have revised the programme to fit in with the new Cub Scout Programme – those Cubs who turn up to every meeting will obtain their Community Challenge, DIY and Emergency Aid stage 2 badges. Thanks to Carole, we will be visiting St Mark’s church before Remembrance Sunday, which will count towards the Cub’s My Faith and Community Challenges. We have also done some of the requirements for the Promise Challenge, on that note next week we will have another Sixers planned/run evening which will involve indoor bivouac building (with bamboo and newspaper). We are also planning on putting on a Christmas show with the Beavers on the 4th of December, at which each section will put on a show. Looking further ahead I am planning to camp at Bentley again next year, although this is somewhat dependent upon our Leader situation at that point in time. That said we do have a number of very keen parents, who whilst they can’t due to work assist regularly on a Monday evening, are willing to camp and help out with activities – one father actually enjoyed just pegging out tents! We have the District Handicraft Competition later this term and will be trying to retain the shield for the third year in a row.