5th New Forest East (Marchwood) Scout Group & Marchwood Explorer Unit

Hurrah! It is great that throughout the last few weeks we have been joined by new members in every section, including the waiting list, and that we are able to now meet regularly in the new Scout and Guide building which was officially opened on 30th October 2021 by Alexis Green of the BBC.

In July our BEAVERS had a wonderful day at Fernycrofts gathering together with Beavers from all the Colonies in the District for Beaver Brave Day; a day of activities, searches, competitions, fun and games. Although our Colony did not win the trophy they all are hoping it will happen again next year!

‘This term our Beavers have been joined, not just by new young members but by Lime (Laura) as a Sectional Assistant helping Hazel (Holly) to run their activities.
Beavers became Pirates for an evening complete with eye-patch and hats which they made themselves and another time talked about their superheroes, ranging from sportsmen to their Mums and Dads – all part of their 35 years Hampshire Challenge.

A great time was had with a visit to Fernycrofts for a camp fire, a sing song led by Will,(Scout Leader) and the cooking – and eating of course – of smores! This was to replace their special evening planned for the end of the summer term but which had to be postpone as many of the Beavers were isolating, so three Beavers who had since moved onto Cubs joined them too.

Not satisfied with all that activity the Beavers have also looked at the importance of keeping healthy, eating the right food and exercising. They measured their heartbeats both before and after physical activities and the made and ate – again! – fruit kebabs. This was part of their My Skills Challenge and their Health and Fitness activity badge. They also spent an evening making robots, trains, panda and other models from waste material for their Builder activity badge.

The CUBS have welcomed new members too, and have been very busy. They started the term with a Scavenger Hunt throughout the village looking for unusual things such as a birdbath, a green car or the number 7 and found them all! This was followed later in the term with Cubs seeing how much they knew about their village and what it offered, with them then drawing their own maps and marking where the various services etc were to be found – not as easy as it sounds. They have also looked at the importance of recycling as a way to help protect our planet and then tried to put it into practice at home.

An evening was spent taking part in some of the activities towards their Home Help badge- ironing their scarves, sewing on a badge, replacing a light bulb etc before completing other activities at home – such as cooking a meal, helping with the washing and making their bed each day. Gaining this badge also forms part of their Skill Challenge!

A wonderful evening was spent at the Sky Solent Museum in Southampton which they had to themselves and where they were able to gaze at early aircraft and clamber of many of the exhibits – the ejector seat was a favourite! – whilst answering questions which helped to complete their Air Activities badge Stage One. Thank you Steve, museum curator and an experienced Scout leader! WE, THE Leaders, were very proud when Steve complimented the Pack on their good behaviour!
The Pack have not been as fortunate as the Beavers in welcoming a new leader. In fact, the other way, as they have lost Hathi – off to university- where she hopes to continue Scouting. 
Although they have welcomed Ava as a Young leader they really need more adults to help Bagheera with the Pack. Could you, or someone you know – help?

The SCOUTS started their term with an evening of games before concentrating on their Challenges. An evening was spent looking at their own particular strengths and weaknesses and thinking carefully about what they could improve, before making a decision as to their own Personal Challenge which they have been attempting to fulfil over the last few weeks.

As a complete contrast they have been learning further knots –particularly the Turks Head knot- which they use for their woggles – each Scout having his own in Patrol colours. Scouts also looked at helping our planet in the making of bee hotels as bees are becoming an endangered species.

Jonathan was welcomed one evening to help them improve their basic map reading skills as so much has been missed because of Covid. Map reading is an important skill with so many Scouting skills being outdoors. Hopefully this will be applied to various activities in the future both locally in the Forest and further afield.
Two of the Scouts who took part in the Expedition Challenge in September gave a presentation of the event and were awarded their Expedition Challenge Award. WELL DONE Alex and Cayden. Other Scouts are itching to take this challenge too in the next few months.

As with Beavers and Cubs the Scouts would love to have new Adults to help fulfil an ambitious programme so that our Scouts can be even more adventurous.

Could that be you – or someone you know?

The Explorer Unit continue to meet each week and have also welcomed new members. They have enjoyed some indoor pioneering and an evening discussing the lay out of camp site which they hope to model in the future. Working in pairs Explorers planned, prepared, and ate a meal costing no more than £2.68 in total!

Other evenings they have been out in the forest. An evening hike from Ashurst to Deerleap was undertaken early in the term and, more recently an evening of ‘Escape and Evade’ was enjoyed at a joint meeting with Hythe Explorers.
Two members of the Unit took part in a weekend camp with some 400 other Hampshire Scouts and Explorers, at Lyon’s Copse Activity Centre, hoping to be selected to take part in the World Jamboree in 2023 in Korea. As only 144 members can be taken the others will have the chance to take part in a three week camping tour of Europe. Finger crossed Hayley and Camron.

Please note

Although there are a few places at present in each of our sections, if you think your child might be interested in joining the Scouting family in Marchwood, please ensure you put their name down as early as possible, It is better to add their name/s and then find later that they are not interested that to leave it and miss the opportunity of joining us. – with our

Group Scout Leader – Brenda Knight 0709041555 or gslmarchwoodscoutgroup@gmail.com

As mentioned above – have you – as adults- any time or skills that you might like to give, either to young members of the sections or to the Executive – that very important body of people who ensure that Scouting can continue in the village?

Is so, please contact our GSL – Brenda Knight