Village News Spring 2022

Once again, all sections of the group have had a busy term with a wide range of activities, many challenges met and lots of badges gained.

Our BEAVERS spent an evening decoding puzzle messages with some of them following it up by writing their own in code. As part of their Air Activities badge, they learnt to spell their names using the phonetic alphabet as well as designing an aircraft in which they would like to fly. Of course, they also made and flew their own paper aeroplanes, to see whose would go the farthest. This was followed by research of a real aircraft of their own choice to complete and gain the badge.

Our Beavers celebrated the Chinese New Year, St. David’s Day, and Shrove Tuesday – complete with pancakes and why we enjoy them that particular day. They have also looked at the habitats and habits of the animals of their lodges – foxes, badgers and squirrels and thought about what to do in an accident, together with how and when to use simple First Aid.

The CUBS started their term with an evening of games and problem-solving activities. They have looked at ‘healthy eating – recording what they had eaten throughout a week and then comparing it with what they learnt before deciding on a healthy meal that they would like to eat!

Of course, they made their own pancakes for Shrove Tuesday! They have also thought about accidents and what they can do to help, including practicing placing a patient in the correct recovery position.

Badges the Cubs have been looking at include the Navigator – learning compass points together with reading and recording grid references. All these will be put into practice during this next term when they are able to get outside more easily- and Scientist , led very ably by the Cub Pack’s Young leader, Raksha, which included looking at making ‘sludge, cleaning items by dipping in vinegar, making a simple compass using magnets; inflating balloons without blowing into them and lots of them have succeeded in getting their beans to grow.

Several Cubs took part in the Big Garden Bird Watch organized by the RSPB.

The activities that Cubs enjoy lead to their gaining not just activity badges but also their Challenge Awards and this term has seen many of the Cubs gaining their Teamwork and Skills Challenge. Their aim is to gain all six Challenge Awards and so receive their Chief Scouts Silver Award.

Towards the end of the term the Pack welcomed Eira as she moved on from the Beaver Colony and Jack. They also said ‘au revoir’ to Oscar as he progressed into the Troop.

Our SCOUTS spent an evening at the beginning of the term looking at how well they know their own village, deciding where the important services etc can be found and how to direct a visitor when asked, thus gaining their Local Knowledge activity badge. They have also looked at their Fire Safety and Air Rescue badges – the latter with a great visit to the Air Museum in Southampton. They have been very hands on building bee hotels and thinking about why they are necessary; building ballista’s and having fun with them; then later making and decorating their own walking sticks.

The last few weeks of the term was spent preparing for training camp – looking at how to use safely lamps and stoves, packing their kit correctly and erecting tents properly and safely. They were joined by some of the older Cubs for the last two activities.

To finish the term this was followed by a great weekend training camp held at Lyon’s Copse for the Scouts and older Cubs. Despite the temperature of minus 4 degrees everyone had fun, and nobody complained! Fire-lighting, using axes and saws, cooking their own evening meal, also cooking pizza in a cardboard box oven, making gadgets and personal survival kits and a campfire were some of the activities that kept them busy.

The Explorer also had a pancake evening – I wonder why! Also had an evening of ‘mystery ‘cooking!
They have been looking carefully at navigation skills in preparation for their Expedition Challenge later in the year and also used these skills during their evening walk in February,
Whilst working toward their Chief Scouts Awards, they have looked at the Pioneering and Survival Skills Activity badges

Sunday, April 24th 2022 saw members of Scout groups from the new New Forest- Solent Scout District gather at Milford –on –Sea for St. George’s Day Celebration – St. George is the Patron saint of Scouts. In lovely weather, with section flags flying led by the flag of St. George carried by our own young leader Danny everyone walked along the spit to Hurst Castle where members of each section renewed their Promises. Everyone was then able to enter the castle, where many had their lunch, before walking around in a journey of discovery.

Missing from our group was our Scout leader, Will, as he was renewing his promise after a parade through the town, at Windsor Castle together with Scouts from across the country who had gained their Queen’s Scout Award during 2019/2020. A wonderful occasion that he will never forget. WELL DONE WILL.

Our Leaders provide their time ensuring that members of our Group have a great experience as members of the Scout movement. However, we could offer so much more with your help, even just an hour a year – we are desperately looking for people to help so we can continue to offer scouting in Marchwood.

There has been Scouting in Marchwood since 1907………………. We do NOT want it to have to stop………………..

Can YOU help?

If you want to be involved please email: gslmarchwoodscoutgroup@gmail.com

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 than to leave it and miss the opportunity of joining us. Please email us using:

Group Scout Leader – Brenda Knight at gslmarchwoodscoutgroup@gmail.com

In addition to our plea above, have you – as adults- any particular skills that you might like to share with the young members of the sections or with 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 as above