Village Summer News 2022
From fun in the forest to wet in the water our members continue to put the OUT into Scouting.
BEAVERS have visited Lepe for an unusual alphabetical scavenger hunt, been bouldering at Fernycrofts – a first for nearly all the Beavers – and spent an evening pond dipping discovering Ramshorn snails, fish, water boatmen and pond skaters whilst also learning the safest way to behave near the water.
Back at the hall they have made and flown kites, looked at their Community Activity badge and led by their Young Leader, Bubbles, have completed their Gardeners badge – growing plants from seed and learning how to use and be safe with tools.
A really enjoyable evening was spent with the Beavers from Applemore Scout group at their hut where they enjoyed new games and activities.
Beavers said ‘farewell’ to Libby as she moved on to ………………
…………………CUBS – where she had already joined in some activities as part of the Moving – on Award. The pack have been out in the forest enjoying an evening building dens with any material they could find whilst realizing that they must also look after their environment; spent time searching the forest for ‘missing pieces’ whilst also practicing their map reading skills to find where the pieces were hidden, concluding that meeting by completing their jigsaw from the pieces they had found. They also visited Lepe thinking very carefully about beach safety – whether in or out of the water!
Back ‘home’ an interesting evening was held when Mr. and Mrs. Drake reminisced about the village they knew in earlier days – this helped several Cubs complete their Local Knowledge badge. Completing their Athletic badge was a much more energetic meeting as was the final evening of the term which involved water games……………………….wet! wet!! wet!!! -but fun!
During recent months the Pack have also said ‘farewell’ – to Oscar, Jack, and Elijah as they moved on to…………….
SCOUTS , where they have joined with other members attempting of their Athletic badge – more skill specific that that of the Cubs, their International and their Communicator badges. All the troop have continued to improve their map reading skills, then used them ‘out in the forest’ and also when several of them completed their Expedition Challenge Award – a hike planned by the participants spending two nights away under canvas. Pioneering skills, together with the very necessary knotting knowledge have also been enjoyed. All members of the Troop have had the opportunity to spend time ‘om the water’ kayaking and paddle boarding with Hythe scouts – thus gaining a Time on the Water activity badge.
It is with excitement that the Troop, together with an Explorer, have been preparing for several of them to attend the International Jamboree in Cornwall – Kernow – at the beginning of August 2022.The Jamboree theme is Explorers and the Scouts have been finding out about Mary Kingsley – their sub-camp explorer- whilst fashioning life size canoes and African animals for their camp site as part of their contribution to the Jamboree – have fun!
The Explorers
There have been several highlights during these last few months but perhaps the one all will remember is our first group camp – members from all sections being present – held at Butcher’s Coppice in June. Among the various activities they enjoyed – in weather quite different to the minus degrees Scouts and Cubs faced earlier in the year – were crate stacking, archery, axe throwing, abseiling, orienteering, a treasure hunt, fire lighting, a hike for the Cubs, a whole meal cooked on wood by and for the Explorers, a great camp fire with noisy songs and smores and the ‘slippery slide’ where all could get wet! As the camp closed we were all there to wish Alex fun in his future scouting as he moved on to Explorers.
A great time was had by everyone – group camp for next year 2023 has been booked!!!
During the last week of this term the Explorer Unit planned a Group BBQ. Beavers, Cubs, Scout, Explorers and Leaders were able to enjoy – when not doing the cooking – an evening of games with all sections mixing together – an evening of fun and a great way to finish the year – all the sections together.
Earlier in the month the Group held their Annual General Meeting when the activities of the past year were reviewed. Our District Commissioner, Kerrie Wallace was there too, so we asked him to present certificates for the Chief Scouts Silver Award to Oscar, Jack and Daniel, the Chief Scouts Gold Award to Dan and Alex, the Chief Scouts Platinum Award to Danny and Lara and the Young Leaders Buckle- recognition of the completion of all his training – to Danny. That not being enough the final presentation was a Long Service Award to Kev , Scout Sectional Assistant.
A busy term completing a very busy year and all of it led by just NINE Leaders with help from some parents…… please see below
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