The next Scouts will be on Wednesday 3rd January. There's no meeting Christmas week.
Congratulations to Eagle Patrol. They won the latest Patrol Points competition with 406 points. Cobra Patrol were second with 345 points and Kestrel Patrol were third with 281 points. Eagle and Cobra Patrols get to go to the Metrodome, details to follow.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Uniform
Just to let you all know that you can buy Beaver and Cub jumpers and activity trousers for all sections from Blackford Sports in Barnsley, at the rear of WH Smiths. Prices are the same as the Scout shop in Sheffield. Neckers, woggles and Scout shirts you get from us as before.
Kim
Kim
Latest Panto News
We all need to be at the Academy Theatre in Birdwell no later than 6.45 so we can take our seats for a 7pm start. Please wear uniform PLUS a Christmas hat if you want to. I've got an elf one. There will be a refreshment break so you can take money for that if you like. Parents to collect kids at 9pm from inside the theatre please. See you there.... yes I will, I'll be right behind you!
Kim
Kim
Church Parade this Sunday
This Sunday it’s our Christmas Church Parade. We’ll be taking part in the Christingle Family Service at Christ Church, Ardsley. We hope and expect that all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers will make the effort to attend. Please meet at HQ this Sunday at 10.00am in full uniform. The service will conclude at approximately 11.45am. Parents and family are, as usual, most welcome to stay for the service.
Featured Badge - Astronomer
This month our Featured Badge is the Astronomer. Cubs and Scouts have recently been doing activities related to astronomy. For example, some of the Cubs made a solar system mobile, and the Scouts did a space quiz.
Astronomy is a fascinating subject; here are just a few facts about the Solar System the Scouts learned last week: The Sun is much, much bigger than the other planets, in fact it accounts for 99.8% of the mass of the Solar System (and Jupiter accounts for most of the rest). A Venus day is longer than a Venus year. Mars has the highest mountain in the Solar System, Olympus Mons, which is three times the height of Mount Everest. The Earth would fit twice in Jupiter’s Red Spot. Saturn’s rings are about 250,000km in diameter but less than 1km thick. And Pluto takes 90,550 days to go round the Sun, so it was last in its current position in 1758 (the year Horatio Nelson was born). You can find these and more astonishing facts about our Solar System at http://www.nineplanets.org/ .
If you’re a Cub or Scout and this is a subject that interests you, there’s a badge available. (Check out what you need to do for the Cub version and for the Scout version.)
Astronomy is a fascinating subject; here are just a few facts about the Solar System the Scouts learned last week: The Sun is much, much bigger than the other planets, in fact it accounts for 99.8% of the mass of the Solar System (and Jupiter accounts for most of the rest). A Venus day is longer than a Venus year. Mars has the highest mountain in the Solar System, Olympus Mons, which is three times the height of Mount Everest. The Earth would fit twice in Jupiter’s Red Spot. Saturn’s rings are about 250,000km in diameter but less than 1km thick. And Pluto takes 90,550 days to go round the Sun, so it was last in its current position in 1758 (the year Horatio Nelson was born). You can find these and more astonishing facts about our Solar System at http://www.nineplanets.org/ .
If you’re a Cub or Scout and this is a subject that interests you, there’s a badge available. (Check out what you need to do for the Cub version and for the Scout version.)
Friday, December 08, 2006
Beavers & Cubs Latest News
The last 2 weeks at Beavers & Cubs have been hectic. Cubs finished their badge work off - the chefettes made a truly lovely chocolate gateau topped with cream and strawberries, served with a chocolate sauce PLUS giant double choc chip cookies that tasted great. The bird tables were magnificent and I'm sure parents will be proud to have them in their gardens. I know the kids were thrilled with their handiwork. This week we played some new games in both sections and Beavers made snowflakes. Cubs started to design a stained glass window decoration, which will hopefully be finished next week. Thanks to Nicola Spencerman and Debbie Tobin for helping at Beavers this week and last. I need a name on the rota for next week though.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Well Done Kestrel Patrol
Congratulations to Kestrel Patrol for winning the first Scout Patrol Points competition since we reorganised the Patrols. Your prize is to go 10-Pin Bowling this coming Monday, 11 December. Well done to Zak, James, Natalie, Emily, Robert and Brad.
We start a brand new points competition next week.
We start a brand new points competition next week.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Winner - Joke Competition
Daniel Thelwell won the inaugural blog Joke Competition by virtue of being the only one to enter. We'll be getting Daniel a little something for his trouble.
Reminders
Panto: If you've booked Panto seats and not yet paid could you please make sure we get your money next week. We have just two spare places if anyone else would like to go.
Summer Camp 2007: By now you should have paid at least £50 towards camp. I know it seems that there is plenty of time, but we have deposits to pay, so we need you to keep up to date with your payments.
Subs: December Subs are due next week. Remember if you're paying cash to bring the correct money in a sealed, named envelope so we can sort it out once the kids have gone home.
Church Parade: Our next Church Parade is on Sunday 17th December. This is the Christingle Family Service, which is normally good festive fun. We expect all our members to turn up for Church Parades.
Summer Camp 2007: By now you should have paid at least £50 towards camp. I know it seems that there is plenty of time, but we have deposits to pay, so we need you to keep up to date with your payments.
Subs: December Subs are due next week. Remember if you're paying cash to bring the correct money in a sealed, named envelope so we can sort it out once the kids have gone home.
Church Parade: Our next Church Parade is on Sunday 17th December. This is the Christingle Family Service, which is normally good festive fun. We expect all our members to turn up for Church Parades.
Scouts News - Patrols & Points
This week we had a bit of reorganisation at Scouts. We have three new Patrols - Cobra, Kestrel and Eagle. Congratulations to Jaye Oldfield, Zak Wheeler and Matthew Walker who were promoted to Patrol Leader, and to Daniel Kuhn, James Hewitt and James Rymer who were promoted to Assistant Patrol Leader.
The three Patrols are competing for a chance to go 10-Pin Bowling. Kestrel Patrol is currently leading the Patrol Points competition with 195 points, Eagle Patrol is in second place with 180 points, and Cobra Patrol has 165 points. The score board was very close and the lead changed several times during the night. This competition ends next week and it's all still to play for.
This week we invested Robert Dunn, Natalie Kuhn and Emily Wade into Scouts. Natalie and Emily were also presented with their Craft Badge, which they've worked very hard for in recent weeks. Well Done to them.
We also invested Andy (Spud) into the Scout Movement. Andy has applied for an Assistant Scout Leader warrant, which is great news.
Wednesday’s activities included group juggling, balloon animals, blanket volleyball, planets assault challenge, and poison carpet.
The three Patrols are competing for a chance to go 10-Pin Bowling. Kestrel Patrol is currently leading the Patrol Points competition with 195 points, Eagle Patrol is in second place with 180 points, and Cobra Patrol has 165 points. The score board was very close and the lead changed several times during the night. This competition ends next week and it's all still to play for.
This week we invested Robert Dunn, Natalie Kuhn and Emily Wade into Scouts. Natalie and Emily were also presented with their Craft Badge, which they've worked very hard for in recent weeks. Well Done to them.
We also invested Andy (Spud) into the Scout Movement. Andy has applied for an Assistant Scout Leader warrant, which is great news.
Wednesday’s activities included group juggling, balloon animals, blanket volleyball, planets assault challenge, and poison carpet.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Christmas Plans for Beavers and Cubs
The panto is, as you know, on Thursday 21st December. There will NOT be a Beavers and Cubs on the 28th.
Cubs News from 23/11/06
Hi Everyone,
What an exciting night we had. Split into four groups the DIY badge group continued drilling and hammering, the Map Readers worked at reading maps so they won't get lost again, the Astonomers shared facts and learned more about space (did you know you have 3 ears?? A left ear, a right ear and a final front ear!) and the Chefs made a spag bol entirely from scratch without a jar of Dolmio in sight. Delicious it was too. Not only that but they also made a veggie option as well. Can't wait for next week!
Kim, Akela, Chil, Spud and Sharon
PS. Sorry Thomas W., I forgot to mention that you got the Well Done certificate this week as Akela judged your plane design to be the best - but it was a tough decision he said! Also, if you need to contact me you can ring on 247188 and leave a message if I'm not in or text on 07985660966. Kim
What an exciting night we had. Split into four groups the DIY badge group continued drilling and hammering, the Map Readers worked at reading maps so they won't get lost again, the Astonomers shared facts and learned more about space (did you know you have 3 ears?? A left ear, a right ear and a final front ear!) and the Chefs made a spag bol entirely from scratch without a jar of Dolmio in sight. Delicious it was too. Not only that but they also made a veggie option as well. Can't wait for next week!
Kim, Akela, Chil, Spud and Sharon
PS. Sorry Thomas W., I forgot to mention that you got the Well Done certificate this week as Akela judged your plane design to be the best - but it was a tough decision he said! Also, if you need to contact me you can ring on 247188 and leave a message if I'm not in or text on 07985660966. Kim
Beaver news from 23/11/06
Following on from last week, Beavers had a go at designing their ultimate aeroplane. We had fancy wings and lots of wheels for faster flying and smoother landings, huge windows to look out of and luxury interiors to lounge around in. Hannah and Jack L. were invested at the beginning of the night - Joel was poorly so he'll have to wait until next week. We reminded ourselves that Beavers are kind and helpful and have fun. We welcomed Leanne for a visit and all enjoyed playing Prisoners and Dodge Ball. Thanks to Mrs Smith for stepping in once again at the last moment as there were no names on the rota. Have a good week and I'll see you soon.
Kim
Kim
Monday, November 20, 2006
Beavers News
Beavers have just finished working on one of the newest activity badges we have. For the Safety Badge we have learned all about the Green Cross Code and road safety and how to play safely near water. On week 3 we looked at dangers in the kitchen and finally talked about Stranger Danger. How loud can you shout "NO!" I am just waiting for the badges to come from the 'badge factory' before presenting them. This coming week I will be investing Hannah and Joel into the Group. Last night we started our new Air Activities badge by making and decorating paper planes before having a competition to see whose plane could get most points by flying furthest. After a tight competition Lewis R and Rebecca won the day. I was very impressed by how well the kids made the planes. More next week......... Kim x
Monday, November 13, 2006
Swimming Gala
Well done to all those who turned out to the Swimming Gala on Saturday. We did really well in lots of the races. Cubs came second overall and won their relay race. Everyone who was there started working towards their Swimmer’s Staged Activity Badge. We will be arranging another swimming session over the next few weeks so that those who were there can finish it off, and anyone else who wants to can start working towards their badge. I’ll let you know once we’ve sorted out a date and time! Check out what you have to do by looking here.
Spud!
Spud!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Panto Reminder
Just a quick reminder to all you panto fans. We need to finalise numbers, so if you are interested could you let us know how many places you require as soon as possible? Dont be shy parents, you are more than welcome and no doubt (if you're like me) will enjoy it more than the kids. Why not make it a family thing Mums, Dads, Brothers, Sisters? (Although no pets i'm afraid.)
Friday, November 03, 2006
Special Request to Beaver/Cub Carers
Can I just mention that one of the ways you can help me and your little ones on Thursday nights is to bring/send subs in a named envelope so that I can spend my time having fun with the kids instead of keeping them waiting trying to sort change out for you there and then. Thanks a lot.
Cubs Campfire Evening
Thursday night's campfire was a resounding success. Chil did a great job of the fire in the carpark, thanks to him. Thanks to Sharon for doing the food - hotdogs and soup and to Mr and Mrs Wroe for making the toffee apples. Thanks also to Spud for running most of the singing and all of the chants - we learned quite a lot of new ones tonight! Fluffy bunnies went down well too as did the marshmallow toasting!! Thanks also to Beth for bringing extra spooky sweets and to Baggy and Richard for their support, and to my fellow stalwarts Akela and Ian for their help too. I'll thank myself for doing the shopping and all the kids for turning up and getting in to the spirit of things. No, I'm not up for an Oscar - I just wanted to thank everyone for their contribution to the evening and practice my speech for when we win next weekend's swimming gala. I think we'll do it again next year!
We've had loads of fun this last few weeks with the Cubs Spooktacular, Beavers Campfire, Cubs & Scouts campfire and Scouts Ghostwalk. Just think, it's not long to the panto and Christmas party nights. All this excitement.... I'll have to go and lay down.
We've had loads of fun this last few weeks with the Cubs Spooktacular, Beavers Campfire, Cubs & Scouts campfire and Scouts Ghostwalk. Just think, it's not long to the panto and Christmas party nights. All this excitement.... I'll have to go and lay down.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Featured Badge - Swimmer
Can you swim? If you can, you may qualify for one of the Swimmer staged activity badges. There are five badges in this series. To qualify for Stage 1 (the easiest) here's what you need to be able to do:
1) Explain the safety rules about swimming and know where it is safe to swim locally. 2) Without using the steps, demonstrate a controlled entry into a swimming pool containing at least 1.5 metres of water. 3) Swim ten metres on your front. 4) Tread water for 30 seconds in a vertical position. 5) Using a buoyancy aid, float still in the water for 30 seconds. 6) Demonstrate your ability to retrieve an object from chest deep water. 7) Perform a push and glide on both your front and back. 8) Swim 25 metres without stopping. 9) Take part in an organised swimming activity e.g. the District Swimming Gala (see below).
You can get this badge as a Beaver, Cub, Scout or Explorer. If you're thinking that's easy-peasy check out the requirements for the more advanced Swimmer badges here.
1) Explain the safety rules about swimming and know where it is safe to swim locally. 2) Without using the steps, demonstrate a controlled entry into a swimming pool containing at least 1.5 metres of water. 3) Swim ten metres on your front. 4) Tread water for 30 seconds in a vertical position. 5) Using a buoyancy aid, float still in the water for 30 seconds. 6) Demonstrate your ability to retrieve an object from chest deep water. 7) Perform a push and glide on both your front and back. 8) Swim 25 metres without stopping. 9) Take part in an organised swimming activity e.g. the District Swimming Gala (see below).
You can get this badge as a Beaver, Cub, Scout or Explorer. If you're thinking that's easy-peasy check out the requirements for the more advanced Swimmer badges here.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Joke Competition
Send us your best (clean) joke, and we'll publish it here on this Blog. There will be a (small) prize for the best joke from each section. Make sure your joke reaches us by the end of November. You can email your joke or hand it in to one of the Leaders - either way be sure to include your name.
Monday, October 30, 2006
District Swimming Gala
This year's Swimming Gala takes place on Saturday 11 November at Wombwell Baths, from 5pm to 8pm. Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from Fitzwilliam District battle it out to win individual and team trophies for their Groups. As one of the bigger Groups in the District we stand a good chance of winning if we get a good turnout on the day, so please come and take part. There are breaststroke, backstroke and freestyle events and a relay competition. Everyone who turns up on the day will get an opportunity to swim. Mums and Dads are welcome to spectate. Meet at Wombwell Baths.
For Beavers there is a non-competitive swim between 5.30 and 6.30pm.
For Beavers there is a non-competitive swim between 5.30 and 6.30pm.
Remembrance Sunday
On Sunday 12 November the Group will be taking part in the Remembrance Service at Christ Church, Ardsley. All Cubs Scouts and Explorers are expected to attend. We shall be meeting at 10.00am at HQ in full uniform. Please wear a poppy. The service will conclude at approximately 11.50am.
If you've ever wondered why The Scout Association takes part in the Remembrance Sunday service read Scouts at the Cenotaph on the BBC Website. It's truly humbling to think of the role young scouts played during the war years.
If you've ever wondered why The Scout Association takes part in the Remembrance Sunday service read Scouts at the Cenotaph on the BBC Website. It's truly humbling to think of the role young scouts played during the war years.
Oh Yes It Is!
On Thursday 21 December we're off to see Jack & The Beanstalk at the Take 2 (Academy) Theatre at Birdwell. Tickets are £7.50pp. The show starts at 7.00pm prompt. Mums and Dads, brothers and sisters are very welcome to join us. Places are limited so please bring your ticket money asap to secure your place(s). If it's anything like last year's show it should be a great night.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
How Do I Join?
New members are always welcome at Ardsley. If you would like to join, you can:
From time to time we have to operate a waiting list for our Beaver section but if you apply to join we will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
Information about the group and it's sections can be found here
- email us for details,
- download an Application Form (PDF file).
From time to time we have to operate a waiting list for our Beaver section but if you apply to join we will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
Information about the group and it's sections can be found here
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Group Information
Ardsley Scout Group is based in the village of Ardsley, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. We are one of the largest and most successful Groups in the area.
Our headquarters is situated next to Christ Church Ardsley.
We currently have four training sections: Beavers (6-8 years old), Cubs (8-10½), Scouts (10½-14), and Explorers (14-18).
Beavers caters for 6 to 8 year olds. They meet together once a week in a Beaver Scout Colony, where the emphasis is on making new friends and having lots of fun.
Young people can join Beavers in the three months leading up to their sixth birthday. The Beaver programme is delivered using twelve methods, which give the programme variety and range: helping others; exploring the world; undertaking prayer and worship; listening to stories; following themes; going on visits; making things; meeting new people; acting, singing and making music, and going outdoors.
Our Beaver Scout Colony meets every Thursday at 17:15 until 18:30
There are loads of fun things that you can do as a Cub Scout. You will get a chance to try lots of different activities like swimming, music, exploring, computing and collecting. If you do them properly you will get a badge which you can wear on your uniform. Cub Scouts go on trips and days out and sometimes you will be able to go camping with the rest of your Pack. This will mean you sleeping in a tent and doing loads of outdoor activities. When you join Cubs you a placed in a team called a Six. At Ardsley we have four Sixes: Blue, Red, Yellow and Grey. Each Six has a Sixer, normally one of the older, more experienced Cubs. The Sixer helps the Leaders to run the meeting by looking after the Cubs in his/her Six. Your Sixer will look after you and show you what to do.
As you go through Cubs you'll get to try many new activities, collect badges, and most importantly have loads of fun and make lots of new friends along the way.
Our Cub Scout Pack meets every Thursday at 18:30 until 20:15
You can join the Scouts at 10 and stay until you are 15 years old.As a Scout you'll get to try in a wide range of activities. If you want to be recognised for your achievements there are a number of Challenges Awards and 70 Activity Badges to collect, leading ultimately to the Chief Scout's Gold Award. Scouts work in teams called Patrols and participate in the running of the Troop through a Patrol Leaders Council.
Being outdoors is an important part of Scouting so we still do all the traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival and open-fire cooking as well as the wide range of adventurous activities, anything from climbing and abseiling to sailing.
As Air Scouts we also devote part of the programme to learning about aircraft, navigation and flying.
Bottom line though, Scouts is about making new friends, trying new activities, and learning life-skills such as teamwork and leadership.
Our Scout Troop meets every Wednesday between 19:00 and 21:00
Explorers is the fourth section in the Scouting family, catering for young people between 14 and 18 years old. Here at Ardsley we enjoy outdoor activities, climbing and camping, so that's what we do most. We have access to a wide range of equipment and we try to get out as often as possible. We're all working on both the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and The Scout Award Scheme, with the ultimate goal of gaining our DofE Gold Award and Queen's Scout Award respectively.
Please e-mail for more information about our Explorer Scout Unit
Our headquarters is situated next to Christ Church Ardsley.
We currently have four training sections: Beavers (6-8 years old), Cubs (8-10½), Scouts (10½-14), and Explorers (14-18).
Beavers caters for 6 to 8 year olds. They meet together once a week in a Beaver Scout Colony, where the emphasis is on making new friends and having lots of fun.
Young people can join Beavers in the three months leading up to their sixth birthday. The Beaver programme is delivered using twelve methods, which give the programme variety and range: helping others; exploring the world; undertaking prayer and worship; listening to stories; following themes; going on visits; making things; meeting new people; acting, singing and making music, and going outdoors.
Our Beaver Scout Colony meets every Thursday at 17:15 until 18:30
There are loads of fun things that you can do as a Cub Scout. You will get a chance to try lots of different activities like swimming, music, exploring, computing and collecting. If you do them properly you will get a badge which you can wear on your uniform. Cub Scouts go on trips and days out and sometimes you will be able to go camping with the rest of your Pack. This will mean you sleeping in a tent and doing loads of outdoor activities. When you join Cubs you a placed in a team called a Six. At Ardsley we have four Sixes: Blue, Red, Yellow and Grey. Each Six has a Sixer, normally one of the older, more experienced Cubs. The Sixer helps the Leaders to run the meeting by looking after the Cubs in his/her Six. Your Sixer will look after you and show you what to do.
As you go through Cubs you'll get to try many new activities, collect badges, and most importantly have loads of fun and make lots of new friends along the way.
Our Cub Scout Pack meets every Thursday at 18:30 until 20:15
You can join the Scouts at 10 and stay until you are 15 years old.As a Scout you'll get to try in a wide range of activities. If you want to be recognised for your achievements there are a number of Challenges Awards and 70 Activity Badges to collect, leading ultimately to the Chief Scout's Gold Award. Scouts work in teams called Patrols and participate in the running of the Troop through a Patrol Leaders Council.
Being outdoors is an important part of Scouting so we still do all the traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival and open-fire cooking as well as the wide range of adventurous activities, anything from climbing and abseiling to sailing.
As Air Scouts we also devote part of the programme to learning about aircraft, navigation and flying.
Bottom line though, Scouts is about making new friends, trying new activities, and learning life-skills such as teamwork and leadership.
Our Scout Troop meets every Wednesday between 19:00 and 21:00
Explorers is the fourth section in the Scouting family, catering for young people between 14 and 18 years old. Here at Ardsley we enjoy outdoor activities, climbing and camping, so that's what we do most. We have access to a wide range of equipment and we try to get out as often as possible. We're all working on both the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and The Scout Award Scheme, with the ultimate goal of gaining our DofE Gold Award and Queen's Scout Award respectively.
Please e-mail for more information about our Explorer Scout Unit
