Reminders

October subs are due this week

This coming Sunday - Harvest Festival Church Parade. Beavers Cubs and Scouts meet at the Scout Hut for 10.15am, finish approx 11.45am. Full uniform please.

12th October - District Cross Country at Silverwood. See here for details.

No Beavers this week due to Kim's Anniversary

1st November - Pumpkin Party

Over the weekend of 31st October - 2nd November, we're planning some Halloween fun & games at Silverwood Scout Camp, and we hope you'll join us.

On the Saturday evening, 1st November, we're holding a Pumpkin Party. From 6pm there will be some ghostly games and activities for Beavers and Cubs. We'll be putting on some food from about 7.30pm, followed by a campfire. We're aiming to finish around 9pm. This is a family event so you're welcome to bring brothers and sisters, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. We're hoping you'll all make the effort and come in your best spooky outfit. Tickets will be £2.50each or £10 for a family ticket (up to 5 people). Food is included in the ticket price.

Scouts will be camping from Friday night through to Sunday. There will be some Halloween activities on the Friday night just for Scouts, and on the Saturday the Scouts will be helping us set up and run the party. Scouts' Mums and Dads are welcome to join us for the Pumpkin Party on the Saturday night.

Watch out for Booking Forms with more information, coming soon.

Bowling Night Update

We've had a re-think about the transport issues. It will be easier for everyone to meet at Barnsley Bowl at 6:45 and NOT at the Scout Hall. Have a word with Kim if you have a problem as she can arrange a seat or two for anyone without transport.

Important Dates to Note!

As I will be celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary (I know a very young child bride!) next week, there will NOT be a Beavers meeting on 1st October. Cubs will run as normal.

Sunday 5th October - I'll be there to see all your smiling faces at the Harvest Church Parade.

Thursday 9th October - Cubs are bowling at Barnsley Bowl. Hard copy details to be handed out this week. We will meet at 6:30 at H.Q. and go together en masse. We will need parental help with transport please so can you let me know if you will be able to help. We will aim to be back at H.Q. for 8:15. Uniform MUST be worn.

Kim

Downe 2009 - Two down, one to go!

We've had an excellent response so far for next year's Summer Camp. All the places on the first two minibuses have now been filled (in record time!), and we've started filling up our third bus. Once these places have gone that's it, so if you want to go, return your booking form as soon as possible.

Investitures

This week, the Scout troop welcomed several new members, who took their promise and were invested into the worldwide family of Scouts.

Congratulations everyone!

Bike Camp Report

Just thought I'd write a quick post to let everyone know how last weekend panned out.


We set off at nine(ish) on Saturday morning, making really good time up until we reached the footpaths near Silkstone. Several stiles, deep mud and a fence or two later we managed to get onto the campsite.

Sadly, due to the extremely laid back manner in which the Scouts set up camp (it was meant to be a relaxing weekend!) we never made it to Penistone show. Not that anyone minded as they were busy whizzing around the woods on their bikes!

The Scouts soon returned as the night drew in and everyone started to get a little hungry...jacket spuds and a bit of a BBQ soon sorted that out. The Scouts then did their usual "Will they, wont they" routine in regards to sleeping in the Bivvy they had built. Amazingly however, a few of them actually stayed the night (well...until 6am!) in the shelter!

In what seemed like no time at all it was time to "leisurely" pack up camp and set off on the long journey home. All the Scouts did really well riding back...it's a shame I couldn't manage the same feat!

Thanks to all the Scouts who came along, if you missed out don't worry as the next adventure is already in the pipeline...watch this space!

Scout Bike Camp - Reminder

Scouts going on the Silverwood Bike Camp this weekend need to meet at HQ tomorrow (Saturday) for 9.00am. You will need your bike (obviously!) and a helmet, and a day sack with your packed lunch and waterproofs. The rest of your camping gear can go in a separate bag which will be going by car.

Downe 2009 get's off to a flying start!

We've had an excellent initial response for next year's Summer Camp, with just 4 places remaining from the initial allocation of 26 places.

8th November - Swimming Gala

This year's District Swimming Gala takes place on 8th November at Wombwell Baths, from 5pm to 8pm. This is an event where Ardsley normally does very well, and we're in with a good chance of winning if we can get a good turnout. Further details nearer the time.

12th October - Cross Country Competition

On Sunday 12th October it's the Metro Cross Country running competition. Scout Groups from the three Barnsley districts, Fitzwilliam, Central, and Pennine, will be competing in a series of X-country events. There will be competitions for Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts, with individual and team prizes for the winners. The event takes place at Silverwood Scout Camp from 12 noon to approx 4pm. Further details nearer the time.

5th October - Church Parade

Our next Church Parade will be the Harvest Festival Family Service on Sunday 5th October at Christ Church, Ardsley. We will be meeting at 10.10am at HQ, and expect to finish around 11.45am. All sections are expected to attend.

Cycle Camp

After the success of the patrol camp last year, and the Scout Bike Ride earlier in the summer (I know, I know...what summer?) Ed and Myself decided we could probably combine the two.

We'll be leaving at around 0900 on Saturday and riding up to Silverwood. From there, well be leaving our bikes for a while as we go up to the Penistone show and have a gander (forgive the terrible farmyard pun). On our return we'll be having a bit of a BBQ and a bit of a campfire. We'll be returning on Sunday, again by bike.

Scouts should have got a permission to camp form containing more details on Wednesday, but if for any reason you missed it and still wish to attend, please leave a comment below and I'll get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Welcome back!

It was great to see all our members back for the start of the new Scouting year after the disruption of Summer holidays. Leaders have been busy planning Camp 2009 and researching Camp 2010 and also planning the autumn programmes. This week Beavers started work on the Friendship Challenge badge, which involved learning about things to do with France including trying some food. (Unfortunately, Tescos versions of croissants etc don't taste quite the same as the ones you can buy in France eaten standing up with a cafe au lait surrounded by French locals)
Scouts made Quiche Lorraine, which actually looked good enough to eat!

Cubs did some fitness tests in preparation for the Fitness Challenge badge. They all have a diary to keep for 10 days concerning their eating and exercise habits. Akela and I are also planning a trip to the local bowling alley where we will award the badges earned.
So, as you can see, a busy start.
Kim

Summer Camp 2009

Our 2009 Summer Camp will be at Downe Scout Activity Centre in Biggin Hill, Kent. We’re planning a packed week of activities onsite and in the surrounding area.

The camp dates are Saturday 25 July to Saturday 1 August 2009. The camp is open to Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers, and as usual numbers are limited. The cost of the camp is £195 per person. To secure a place you need to return the reply slip on the letter with a non-returnable deposit of £30 as soon as possible. The camp is open to Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers, and as usual numbers are limited. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

The balance of the camp fee can be paid in instalments via our Camp Bank. You can make further payments at any time; just bring your payment and your Camp Bank card to any pack/troop meeting. It will help us if you place the Camp Bank card and your payment in a named envelope, separate from any subs, so we can deal with it during the meeting. Any cheques should be made payable to ‘36th Barnsley (Ardsley) Air Scout Group’.

Keep an eye on the blog for any updates.