Return of the Kingswood

I think that's a rather clever title for the third part in my Kingswood series of blog posts!

Since my last post we've obviously packed up and gone home, but before we did there was time for a couple of activities. After getting nice and muddy during 'Nightline' and eating a delicious hot lunch the Scouts had a high flying zip wire adventure - very good fun! The final activity for the day - and weekend - was balance beam; yet another activity that takes place off of the ground!

I'd like to thank all the Scouts who attended for living up to the good name we've made for ourselves here at Ardsley - I hope you had as much fun as I did!

I'll be posting photos shortly and I'll also let parents know as soon as I hear anything about the missing shoe situation...

Kingswood - Part Deux

Thought I'd drop a line to let everyone know how it's going up here at Kingswood. Yesterday was non-stop with activities, everyone had a great time doing things they enjoyed - as well as trying things for the first time. They must have been tired out as even I got up before them this morning!

Several of the Scouts showed leadership promise during problem solving, but soon realised the problem of being a leader - it's sometimes hard to make your team pay attention! Fencing was a first for many of the Scouts - as well as me - and proved to be a lot more tiring than it looks.

We had some budding little Robin Hoods shooting arrows; though they cracked under pressure when our instructor told them they were shooting for eating utensils. If I'd have had my way they'd have stuck to this rule and most of them would have eaten with a lone knife or their hands! Luckily the instructor was a lot softer on them than I would have been!

Circus skills was entertaining, our instructor was impressed with how skilled some of the Scouts were with diablos, flower sticks and spinning plates. It's no surprise really with the amount of clowning around they usually do!

Climbing came next - one of my favourite activities - and the Scouts didn't disappoint. Everyone had a go, and every single person managed to get at least halfway - most of them topped out easily! Quad biking was the final activity of the day, and it was no surprise that everybody wanted to go first!

The staff put on a disco for everyone later last night, which gave all us leaders & teachers chance to have a sit down. Kingswood even provided a cheese board!

I'm writing this with numb fingers by the way - we've just had a go at abseiling! The current activity is called 'Nightline'. It's some sort of blindfolded assault course, which involves teamwork and communication skills - and a heck of a lot of mud!

Think this will be my last post before we leave, but I'll be updating the blog later with a final part of the Kingswood trilogy (catchy title tbc) and all the photos I've been taking over the weekend!

Coming to you live from Kingswood

Just thought I'd write a quick post to let everyone know how things are going up here at Kingswood. Have no fear, nothing is afire...which is strange for a Scout activity!

Everyone has settled in now, they even went to bed before 3am - again, strange for a Scouting activity!

Last night the group had a session of Mini-Olympics, which consisted of fun & games and little challenges. My personal favourite had to be the 'Catwalk Relay' which involved the Scouts strutting their stuff in a runway fashion. Sadly my camera was tucked away in my bag at the time!

Today Ardsley will be solving problems, fencing (not the Tom Sawyer kind!), shooting arrows (archery), clowning around (circus skills), climbing and quad bikes. Then there's the Disco this evening!

I'll try and keep you updated as the weekend unfolds!

Summer Camp - Payment Reminder

A quick reminder for those going on Summer Camp. By the end of March you should have paid at least £140 towards the cost of the camp. If you haven't could you please make a further payment in the next week or so. Thanks very much.

Kingswood - Final Details

For the Scouts attending the Kingswood activity this weekend (you know who you are!), here are the arrangements for the weekend:

You should arrive at the venue, Kingswood (formerly Scout Dike) Activity Centre at 6pm Friday. Kinsgwood is on the A629 between Penistone and Ingbirchworth, opposite Scout Dike reservoir. The new entrance is behind the centre and is reached via an access road, first right just past the old entrance.

Richard Keys will be the supervising leader from Ardsley for this activity. All being well he will be there when you arrive. If not Ian Levitt (Scout Leader from Hoyland) will look after you until Richard arrives.

I haven't been able to find out whether the centre will be providing an evening meal, so I suggest you eat before you go.

I understand there is a tuck shop, so you may wish to take some pocket money.

Pick-up time on Sunday is 4pm.

Roadworks: The A628 is presently closed between Silkstone garage and the A628/A629 roundabout at Hoylandswaine. Diversions are in place via Cone Lane, Silkstone Common. You can also approach via Cawthorne, Renald Lane. Allow extra time for your journeys.

CUB CAMP COMING SOON.....

We are having our annual Cub Sleepover on Saturday 22nd May through to the Sunday. We will be at Silverwood campsite and sleeping in tents! Full details will be given but for now we just wanted you to have the date for your diary. We expect it to cost around £10 at most. Watch out for the invitation to camp forms coming your way soon!

Kingswood - Kit List

For Scouts attending this weekend's Kingswood activity, here is the suggested Kit List:-

Jeans or Trousers, Jumper or Sweatshirt, Anorak/Waterproof Jacket, T-shirts, 2 pairs Old Trainers, Socks, Underwear, Nightwear (suitable for dormitory use), Slippers, Wash Bag (soap, flannel, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant), Swimwear, 2 Towels, Plastic Bag(s) for dirty clothes. Make sure you have at least one complete change of clothes.

Please arrive at the venue wearing your Scout Shirt and Necker.

Do not bring: Pen Knives, Lighters & Matches, Electrical Gadgets, Food, Torches, New/expensive clothes.

Make sure all your property is marked with your name.

I will confirm drop-off/pick-up times later this week.

Summer Camp is now fully booked

We have now filled all the remaining places for this year's Summer Camp. Thanks everyone for supporting this event. If you've missed out on a place this time round, don't worry, there will be other camps to look forward to.

Scouts - Langsett Walk

Any Scouts wishing to take part in the walk around Langsett this Saturday (20 March) should meet at the Scout Hut at 9am on Saturday morning. You should wear strong shoes or boots if you have them, and bring a wind/waterproof jacket. Otherwise dress for the weather conditions. We expect to get back between 1 and 2pm.

Scouts - Wide Game Tonight

Weather permitting we'll be doing a Wide Game tonight at Scouts, so there's no need to wear uniform. Instead wear warm outdoor clothes. Please spread the word!

Also, this coming Saturday (20th) we are planning a walk around Langsett for Scouts. If you would like to go, please let us know tonight. (We may need one or two parents to help with transport.)

Summer Camp - last few places

We have a few places left for Summer Camp if anyone else would like to go. The camp is open to Cubs and Scouts. We're going to Blackwell Adventure in Worcester. It's a great campsite with loads to do onsite and in the surrounding area - check out their website for more information. The dates are Saturday 24th to Saturday 31st July. If you would like to go, or if you would like more information, ask your Leader, or email ian @ ardsleyscouts dot org dot uk.

Kingswood Consent Forms - Reminder

Just a quick reminder for those Scouts going to Kingswood at the end of March - I need you to bring your completed parental consent forms tonight.

Summer Fayre

It’s our annual Summer Fayre on 12^th June and I would like to ask you could donate any of the following items for sale and prizes on the stalls.

Toiletries, perfumes, sweets, chocolates, biscuits (watch sell by dates), bottles of BOOZE or pop, books ( as up to date as possible - i.e. don't donate old, musty ones as they won't sell) crafts, unwanted gifts, costume jewellery, lotions and potions, games and puzzles (no missing pieces).

I know it's cheeky to say but this is not a jumble sale so I need all donations to be in mint condition. No electrical items can be accepted.

Please start your donations asap.

Last year we raised over £650, which bought new camping gear for all and subsidised the Beaver Sleepover.

Thank you in anticipation of your continuing generous support.

Kim

Scout Camp - May 2010

Advance notice for Scouts that we are planning a long weekend camp for the first weekend in May. The venue is still to be decided. We will be setting off on the evening of Friday 30th April and returning on Monday 3rd (May Day Bank Holiday). The cost will be approximately £50. More details to follow.

Church Parade - Sunday 14 March

The first Church Parade of the year is the Mothers' Day Family Service on Sunday 14th March. All Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are expected to attend. Please meet at the Scout Hut for 10.15am. Approximate finish time is 11.45am. Wear full uniform, including black shoes or trainers. Mums and Dads are welcome to stay for the service.

District Cyclocross - Sunday 7th March

It's the District Cyclocross this Sunday (7th March) at Silverwood Scout Camp. If you would like to go, please meet at Silverwood for 12.30 for a 1pm start. Estimated finish time is 3pm. You will need a bike suitable for cross country and a helmet. It will be very muddy so wear suitable clothes. Refreshments will be available, or you can bring your own.

Silverwood Scout Camp is on the A628 between Dodworth and Silkstone. After the Bluebell Inn roundabout, watch for a left turn just after the bend, then follow the woodland track to the campsite.

March Subs Due This Week

Just a reminder that March Subs are due this week. This is our year end so if you owe anything for past months can you please settle up. Thanks