Arrangements over Christmas

First, a big thank you to all those who attended the Christingle Church Parade on Sunday - it was fantastic to see so many of you there. Special thanks to Josh, Niall, Will and Wes for doing the readings - you were great.

Tomorrow (Wednesday 21st) it's Panto night. We're off to see Cinderella at the Academy Theatre in Birdwell. If you've bought tickets to this event we'll see you there, from 6.30pm. The panto starts at 7.00pm so don't be late!

Just a reminder there are no meetings this week or next week. We're back to normal on 4/5th January. Don't forget subs go up to £9 per month from January.

Finally, on behalf of all the Leaders, I'd like to thank you for your support during 2011 and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Panto - Cinderella

Panto is booked for this Wednesday.

Meet at Take 2 for 6.30

All sections full uniform please.

Thanks

Ardsley Scout Leaders

December 2011, Sleepover

Please find links to the nights away form and kit list (swim wear is not required as we are not swimming on this weekend) - apologies for not posting this originally.


December 2011 Sleepover Nights Away Form


Kit List, Winter Sleepover, Indoors

Any queries please call me on 07778 000934

Thanks

Ed.

Panto - Correction

Panto Starts at 7 PM, drop off at 6.30 at Take 2.

Panto

Panto is next Wednesday, at Take 2, http://www.take2centre.co.uk/

Drop off at 7pm.

December 2011 Sleepover - Permission to camp form

For the parents and carers of those Scouts taking part in the sleepover this weekend, please find the link to the Permission to Camp form and Kit List.  Please print off and return completed with your Scout plus any money

Thanks

Ed.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6_BzVAudyX8YzUyNjdiZDAtYTU0MC00ZGJhLTk3ZjItZGYwN2FiYjgxNWEx

Any queries give me a call on 07778 000934

Ardsley Scouts & Explorers - December 2011 Sleepover

Saturday 17^th December  1pm until Sunday 18^th December  11:45am

Drop off at Ardsley Scout HQ, then through to Barnsley Metrodome for some Ten-Pin Bowling, back to Scout HQ for Tea, Games and a Movie.  Christingle Service is on the Sunday. This activity may require volunteers to transport Scouts to and from Barnsley Metrodome and the Scout HQ, please check with a leader if you can help.  Cost £15, please pay in cash or cheque made payable to “36^th Barnsley (Ardsley) Air Scout Group” by Wednesday 14^th December.  Any queries please call Ed on 07778000934 or ask a leader.

Fund raising efforts - A Great Result

6 Explorers, 5 Scouts and 1 plucky little Beaver, spent today packing hundreds of shopping bags and handing out promotional leaflets at Morrisons - Cortonwood, and with a little adult leader help, they collected a jaw dropping £747.60  

Thank you to all those who turned up and gave up their Saturday to do this, the total is just fantastic, what a result!

In addition the store manager said that the group were well presented, very polite and would be welcomed back any time, so thanks again for the good behaviour.

Thanks to our Beaver Leader, Breeze, for organising this event and we now look forward to doing another one early next year, when we will be helping Tesco's customers at Stairfoot get through the checkouts in record time.

Cheers

Ed.

Wombwell Guide Dogs visit Ardsley Scout Hut

It was a Breeze listening to the talk from Wombwell Guide Dogs at Beavers

Vic and Fran from Wombwell Guide Dogs, introduced Vic's Guide Dog, Quince, to the Beavers and Scouts on Wednesday evening.  Starting off with the Beavers, Vic and Fran told the colony all about how Guide Dogs are plucked from their mothers at 6 weeks old to embark upon their long period of training to become a Guide Dog.

All the eager beavers lap up Vic's dog tails

Sunshine shares a smile with our visitors!

Our latest Beaver leader - as yet a to be christened after another weather system no doubt...

The Beavers made a great contribution of mobile phones and some cash donations and they all enjoyed trying on the eye goggles that made them see how some visually impaired people see, it was whole new world for all.  After a short video it was time to say goodbye from the Beavers and after stroking Quince to an inch of its life, the Beavers made way for the Explorers and Scouts.

John tries out his Blues Brothers look :-)

The Scouts had a talk with Vic and Fran all about the types of problems that people with sight difficulties can  have and they showed the group about some of the devices that could assist them.  

Here one of the Scouts tries out a device that attaches to a cup to tell them when it is nearly full.

A Scout tries to fill a cup with 'expensive whiskey' without spilling a drop

The Scouts again made donations of mobile phones and some cash to help raise funds for the guide dogs, as we were told it takes a lot of cash to train a guide dog and continue to look after it throughout its life.  Vic, Fran and Quince were lovely visitors and they left us some goody bags, the bag can be used to recycle used ink cartridges from your computer printers, so think of the good that they could do as for every cartridge recycled, the Guide Dog Association gets £1.  Any more old mobile phones can also be donated, see one of the leaders if you have any hidden anywhere at anytime and we'll make sure they get to Vic and Fran.

The Scouts continued their evening on using the senses theme, by playing a game of Shepherd and Sheep, where 1 Scout had to get the blindfolded sheep into a pen only using a whistle...It took a little while but they all were rounded up in the end.

Some Scouts have a terrible sense of direction...

Thanks to all the Scouts from all sections, who were really well behaved during the visit and thank you to all the parents who made sure that their Scout had a donation of some kind to help this worthy cause.

The rest of the photos are available from this link.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30263703@N04/sets/72157628029122757

Ed & Breeze

Fundraising - Bag Packing at Morrisons this Saturday

Ardsley Scouts are fundraising this weekend by bag packing at Morrisons, Cortonwood.  The event will run from 09:30 to 2:30.  Please wear your full uniform, and either bring a packed lunch or some money to get something from the restaurant.  Parents can drop off Scouts, but please ensure that they are signed in by a leader and a member of Morrisons before leaving.  Parents are also welcome to stay and help, just see a leader on the day.  Please do as many hours as you can between these times, there is a real opportunity to raise a good deal of funds in quite a short time.

Any questions, just ask.

Ed.
07778 000934.

Remembrance Sunday

Thank you to all the Scouts from all sections who turned up to the Remembrance Sunday church parade, you were all well turned out and represented the group very well, thanks for making such a great effort.

Ed.

Explorer and Scouts Skate N Swim Sleepover

9 Scouts and 5 Explorers enjoyed all day Saturday at the Doncaster Dome, swimming and ice skating.  No cameras were allowed for the ice skating, so I can't share with you the fantastic trips and falls many of them had, but no serious injuries occurred, apart from minor bruising and sore feet from those rental boots!

For some it was the first time skating and they did really well.  All in all everyone had a good day.

When we got back to Scout Hut some Scouts prepared a fire outside and others helped John warm the Pizzas and put on the fryer for the french fries.

   After having our tea, we prepared for an evenings viewing of the latest blockbuster movie.  Lights out came and went and apart from 1 bumped head, it was a quiet evening enjoyed by all.

Thanks to all the Scouts and Explorers for their good behaviour, that lasted all weekend, it was appreciated by myself and John.

Thanks to Ian and Becky for transporting some of the young people over to Doncaster Dome and coming back through to pick them up.

+++ Next Sleepover weekend is penciled in for Saturday 17th December 2011+++

Thanks

Ed.

Skate N Swim Sleepover - Permission forms and kit list

This weekend's Skate N Swim has proved to be very popular with Explorers and Scouts, for all of you going, please find a link to the permission form and kit list for this activity.  You must get this printed off and completed and brought with you on Saturday morning at 09:30 when you are dropped off at the Scout HQ, with all your gear and your balance (if you have not already paid in full).  Please make sure that your kit needed for Skate N Swim is kept separate, perhaps in a day sack or plastic carrier bag in order that we can depart as quickly as possible.

Any questions please ask,

Thanks

Ed.

Ed Reid
07778 000934

Recycle your old mobile phones for Wombwell Guide dogs for the Blind

Next Wednesday, the 16th of November, Beavers and Scouts will be getting a visit from Wombwell Guide Dogs for the Blind.  If you have an old mobile phone, working or not, please send it along to give to the organiser so that the phones can be recycled and the monies raised will go to this charity.  Alternatively you are always welcome to send a donation, cash or cheques should be made payable to WOMBWELL GUIDE DOGS BRANCH 906 - please put in a sealed envelope with "guide dog donation" and your Scouts name.


Thanks


Ed.

Scouts - 19th October 2011 - Weekly Meeting

We'll be making fires tomorrow night and doing a little bit of cooking outside, so please bring your outdoor clothes e.g. Jackets and Coats.  Although the weather forecast is dry, it's also getting colder.

Thanks

Ed.

Upcoming Events for Scouts and Explorers

Please make sure you put these dates in the diary - Scouts and Explorers

12^th November     – Skate N Swim at Doncaster Dome

13th November    –  Remembrance Sunday Church Parade 10:15 am at Scout HQ

19th November    –  Morrisons Bag Packing at Cortonwood – to raise funds for Explorers section for foreign trip                         –  Scouts need to help on the day and will get a chance to go on trips in future years

8th December      – Carol Service in the Park – Meet at 18:30 at Scout HQ

17th December    – Christmas Sleepover

18th December    – Christingle Church Parade 10:15 am at Scout HQ

Reminder - October Subs due this week

Just a quick reminder that October Subs are due this week. Please bring your £8.20 in an envelope, marked with 'Your Name' and 'October Subs'.

A reminder too, that we are now taking bookings for next year's Summer Camp.

Church Parade this weekend

This Sunday we'll be taking part in the Harvest Festival Church Parade at Christ Church, Ardsley. This is one of four Church Parades we do through the year as a Group.

All members are expected to take part.

We'll be meeting at 10.15am on Sunday at the Scout Hut. The service will finish at approximately 11.45pm.

Please wear full uniform.

Parents are welcome to stay for the service.

The Billingham Activity Centre

Please read this notice from our District Commissioner. We would be very grateful if you could support this funding bid, which is awarded on the basis of public votes:-

With your help 2012 will see the transformation of the Training Hut at Silverwood into a custom built facility to support Scouting in Barnsley & South Yorkshire, plus all young people both locally and nationally who have a love for the outdoors.

For many years now the Training Hut has been a popular building used by Scouts to provide catering and dining facilities, a base for camps, training courses and for evening activities. It is by far the most popular facility Silverwood Scout Campsite has; however as with all old timber built buildings it has seen its fair share of wear and tear and as such, it is in constant need of repair.

So the time has come to replace the building with “The Billingham Activity Centre” using newer and stronger materials and at the same time update and enlarge the facility so it will continue to be used by Scouts and attract other users, providing much needed revenue for Scouting in Barnsley and Silverwood.

Thank you for supporting Scouting in the Barnsley area and providing us with the means to provide continued adventure to young people for many years to come

Please follow the link, register and vote for us. Spread this message far and wide so that that we can build the Billingham Activity Centre at Silverwood. We really do need your votes, your tweets and you to ‘like’ us because we are competing against many other worthy causes! Voting started on 26th September and closes on 23rd October 2011 so please don’t delay! If you are unable to vote online, please ring the Community Force helpline on 0800 2100 246 to register your support. I can assure you that your help will be greatly appreciated by everyone involved.

The Link http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/1236

Beaver and Cub Sleepover

We are holding a Beaver and Cub sleep over from 16:00 Saturday 1st October, which will be followed by our annual Harvest Festival with Church on Sunday 2nd October.

There will be games, a movie, pizza and other snacks.

This will give both the Cubs and Beavers chance to mix as a group and it will also count towards their nights away badge total.


The cost will be £5 to be returned with your consent form (available from your leader) no later than 29th September.

Backwoods Camp - 8 October

A District Backwoods Camp is being organised for 8-9th October. The event will take place at Silverwood and is open to Scouts and Explorers. 'Backwoods' is a style of basic camping, where cooking is done on open fires. This is a training camp where Scouts will learn backwoods skills - there will, hopefully, be a competition next year.

The camp will be from 9am on Saturday 8 October to 2pm on Sunday 9 October. The cost will be £15.

If you would like to take part in this camp, please bring your £15 (non-returnable) to Scouts by Wednesday 28 September.

UPDATE 28/9/2011

Please note: The venue for this camp has been changed to Squirrel Wood Camp Site, The Abbes Walk, Burghwallis, Doncaster, DN6 9JQ.

Beaver Olympics - Tuesday 20th September - Directions

Hi to everyone coming on the Beaver Olympics on Tuesday the 20th of September 2011.  Please click on the link below for a map and directions.

Please park on Queens Drive, Look out for Ardsley's Beaver Leaders

Wear Trainers.

Bring Bottle of Water

Bring Waterproofs if you have them.

Session Start: 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Click Here for Directions

Breeze

Advance Notice - Subscriptions to rise to £9 from January 2012

The group has agreed to raise the subscription charge to £9 per month, for all members, in all sections, starting in January 2012.  The fee has remained at its current level for many years and we regret having to raise the charge at a time of economic hardship for so many.  But as all of you will know, living costs have continued to rise steadily over the past 5 years and the cost of the utilities is expected to continue to keep rising in the near future.

However I'm sure that you will agree that this charge still represents fantastic value for money. We strongly believe that Ardsley Scout Group provides a well rounded programme of scout based activities for all sections from Beavers, Cubs, Scouts through to Explorers.  We look forward to your ongoing support and your continuing commitment to help us provide all our Scouts, whatever age, with a range of exciting adventures.

Thank you.

Summer Camp 2012

Next year's summer camp will be held at Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre, which is situated on the edge of Kielder Water, a magnet for water sports enthusiasts as well as boasting 70 acres of forest for traditional scouting activities. 

The camp dates are Saturday 21st July to Saturday 28th July and the cost will be £220.


As usual this camp will be open to Cubs, Scouts and Explorers.


More details about the site can be found at the following location:

http://www.scoutactivitycentres.org.uk/locations/hawkhirst/

More details about booking will follow, please do not send any money until requested.

Ardsley Air Scouts Group Camp 2nd to 4th September 2011

From Friday the 2nd to the 4th of September, 38 members of the group enjoyed a weekend up at Silverwood, which as we were the only group camping you would have expected to be quiet. But on Saturday and Sunday we shared the site with a Scout Marching Band, who were rehearsing a set to the Mission Impossible theme tune! - all day, both days.

It's all go!

As usual a lot of effort went into setting up camp, by the Leaders, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers.

Follow the Bear?

Ripsaw

The search for wood had begun and there was lots of sawing to be done to keep 2 fires going.  For supper there was tomato soup and crusty bread.







Whilst the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers stayed over on the Friday, a couple of Beavers joined us for a full day on the Saturday.  Ollie the dog was camping too.

Dog Tired?

Whilst the Explorers were taken to the Sculpture Park for a walk, the Scouts set about a pioneering project, which was to construct a climbing frame to hang a cargo net.  The Beavers and Cubs got all creative and made face masks and dough bread sticks on the fire.

Construction of the frame is well under way

Getting creative on the grass

This beaver can't believe what that looks like!

The Scouts take credit for building the cargo net

Is this a Halloween Camp?

Little fingers make the dough

Not everyone is sure that these dough sticks will work!

Our resident minstrel is finding it harder to keep an audience these days...

The BBQ was fired up and after what seemed to be about 5 hours later, long after the Beavers had gone home; we all had enjoyed a great meal quickly followed up by hot chocolate and 'Maureen' buns before bed.  As usual some Scouts had thought it was a great idea to sleep out in the woods in a 'Bivvy' - the idea lasted until dusk fell and then they said 'it was too dark' to sleep out.  Never mind, it kept them busy whilst we were cooking tea :-)

On Sunday the rain came, mainly on our tents, and caused us a few problems with getting them dried out this week.  But all in all, another great camp.

Whilst this camp marked the end of the traditional camping season and the return to school for the kids, planning is already underway for 2012, more details to follow!

The remaining pictures (there's not a lot, as I've wore the camera out and it's being retired) from the weekend can be found here;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30263703@N04/sets/72157627497322693

Weekend Camp, 2nd - 4th September

Our next camp is fast approaching! It's a weekend camp, over the first weekend in September. Register your interest now to be sure of a place.

Cubs, Scouts and Explorers will be camping from 6pm on Friday 2nd September to 12noon on Sunday 4th September. The cost will be £15.

Beavers can attend as day visitors on Saturday 3rd September, between 10am and 6pm. The cost for Beavers will be £8, including lunch and evening meal.

If you would like to take part, register your interest using this online form.

Permission to camp forms and kit lists will be posted on the blog nearer the time.

Summer Camp Success for Waddecar

Waddecar Scout Activity Centre proved again to be a great base for this years Ardsley Scouts Group Summer camp.
23rd to 30th July 2011

5 leaders, 6 Explorers, 13 Scouts and 6 cubs set off from Scout HQ on a sunny Saturday morning.

After arriving at the campsite on the Saturday, the tents were quickly pitched and the camp took shape on a quite corner of the camp site at Waddecar.  The Scouts enjoyed beefburgers and fries - camp style and had an excellent start to the week with a camp fire and a few songs from our resident minstrel.

On Sunday, we awoke to more Lancashire sunshine and after breakfast we enjoyed a morning of a traditional school sports day, which included a long list of relay type races, including egg 'n' spoon, 3 legged, obstacle and wheelbarrows.  The competition was intense due to the quality of the prizes on offer;

Gold, Silver and Bronze - prizes galore!

The 'wooden' spoons for the runners up :-(

The assembled teams, ready for action...

One of the explorers took some action shots of the activities, thank you, you know who you are :-)

What poise for the egg and spoon race

The wheels have fallen off this 'barro.

It's a photo finish in the skipping race

Teamwork pays off in the 3 legged event

You spin me round like a ...hula hoop?

On Sunday afternoon, we soaked and splattered one another with water bottles and had a great big water bomb fight, as well as having loads of fun on the water slide.  All that activity built up great appetites for the spag bol meal, which was delicious and it never had any mushrooms in, honest ;-)

By Monday, the campers had adjusted to getting up around 7.30 and preparing for the day ahead, today we took the cubs and younger scouts on a hike up to Beacon Fell, to do a spot of orienteering.  The Explorers and older Scouts took to the high ground around Bleasdale for a much longer expedition.

Route planning, Ardsley style

They all made it back safely, to enjoy some camp activities including fetching wood, helping with the preparation of the fire whilst many enjoyed playing swing-ball, volleyball or helping to prepare the evening meal which was lamb kebabs.

Ardsley Scouts invent 'Crazy' Swingball

On Tuesday there was great excitement as the mountain bikes were delivered, after what seemed like forever, we matched riders to bikes and 29 riders set off to tackle a circuit of the quiet lanes around the area.  With such a large group of different abilities it did take quite some time to get to the first checkpoint, but with some of the younger riders retiring after about 5 miles, the remaining group split into 2 groups.  Again the older Scouts went with the Explorers, whilst the younger scouts and 1 very fit cub continued the adventure for about another 12 miles.  After this second day of high impact activity most of the camp were tired out, but turning our hands to preparing the evening meal was all part of the day, so without further ado, a very tasty pasta dish was prepared (Chicken and Asparagus) to restore our energy levels.

An explorer shows a scout how cooking in this skillet is easy.  

On Wednesday, a trip to Lytham and St.Annes for a spot of shopping, followed by lunch near the sea, then onto Blackpool for an afternoon in Sandcastles Waterpark - 'the largest indoor waterpark in the country.'  On the return many of the Scouts were asleep on the bus, it's great what 40 winks will do for you, if you can get the chance!  Wednesday night is traditionally BBQ night on camp and this year was no exception, what a feast!

By Thursday, many had thoughts of home, but they were soon put to one side as everyone had hours of fun with rifle shooting, archery, climbing and abseiling. After a hard day having fun, all of the Scouts tucked into a great curry, with Nan bread and pappadams, plus pickle tray.  As darkness fell across the land, the Explorers and the oldest Scout were whisked up to Beacon Fell to practice their orienteering skills in preparation for the APEX Challenge.  Needless to say their is a bigger story behind this headline, why not ask your Scout about the Beast of Beacon Fell? You'll fall about laughing.

The highlight of the week for most Scouts is the visit to a theme park or similar.  Camelot, hosted our great day out and we watched the amazing knights!  

An Amazing Knight? - with all that hair, how can he fight?

Perhaps some of the rides at Camelot were just to much for some of our Scouts...

Ardsley Scouts, ready for take off?

His hair was not this colour when we brought him...

Even one of the leaders thought they needed to get a disguise, prizes if you can guess which animal its supposed to be;

A. Panda
B. Killer Whale
C. Friesian Cow

Our Explorer leader found an excellent mascot (Explorer Unit is called Ardsley Eagles), but could not find a bag big enough to bring it home in.

"That's a big bird"

After a fun half hour on the dodgems, the Scouts assembled for a farewell picture;

End of the day at Camelot - what fun!

After a short minibus ride home, we all enjoyed a light supper of fajitas and tortilla chips, with a singsong round the camp fire.  The week went really fast, we were blessed with fantastic weather and some great kids. Everyone I spoke to really enjoyed their adventure.

Thanks to all those who helped out on this camp, those that went, and those who helped behind the scenes.

There's normally pictures from every day on camp, but we were a bit down on the numbers of leaders on this year, so apologies if there a fewer images than normal.  Anyway what we have got is available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30263703@N04/sets/72157627200681557

Coming Soon: Ardsley Scouts - Group Camp 2nd to 4th of September 2011 at Silverwood Camp Site
* Put it in the calendar now for your Scout! *

* All Sections *

+ More details to follow +

Waddecar Summer Camp 2011 - Personal Kit

The start of the summer holidays are here, it's the first Saturday of the kids school holidays tomorrow and we are nearly ready for camp.

Please bring your Scouts personal camping kit tonight for loading into the van at 7PM at the Scout Hut.

Your assistance in loading the camping equipment into the van would be greatly appreciated.

If you have not already returned your Scouts completed permission to camp forms, please bring them with you tonight.  

Thanks 

Ed.

Summer Camp 2011 - Waddecar Scout Activity Centre- Notice for Parents/Guardians

It's just 2 more sleeps until we are off on our annual week long group summer camp.  There was an information sheet for parents sent home with the permission to camp forms, Scouts and Explorers should have returned these by now.

Camping is a big part of why children enjoy coming to Scouts.  In order to ensure that we get the best start to this year's camping adventure for our Scouts, we need parents to pay particular attention to the following advice;

- Scouts must travel in Uniform.
- Please ensure that we have all medicines and they are on the Medicines Form. If Scouts self administer, check they have what they need to last the week.
- No food and drink is to be consumed during travel in the minibuses or within the sleeping tents.  Only provide your Scout with a packed lunch, suitable for the Saturday lunchtime.  Please do not provide any additional food and drink, such as sweets, crisps, biscuits or chocolate and pop beyond this, it's not needed.
- Ensure that your Scout has correctly fitting waterproof shoes/boots suitable for walking in, along with a waterproof jacket (bottoms if they have them).  Hopefully the Scouts will need to put suncream on and a sunhat at some point during the week, so check those items are in their day sack.

- Label all personal equipment clearly with names or initials.

We've planned a packed programme of fun, frolics, with lots of exciting activities, as well as great days away from camp for the 30 Scouts aged between 8 and 15 this year.  I'm convinced that they will all have a fantastic camping experience and fun holiday.  Your cooperation in preparing your child for this adventure is vital and would be greatly appreciated by all the leaders.

If you have any queries please contact myself or Ian.

Kind Regards and Thank You.

Ed.

Scouts Tonight

Tonight we will be constructing water rockets made from 2L pop bottles, similar to the activity on district camp...(for those that went) - so we need some pop bottles.

Please bring as many empty 2L pop bottles as you can, to scouts with you tonight.  Apologies for the late notice, but we have only just managed to get the other bits today to make this activity work - and it would be good for those not going on camp to have a go.

Thanks

Ed.

Rifle Shooting, this Saturday - Hoyland Common Scout Hall, Tinker Lane at 10.55

Thanks to all those that responded, your places are now confirmed.
We have a team of 14 going, made up of 4 Explorers, 7 Scouts and 3 cubs, 3 leaders will also be on hand to help during the session.

Drop off at 10:55 at The Scout Hall, Tinker Lane, Hoyland Common, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S74 0PE. Bring some money for the tuck shop. Uniform is required.
Check with the leaders on the day for a pickup time.

Thanks

Ed.

Bowling

Tomorrow (Wednesday 13th) Explorers will be bowling at Barnsley Bowl. I've booked two games each. This will cost £7.50 each.

The lanes are booked from 19:00 until 20:30 - you can either meet us there, or at Scout HQ at 18:45.

If any parents can help out with transport that would be greatly appreciated.

If you'd like to come along (Explorers only) or can help with Transport please let Me (Rich) know asap at richardjkeys@me.com.

Call for equipment

Hi, we need some equipment for Scouts and rather than buying it, we wondered if you had either of the following items in your loft/garage/shed etc. and it really was not be used as it might otherwise be.  Or do you know anyone that might have one of these and would be willing to donate it?

Sacks, for using in a sack race, ideal would be large post bags, flour sacks etc.

Foot Pumps, for using in creating water pressure rockets.


We need a minimum of 4 of each item.

If you can help please let me know;
email: ed@ardsleyscouts.org.uk
Text: 07778 000934

Cheers.

Ed.

Cubs, Scouts and Explorers: Rifle Shooting at Hoyland Common - This Saturday 10:55

Thanks to all those that responded, your places are now confirmed.

We have a team of 14 going, made up of 4 Explorers, 7 Scouts and 3 cubs, 3 leaders will also be on hand to help during the session.

Drop off at 10:55 at  The Scout Hall, Tinker Lane, Hoyland Common, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S74 0PE.  Bring some money for the tuck shop. Uniform is required.
Check with the leaders on the day for a pickup time.

Thanks

Ed.

Cubs, Scouts and Explorers: Rifle Shooting at Hoyland Common - Saturday 10:45

Master at Arms Activity Badge

Rifle Shooting sessions are being offered to cubs, scouts and explorers on Saturday 16th July, meeting at 10:55 at The Scout Hall, Tinker Lane, Hoyland Common, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S74 0PE.  There will be a tuck shop selling sweets and drinks, hot and cold.

If you would like to join in with this activity, then please let me know by 8pm on Monday 11th July.  Parents/Guardians can email me at ed@ardsleyscouts.org.uk or text me on 07778 000934.

Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis based upon the number of scouts wishing to participate and the availability of leaders.  Your place will be confirmed to you by email/text/phone after you have printed off and returned a completed parental consent form (follow link below), along with the £2 fee in a sealed enveloped marked "RIFLE SHOOTING 16TH JULY", and the scouts name.  This must be brought to the Scout Hut at next weeks meeting. (Wednesday for Explorers and Scouts, Thursday for Cubs)


https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B6_BzVAudyX8YjBiYTE2NTItNGM5Ni00YTNlLWI4ZmUtMDA5ODQ5ZjUwMmI5&hl=en_GB

Any questions please ask.

Ed.

Update on Blacks Discount Card

Hi, back in May, we wrote to you to tell you about Blacks Group discount card.  If you signed up for one of these cards, you may be wondering where they are!  We did, and when we chased Blacks up on your behalf, we found out as we suspected that they hadn't processed the applications.  However, they say they have your details on their system and if you shop at Blacks in Meadowhall, you can give your name and the Group name and they will find you on the system and give you your 15% discount on all items including sale items.

We continue to work with Blacks to get the discount card issued to your home address.  In the meantime if you shop at Blacks and have any problems with obtaining your discount complain to the store manager and also let me know. 

Thanks

Ed.

Barnsley Scouts District Camp 2011 - The Big Adventure July 1st - 3rd

Over 100 Ardsley scouts, leaders, parents and their guests had a wonderful experience, whether they were camping for the weekend or just visiting for the day, at this year's District Camp.

The weather was terrific, just compare it to today! (July the 6th - Heavy Rain Showers... it could have all been so different!)

It's the first time since the formation of the Barnsley Scout District that an event on this scale has been attempted, and whilst there were some patience required for the queuing of food, we all appreciated the exceptional hard work and dedication of the volunteer crew who, cooked, cleaned, cleared and maintained the site in order that the Scouts and their guests would have a fantastic camping adventure for the 1300 people of all ages and backgrounds from across Barnsley.

I thought the activities were particularly good, with a wide range of craft, scouting and adventure skills that allowed everyone to get a taster of what Scouting is all about.

It was great to see so many parents of Scouts camping and helping the kids enjoy themselves, you can see some of this come through on their faces in the photo's that were taken, the link is below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30263703@N04/sets/72157627129037152

If you have any photos that you would like to share from the weekend, you can email them to me via ed@ardsleyscouts.org.uk  and I'll add them to the collection.

An Ardsley Beaver making a Hama Bead mat

One of the parents helping the Beavers, making squidgy balls

An Ardsley Cub Scout, just hanging around as usual :-)

An Ardsley Scout makes the descent from the climbing tower

If you would like to help with Ardsley Scouts; in order to create experiences like this happen in the future, then please speak to one of the leaders to see how you can help.  It's not just all about camping and working directly with the kids, you could take up a support role to allow the leaders to spend more time doing Scouting activities and creating a fun packed programme of adventure.  So no matter how little spare time you think you could donate, we can help you find something to suit.