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.

May Day Camp - Correction

For scouts going on this weekend's camp to Walesby Forest, you can find a kit list here. Don't forget to bring your permission to camp form and a packed lunch with you tomorrow (friday). We're aiming to set off at 9am.

Scout Camping & Cooking Competition

A District Camping and Cooking Competition for Scouts is being held at Silverwood Camp Site from 13 – 15th May. Teams will consist of 6-8 Scouts aged 10 to 13 years from Scout troops across Barnsley. Teams will camp separately from Leaders and prepare all their own meals, including a competition meal on the Saturday Evening consisting of: a starter of home-made soup; a main course of meat or fish and at least two vegetables; and a dessert. All cooking will be done on wood fires - gas may be used for suppers and emergency backup only. The winners will be announced and prizes presented at 2pm on the Sunday.

If you've camped as a Scout before and you'd like to be considered to represent Ardsley, let us know in the next week or so.

Scout camp this weekend

Just to reminder those Scouts and Explorers going on this weekend's camp - you need to bring your permission to camp form and £12 camp fee to Scouts this Wednesday.

And for the older Scouts and Explorers who are hiking to the camp site - you know who you are: You need to bring your rucksack to Scouts this week.

'Big Adventure' District Camp, 1 - 3 July

Here's one for all Sections... In July the whole of Barnsley District will be gathering at Silverwood for a Big Adventure Camp packed full of activities. We're taking over the whole campsite and some adjoining fields. Hundreds of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers will be taking part. The camp starts on Friday evening and finishes Sunday afternoon.

At the end of March we'll be holding a series of briefings about this event for parents and members. So here are some dates for your diary: The Beaver and Scout briefings will take place on Wednesday 30 March, and the Cub briefing will take place on Thursday 31 March. At these briefings you'll find out more about the kind of activities you can expect, and how you can take part.

We're particularly interested in hearing from any parents who would be interested in camping and helping out over the weekend.

More details on this blog as we get them.

Walesby Forest Camp, 29 April - 2 May

In a desperate bid to escape the Royal Wedding media frenzy, the Scout Leaders are planning a long-weekend camp at Walesby Forest Scout Camp, cut off from any possible news source.

We will be heading off to Walesby on Friday morning and returning on Monday afternoon. (Both Friday and Monday are public holidays.) The camp is open to Scouts and Explorers, but we have limited places. The cost is £65. Letters will be going out this week. Let us know as soon as possible if you would like to go.

Pioneering Badge Weekend, 8-10 April

Pioneering is a traditional Scouting skill, which involves building large outdoor structures using spars (small tree trunks) and ropes. It's a test of ingenuity (design), skill (knots and lashings) and teamwork (construction). This year Barnsley District Scouts are running a Pioneering Badge weekend at Silverwood. It's an opportunity for Scouts to learn pioneering skills, and take part in the construction of a number of different projects, under the leadership of some very enthusiastic and knowledgeable adults. The aim is that Scouts will do enough to earn the Pioneer Badge over the course of the weekend.

Scouts will need a basic knowledge of knots and lashings already. And be warned, rain or shine most of the event will take place outdoors.

This is a residential course - Scouts will be eating and sleeping in The Lodge building. The course starts Friday evening and finishes Sunday afternoon. The cost is £35 which includes food and accommodation. The event is open to Scouts from Barnsley District, and places are limited, so let the Scout Leaders know asap if you're interested in attending.

Fire Station Visits - Next Week

We've organised trips to the new community fire station at Cudworth next week, instead of the usual Cub and Scout meetings. The Scout visit will be on Wednesday 20 October, the Cub visit will be the following day on Thursday 21 October. In each case, we'll be asking parents to drop the Cubs and Scouts off at the fire station for 7.30pm. For anyone who can't get a lift we'll have a limited number of places in Leaders' cars so if you let us know, we'll try and get you there.

Scouts Back-to-basics Camp

This weekend we're running a Back-to Basics camp for Scouts at Squirrel Wood. During the camp, we'll be cooking exclusively on open fires, and practicing other traditional scout skills. On the Saturday morning we're hiring some bikes for a ride around the local villages.

For those Scouts who are going, but aren't able to make it to tonight's meeting, can you please download a Permission to Camp Form and make sure you bring it with you on Friday night, together with the balance of your camp fee. You can also download a Kit List.

Scout Raft Race – Sunday 27 June

It’s the Scout Raft Race this Sunday! We’ve been practising for this so I hope you will turn up on the day and have a go. It should be fun. We’ll be meeting at the Scout Hut at 10.00am (we might need some help with transport). Bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. You will need shorts, t-shirt and a pair of old trainers for the raft race itself – these will get wet. For the build you can also wear shorts, t-shirt, hat and your necker. Bring a towel. And please put plenty of sun cream on if it’s a nice day.

The event is being held at Broomhill, in the small park next to the river. The races start at approx 1pm. It’s a timed event – fastest run wins. We can have more than one team so long as the raft holds together. Speaking of which, there’s a prize for the best raft.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

Scouts - Free Kingswood Places

We've been offered 10 FREE places for Kingswood Activity Centre at Penistone for the last weekend in March. These are for Scouts only. If you would like to go, I need to know asap - preferably tonight, so that I can confirm our interest. You can email me if you prefer: ian at ardsleyscouts dot org dot uk

Update 11/2/10: I have just one place left now. Let me know asap if you want it. (Takers so far: Thomas S, Lewis R, Niall  G, Sam D, Ewan A, Laurie A, Wesley P, Ethan R, and Chris H.) The dates are 26th to 28th March - will post further details as I get them. Ian.

Scouts FlightSim Sleepover Postponed

Apologies for the short notice, but I'm afraid we're going to have to postpone the Scouts FlightSim Sleepover we were holding this coming weekend due to lack of leaders. We are trying to rearrange for early in the new year so watch this space for details.

A reminder that it's the Panto tomorrow night. Those who have ordered tickets need to arrive at the Academy Theatre in Birdwell from 6.00pm. The show starts at 6.30pm.

If you're not going to the Panto there are no section meetings this week so we'll see you on Sunday morning for the Christingle Church Parade. Meet at 10am. Finish approx 11.45am. Parents are very welcome to stay for the service.

Scouts Win District Swimming Competition

Six Scouts represented Ardsley at the District Swimming Gala on Saturday 7 November: Ronan, Emily, Ewan, Thomas, Wesley and Lawrie, and I'm very pleased announce that we were overall winners! We are lucky to have two very talented young swimmers in Ewan and Thomas, who won all their events, but they had excellent support from Ronan, Emily, Wesley and Lawrie. In this event it's the overall team score that decides the winner and every member of our team gave a hundred per cent. They can be very proud of their achievement. Unfortunately we just lost out in the relay, which would have made it a clean sweep, but our team was much younger than the team from Hoyland that beat us, which bodes well for coming years.

Well done everyone who took part. Next year we will be defending champions so I hope you'll turn out in force to try to retain the trophy.