Scouts and older cubs weekend camp

8 Scouts and 3 older cubs camped at

Hesley Wood Scout Activity Centre from

Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th July 2010.

In a fun  packed sunny summer weekend, we quickly set up camp and this involved searching out all the wood we needed to cook our food on.

The wood was expertly cut and sawn to the right lengths to fit.

Our new fire stand was given a great workout (well done for making that John!) over the weekend and some liked it so much they almost setup camp around it.

The Scouts and older cubs were able to play boules, football, wide games or build a rope swing like the one above.

If they did not find any of those choices their cup of tea (that's obviously why Akela was there!), they certainly all enjoyed doing the "cresta run", recently overhauled and upgraded and tested by Ardsleys own crash test dummies.  (All the "dummies" are at the end of this blog, just have a look for yourself and your mates.)

Of course they can and did have time to sit and enjoy the fresh yorkshire air and the warm summer sun.  (notice in the background a hammock in the trees?)

A scout leader admires his handiwork on his new etch-a-sketch :-)

All too soon and the weekend was over, not a drop of rain, we were very thankful to get the tents put away dry once more.  So many hands in so many pockets, its amazing that these tents get back in the bags.

Some of our older scouts are always learning new skills on camp, here is one rolling up an inflatable mat, always helps when you undo the air vale before trying!

As well as all the activities described the scouts and cubs had to fetch water, do the washing up and cook the majority of the meals.  They did an excellent job on the housekeeping side of this camp and made some great meals and drinks for all to enjoy.  All in all another great weekend camp, thanks to everyone involved.

The 2010 Cresta Run "Crash test dummies" roll call.

Sorry this one set off so fast, its a bit blurred!

[The End]

Beaver Day Out Update

Please let me know, no later than 7th July if your child is going to Cannon Hall Farm and park. Watch the blog for details of the trip when I get them. Kim

SUBS

Thank you very much to all those who sent in July subs this week. Hope you don't mind but I have asked you to send in August subs as well as this will make it easier due to holidays etc. Most people sending subs in on time these last few months has made a big difference. It is so much easier now and it is very much appreciated.

Summer Camp Meeting - 12 July

We're holding a meeting for parents of cubs and scouts going on Summer Camp on Monday 12 July at 7.00pm in the Scout Hut. You are encouraged to attend, especially if your son/daughter is a first-time camper. We will be going through the dates and times for loading the van, setting off and getting back and handing out Parental Consent forms, Medical forms, and Kit Lists. This is your chance to ask us about any worries or concerns you have, which you can do in the main part of the meeting, or by having a quiet word with the Leaders afterwards.

Can I also take this opportunity to remind you that you should have paid in full for the camp by now. If you haven't could you please pay any money you still owe next week. Thanks.

Scout and Older Cubs Camp 2nd July to 4th July 2010: Change of Venue

The scout camp scheduled for 2nd July to the 4th July 2010 is to be held at:

Hesley Wood Scout Activity Centre
White Lane

Chapeltown
Sheffield
S35 2YH
 
Drop off at this location Friday 2nd July 2010 @ 18:30
Collect same location Sunday 4th July 2010 @ midday
 
Once you enter the site, keep driving until you reach the car park with the Reception sign.

District Raft Race 27th June 2010 - A "proper" summers day down by the river

What a fabulous time the Scouts had making and sailing their raft down the River Dearne today in the district scout raft race.

The construction started at just after 10am, onlookers commented on the similarities to a Formula 1 pit crew in action...

OK, slight exaggeration there.  Next the crowds assembled at the launch site...

The Ardsley raft was ready for action: it's the well constructed one in the centre of the picture :-)

Crew A were briefed about the dangers ahead >>>>

and made an impressive start leaving a trail for Crew B to follow, but they had a couple of "rotation" problems and seemed to have power all to one side...

Crew C finished the final attempt for Ardsley in an impressive finish...

Although Crew C followed in Ardsley tradition by rotating the crew half way through the race!  (them that were at the back of the raft are now at the front....)

and you get wet when you are at the back!

What a great day we all had, time passed so quickly we almost did not make it home to see England play Germany in the Football World Cup... (Hope was still in the air at that time +)

The 10 Ardsley Scouts that turned up built a great raft, enjoyed a proper days fun in the sun and unlike some of their competitors (and later the England Football Team) did not suffer that sinking feeling at the end of the day...

Man overboard! - or Fabio does not make it to his life raft...

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.

Beavers update

Just wanted to let you all know that it looks very likely that we will have a new Beaver Leader in place for September. I have been told there have been tears amongst my Beavers at my standing aside as Leader. Well, be assured, I'll still be part of the section as and when I'm needed.

The plan will stand as we set it out throughout the summer. That is, meet as we do now until the end of July, meet with Cubs on Thursdays through August and then back to Wednesdays as normal from 1st September. We will keep you updated as we go so you all know what's happening.

I just wanted to reassure you all that the Section will not be closing or winding down. We'll have a new intake of Beavers joining us from September.

Can I also take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has expressed sadness at my standing down as Beaver Leader and told me how much their child loves Beavers. It is lovely to hear. I have a great team with me who work hard to make our Section a fun place for Beavers to be. The new Leader brings with her a new enthusiasm and will inject a fresh approach to make us even better. Sara, Emma, Emily, Lynne and Steve are still very much involved and that will continue. I'll be there to help the transition process from Beavers to Cubs.

I have been part of this Group for 16 years now and am very proud of what we have all achieved over that time. We have grown bigger and better with each passing year and I look forward to the future and what it holds for myself, my fellow leaders and friends and our children. We couldn't do what we do without your support too.

Right, I'm off to the Scout shop now to get some badges!

beaver day trip

Saturday 10th July: District Beaver Day Trip to Cannon Hall Farm and Grounds. I don't have specific details yet but the cost will be £5, to include farm visit and ice-cream. Please let a Leader know if your child wants to go as soon as possible. You will have to drop your child off there and collect from there too. If you need to sort a lift out please see Kim.

SUMMER FAYRE UPDATE

The Leaders of the Group would like to say a very BIG THANK YOU to everyone who donated items for the fayre. Also, we would like to say a very BIG THANK YOU to all the people who helped on the day. You all helped us to raise an absolutely fantastic £695. We still have a few items to put on ebay as well. When we have decided what to do with the money we will let you know. The weight of the cake was 3lbs 5 1/2oz.

Thank you so much.

Last Call for Summer Gala Donations

As the gala is on Saturday could you PLEASE get any last minute donations in to us by Thursday. Could you also let me know on Weds/Thurs if you are bringing any cakes or buns on the day. I will be there from 8:30 for you to drop them off. We need more books, bottles, Tombola items, chocolates and toiletries if you can spare some. All money raised will be put to good use in providing equipment for our children to use. All donations will be very gratefully received. Thank you. Kim

Beavers - Important Notice

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Kim is finding it increasingly difficult to run Beavers as well as Cubs, and we do not have another adult able to take on the Beaver Leader role at this time.

Over the coming weeks we will be advertising in the hopes that we can attract an enthusiastic person to take over as Beaver Leader. If we are successful, Beavers will continue to run as it does now, though possibly on a different night to suit the new Leader.

However, if we do not attract a Leader then our plan is to wind down the Beaver section, as follows:-

• We will run as normal until the end of July, when Kim will be camping with Cubs and Scouts. There will be an immediate freeze on new admissions.

• During August we will run a joint Beaver/Cub meeting on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm.

• From the first week in September, Beavers will run alongside Cubs on Thursdays from 6pm to 7:15pm (with Cubs from 6:30pm to 8:15pm as now).

If we have not managed to attract a Leader by the end of December we will unfortunately have to close the Beaver section until such times as a new Leader is found. The remaining Beavers will be offered a place in Cubs as soon as they reach 7½ years old.

Closing the section is a last resort and we’re hoping it won’t come to that. We will keep you fully informed on our efforts to find someone.

Anything you can do to help us find a new Beaver Leader and avoid closure will be greatly appreciated. Please help spread the word, and think about the people you know who might be interested. All the current adult helpers are willing to stay on to support a new Beaver Leader if we can find one, so there is a ready-made team to share the work.

If you are interested in becoming Beaver Leader, or if you think you can help us find someone, please have a word with Kim or any of the Leaders or email ian at ardsleyscouts dot org dot uk.