Welcome to the Group Scout Leaders update.
This is what’s been going on over the last month or so in the Group…
The Beaver Section have 50 youngsters who have made paper weights, had a night walk at Beaumont Park and created their own unique 2016 calendars. They also had a star wars themed sleepover, which was very popular. The last programmes of 2015 the Beavers did some Christmas baking and had a Christmas party. Thanks to the parents who have stepped up to help on our parent rotas, their help is very much appreciated.
Our 46 Cubs have been working their way through the challenge badges whilst also preparing themselves for the Cubs 100 year of fun and adventure.
Our Scout Section have taken part in District Capers which was a huge game of chase from Holme Mills to Scammonden Activity Centre, after which they stayed at the Centre for the weekend where activities included crafts, human rights, geocaching and a disco. The Troop took part in the District quiz and although we didn’t come out of it too well we did end up winning the Top Troop Trophy for 2015!
To finish the year off the Troop held their Winter Camp at Bradley Wood. The weather was very poor so they were glad that they had upgraded to the Charles Wilson Centre as most of the programme was run indoors. On the Sunday they had a navigational practice walk and luckily the rain stayed off!
There are currently 35 Explorer Scouts. Our newest members had a presentation on The Duke of Edinburgh’s award. We have had a parent volunteer to help with the administration of the D of E and we are very grateful for their help and support. The Explorer’s Winter Camp was held 11th – 13th December. Unfortunately the weather was pretty awful, with a very muddy camping field and a slight 2 mile walk with a detour due to the flooded entrance road to the camp site. Apart from that, everyone had a great time and really enjoyed a trip (by train) to Gravity Trampoline Park at Xscape in Glasshoughton. The Christmas Meal with the Scouts was great to arrive back on site to, Thank you Scout Section!
Six Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards and three Silver Awards have been awarded and the Group are very proud of them all for their achievements. They ended the year with 23 Explorers and 3 Leaders having a three course Christmas Meal at the Toby Carvery.
Although all Sections are using the Online Scout Manager (OSM), but the Cubs and Explorers have been trialling an upgraded version and a review is being held to see if this is the way forward for all our Sections. Watch this space!