Scout News
Fires, Teamwork, and Toasted Marshmallows
Our Scouts kicked off the new term with an exciting fire lighting session that put their teamwork and resilience to the test. Working in small groups, they set about gathering natural kindling and sharing tasks to create their very own campfires. It was amazing to see their determination and cooperation as they tackled the challenge together. As sparks turned into flames, the Scouts celebrated their success with big smiles, knowing they had achieved something special as a team. The session didn’t just teach practical skills; it also highlighted the importance of patience, communication, and supporting one another.
Once the fires were roaring, the real treat began—roasting marshmallows! Carefully toasting them over the open flames, the Scouts shared laughter and enjoyed the reward of their hard work. The snowy weather during the first week back added an extra challenge, but our Scouts proved their mettle, lighting their fires despite the cold and damp conditions. Their perseverance shone through, demonstrating that no weather can dampen the spirit of adventure. From teamwork to toasted marshmallows, this session was the perfect way to start the term and set the tone for the exciting weeks ahead.
Laser Quest, Climbing Challenges, and Pizza!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Longford Scouts’ Christmas party, and this year’s celebration was no exception!
The Scouts kicked off the festivities with an action-packed session at Laser Quest in the Trafford Centre, where they ran, dodged, and zapped each other in a thrilling battle through the arena. After working up a serious appetite, they tackled the endless climbing wall before heading to Pizza Hut to refuel and compare their Laser Quest scores.
The evening was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of pizza, with ice cream to top off the night. It was the perfect way to wrap up another busy year for the group, and everyone left with full stomachs and smiles, already looking forward to next year’s Christmas party!
Scouts Learn About Fairtrade Through Banana Chain Activity
The Scouts recently took part in an eye-opening activity to understand the journey of a banana from plantation to supermarket. In a Fairtrade simulation, Scouts were assigned roles such as banana workers, plantation owners, shippers, and retailers to explore how the price of a banana—set at 30p—is divided along the supply chain.
Through negotiations, Scouts discovered that the majority of the banana’s cost goes to supermarkets and importers, with workers and farmers receiving the smallest share. This highlighted the unfair distribution of profits and sparked discussions about the role of Fairtrade, which ensures workers earn a living wage.
The Scouts reflected on whether they would be willing to pay more for Fairtrade bananas to support fair wages and improve conditions for workers. The activity helped them understand the global impact of their purchasing decisions and the importance of ethical trade practices.
Widegames
Under a starry sky, the Scouts set off on a thrilling adventure at Turn Moss, turning the area into a playground for exciting nighttime wide games. As dusk fell, they prepared for a series of challenges that tested their agility, teamwork, and ability to stay hidden. With the moon casting a soft light over the field, the Scouts plunged into games like Capture the Flag, using stealth and strategy to navigate the terrain. Split into teams, they worked together to outwit their opponents, relying on clever communication and quick thinking to secure the win. The air was filled with laughter and the occasional rustling of leaves as the Scouts embraced the excitement, strengthening their bonds and honing their strategic skills in the process.
Scouts Brave the Night for Adventure Around Turn Moss
On a crisp evening, the Scouts of Longford Scout Group swapped the comfort of their HQ for the excitement of the great outdoors. Armed with torches and a sense of adventure, they embarked on a thrilling night hike around Turn Moss, along the canal, and through Sale Water Park.
The group braved the darkness, navigating winding paths and taking in the serene beauty of the moonlit surroundings. The hike offered more than just fresh air—it was an opportunity to test their navigational skills, work as a team, and enjoy a break from screens and everyday routines.
Spooky Fun and Games Haunt Halloween Party at Scouts
This week at Scouts, Halloween spirit took over as scouts strutted down a “spooky catwalk” to kick off an evening filled with eerie excitement. Costumes ranged from spine-chilling ghouls to classic witches and creepy creatures, with each scout showing off their most hair-raising outfits. Once the catwalk frights were done, it was time to get creative (and messy) decorating some terrifying treats – biscuits slathered in gooey icing, topped with laces and sweets, for that extra spookiness. Scouts also tried their hands at the “Mummy Wrap” challenge, expertly winding toilet paper around each other with hilarious results. Let’s just say these mummies were more funny than scary!
The scares didn’t stop there; it was time to munch on some delicious hanging doughnuts – no hands allowed! After battling for a bite, the party culminated in an intense round of Zombies vs Humans. In the darkened room, “humans” tried to escape capture from “zombies” creeping around in the shadows. Screams, laughter, and thrilling chases filled the air until the last human was finally “caught.” It was a scream-worthy success, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting next year’s spooky celebration. After all, Halloween parties like this one really know how to “raise the spirits”!
Climbing to the Top: Scouts Rise to the Rock Up Adventure!
The Scouts embarked on an exciting adventure at Rock Up Clip and Climb, where they faced over 70 thrilling climbing challenges, including several interactive climbs designed to test both their agility and quick thinking. The climbing centre, known for its inclusive and supportive environment, provided the perfect setting for the Scouts to build a range of physical and mental skills.
The Scouts started with some of the easier walls before pushing themselves to tackle tougher climbs. The interactive challenges added an extra layer of excitement, with some climbs requiring the Scouts to hit flashing lights or navigate timed obstacles as they ascended. These challenges not only tested their climbing abilities but also sharpened their focus and problem-solving skills.
As the session progressed, the competition heated up, with everyone eager to see who could climb the highest or complete the interactive challenges the quickest. Whether scaling straightforward walls or tackling more complex routes, every Scout showed impressive determination, teamwork, and resilience.
The inclusive atmosphere at Rock Up made sure that each Scout was supported as they tried new techniques and overcame obstacles, both physical and mental. By the end of the day, the Scouts had successfully conquered new challenges, developed their confidence, and celebrated a fantastic day of climbing fun and personal achievement.
Local Knowledge
An A-peeling Adventure: Scouts Cook Up Apple Strudel Fun!
The Scouts took on a delicious new challenge: making and cooking their own apple strudel! The adventure began with a trip into the park, where the Scouts eagerly gathered fresh apples, carefully selecting the best ones for their recipe. Once back at HQ, they got stuck into peeling, slicing, and preparing the apples, learning valuable kitchen skills along the way.
With the filling ready, the Scouts rolled out the pastry and assembled their strudels, paying close attention to the instructions from their leaders. The kitchen was soon filled with the wonderful aroma of baking apples and cinnamon. Once the strudels were golden and ready, everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labour, quite literally! It was a fun and hands-on session, giving the Scouts a chance to learn about food preparation, teamwork, and the reward of creating something from scratch.
Air Rifle Shooting
The Scouts recently participated in an exciting target shooting session at the Ranche. Each young person received detailed instruction on how to properly handle, aim, and fire an air rifle, all under the watchful and experienced supervision of our dedicated leaders. It was fantastic to see all the Scouts successfully hit their targets, with some displaying particularly impressive accuracy. While a few shots were more precise than others, every Scout demonstrated great skill and focus. We were especially impressed by their careful attention to safety and their developing sharpshooting abilities, as many managed to hit the targets with pinpoint precision. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
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Summer Camp
At the start of August, Longford Scouts embarked on an unforgettable week-long summer camp near Grassington, where they camped on a farmer’s field beside a river. Camped in their patrols, the Scouts cooked all week on open fires, fostering independence and teamwork. The idyllic countryside setting provided the perfect backdrop for adventure, as the Scouts embraced the outdoors and bonded over shared challenges and achievements.
Throughout the week, the Scouts participated in a range of exciting activities, including archery, axe throwing, and hiking. One of the highlights was caving, which took place at the end of the week, where professionally qualified instructors guided them safely underground for an exhilarating experience. The group also spent time kayaking on the river, with everyone relishing the opportunity to explore the water while improving their paddling skills.
In addition to the organised activities, the Scouts also built shelters in the nearby woods, with a couple of brave members opting to sleep overnight in their handmade creations. The camp was a fantastic test of resilience, teamwork, and bushcraft skills, with everyone contributing to the success of the week. It was a memorable experience, bringing the group closer together and giving them plenty of stories to share back home.
Programme Planning
The Scouts have been busy planning their upcoming term by reflecting on what they enjoyed, what didn’t work, and what they want to try again. During the session, Scouts discussed their favourite activities from last term, highlighting outdoor adventures, campfire nights, and pioneering skills as standout moments. They also addressed activities that didn’t resonate as much, offering constructive feedback on what could be improved. This planning process not only shaped the term's programme but also contributed to their Teamwork Badgework, as the Scouts collaborated to ensure everyone’s voice was heard. Through this, they’ve help to craft a programme that promises exciting new experiences while revisiting popular activities.
Code of Conduct
The Scouts have taken an exciting step forward by drafting their very own Code of Conduct, aimed at establishing clear behavioural expectations for all its members. The new rules, written by the Scouts themselves, reflect their commitment to fostering a respectful, safe, and positive environment during meetings, camps, and all activities.
By working together, the group developed a comprehensive set of rules that focus on respect for others, taking responsibility for personal actions, and encouraging inclusivity within the Scout community.
Tatton Camp
What was expected to be a dreary, rain-soaked weekend turned into a sun-drenched adventure for the Longford Scouts and Explorers during their annual camping trip at Tatton Park. The mid-June campout, originally clouded by the forecast of persistent rain, saw clear skies and dry conditions that made for an unforgettable weekend.
Saturday was a highlight for the young adventurers, who took to the water with enthusiasm and vigor. The Scouts and Explorers spent the day earning their paddlesports and time on water badges, demonstrating impressive skills in a variety of aquatic activities.
For the Scouts, the day was filled with raft-building and kayaking. While some of the makeshift rafts displayed remarkable buoyancy and engineering, others provided a humorous spectacle as they disintegrated upon contact with the water. Nevertheless, the resilient Scouts took these challenges in stride, relishing the learning experience and the laughter that came with it.
Meanwhile, the Explorers honed their abilities in Canadian canoes and kayaks. Their day was marked by skillful paddling and teamwork, as they navigated the waters with growing confidence and proficiency.
The excitement on the water was complemented by a scenic hike to Knutsford. The picturesque journey led the young campers to a beloved local sweet shop, where they indulged in a variety of treats. The hike provided a perfect balance to the aquatic activities, offering time for camaraderie and exploration.