Scout News
Tee Rex! Scouts at Dino Golf
Over the past couple of weeks, Longford scouts travelled back to pre-historic times for a round of dino-themed crazy golf!
Through the volcanos and the rapids, they battled through the extreme cold to fight for victory, and to finish early enough to warm up in the cafe!
Well done to our winners and a big thank you to the parents who volunteered to help out!
Ironing, Necker Rolling, and Car Know-How!
It's not just tying knots and building fires—our scouts recently embarked on a journey of life skills that involved a bit of finesse with an iron, some clever necker rolling, and even a dash of automotive wisdom. Yep, you heard it right, we're talking about the elusive Skills Challenge Badge!
First up on the agenda: ironing. Now, before you roll your eyes and think about the mountain of laundry waiting at home, hear me out. Our Scouts took on the iron like pros, turning wrinkled messes into crisp, neat perfection. Who knew a simple household task could become a badge of honour? As they wielded their irons like seasoned wizards, the art of ironing became more than just a chore—it became a skill to be proud of.
But that's not all—neckers, those iconic Scout Neckers, got a makeover too. Forget the tangled, messy neckerchief look. Our Scouts mastered the art of the perfect necker roll.
Now, let's rev up the excitement a bit, shall we? The Scouts delved into the world of cars, exploring more than just the usual "vroom vroom." Checking oil levels, refilling wiper fluid, and ensuring the tires are safe and sound became second nature. Suddenly, our Scouts transformed into mini-mechanics, armed with the knowledge to tackle the open road. Who would've thought that working towards your Skills Challenge Badge would involve more than just tying knots and setting up tents?
Shredding the Slopes: Scouts Take on Snowboarding at ChillFactor
Alright, adventure aficionados, gather 'round for the inside scoop on the Scouts' recent rendezvous with winter wonder at ChillFactor. Picture a crisp evening, a group of eager scouts donning their snow gear, and the promise of conquering the slopes armed with nothing but snowboards and a sprinkle of determination.
Under the watchful eye of ace instructors from the ChillFactor, our scouts kicked off the evening with an introductory lesson that transformed them from snow novices to fearless riders. Sure, there were a few spectacular tumbles as they navigated the initially slippery slopes, but what's an adventure without a sprinkle of laughter and the thrill of picking yourself up again? As the session unfolded, a collective metamorphosis occurred, turning these novices into confident snowboarders, carving their way through the snow with newfound finesse.
The real magic happened in the camaraderie that blossomed amid the snowflakes. Laughter echoed through the chill as scouts encouraged each other, celebrating every successful turn and rally from every fall. In the end, they not only mastered the art of staying upright on a snowboard but also discovered the deeper dimensions of teamwork and resilience that come with embracing the great outdoors. And to top it all off, this snowboarding escapade seamlessly wove into their adventure challenge.
Local Knowledge Badge
Scouts Embark on Taskmaster Extravaganza with Mary's Unique Challenges
Nighttime Wide Games on Turn Moss
Scouts Unleash Culinary Creativity in Pizza-Making Extravaganza!
Wild Food Adventure: A Lesson in Sustenance and Skills
In our recent scout meetings we embraced the bounties of nature, our Scouts embarked on an exciting journey of foraging and culinary exploration. The session began with an exploration of the outdoors, where the scouts gathered rose hips in abundance. These vibrant, red fruits would soon be transformed into delicious syrup, a skillful endeavor that would not only satisfy their taste buds but also teach them about utilising the resources Mother Nature provides.
As the adventure continued, the Scouts stumbled upon apples, ripe for the picking, in the local park. Without hesitation, they rolled up their sleeves, chopped up the apples, and prepared the ingredients for a delightful batch of apple turnovers. The savory aroma that filled the air was a testament to their newfound culinary prowess, and it was a moment of pure satisfaction as they indulged in the fruits of their labor.
However, the culinary journey didn't stop there. Thanks to the generosity and expertise of one of our Leaders, Owen, the Scouts had the unique opportunity to learn about sustainability and survival skills. Owen, with his impressive knowledge of the wilderness, brought down rabbits and pheasants to demonstrate the art of safely preparing and cooking wild game and in turn the Scouts made a delicious stew. This hands-on experience was a valuable lesson in self-sufficiency and an essential skill for those who embrace the great outdoors.
As they returned home with newfound skills and a belly full of delicious food, they couldn't help but thank Owen for sharing his wisdom and leaving them with a lasting appreciation for the wonders of wild food and the importance of sustainable living.
Games and Badgework
Our second meeting back was a blast! The patrol leaders took charge and organised some super fun games for everyone to enjoy. There was a lot of laughter and friendly competition as we played games that got our hearts racing and our spirits high. It was a great way to bond with our fellow Scouts and shake off any leftover summer rust.
But it wasn't all games; some of us were on a mission to earn our badges. A group of Scouts was hard at work learning about local knowledge, while others were working on their physical recreation and sports enthusiast badges. It's amazing how scouting helps us develop new skills and interests while having a ton of fun.
For the older Scouts, our meeting took on a more serious tone as we delved into discussions about inner values and the importance of treating everyone fairly. We learned about discrimination and how it can affect people. It was a valuable lesson that reminded us of the Scouts' commitment to kindness, respect, and inclusivity. Our second meeting back was a perfect blend of fun and learning, leaving us excited for the adventures and growth that lie ahead in this scouting term.
Back to Scouts
In early September, after a fun summer break and some awesome summer camp adventures, our Scouts were back in action. We had to do a little reshuffling because some of our Cubs moved up, and we said goodbye to Scouts who became Explorers. It was a mix of nostalgia and excitement as we reunited with old friends and made new ones. We were all set for a brand-new scouting term.
That first week of September felt like a fresh start, full of outdoor adventures, new skills to learn, and lots of fun. We're exciting to get stuck into our new programme, it's all about growth, teamwork, and embracing the spirit of adventure, and we couldn't wait to dive into it all!
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Cooking on Fires
What better an activity than cooking on fires. The Scouts prepared the wood they needed for the fires and lit them in readiness to cook burgers - yum! To embed camp skills we all cooked on frying pans. An important thing about cooking on open fires is rubbing a layer of washing up liquid on the outside as this will make it easier to get the soot off when washing up.
We proceeded to cook our burgers on the fires and then the best was we got to eat them with lashes of tomato kethcup!
Once we finished cooking it was time to get the brillos out and clean the pans until they were shiny clean and no dirt left on them - cleanliness is especially important when we are on camp!
Obstacle course !
Ready steady go!!!
The scouts the past few week have been up to a wacky obstacle course developing their gross motor skills and getting stuck in having a go. They enjoyed cheering on their friends and also trying to be their personal best time ! Well done scouts.
Scouts Conquer Giant Seat Camp with Fire, Food, and Fun
Earlier in May, 25 scouts embarked on a thrilling adventure at the majestic Giant Seat Camp. With anticipation and excitement in the air, the young adventurers arrived at the camp, ready to immerse themselves in a weekend filled with outdoor challenges and unforgettable memories. As soon as they set foot on the picturesque grounds, they wasted no time and eagerly pitched their own tents, setting the stage for their thrilling weekend ahead.
With their campsite ready, the scouts wasted no time in diving into their first mission: gathering wood. Channeling their inner survivalists, they scoured the surroundings, collecting twigs, branches, and logs to fuel their fires. With determination and teamwork, they amassed a generous supply of firewood, preparing themselves for the ultimate test of their fire lighting skills.
As dawn broke, the scouts skillfully ignited their fires, casting a warm glow upon the campsite. The crackling flames not only served as a source of heat but also as the catalyst for mouthwatering breakfasts. Armed with the knowledge they had acquired, the scouts cooked hearty meals over the fires they had lit themselves, relishing the unique flavor that only comes from cooking in the great outdoors.
The adventure didn't end with breakfast. Throughout the day, the scouts embraced thrilling target sports, participating in archery, shooting, and axe throwing. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they honed their aim, releasing arrows with precision, hitting bullseyes, and unleashing the satisfying thud of axes finding their mark. Each scout embraced the challenge, relishing the opportunity to showcase their skills and reveling in the camaraderie that flourished during these activities.
As dusk settled over Giant Seat Camp, the scouts gathered around their fires once again, this time to prepare a tantalising curry for their evening meal. The aroma of spices wafted through the air as they expertly combined ingredients, creating a feast that would satisfy even the most discerning palates. With laughter and stories shared around the flickering flames, the scouts savored every bite!
The weekend at Giant Seat Camp was more than just an outdoor adventure for these scouts—it was an opportunity to challenge themselves and embrace new skills. As they packed up their tents and bid farewell to the camp, their hearts were filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. They departed with a renewed spirit, armed with memories of fires they lit, delicious meals they cooked, and target sports they conquered—a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering scout spirit.
Activity Day
We recently attended the County's Scout Activity Day, where they participated in a variety of exciting activities. Scouts were given the opportunity to take part in a range of activities, including axe throwing, climbing, shooting, caving and archery. They also took part in scout skills and crafts, which worked towards their creative challenge.
Despite the ominous weather forecast, the group was lucky enough to avoid any rain until 3pm, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the activities. Participants were given the chance to push themselves to new limits by trying activities they may not have experienced before, while others honed their skills in their preferred areas.
The event was a huge success, with scouts and leaders alike enjoying the chance to socialise and engage in team-building activities. The day ended with a bang as the scouts let loose on the bouncy castles, getting thoroughly soaked (as this in when the rain appeared). Overall, the event was a wonderful opportunity for the scouts to challenge themselves and develop new skills, while also having a great time in the company of their fellow scouts.
