Scout News
Scouts shoot for gold
Over the past two weeks, the scouts have made use of the warmer, lighter evenings to hone their archery skills and find their inner Robin Hood! From learning how to properly hold and aim the bow to improving technique for better results, it was great to see each group improve as the session went on.
Whilst there were a few wayward arrows at the beginning, by the end of the session everyone was getting close to the gold. The added incentive of prizes also may have helped concentrate their aim!
Scouts Take on Graystone: Trampolining, Skateboarding & Scooting Fun!
Our Scouts recently had an action-packed visit to Graystone Action Sports, where they got to test their skills in trampolining, skateboarding, and scooting under the guidance of a professional coach. It was an incredible experience, giving them the chance to build confidence, learn new tricks, and have a great time together in a dynamic and exciting environment.
The session kicked off with expert coaching, helping the Scouts master the basics and refine their techniques. Whether flipping on trampolines, perfecting their balance on skateboards, or speeding through on scooters, every Scout embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. It was fantastic to see them push themselves, support one another, and celebrate each other’s progress.
Beyond the skills and thrills, the visit to Graystone was also a great way for our Scouts to develop resilience, coordination, and teamwork—all while having a blast! A huge thank you to the coaches at Graystone for making the session so engaging and inspiring.
Scouts Get Creative with Fundraising Ideas for Sponsored Climb!
At Longford Scouts, we love a challenge—and not just when it comes to adventurous activities! As we prepare for our sponsored climb this June, our Scouts have been busy coming up with additional ways to raise funds and support the event. Their enthusiasm and creativity have led to some fantastic fundraising ideas that will run alongside the climb, helping us reach our target while having plenty of fun along the way.
One of the first ideas on the table (quite literally) was a tea, coffee, and cake stall. Who can resist a good brew and a delicious homemade treat? The Scouts will be baking up a storm, offering a variety of cakes and biscuits alongside hot drinks to warm up our supporters. Whether you're a tea lover, coffee drinker, or just in it for the cake, this stall will be the perfect place to refuel while cheering on our climbers! For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, our Scouts have planned a quiz night to bring the community together. With rounds covering a mix of topics, from general knowledge to scouting facts, it promises to be an evening full of laughs, learning, and a little bit of head-scratching! Teams will battle it out for the top spot, with all proceeds going towards our fundraising goal.
A Scout’s motto is “Be Prepared,” and what better way to prepare for an adventure than with a sugar boost? Our Scouts will be selling sweets to friends, family, and supporters, providing a tasty way to contribute to the cause. Whether you prefer classic pick ‘n’ mix or chocolatey treats, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy while backing our fundraising efforts. To make sure everyone knows about our fundraising efforts, our Scouts have also been busy designing eye-catching posters. These will be displayed around the local area and shared online to drum up support and encourage as many people as possible to get involved. Their creativity and effort in making these posters truly show their passion for the event and their commitment to making it a success.
Scouts Show Creativity and Teamwork in Newspaper Challenge
The scouts put their skills to the test in an exciting and sometimes chaotic newspaper challenge last night, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. The scouts were tasked with creating a catwalk outfit, building the tallest tower, and constructing a shelter—all using nothing but newspaper. Despite a few disasters along the way, the evening turned out to be a memorable display of ingenuity and collaboration.
The challenge began with a flurry of activity as scouts were given piles of newspaper, tape, and glue to work with. The first task involved designing and creating a catwalk outfit. Some scouts embraced a bold fashion-forward approach, constructing intricate dresses and avant-garde designs, while others focused on creating functional yet stylish outfits. The energy was high as the scouts displayed their creativity, with plenty of cheers and encouragement between teams.
Next, the scouts turned their attention to the towering challenge. Using only the materials at hand, they set out to create the tallest structure possible. At first, the newspaper towers were wobbly and fragile, often toppling over at the slightest touch. One team suffered a disaster when their tower collapsed in a heap just moments before the judges were about to inspect it. But through determination and quick thinking, they rebuilt it with even greater precision and stability, earning applause from fellow scouts. By the end of the challenge, a tower that reached over five feet tall stood proudly in the centre of the Ranche.
The final task of the evening was to build a shelter that would withstand the elements. Some scouts got creative with their design, incorporating newspaper into complex frameworks and adding extra layers for insulation.
The newspaper challenge was part of a larger effort to teach scouts about resourcefulness and problem-solving.
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!
Scouts First Aiders
The Scouts recently completed a first aid training session equipping them with essential life-saving skills.
Key Learnings
The Scouts learned the importance of quickly getting help during emergencies, what to say when calling 999, and how to reassure those involved. They practiced practical skills, including:
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Assisting the Unconscious: Checking for responsiveness, performing CPR and placing breathing but unconscious individuals into the recovery position.
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Managing Bleeding: Applying direct pressure to control bleeding.
The training has prepared the Scouts to act confidently and effectively in emergency situations.
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.
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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.
