Scout News - 1st Stretford (Longford) Scout Group

Scout News

Tuesday, 05 December 2023 18:15

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!

Friday, 01 December 2023 19:08

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?

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.

Friday, 10 November 2023 12:30

Local Knowledge Badge

In a demonstration of dedication and versatility, the Scouts have been fervently working on a variety of badges, each representing a unique aspect of skill development and personal growth. The pursuit of the Local Knowledge badge had Scouts immersing themselves in the intricacies of their surroundings, becoming acquainted with every nook and cranny of their local area. From exploring routes and roads to discovering useful landmarks, the Scouts honed their navigational skills and deepened their connection with the community.
The Scouts undertook thrilling and unconventional challenge inspired by the popular TV show "Taskmaster." Taskmaster Mary, one of our leaders, orchestrated a series of exciting and unique challenges that put the Scouts' creativity and problem-solving skills to the test. From constructing elaborate contraptions to solving riddles with makeshift tools, the scouts enthusiastically tackled each task with determination, all while working in teams under the watchful eye of Taskmaster Mary. The atmosphere was electric as laughter echoed through the scouting grounds, punctuated by the occasional cheer of triumph. The challenges, designed to be both mentally stimulating and physically engaging, encouraged the Scouts to think outside the box and collaborate in inventive ways. Taskmaster Mary's guidance and keen observation added an extra layer of excitement to the event, as the Scouts eagerly awaited her feedback and ratings at the conclusion of each task. The Taskmaster-inspired extravaganza not only showcased the Scouts' versatility but also reinforced the importance of teamwork and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges!
Friday, 10 November 2023 12:21

Nighttime Wide Games on Turn Moss

Under the moonlit sky, the Scouts recently embarked on an exhilarating adventure at Turn Moss, transforming the familiar landscape into a playground for nighttime wide games. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Scouts geared up for a series of dark, strategic challenges that tested their agility, teamwork, and stealth. The moon cast a soft glow on the sprawling field as the Scouts eagerly delved into games like Capture the Flag, their senses heightened in the darkness as they navigated the terrain with a combination of strategy and stealth. Turn Moss became the ultimate outdoor arena for these nighttime wide games, where the Scouts embraced the thrill of evasion and pursuit. Split into teams, they worked together to outsmart their opponents, relying on communication and covert maneuvers to secure victory. The sounds of laughter and the occasional rustle of leaves filled the air as the Scouts reveled in the excitement of the games, fostering not only physical agility but also camaraderie and strategic thinking.
In a delightful departure from their usual scouting routines, local Scouts recently engaged in a hands-on culinary experience, transforming our meeting space into a bustling pizzeria. The event focused on the art of crafting pizzas from scratch, a journey that took the young chefs through the entire process - from preparing the dough to savoring the finished product. The adventure began with the Scouts tackling the essential skill of pizza dough preparation. Amidst laughter and floury handshakes, they kneaded, rolled, and shaped their dough into the perfect canvas for their culinary creations. With the foundations set, the Scouts then formed teams to explore the diverse world of pizza toppings. From classic choices to unconventional combinations, the young chefs collaborated, negotiated, and celebrated the diversity of flavors they were about to experiment with. As the dough was adorned with an array of toppings, the Scouts eagerly placed their creations into the ovens. Under the watchful eyes of their leaders, the kitchen transformed into a fragrant haven of bubbling cheese and golden crusts. Once the pizzas emerged hot and ready, the Scouts gathered around communal tables, relishing the fruits of their labor. This culinary adventure not only satisfied their taste buds but also served as a powerful lesson in teamwork, creativity, and the shared joy of creating something delicious together. The pizza-making extravaganza has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the Scouts, proving that learning and bonding can happen in the most unexpected, and flavorful, ways.

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.

Friday, 22 September 2023 21:45

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.

Friday, 22 September 2023 21:39

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!

 Longford Scouts is an active Scout Group based at the Ranche in Longford Park, Stretford in Manchester. We accept boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 18. We are a registered charity.