Scout News

Scout News - 1st Stretford (Longford) Scout Group
Wednesday, 07 February 2024 19:16

Clip n Climb adventures for the Scouts

Despite the cold weather lending itself to winter activities, it wasn't the usual skiing or snowboarding on the agenda for the scouts as they arrived at the chill factore! The newly installed rock up climbing area proved to be a great mix of fun and challenging as the scouts tested their climbing abilities on walls, their balance on a step challenge and their head for heights with the high obstacle course. Both groups tried their best and had a lot of fun!
Sunday, 04 February 2024 21:12

Scouts Master Navigation Skills

The Scouts delved into the art of navigation, prepping for the longer evenings ahead. Led by the ever-supportive Grizzly Owen, the troop gathered for an intensive session that covered both the basics and the finer points of navigating the great outdoors. As the evenings slowly extended their light, the scouts embraced the opportunity to brush up on their skills and, for some, venture into uncharted territory. With a backdrop of maps sprawled across tables, the scouts honed their abilities in deciphering bearings, decoding six-figure grid references, and mastering the delicate dance of orientating a map. Grizzly Owen, their trusty guide through the wilderness of knowledge, oversaw the proceedings with a keen eye and a reassuring nod. The indoor setting echoed with the sounds of scout banter mixed with the occasional 'aha!' as each scout grasped the intricacies of navigation!
Thursday, 18 January 2024 18:01

Striking Gold – Chief Scout's Gold

A round of applause is in order for four exceptional Scouts who recently earned the prestigious Chief Scout's Gold Award, the highest honor in the Scout section. Achieving this accolade demands nothing short of extraordinary commitment and versatility, as Scouts must conquer all nine Challenge Awards along with six Activity badges. It's more than just a badge; it's a testament to their willingness to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, collaborate seamlessly as a team, and acquire loads of skills.

This is an incredible achievement, and you should be proud.

The post-Christmas cheer is still in the air, and our scout troop is back in action. It's always a mix of excitement and a touch of post-holiday laziness as everyone stumbles back into routine. But fear not, our Scouts are a lively bunch, and this week, we kicked off the new year with a blast, welcoming fresh faces who have moved up from Cubs.

Our first meeting back was all about setting the ground rules and expectations for the year ahead. The Scouts took the reins in a brainstorming session, and trust me, it was like watching a miniature United Nations in action. From the serious "No talking out of turn" to the slightly amusing "No impromptu dance-offs during announcements," we covered it all. It was heartening to see the camaraderie and sense of responsibility in these young minds.

Now, onto the highlight of the evening – the tower challenge! Armed with pasta, sweets, and a fervent desire to outdo each other, the Scouts were given the task of constructing the tallest tower that could support an egg, without any external help. The room buzzed with laughter and friendly banter as spaghetti strands and gummy bears flew around. And, of course, a good ol' Scout meeting wouldn't be complete without a pun – some towers cracked under pressure, quite literally! But kudos to all those who managed to create a pasta-sweet marvel that held up their precious egg. It was a cracking good time, pun intended!

In the end, the meeting served as a perfect blend of rules, creativity, and a healthy dose of humor. As we wrapped up the evening, our Scouts left with smiles, some deliciously sticky fingers, and the anticipation of many more adventures in the coming months. Here's to a year filled with exciting challenges, laughter, and perhaps a few more egg-related puns along the way. Happy scouting, everyone!

The Scouts and Explorers didn't let a bit of wild weather and holiday traffic dampen their spirits as they embarked on a mission to the ultimate Christmas party at Laser Quest in the Trafford Centre. Battling through the elements and chaotic traffic, the first challenge was just getting there. But once they all gathered, excitement buzzed in the air like a lightning storm.

With the group split into two, one half dove headfirst into the heart-pounding world of Laser Quest. Picture this: laser tag at its very best – the ultimate sci-fi action adventure. The thrill of stalking opponents and unleashing a volley of laser fire in the 21st-century battle zone was enough to make every Scout and Explorer feel like a space-faring hero.

Meanwhile, the other half embraced a different kind of adventure, scaling the ValoClimb interactive climbing wall. Testing strength, balance, agility, and endurance, the Scouts and Explorers faced the Whack-A-Bat Game – a challenge where timing was everything. The goal: whack the bat before it disappeared into the digital abyss, adding an extra layer of excitement to this vertical escapade.

After a round of heart-pounding laser battles and gravity-defying climbs, the two groups swapped activities. It was a chance for everyone to experience both the sci-fi thrill of Laser Quest and the challenging heights of ValoClimb. Each mission brought its own set of victories and defeats, with laughter echoing through the laser-lit battleground and climbing zone.

Post-adventure, it was time to refuel, and what better way to celebrate a successful year than with pizza? The Scouts gathered at Pizza Hut for a sit-down meal, sharing stories of their conquests and defeats. Meanwhile, the Explorers opted for the ease of take-away pizza and sides, creating a feast that perfectly capped off the year's adventures. As they savored the delicious bites, the joy and camaraderie of the Scouts and Explorers Christmas party lingered in the air, marking the end of the year with a celebration of a whole lot of fun.

 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 4 and 18. We are a registered charity.