eling sea scouts newsletter spring 2013

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WANT TO JOIN? More information about joining us use the Contact Us http://www.aquativity.org.uk/node/2

We are about to have our Aquativity centre completed soon. We have strong leadership representation in all our sections and our Administration teams manage our group so well and we have such a great group of children across all the section backed up by very supportive parents. Of course in a group this size and with the number of roles we have, there will be times when people step down and others need to step up and fill these positions. This is the way that scouting works...

SEA SCOUTS N e w s l e t t e r

Group Leader’s Letter

A letter to Parent/Guardian

Chairman’s Report

Welcome! What an exciting

year 2013 is goig to be...

Page 2

News in the Sea Scout

Groups:

Beaver Colony

Waingunga Cub Pack

Page 4-6

News in the Sea Scout

Groups:

Warrior Scout Troop

Relentless Explorers

Page 6-11

GROUP LEADER’S LETTERDear Parent/Guardian

This is a hard letter for me to write however I wanted to let you know that I will be stepping down as Group Scout Leader at the end of June this year.It has been a difficult decision to make but it is the right time for me with the need to look after my health and to spend more time with my family. It is time for someone else to take on this role, to lead us through the next phase of the groups exciting journey. Of course I am not intending to leave the group, far from it, I just want to change what I am doing and very much look forward to working in another role which can help make a difference for our group.

I will be working hard over the next 6 months to help find a suitable new Group Scout leader for us,

together with Robin Clarkson our New Chair and Kerie Wallace our District Commissioner.

In the meantime its business as usual as we continue to work on getting the building completed

and also continue to provide great scouting for all the children. I very much look forward to getting back into scouting in the group and to seeing you and the children soon.

Kind Regards,

Paul

http://www.aquativity.org.uk/node/2


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Welcome to our first newsletter of 2013 and what an exciting year this is going to be.

With the imminent move into our new HQ in April and the summer season approaching (sort of, it is snowing whilst I write this), we can all look forward to a new era with the Group.

Chairman’s ReportIn this newsletter, you will find articles not only from the Leaders but also from the Children themselves. I am sure you will all agree that this is a great indication of the enjoyment that they all get from Scouting with us. After all, let’s not forget, that is why we are all here.

It has been a while since our last newsletter, but it is my intention to try and make these more frequent this year, however it does rely on items to put into it!

Since the last newsletter there have been several changes to the Leadership structure. You have got me for starters. Brian, having worked tirelessly as Chairman for the last four years decided at the last AGM to step down. I am sure you will all join me in thanking Brian for the huge amount of effort that he has put in. Even now, Brian continues to actively help with the construction of the new HQ.

Group Leader says farewell...Paul, our long standing GSL has also decided to step down from this role after many years, but will continue to support the Group in another role later this year. Watch that space!

Again, what can I say? Paul has been active in the Group for the last 18 years and I know that this was a difficult decision for him. With his strong leadership and strategic thinking, he has guided the Group to where it is now. This is an amazing result and he should be justifiably proud of what he has achieved. Thank you Paul.

As he said to me at the time of making this decision, it is time for someone else to take the reins, after all that is what this organisation is about, a continuing stream of new helpers/Leaders moving through the organisation with different viewpoints, but all working for the movement and the fulfilment of the children’s Scouting activities.

So, we are looking for an able replacement to take over Paul’s role, if this is of interest to anyone, do get in touch...

4TH NFN (ELING) SEA SCOUTS



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Working parties Help needed at the new building on Thursday 7th March between 6.30 and 9pm and Saturday 9th March between 9.30 and 4pm to finish plasterboarding the remaining ground floor rooms ready for plastering. All very welcome for however long you can spare. Many Thanks,

Dorothea Kennard

Chairman’s Report ContinuedFinally, it goes without saying that this Group would not be here without ALL of YOU! Keep supporting, helping where you can, fundraising, actively helping the Leaders at meetings. Anything you can do will always be appreciated by the Group and its children.

So, let the sun shine, the lake be busy with boating, the Group enjoy the new HQ, and the children continue to gain new skills and experience with this fantastic Group.

Robin ClarksonChairman4th NFN Sea Scouts

09 February 2013

Registered Charity No. 302268

In Partnership with Relentless Explorers



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Beaver Colony

Over recent months, the Beaver Colony has integrated extremely well and is working efficiently and effectively, with a good mix of experience. The Leadership Team has a good balance of Leaders having taken on new Adult Leaders to compliment the existing team of adult and Young Leaders.

We currently meet at the 5th NFN Testwood Hut on a Tuesday evening, and are very much looking forward to moving in to the new HQ Building later this year to continue with

providing our programme of Beaver Scout activities.

A few facts and figures about Beavers Colony:

• Current invested Beavers 25 with 3 not yet invested (will be in a couple of weeks)

• This half term we are looking at two swimming up to Cubs with 2 more in April

• We have 2 more new starters planned for early February, aim is to keep our numbers between 25-30

• Plenty of children on waiting list, more that we can cope with. We have found that we only get about half take their places up. We are contacting new starters well in advance now to offer spaces so that we can manage this.

• We have five leaders and three young leaders. Andy is a 6th and Emily a 7th when she turns 18.

• We have a full programme up to Easter, mainly based inside. The summer programme will include a day trip to somewhere like Beaulieu. We would like to plan a sleep over at some point when in the new building.

Please contact either the BSL or myself with any question regarding the above.

Regards

Gary

Facts:• 25 Beavers • 2 up to Cubs

• 2 new starters• plenty on the waiting list• 5 leaders, 3 young leaders



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Waingunga Cub Pack

Summer camp was held at Lockerley last year with over 2/3rds of the pack attending. It was a fun filled and had a few adventures. The pilots at the Middle Wallop air base entertained us and nearly blow our pack lunches away! We also achieved our Air Activities badge over the weekend. The weekend included our own street party - fortunately the weather was kind to us and every one stayed dry. The walk was interesting with a diversion required at one point due to the undergrowth being taller than the leaders.

Next year we are booked to go to Lymington from the 25th - 28th July 2013. Please put it in your diaries - we may need to buy more tents if you all come! We have also put our names down to go to a large Jamboree (camp) in 2014 with other cubs from all over Hampshire. It's a great experience and one they will never forget with over 2000 people camping in the same time.

The pack is currently at it's maximum with a steady flow of beavers arriving from the colony and cubs transferring to the Scout Troop. We do keep a small waiting list of names but if you know of anyone who is interested in joining then please give them my details. The trial plan of meeting in 2 places is working well. It has made such a difference to the quality of the programme and everyone is working hard on their fitness challenge award. Thank you to all the parents and leaders who have to check each week on their venue. It seems to be working well.

Thank you to everyone... Last term we entered 3

district events. The Soap Box derby was the first one with our trusty kart being used for the 2 teams that entered. We must give it a coat of paint before next year!! We also entered the Scrap Heap Challenge (making a model out of junk items) and won the competition. This meant we were asked to attend the County event and represent the District. We didn't win but we had great fun.

We also entered the swimming gala and were placed 2nd - a great effort as some of our strongest swimmers were not available. Everyone did a great job for the team. Well done.

The programme has continued to be varied and interesting. We visited the old people's flats at Parklands and sang our usual mix of carols and campfire songs. A number of cubs told jokes and we had a whole brass band (well nearly) playing us more carols. It is very much appreciated by the residents.

We completed the Map Reader and Personal Safety badges as well over the last term. A number of Cubs have achieved their Chief Scout silver award. Congratulations to Lewis Ford, Jasmine Mc Clean and Megan Dibben who all finished this award. I hope you go on to achieve everything and more in the future.

The name Waingunga is taken from a river in India, Rudyard Kipling used it in the Jungle book story. Our river Waingunga is flowing fast, deep and very strong. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this make this happen.

VanessaAkela - Eling Cub Pack

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Warrior Scout TroopDuring the winter term we have been very busy on badge and challenge work with many scouts completing badges. We have also run the following activities swim trip to Romsey Rapids, Xmas Baking, visit to Redbridge fire station, Wide games at Stagbury Hill, Night hike at Woodlands,Artist badge and Xmas party with traditional style games and music by our own budding DJ Adam Bowen.

The troop was very well represented at the District swim gala and came home in 1st and 2nd place. Numbers continue to be strong in the troop with 45 invested members. In the next few weeks we are looking forward to the Royal Navy swim Gala in Plymouth and the District Eagle Trophy.

Nicky Cully

Xmas Baking

In December the whole troop undertook a baking task and produced some gift wrapped items to take home for friends and family. Each patrol had a specific task to complete during the evening. Items that we produced included Peppermint creams, Choc Chip cookies, Marzipan fruits and rocky road sweets; we also made and decorated the gift boxes that our sweet treats went home in. As you can imagine the evening was quite hectic ( and very messy) with biscuits waiting to cool and be put in boxes, sweets waiting to set and Scouts trying to wash up! All of our treats tasted delicious although some did get a little squashed on the way home. I certainly enjoyed it and hope that the troop has a go at cooking

again very soon. Emma Cully

Emma Cully, P.L. Intrepid Patrol

Redbridge Fire Station

Hello my name is John Aburrow I’m from 4th New Forest North Eling Sea Scouts and I’m going to tell you about my trip to Redbridge Fire Station. We were split into two groups as our pack is so big and kindly had separate tours. Our tour started in the main command station. Firstly we had a look at the offices and their sleeping quarters as well as their lounge room, kitchen and dining room. Next we moved onto the fire engines and had a look around them and in them. Also as the fire station is active, they had 3 call-outs while we were there. Then we went to their training area and did the very tight and cramped tunnelled assault cause (they have to do it with all their gear and thick cloths). We also had a talk about fire safety in the home and generally. I most certainly had an amazing time at Redbridge Fire Station and hope you could visit one day!

John Aburrow



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Kayak Expedition-Warrior TroopOver the last few years the Scout section has been working hard to increase the kayaking skills and knowledge of the instructors and leaders who work with the Scouts and in the autumn last year all of their hard work came together in the troop’s first ever paddling expedition. The Minibus and trailer set off on Friday evening filled up to the brim with paddles, buoyancy aids, kit bags, food and kayaks. After some tricky

manoeuvring and reversing of the minibus (well-done Bosun) we arrived at the Send Scout hut to set up camp. When all had settled in a safety briefing was called followed by supper and lights out. We woke up to a brilliant Saturday with glorious sunshine and headed off to our start point, the paddlers were following the Wey and Godalming Navigations stopping at the junction with the River Thames. This stretch of water has many locks and obstructions to negotiate and is 20 miles long. As the Scouts were put into groups and prepared themselves to enter the water a few expressions changed from excitement to apprehension, but the smiles soon returned as they set off. As the group paddled way into the distance I was given strict instructions to meet them with water top ups and their lunch at the agreed point. After the picnic lunch the group set off again in search of the Send Scout HQ that backs directly onto the Navigation. The sun was still shining and spirits were high with most paddlers. On arriving at the overnight stop scouts washed (yes parents they did wash!) and then prepared and cooked the most fantastic Spaghetti Bolognaise. They even washed up...

We Need You

Our troop's mission is to create an environment in which all scouts are given the opportunity to reach their full potential, and the social and developmental needs of each scout are met. We are looking for volunteer leaders to help us with that awesome task.

The scouts and I invite you to come to our troop to volunteer your time and talents. We will value you as a leader and appreciate your dedication to the children as a supportive aide, role model, and mentor.

We know your time is at a premium, but we hope this invitation will empower you to come forward. Please feel free to contact me to discuss becoming a volunteer leader with the scout section.

Nicky Cully

S.L 4th New Forest North Sea scouts

02380 486251




After a good night’s sleep we woke on Sunday morning to a very grey and gloomy day. The rain started just as the group set off and it didn’t stop all day. Our picnic stop was a very cold and soggy effort even more so for Rhys who had managed to fall in just 30 minutes before. With the end of the paddle just a few miles away the group were determined to finish and so they set off again for the last paddle of the trip. As you can imagine all paddlers were extremely tired on the way home in the minibus but they should all have been very proud and pleased with their efforts having completed the Expedition. As a troop we must thank all of the leaders and instructors that supported the trip and for their time and commitment in preparing to lead and instruct the Scouts. Without you our scouting would be very dull and would not include such wonderful opportunities for our large troop.

Nicky Cully S.L

K i t t y C l a r k s o n S c o u t s A r t i s t B a d g e R e p o r t T h u r s d a y 2 4 t h J a n 2 013





It was interesting to see the culture of the Gambians which was completely different to our own. For example where we would go to Asda or Morrison’s to collect our groceries, the Gambians have what look like a car boot sale but they are selling fruit, vegetables, fish and fresh meat. All of the food attracted thousands of flies which we could see crawling around on the food that we were about to cook.

GambiaDuring the Christmas holidays I

went on a trip to the Gambia which

is in the left, middle and top of

Africa. During my time there I

took part in several projects

including building bricks which

were later used to build another

classroom at the Pacilingding

School, bomken nursery and a local

reservoir where the Gambians

could collect fresh clean drinking

water from. Whilst we were there

the Gambians made us all very

welcome and introduced us to all of

the village elders and lots of other

people throughout the village (it

was very difficult to remember

them all). To make our evenings

more entertaining we held football

matches on several evenings were

the Gambians would always win by

at least 5-0. We also had several

bonfires were the Gambians would

sing their campfire songs to us

whilst we pretended to sing but

did not have a clue what they were

saying.





The Swimming

Gala

On Saturday 17th November, we entered 2 strong teams into the swimming gala at Totton Recreation Centre. We arrived at 7:45 ready to start at 8:00. Most of us entered one race of our preferred stroke plus the relay race for our age group.

First up where the under 13's. Our scouts took their places and swam as fast as they could. After many more fun races, and sore throats from our cheering it was time for the relay races. These were really fun as we got to swim with our friends.

Then it was time for the results. We hadn't been called out yet so both Eling teams had a podium finish. 3rd was read out and it was neither Eling A or B. We had not only achieved a win and the trophy, we got 1st and 2nd places, it was just who was going to be the winners. It was announced that Eling A were the winners with Eling B close behind.

Even if we didn't win our races, we were needed for extra points. It wasn't the winning that mattered, it was the point that we all had a great evening and tried our best. Although the trophy does look nice sat in our scout hut!

Zach Beach

Gambia On the fifth day since

arriving the Gambians have a

national cleaning day which

is always the last Saturday

of every month and because

it was an extra special

occasion for them we

bought two goats which

were tied up in the garden

and slaughtered ready for

dinner that night. Overall it

was amazing to see how

happy and friendly the

Gambians are despite having

very little money and even

less to spend it on.

Tom Cully

Warrior Troop

Young Leader





Rugby Tickets

The club plan to run this as an annual event, with discounted price tickets, donations to the participating groups, and additional activities. It all helps to build the public profile of Scouting and Guiding, as well as being a fun afternoon out. We certainly enjoyed it and hope to go again next year.

Brian CopeDorothea Kennard

Fundraising and Communications

London Irish RFC, Scout and Guide DayOn Saturday 9th February, London Irish RFC held their first annual Scout & Guide Day. Pretty much the whole of the East stand at their Reading home ground was full of Scout and Guide groups and their families from across Berkshire and Hampshire. Before the match, the groups with the largest representation paraded around the perimeter of the pitch. Most of the stand were supporting the home team, but a small vocal minority did a good job of supporting Saracens. Eling was represented by a small contingent from across our sections and their families. It was a cold afternoon, but both teams and their supporters put on a good show. The first half was close and tense, but a couple of well-exploited breakthroughs from London Irish in the second half led to match winning tries. The final score was London Irish 29 - Saracens 16. The on-pitch half time entertainment was directed primarily at the Scout and Guide attendees, including Digger the Dog (the home mascot) leading the dancing to YMCA, and a selection of uniformed children acting as escort as the teams ran back on for the second half...





Group Dates and eventsMarch 2013

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY9

1 2Screw-drivers wanted02/03/2013 - 9:30am

10

3 4 5Colony Meeting - Mothering Sunday05/03/2013 - 6:00pm

6Pack Meeting Group B06/03/2013 - 6:30pmPack Meeting Group A06/03/2013 - 6:30pm

7Troop Meeting - RN Visitor07/03/2013 - 7:00pm

8County Winter Scout Camp08/03/2013 - 5:00pm


11


11 12Colony Meeting - Lego12/03/2013 - 6:00pm

13Pack Meeting Group B13/03/2013 - 6:30pmPack Meeting Group A13/03/2013 - 6:30pm

14Troop Meeting - Can u cook it?14/03/2013 - 7:00pm

15 16

12

17 18 19Colony Meeting - Police Station Visit19/03/2013 - 6:00pm

20Pack Meeting Group A20/03/2013 - 6:30pmPack Meeting Group B20/03/2013 - 6:30pm

21Troop Meeting - Tracking and Wide Games21/03/2013 - 7:00pm

22 23

13

24Faun Trophy Competition - District Event24/03/2013 - 9:00am

25 26Colony Meeting - Easter Activities26/03/2013 - 6:00pm

27Pack Meeting Group A27/03/2013 - 6:30pmPack Meeting Group B27/03/2013 - 6:30pm

28Troop Meeting - Goodbye Hut!28/03/2013 - 7:00pm

29 30

14

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eling sea scouts newsletter spring 2013

Documents

great group of children

sea scout groups

exciting year

great scouting

new chair

new hq

new era

groups exciting journey