Sunday, January 29, 2012

Personal Survival Kit - Build your own

During 2012, Scouts will have several opportunities to explore the land, woods and forests, especially those who are signed up for the Hawkhirst Summer Camp in July.  Even if you are not going on Summer Camp there will be loads of activities that will be offered to you to learn and practise basic survival skills during the year.

As part of the preparation we'd like the Scouts to build their own personal survival kit.  To begin with you will need a suitably sized empty sweet or old tobacco tin.  Please try and find one or two of these and bring them for the meeting on the 8th February.  If you want to start collecting the items to go into your kit, you can find ideas here.  Alternatively you can find that and more information in the Complete Guide to Scouting Skills, which can be purchased from http://www.scout-and-guide-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Scout_Books.html

Another book often recommended by active Scouts, and Leaders is the SAS survival guide, which can be purchased from http://www.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Gem-Survival-Guide-survive/dp/0007320817/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c

Of course there loads of other sources of information from TV programmes, websites and even smart phone apps.  But to get started all you need to find and bring with you is that empty tin!

Thanks

Ed.

District Cooking Competition - Saturday 4th February 2012 09:00

For those Scouts taking part in the district cooking competition, here is the activity information sheet, that needs completing and returning on the day at the latest.

District Cooking Competition Scout Activity Information Sheet

Thanks

Ed.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Scouts & Explorers: A date for your diary

On Saturday 14th April 2012, Scouts and Explorers have the opportunity to pack shoppers bags at Morrisons Supermarket at Cortonwood Retails Park to raise funds for the group.  Further details will be issued nearer the time.

If you would like to join in and attempt to beat last times heroic effort then please print out the slip below;

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I __________________________ (PRINT SCOUTS NAME) would like to join in on the fundraising effort at Morrisons Supermarket, Cortonwood on Saturday 14th April 2012.
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Please return this slip in a sealed envelope with "Bag Packing - 14th April 2012" and the Scouts Name no later than 28th March 2012.

Any questions just ask one of the leaders.

Thanks!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Hillwalking

Last weekend, Ardsley Eagles took to the hills of The Peak District to kick off 2012's activity programme.

The circular walk started out in Edale, and took the Explorers up to Hollins Cross, over Mam Tor, with some brilliant winter views from Rushup Edge & Lord's Seat.

After navigating some frozen terrain and having lunch, descent was completed via a rather slippery Jacob's Ladder.

Details about the route are available here.

You can find photos from the activity here and here.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Raise funds online with Shop2Fundraise


In 2011, UK Scouts and local scout groups raised thousands of pounds via Shop2Fundraise

You can raise money for Ardsley Scouts when you Shop online and as the group will get a percentage of each purchase back. 

Whether you shop at Amazon, EBay,  iTunes or HMV, there are thousands of stores included. 

If you, your friends and family use this web site when you do your online shopping you can be raising funds for the group without it costing you anything, you can even save money with some of the special offers and shopping vouchers.

Simply follow the Shop2Fundraise http://www.shop2fundraise.co.uk/ and type in 36th Barnsley and it should find our scout group.  Once selected you can do your shopping by clicking the retailers you want to shop with as normal.


You can make it easier to donate by getting the fund raising gadget, simply follow the Get the Fundraising Gadget link from the website as shown in the attached picture.  If you have any questions please speak to one of the leaders.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Scouts, Ready, Steady, Cook!

On Saturday 4th February 2012 at Silverwood Camp there will be an indoor/outdoor cooking competition. Teams of Scouts from across the Barnsley district have been invited to take part. Ardsley Scouts have had lots of opportunity to practice their culinary skills in the mess tents and kitchens, so we are optimistic about our chances. If you are interested in joining in, then please print off the return slip below and pop it in an envelope along with £3 to cover the costs by Wednesday 25th January.

The day is expected to start at around 9am and finish at 3pm at the latest. Parents are welcome to stay and help/observe.

Any questions please speak to a leader or give me a call on 07778 000934.


I _________________________(PRINT SCOUTS NAME) would like to take part in the district cooking competition and be part of the Ardsley team at Silverwood Camp Site on February 4th 2012 and enclose my entrance fee of £3.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Scouts This Wednesday

This Wednesday the 18th January 2012, the Scouts will be led on a local hike around the area by the Explorers Unit.

The weather forecast is for milder weather than of late but with the chance of light rain.

Please ensure that you are at the Scout HQ for 18:45, dressed appropriately for the weather conditions (this may mean wrapping up and having a waterproof jacket and trousers if you have them) Please also wear either walking boots or strong shoes.  You can bring a day sack (small rucksack) for carrying your waterproofs in if you find that you don't need them.  Finally, please bring a working torch, head torches will be fine.  Don't forget any medications e.g. asthma inhaler.  Leaders will be accompanying the group(s).

We will be setting off pretty close to 19:00, so don't be late!  We aim to finish Scouts at our normal time of 21:00.

Any questions, just ask.

Ed.

07778 000934

Saturday, January 07, 2012

Dates for your Scouting diary 2012

Please find below a list of dates for your Scouting diary for 2012.  Section leaders may have more information as to activities specifically being planned within their areas.  We'll be sending a paper copy of these home with Scouts and Explorers on Wednesday night.

All dates and activities are subject to cancellation or change and each event will be confirmed separately nearer the time.

Thursday, January 05, 2012

HQ Notice: meet our newest volunteer


HRH The Duchess of Cambridge has become Scouting’s newest volunteer and will help at local cub packs and beaver colonies, Clarence House has announced.

The Duchess, who joins 66,000 girls and 40,000 female leaders in Scouting, will help out at groups close to where she lives. Her Royal Highness also hopes to help with activities in other parts of the United Kingdom as opportunity arises.

The announcement comes as a great endorsement of Scouting’s commitment to allow adults to volunteer their time on a flexible basis. The Duchess will help run a variety of activities relevant to her skills and interests. This could include running games, teaching first aid or cooking on campfires.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls gave a delighted reaction to the news: ‘The Duchess has an incredibly busy life, which makes it all the more inspiring that she has chosen to volunteer alongside us. 

‘Over the last few years it has been our mission to make it easier for adults who volunteer with us to give as much or as little as they are able – it is how we change our society: many people doing a little bit.’