On Sunday 23rd March 2014 at St Marys Church Greenhithe 5 Beavers from 5th Dartford who had completed all the work for their Bronze Award were presented with their certificates. This is the highest award available in the Beaver Section so very well done to Thomas and Ben from Peacock Colony and Joseph, Peter and Jamie from Philpott Colony.
Jacob from Peacock Colony also attained the badge but unfortunately was unable to attend the presentation.
On Wednesday 14th May 2014 Philpott Beavers visited Pets at Home in Crayford as part of their Animal Friend Badge. So at 6pm 15 Beavers could be found sat on saw-dust bales passing around an adorable 12 week old small black rabbit. Some of the boys loved to cuddle and stroke it whilst some remained much more sceptical. Next were two Guinea pigs of different colours and Dave our expert for the evening told us many facts and answered numerous questions.
Then after cleaning our hands we headed off upstairs to meet James and his menagerie of Bearded Dragons, Snakes and Geckos. What a treat being able to touch feel and watch these creatures.
An hour and a half later we left having had a brilliant experience.
So very many thanks to the Manager Darren for arranging the visit and Dave & James for their patience.
17th Jamboree On The Trail
On Saturday 10th May 2014 despite the weather forecast hundreds of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Network and Leaders walked from various start points along the Darent Valley Path for the 17th International Jamboree On The Trail all ending up at Sutton-at-Hone Football Ground.
5th Dartford were well represented by all age groups and although a few showers en-route gave us a bit of a soaking spirits were high and a good time had by all.
At 4pm as we all crossed the finish line we were well catered for with drinks and snacks and big smiles when all participants were presented with their badges.
Thank you especially to all the family members who took part for the very first time. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
Following 9 weeks of practice, our team of 24 competing archers plus Pauline and Tim supporting, arrived at Phasels Wood Activity Centre for the 9th National Scout Archery Competition. We had a clear run on the journey to camp and were fortunate in securing a good pitch and set camp in favorable weather conditions.
Alas the weather turned wet, with heavy rain and gale force winds gusting, and mud everywhere, but the team’s spirits were not dampened as our shooting detail times could not have been better.
Everyone represented the team well, but a special mention to to our two Scouts, who between them took silver in the under 11s field targets, silver in the under 14s 20yd targets and bronze in the under 14s overall.
Full results will be posted once available.
For those unable to attend our AGM and fun day last weekend or didn’t get an opportunity to review the section reports, please see below.
Edwards Beavers recently held a ‘child-friendly’ tombola (with prizes – including Easter eggs, toys and teddies with 5th Dartford neck scarves! – aimed specifically at children) at Sainsbury’s Crayford, raising nearly £200.
Our thanks to the parents for their kind donations of toys and Easter eggs to include in the tombola, the children and helpers who took part, and last but not least Sainsbury’s Crayford for allowing us the use of their store.
Another well attended Easter Camp, which this year was blessed with warmer weather owing to the later holiday weekend. Many new faces attending their first Scout Camp, learning new skills as they start their new adventure. Activities included Kayaking, Climbing, Archery, Fishing, Backwoods cookery, Campfire, Wide Games, Axe & Saw, Whittling & Survival Bracelets. 
This evening 12 of the 5th Dartford Scout group’s young members were presented with their Chief Scout Award certificates, the highest award attainable by a Cub Scout, in a ceremony presided over by the Mayor of Dartford in the council chambers. A very well done to all of you.
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Many of you will by now have heard about or seen in the Gravesend Reporter, that Mr Adam Clarke of AKD Contracts, has donated a complete steel staircase, worth @ £25,000 to provide safe and permanent access to our climbing wall. Preparations for the slab, upon which the staircase will sit, have begun and we should expect the project to complete in just a few weeks time, so you’ll all be able to see it and put it to good use at our AGM on 8th June. 
