NSRA Bisley – 34th National Scout Air Rifle Championships
15-17/10/10
WOW – What an experience!
That’s the only way I can start this blog………….
This was my first opportunity to take the lead role in a 5th Dartford Scout camp, which also had representation from the 9th in the form of familiar faces Jessica and Becky and for the first time Henry who was joined by his father Reg.
Notwithstanding the van suffering a broken gear linkage, we arrived as scheduled and unloaded our kit in the six allocated pitches in the middle of the Sergeant’s Mess field. Typically, it bucketed down as we finalised the setting up of camp, but that soon cleared and we awoke on Saturday to a mostly dry and sunny day, which if a little windy, was not too cold.
Sunday however, was a different kettle of fish, with overnight temperatures dropping well below zero, leaving ice all over the tents, which soon thawed out in the Sunday sunshine. The competition was, as usual, organised with military precision, with @ 800 competitors of varying ability shooting side by side in the Knockout, 6yd Rifles, 6yd pistols and Field Targets, which form the main competition within the Lord Roberts Centre. Many of the older scouts and leaders also took part in the Summer Biathlon, Advanced Field Targets, Small Bore and Full Bore at the 300 meter line on the Century Range. There are also other events which take place, but are in the “own gun” categories, where the standards are exceptional.
To fill the spare time between details, there was also the oppertunity for the scouts to join in on JOTI and JOTA (Jamboree on the Internet/Air) as a facility had been provided for scouts to work towards their Global Challenge. There was also a challenging archery range and hockey matches on the first floor which could be spectated.
After a most welcome visit and assessment by District Commissioner Angela Rainey, accompanied by husband Nigel, who gave the nod of appreciation to Karen’s pasta sauce and the baked apple pie and custard; I can confirm that the planning, paperwork and camp setup were found to be in good order and after a brief interview Angela granted my night’s away permit – so I can do it all again on my own credentials.
Alas there was no furniture brought home to decorate our awards shelf this year, but the 5th Dartford Scout Group firmly believe in providing a full and well balanced programme, where target shooting forms only part of it, although we fully appreciate the opportunity to stand alongside and compete against the skilled members of National Scout Air Rifle Team who represent British scouting at international level.
I’d like to thank and acknowledge the extensive help and experience of existing N/A permit holder Dave Monteith; the expertise of Tilley lamp guru Keith Furlong; Karen Hannah, who cooked and served an excellent selection of balanced and nutritious food over long rolling services in order to meet all the shooters detail times. In fact, all leaders and parents on camp are owed my thanks for all their help in making this camp a success.
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Please forward any pictures taken at the camp to media@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk for inclusion in our galleries.
So who’s ready for Bisley 2011?
Jason
Today, the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Earley Troop sent 15 volunteer scouts and leaders to the garden of senior members of the Dartford community who were no longer able to attend to their property. Giving up their Sunday, the dutiful Earley scouts worked tirelessly in the autumn sunshine to clean out a neglected pond; mow, weed and clear an overgrown front garden; mow, strim, weed and clear the back garden; repair fencing and a gate; cut down unwanted trees, dig out troublesome roots, bag it all up and cart all unwanted debris to the front where most was also carted off to the tip and the rest left ready for collection. 
Over the past 6 weeks, Leaders from both the 5th Dartford Scouts Group’s Earley and Burne Troops have been instructing 13 of our own scouts and 3 visitors from 9th Dartford Scout Group to become proficient in the sport of air rifle target shooting. 
This evening, 8 new members were invested in to the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Earley Troop, in a ceremony attended by family members. On behalf of all in the Earley Troop, we extend a very warm welcome to Joey, Lewis, Charlie, Yalun, Kieran, Matthew, Shea and Lucas whom we know will become most excellent scouts.
On Saturday 2nd October, the 5th Dartford Scout Group held it’s annual Race Night, which was very well attended as usual. With a mixture of races including Horses and Pigs and a tote betting system from just 50p we managed to raise £863, which will be going towards the 
Applications for Gilwell Winter Camp are now being taken for all Scouts and Explorers, who have been on at least one other scout camp. Permission slip and £28 deposit must be received by Dave Monteith no later than Friday 22nd October 2010.
