In a Kent County awards presentation this evening, 6 Scouts and one linking  Explorer from the 5th Dartford Scout Group joined with the cream of the County to be presented with awards for their high achievements.  Firstly, Harry Zimmerman of the Burne-Troop and Jessica Boreham, linking from 9th to the  Johnston-Explorers, were presented with their Chief Scout gold awards and Tom Hannah, Robert Honey, James O’Brien, Joey Reilly and Matthew Randall of the Earley-Troop were presented with the Invicta Challenge award.  Presenting both awards was Richard Woolsey, South Eastern Regional Commissioner and Kelvin Holford, Kent County Commissioner.

Congratulations to you all and well done for all your efforts.

With a party of 38, comprising of members from Earley Troop, Burne Troop, Johnston Explorers and 9th Dartford, we attended the 35th National Scout Rifle Championships for our 4th consecutive year at NSRA Bisley.  As ever, the event was well attended with over 800 Scouts competing in events including 6yd pistol, Field Target, 6yd Main Rifle, Reactive Knockout, Summer Biathlon, Advanced Field Targets, Small-bore rifle at 25 yds and Full-bore at 300 yds. 

The standard of shooting from our team improves each year as the experience and self discipline they gain from practice and study through programmes such as the YPS scheme, which we run bi-annually.  Two of our party did exceptionally well, with Connor Pike of the Earley Troop coming 2nd in the Field Target discipline, hitting 15 out of 20 targets and was awarded the silver medal.  Jessica Boreham of 9th Dartford came 13th in the 6yd Main Rifle category and was also presented with the Walton Firs trophy for most improved shot against the previous year. Well done to the pair of you.

Catering was once again handled by Karren Hannah and as usual we were spoiled with excellent food over a long service, which is the only way it can be as the complex shooting schedules and range duty times mean that everyone sitting to eat at the same time is a logistical impossibility.  On behalf of everyone at camp we thank Karren very much for her help and support.

As always, a busy camp like Bisley requires many months of preparation for all the paperwork required, van loading/unloading and setting/striking of camp and this cannot be done without the help and support of the many leaders, helpers and instructors who gave their time to make this camp a success – Thanks guys. 

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Explorer Scout Gareth Goes Solo

Today, Gareth Furlong of the 5th Dartford Scout group’s Johnston Explorers took to the air in his first and second solo glider flights.  

Gareth has been on a scholarship programme at the Kent Gliding Club in Ashford for a couple of years, where his work has been rewarded with flight time.  Despite being a capable glider pilot with many hours of flight time behind him, there has always been someone else in the cockpit, so we can only imagine the look on his face when he was told that “today was the day” and the adrenaline surge he must have experienced knowing that he was on his own for the first time  – What a rush!

Well done Gareth. 

Tonight Matthew, Jack, Abbie and Billy of the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s own Johnston Explorers were invested as full members by Explorer Leader Dave, with Adam assisting.  Matthew has recently rejoined the group after Earley-Troop nights clashed with sporting commitments, but we’re very pleased he’s been able to come back.  Jack, having achieved his Chief Scout Gold Award, has been a credit to the Earley-Troop.   Abbie is new to Scouting at the 5th and Billy a member for many years both prove that Exporer Scouting has something for everyone in this age range.

The Johnston Explorers‘ numbers have sored lately due to a surge in interest and a revised programme of adventurous activities planned, the future looks bright.  If you want to know more about joining the Johnston Explorers as an Explorer or Adult helper click here.