Once again the 5th Dartford massive braved the changeable elements to face ‘Easter Camp’, our ‘Back to Basics Extravaganza.’ This year, Assistant Explorer Scout Leader, Sean took the camp lead to validate his Nights Away permit and plan an activity and fun filled weekend for our young adventurers.

It was a camp of many emotions, with absent friends who have moved on, or through study and/or work commitments were unable to attend; there were also two who will not camp with us again as young people due to reaching maturity or moving away…. BUT there were NEW faces full of enthusiasm and the 5th spirit who will take their place.

Activities on this camp included, but were not limited to, Fire lighting, Backwoods cooking, Kayaking, Water-Zorbing, Whittling, Survival bracelets, Fishing, Wide-Games, Easter Egg Hunt and above all…. Making new friends and team building.

Thanks again to Sean for a faultless plan, and the leaders and parents on camp who made it all possible and the parents who assisted with the muddy unload back at the hall.

Below are a selection of pictures from our weekend to give you but a taste…

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2015 was a year no different from previous years when the 5th faithful came out under the guidance of manager Phil Hannah, to dust off the turkey cobwebs, and participate in the annual ‘5th Boxing Day Footy Match‘. This annual ‘All in‘ match has been an annual fixture in the group’s program, for all current and previous members, for longer than most would care to remember and for the last few years has been held at the Glentworth Club on Lowfield Street, Dartford.  The score was irrelevant, but the participation memorable, so well done all who were able to participate.

This weekend saw 7 Scouts, 11 Explorers and 11 Adult members represent the 5th Dartford Scout Group at NSRA Bisley for the 39th Annual National Scout Rifle Championships. The weather was favourable and dry under foot, which meant we had an easy pitch and strike. Catering was once again looked after by Karen and Tracy and as usual, we couldn’t have managed without them.  A big well done to all our young competitors for being in the right place, at the right time and in the right frame of mind, but despite our best efforts, only Jason’s bronze medal in the knockout to add to our collection, although there were some noteable near misses, with Chris coming in 5th in the Biathlon with the 2nd fastest time and 1 target off bronze and James 8th on Fullbore, just 0.2 off bronze.  The edited results, both individual and by event/class are available to download below.

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Over the past 6 weeks, Leaders from both the 5th Dartford Scouts Group’s Scouts and Explorers have been instructing our scouts to become proficient in the sport of air rifle target shooting. The course concluded with an exam, in which a minimum of 70% must be attained before progressing to the shooting part of the test. We are proud to announce that every attendee passed the theory exam and progressed to the shoot off. The “Shoot off” consisted of a practice card upon which as many “sighting” shots could be fired in a limited time period, in order for the participants to familiarise themselves with the rifle they had been allocated. Thereafter, a further 4 cards were issued where 5 pellets were shot at each.

In order to grade the participant’s capability, the NSRA created the following grade bands.

50 to 109 – Skilled Shot
110 to 149 – Marksman
150 – 174 – Expert Shot
175+ Master Shot

We were pleased with the level of competence we saw this year, with many scouts hitting excellent scores, but a special mention to Jess and Joe who achieved “Master Shot” – The highest possible grade within the NSRA’s YPS scheme which only a three of 5^th Dartford Scout Group has attained previously.  Jess is now our high record holder, beating our previous holder, Chris, by 9 points. Thankfully, both these scouts and almost all who attended the course will be representing Dartford at this year’s annual National Scout’s Rifle Target Shooting Competition at NSRA Bisley next weekend

Report due in soon… www.fernycrofts.org.uk/

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