2012-06-01/05 – District Jamboree – Walton Firs

Exhausted and full of tales of adventure is probably the best way to describe the state of the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s young members as they returned from the Dartford District Diamond Jubilee Jamboree (3DJ2) at Walton Firs Activity Centre.  Over 700 district Scouters attended, most of whom slept under canvas and with 80 odd being from the mighty 5th. 

Some old friends were missed on this camp, but many new friends were made and old friendships rekindled.

Activities, which were all run by the the leaders from within our own district, included Archery, Target Shooting, Caving, Crate Stacking, Climbing, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Backwoods skills and cooking and much, much more.  The camp record for crate stacking was set by one of our own Leigh-Pack cubs at 26 crates and for the third consecutive time, we retained our dominance in the cardboard canoe race with a very convincing victory in a craft designed by Paul, fashioned by Brett Funnell & John Butler and captained by Explorer Jack “Duracell Bunny” Hannah.

Having sucessfully linked, Joseph was presented with his Chief Scout Silver Award by GSL Paul as he left the Leigh-Pack to join the Earley-Troop as a Scout.

We can’t avoid the fact that the weather on this camp was wet and horrible, but the set-up and strike were favourable and with sufficient leaders taking time off work to get everything ready before the young folk arrived, there were no issues or surprises.

As with all camps, the focus was on the kids, but it can’t be done without the leadership team and none more so that those who run the kitchen and fuel the kids adventure. On behalf of everyone attending camp we thank Karen, Liz and Kay for preparing and cooking over 800 meals, serving over 300 pints of hot chocolate and for pampering the leaders and allowing us to crack on with the activities.  Ladies, we thank you!

2012-05-12 – 15th Jamboree on the Trail (JOTT)

Members of the whole of Dartford District and family members joined the walk at various points along the route of the Darent Valley Path starting from Otford moving up to Sevenoaks and then winding their way back to Sutton-at-Hone Football Club.

Due to an event already taking part in Central park the latter part of the route was done in reverse by the younger members this year, starting in the park and walking to join the other walkers at Sutton-at-Hone.

After weeks of rain, the sun shone making it perfect weather for the occasion. Hundreds of people walked altogether with plenty of Red neckerchiefs on show. A good chance to have a relaxed chat to parents and young adventurers en-route and a chance for them to earn their Hikes Away badges.

At the finish everyone was rewarded with a JOTT badge, crisps, cakes and drinks.

Well done to everyone who completed the course however far but particularly to Adam Lloyd who jogged the complete route and finished the course just as the Beavers were starting at 2.15pm.

Hope to see even more of you and your families next year.

Regards Wendy

London to Brighton for British Heart Foundation

On the 26th May myself, Stuart, Darren, Zara, Dan, Fra, Dave, Adam and a couple of others AKA “Ryan’s Rino’s” are doing the 60 mile London to Brighton Night ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

As some of you may know our son Ryan had to have an operation at the start of the year to fix a hole in his heart.  Thanks to the research carried out by this great charity Ryan is on the mend and jumping around like a 2 year should be!

I know times are tough but we would really appreciate it if you could sponsor us – every little helps!!!

Please click here to visit our Just Giving page.

Thank you and wish us luck!!!

Vicky Watts

Edwards-Colony Beaver Leader

2012-03-28 – Phillips-Pack hit the ropes

This evening, 18 members of the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s own Phillips-pack cubs donned helmets and harnesses and braved our climbing wall for a climbing and abseiling session with our own experienced instructors.  For many it was their first climb and were understandably apprehensive and others were confident and able to tie in their own safety knots under supervision, which they had learnt on previous sessions.  All the cubs had a great session and really enjoyed themselves.

Our experienced instructors are happy to run clmbing & abseiling sessions for visiting groups within or outside of our district, from beavers to explorers and ice-climbing sessions for older scouts, ESU’s and above.

To book a climbing session or for climbing enquiries please complete the form at the bottom of our climbing page or email wall@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk

2012-03-02 – Leigh Pack Memory Box

On the 2nd March 2012, the Leigh Pack decided it would be a great idea to bury a memory box in the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s driveway, before it was resurfaced the following week.

The boys were intrigued to think that perhaps on day, in years to come, it would be discovered.

The boys were split into their 6’s and wrote lists of their names, pack and the fact that it was the 2012 Olympic year, which was being held in London.  They also wrote that they were currently fundraising for a new hall and along with badges and photo’s, placed them in a tin an buried it.

Kyle, of the Earley Scout Troop, who was helping for his Kent Scout Volunteer Award, spent a long time digging the hole ready for the cubs to place their tin.  There was a quick ceremony about what might happen in years to come, when the tin was rediscovered.

Akela John

2012-03-17 – District Cross Country Run

Canada Heights Swanley was the venue once again this year, but instead of last years glorious sunshine, it was wet. However this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the boys and girls from 5th Dartford with plenty of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts all taking part and doing their best with several certificates won in differing age groups.

A special mention for Jack, Ted & Sean all from Collins pack who took First, Second and Third place in their age Group (10 yr old cubs) and this was the fifth year running they achieved this. It started when they were six running as Beavers. What an achievement! Hopefully Burne Troop will benefit from them next year as Jack & Ted (The Twins) get invested as Scouts next week.

Well done to everyone who took part and completed the muddy course.

Wendy