National Archery Competition 2013 – Phasels Wood

For the second consecutive year 5th Dartford Scouts took part in the Scout National Archery competition at Phasels Wood Activity Centre, however with growing interest we doubled last entrance: 12 Scouts, 1 Explorer and 5 Leaders. This year saw the largest participant field of 397 competitors in the 20yard Target, Clout and Field competitions. During the times  were waiting to compete the Scouts were able to use the excellent camp site facilities: Climbing, Zip-wire, Crate Staking, Trampolines as well as the assault course. Although not brilliant sunshine all the time, the weather was relatively kind to us enabling us to compete in the sun and have a dry pack away.

The seven weeks training that we provided on a Tuesday evening before the event paid dividends with comments made by the Field Captains that all our participants were “knowledgeable, knew what they were doing and were excellent participants”. I am pleased to report that as well as everyone thoroughly enjoying the three different archery disciplines; James  achieved 2nd Place u14 Fields Targets, Matthew achieved 2nd Place Clout u14, 1st Place 20yds Target u14 as well as highest scoring u14 in the category of ‘Supplied Equipment’ and won a compound bow for the group.

Many thanks to Gary, Lynn, Jim, Maggie and Jason for volunteering their time running the practice sessions coaching the scouts, Tim for being our first-aider and camp lead whilst at the competition.

Also a special mention to Kevin Wells, John and Pauline Butler who helped us set up camp on Friday evening and to Colin Hart helping us to unload and pack away the equipment on our return on Sunday. This was greatly appreciated by all of the leaders making it a whole lot easier for us to take the scouts camping and attending these sort of competitions.

I will look to post the final results of all our competitors once they have been released. If you have any photographs of the weekend please forward them to Paul@5thDartfordScouts.org.uk so that we collate them in to a presentation.

Paul Boreham

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With a chill in the air more fitting to Winter Camp, 45 members of the 5th Dartford Scout Group ventured again to Thriftwood Scout Campsite in Brentwood for our annual Easter Camp.

Blessed with dry weather and a well stocked wood pile, all the facilities were there for the Scouts and Explorers to put into practice what they had learned over the years and for our prospective Patrol Leaders to accept responsibility and take charge of their patrols.

The theme was ‘Backwoods‘, with all meals being cooked by the Scouts, on an open fire, fueled by wood they cut, split and lit themselves.   Other activities included climbing, Tent-peg carving, archery, wide games and fishing, where the largest catch of the day was landed by linking Cub Scout Lauren on her Saturday visit with Harriet.

On this camp a great many lessons were learned by all, but by far the greatest realisation for the Scouts was just how difficult things can be without proper planning and teamwork, especially when the breakfast fairy hasn’t done it all before they wake up 😉

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The forms are out and we’re booking for Scouts/Explorers Summer Camp 2013 on a first come, first served basis.  The plan is to catch a train on 27th July from Dartford with our bikes (all kit will be on the van) to Dover, travel to Calais, France and then cycle to Gravelines for 8 days of Scouting adventure, before returning on Sunday 4th August.  Application forms have been emailed, but you can download one here:[dm]102[/dm]