This year, there were a staggering 21 teams entered in to the district Tug of War competition including 3 teams of 8 from the 5th Dartford Scout group’s Earley Troop. Competition was tough this year, but we managed to reach 3rd and 5th in the main competition with our A and C teams and runner up in the Plate competition with our B team. It was really good to see so many scouts from the district turn out for this well run competition.
Category Archives: Scout Blog
14th International JOTT – 2011-05-14
Well done to everyone from The 5th Dartford Scout group who represented us at the 14th Jambouree on the Trail, with young people from all sections taking part in the adventure. As usual, the starting point for the scouts, explorers and many parents, instructors and leaders was Sevenoaks Station. The route followed the Darent Valley Path for the 17 miles back to Dartford Central Park, which for the most part, was in glorious sunshine. Along the way our number grew as we were joined by Cub scouts and Beaver scouts at distances more suited to little legs; However, it should be noted that some cubs did the full distance and some beavers completed the Cub course too.
The Earley Scout Troop were given the chance to submit any photos taken for a prize competition and we’ll report on the result of that once all the entries are in.
Many young people took up the challenge to raise group funds for 777 through sponsorship for their efforts and once the totals are in, we’ll report on that too.
Finaly, a big thanks to the District team for making this a well organised event, which everyone enjoyed.
Create your own Virgin fundraising page…
Go to www.virginmoneygiving.com
Click “Start Fundraising” (at the top)
Click on “Create Your Page”
Click on “Personal Challenge” and select your event.
Complete the questions, such as where is your event taking place and click on next.
Under Charity’s Name, type in 5th Dartford Scouts and then search.
Complete the next boxes as appropriate, then click on next.
You then need to complete your name and address details, click on the box you agree to the terms and conditions and press next.
Complete your date of birth (01/01/1995) – Note the site will only allow 13 years and over, so younger members may need a little creative licence here ;).
Input a password of at least 8 characters.
Click on next and you have done it.
You can also upload photo’s and add widgets to customise your page.
Now you need to spread the word to everyone through Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and text etc.
Make sure you send an email to media@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk so we can track and publicise your page on our website.
Good luck raising the funds……
Earley Scout Jack raising funds for New Hall
Jack has been a member of the 5th Dartford Scout Group for over 6 years and is actively raising money for the New Hall Fund. On 3rd June this year, Jack will be taking part in the 150 mile Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle ride from Cumbria to Newcastle to raise much needed funds. Jack has already raised over £287 and there’s still 23 days to go.
Jack said…… “I am very grateful for any donations; Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to the 5th Dartford Hall fund. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible for this. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations. Yours in scouting, Jack Hannah”
To view Jack’s Virgin page and to suppoprt his efforts, please click on This Link.
Virgin Money Giving all set up
The Virgin money giving account & links have been set up & we’re already recieving donations from friends & supporters. The new link on the right will direct donators to our money giving site for 777 – The New Hall fund, which allows them to make donations of any size & even cliams the gift aid for us too.
2011-04-22 – Easter Camp 2011
33 Members from the 5th Dartford Scout group’s Earley Scout Troop, Burne Scout Troop and Johnston Explorers made the gruelling cycle ride to The Shaw’s campsite at last weekend for our annual Easter Camp. Friday’s weather could not have been better as we cycled in glorious sunshine although the heat did make the hill climbs a little tougher than last years overcast conditions. Dave organised a great programme with backwoods cooking for the scouts for their first evening meal, including the sourcing of the materials and fire-lighting.
Saturday saw the young folk taking part in orienteering, saw and axe, safe use of knives, fire-lighting, plucking chickens and preparing vegetables for Saturday’s evening meal and as a total surprise and delight to most, Collins-Pack leader Michelle Watts arrived with ice lollies for all and 5 cubs eager to see what the next level of scouting was all about. The cubs took part in the gathering of fire supplies and made dough “Twists” with raisins and chocolate chips, which they toasted over the fire, followed by marshmallows cooked the same way. Upon departure, all of the visiting cubs said they were looking forward to moving up to scouts and we look forward to making that transition a reality when they’re old enough.
Alas the weather on Saturday, which until @ 15:00 was perfect, but fast changed (after the cubs left) in to a sustained deluge for over an hour with a lightening storm who’s epicentre was our campsite and a hailstorm with hailstones the size of large peas; and whilst this dampened our plans (and the fire we spent hours stocking) to cook all the chickens and rabbits in the embers, we had the trusty field kitchen and oven with which the fresh animals were transformed into a culinary delight, which was enjoyed by everyone.
On Sunday the weather was again perfect and after a morning of games and activities, including an Easter egg hunt we broke camp, loaded the van and set off for the cycle home, which due to the hills being predominantly in our favor, was some 2hrs shorter than the outbound journey.
On behalf of everyone at camp, a big thanks to camp leader Dave for his organisation and to all the leaders who gave their time and expertise.
Below are a few pictures from the weekend, but if you have more…………. please send to media@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk
We Collect TESCO Vouchers too!
We’ve now registered the 5th Dartford Scout Group for the TESCO vouchers scheme which is similar to Active Kids run by Sainsbury’s, but the difference being there’s more craft type items in the TESCO catalogue, which would be very useful to the younger sections. So could you please let your parents know we’re now collecting both when you return after the Easter break.
There will be a collecting box down the hall next to the Sainsburys one but it really doesn’t matter if they get mixed up as I will empty them each week and count them as we go along.
Many Thanks
Wendy
2011-04-03 – St George’s Parade
As well as the weather being kind to us, this year’s St George’s day parade was a fantastic day to show how large and successful scouting is in Dartford. As a group, the 5th Dartford Scout Group paraded all nine sections, with it being the first time that the two new sections (Phillips Cubs & Edward’s Beavers) have paraded with us. Despite it being Mother’s Day we had a good turnout, 109 members parading out of our total membership of 196. Thank you to all who attended and in such full smart uniform.
A few special mentions goes to the Edward’s Beavers who made their own flag once we realised that the newly ordered flag would not be delivered in time, as well to Connor of the Earley Troop who stood up and accepted the challenge of performing the main reading at short notice.
Scout Association recognition: Assistant Group Scout Leader Lyn Medaclf was presented with the Scout Association ‘Medal of Merit’ which is awarded for outstanding service with keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period. Lyn has been at the centre of the Group for more years than I can remember; actively leading cub packs and instrumental in fundraising tens of thousands of pounds for our climbing wall and up keep of our headquarters. Our congratulation and best wishes goes to our previous scout leader of Earley Troop, John White (aka Captain Carrot) who is still an active support member in the Thanet area who has been awarded the Silver Acorn and will receive at Windsor at the national scouting St George’s celebration. The Silver Acorn is awarded to individuals who has provided more than 20 years service, which is recognised as especially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
It is only a few occasions in the year that all nine sections meet together with them meeting on different evenings: Monday being Johnston Explorers, Wednesday Edward’s Colony & Phillips Pack, Thursday Philpott Colony, Collins Pack and Burne Troop, Friday Peacock Colony, Leigh Pack and Earley Troop. So it was a great opportunity to have a group photo for our current fundraising activities for 777. We will ensure to send a copy to Malcolm and Alex sending our best wishes for their preparation on their endeavour which we will be invited to get involved with in the very near future.
Please pencil in your diaries the next few group activities: Family Camp 27-30 June, District Carnival 11th June & our AGM/Open day 19th June.
Paul
GSL 5th Dartford Scouts
Editors Footnote…………….. Modest as he is, Paul ommitted to mention that he was also awarded the Medal of Merit and on behalf of everyone at the 5th – Congratulations and thankyou to you both.
2011-03-19 – District Cross Country Race
Today, members from all sections of the 5th Dartford Scout Group turned out to compete in the Annual District Cross Country race at Canada Heights, on what has probably been the most glorious, sunny day of the year thus far.
Our competeing boys and girls put in a 100% effort today, many of whom have never run in a cross-country event before. They should all take a bow and be commended on their achievement regardless of the final results, which we’ve listed below.
Team events:
6-7yrs – Beavers – 5th Peacock-colony – 1st place.
7-8yrs – Beavers – 5th Phillpot-colony – 3rd place.
8-9yrs – Cubs – 5th Leigh-pack – 3rd place.
9-10yrs – Cubs – 5th Collins-pack – 1st place.
Individual events:
6-7yrs – Beavers – Harry – 5th Peacock-colony – 2nd place.
6-7yrs – Beavers – Jack – 5th Phillpot-colony – 4th place.
7-8yrs – Beavers – Oscar – 5th Phillpot-colony – 3rd place.
9-10yrs – Cubs – Ted (1st), Jack (2nd), Sean (3rd)
Under 12yrs – Scouts – James – 3rd place.
A big thank you to all the members and family who took the time to turn out and support the 5th today.
2011-03-05 – Scout Climbers Badge Day
Today, the 5th Dartford Scout Group held a Scout climbing day for members of the Earley & Burne Scout troops and representatives of the 9th Dartford Scout Group. The day started at 09:30 with 21 Scouts ready to learn about the knots, equipment and safety aspects before the afternoon’s practical session.
After lunch, the wall was divided in to 7 climbs of varying difficulty and 1 abseil. In order to qualify, each Scout had to complete 4 different climbs (incl 1 difficult climb) and the abseil. Working in pairs and supervised by permitted instructors, the Scouts took it in turn to either climb or belay having fitted their own harnesses, belay systems and safety knots.
I am pleased to announce that every scout completed the required number of climbs and was awarded the activity badge.
A special mention must be made to 3 Scouts in particular (1 from each troop) who despite their obvious fear of heights were able to muster the courage with the support of everyone on the ground. This is what makes us Scouts!
A big thanks to all the leaders and instructors who gave their time on the day to make this course happen.
