In a presentation ceremony and tour of the facilities today, Maggie and Jim attended the Miskin Theatre, on behalf of the 5th Dartford Scout Group, to receive their Award Certificate for ‘Best Youth Organisation‘. We thank everyone concerned in the nomination and voting process for recognising the 5th’s continued commitment to the social, physical and mental development of the youth in our community through a balanced programme and everyday adventure.
Tonight the Phillips-Pack demonstrated and talked to the pack about their hobbies and interests outside of Scouting for the Hobbies activity badge, with explanations on the Lancaster bomber to demonstrations of Jujitsu, electronic keyboards, golf and magic.
60 years Coronation Party
On Thursday 30th May 2013 the three 5th Dartford Beaver Colonies joined together to celebrate 60 years since Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II was crowned (albeit a few days early)
Twenty Five Beavers all dressed in red, white and blue arrived to find the hall decorated with bunting and the Leaders dressed up to suit the occasion. First item on the agenda was to decorate a crown using an abundance of different craft materials from beads and feathers to glitter and ribbon etc.
Then the games began. Bash the balloon, Musical Chairs and Pass the Parcel which included forfeits such as Sing the National Anthem, Draw a picture of the Queen and the ever popular 10 Press-ups.
On went the crowns and we were all seated at a festive table full of yummy cakes, chocolate biscuits and a big cup of fizzy pop all colour co-ordinated of course.
Whilst eating the Beavers were shown copies of original newspapers from the day and also the Coronation mugs and plates that were given to all children at the time. Memorabilia of some of our older Leaders present at the party.
Another game of Musical Bumps to burn up all the calories and it was time to go home.
Before they left each Beaver was presented with a commemorative key ring, Union Jack sweets and a lollipop.
Congratulations Your Majesty, Long May You Reign
Tonight Matt & James of the Earley-Troop attended a County presentation for the the Chief Scout Gold Award at Maling School, Maidstone. The VIP guest on this occasion was Tim Kidd, Chief Commissioner of England and the presentations were assisted by Dean Harding ACC Scouts. As always, Des Harris added some humor to the proceedings and James got the laugh of the evening when he volleyed one of Des’ jokes. 
Whilst at the presentation, James was also formally presented with his Kent Scout’s gold volunteer award, which recognises 100+ hrs of voluntary service to the community.
The following album captures a few highlights from the evening.
Tonight 3 members of the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Earley-Troop received their Chief Scout Gold Award. Matthew, James and Tom were presented with their awards by DC Paul Abel & DSL Wayne Tompkinson. This award is the highest attainable in the Scout section and represents a significant effort – very well done lads.
This evening, The 5th Dartford Scouts Phillips-Pack Cubs took to the ropes for a climbing session and a ‘have a go’ crossbow session. Below are a few pictures taken.
On behalf of everyone at the 5th Dartford Scout Group, we would like to thank the staff and owners at Michael’s Bridal Fabrics for their generous donation of £1,300.00 towards our New Hall Fund. Please see the letter, which accompanied the cheque.
Below – a few pictures from the day; If you’ve taken any photos at this event and would like to include them in our archive, please email them to: media@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk. Click here to view our annual section reports.
Jamboree On The Trail 2013
The 5th Dartford Scout Group were well represented at this years JOTT (a walk along the Darenth Valley path) with walkers joining in at various places en route. Leaders, Explorers and Scouts started at Sevenoaks Station, Cubs at Farningham and a mass of Beavers and their families from Dartford Park.
The weather was kind to the morning walkers, unfortunately as we set off from Dartford Park the heavens opened but that didn’t deter our spirits.
We all made it safely although rather muddy and damp to Sutton-at-Hone Football Club where we were greeted by much needed refreshments and given a badge to prove we took part.
Over 700 people walked this year (and a few dogs).
Our Thanks go to the organising team for a job well done.
Auntie Beaver
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
