On 6th March, 8 Beaver Scouts from the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Peacock and Philpott colonies attended a district Chief Scout Bronze award presentation at the Fleetdown Community Centre to honour the achievement of some of our youngest members in gaining this award. 
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.
As you’ll no doubt recall, the 5th Dartford Scout Group worked hard in 2010 to raise funds for ShelterBox. We are now delighted to let you know that our donation of £708.62 has enabled 2 boxes to be allocated and we can even trace their location here, wherever in the world they are deployed.
Tonight, The 5th Dartford Scout Group’s own Earley Troop was presented with the trophy for winning a district Five-a-Side competition a few weeks back. DSL Wayne Tomkinson made the unscheduled visit to present the trophy during a busy pancake tossing competition, which was won by the hawks.
To help with the water safety part of their Safety Badge, Terry a volunteer with the R.N.L.I. visited the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Philpott Beavers on their colony night. He showed them a short but very informative film, taught them the differences in the colours of the flags flown on beaches and their meanings and what to do in an emergency. Bearded Beaver was asked to put on a set of the crews protective clothing (much to his delight) and all the boys were given Lifeboat stickers.
As a ‘Thank you’ the Beavers all brought some 10p’s to make a silver river across the hall, which, when counted up at the end totaled £36.60 and this was presented to Terry to pass on, on our behalf to the R.N.L.I.
Tonight, the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Edwards Beaver colony invested two new members to it growing number. In front of their piers, leaders and parents; Luke and Isobel made the scout sign and made their Beaver Scout promise and now have the right an privilege to proudly wear the distinctive red group necker.
Today, the 5th Dartford Scout Group was visited by the cubs and leaders from the Cambria Sea Scouts’ Voyager Cub Pack for a session of Archery, Climbing and Rifle/Pistol target shooting. The cubs joined us just before 10am following a sleepover at Scout House and, as we were reliably informed, “Tons of Eggy Bread.”
The party was split in to 3 groups, which rotated round the activities with @ 45 minutes on each. The visit ended @ 13:00 with all the young people having had a great time.
Many thanks to all the leaders, instructors and scouts who gave their time to make today possible.
A selection of the photo’s taken today can be seen in the gallery below.
Wonderful aroma’s filled the air at the Scout Hall this half-term, when the lads from Burne Troop tried their hands at making Vegetable Soup. Peeling potatoes, chopping carrots, slicing leeks and adding those all important veggie stock cubes; and after a quick reminder on how to use a ‘Trangia’ set about cooking the soup to perfection.
One batch was then liquidized to form a ‘Smoothie’ and one left with the lumps.
Verdict:- Yummy!!
Then came the washing up, obviously not something they’re used to as they tried to dry up with a tea-towel still all neatly folded – They were soon put right!
Leaders and Parents New & Old put their brains and taste buds to the test for an evening of fun at the annual 5th Dartford Scout Group’s quiz night. They decyphered codes, had to recognize famous faces, test their spelling ability, taste the flavours in various fruit juices and remember music from the past. A profit of £143 went to Group funds and the triumphant team were presented with bottles of Bucks Fizz & Boxes of Chocolates.
Watch this space for the date of the next one.
Today the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Burne Troop visited the Pirate Adventure at Blue Water for a free trial go. 12 Scouts opted to take up the challenge – six on the high ropes and six on the climbing wall. Great fun was had on a very cold, dark damp evening.
Many thanks to their two members of staff who were very friendly and helpful.
