Tonight, the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s GSL, Paul Boreham, dropped in on the Phillips Pack to present Megan O’Brien with her “Skilled Shot” NSRA Youth Proficiency Scheme accreditation. Megan is the group’s youngest holder of this air rifle target shooting qualification, which was gained following a 7 week course, written exam and competition and at only 9, she’s already looking forward to attending her first National competition next year. Well done Megan
Thursday 15th November 2012
Burne Troop received a visit from the District Commissioner Angela Rainey who presented Tim Roscoe A.S.L. with his 20 year Service Certificate and Badge. This award was much deserved as Tim was the Groups Venture Scout Leader for many years before swapping roles and joining Burne Troop over 3 years ago. He is a highly regarded and a very much valued member of the Leadership team.
Well Done Tim and thanks for all your help.
Del.
On Sunday 18th November 2012 Kenji Seanor of the Philpott Colony was given his Chief Scouts Bronze Award at the District Presentation held at St Mary’s Church Greenhithe. Kenji started Beavers just under two years ago as an extremely quiet and shy boy who wouldn’t speak to any adults. During his time with us he has slowly gained his confidence and over the past year has really flourished into a bubbly cheeky little Beaver who we all know and love.
Very well done Kenji
From Auntie Beaver
Chief Scouts Gold for Patrick
On Thursday 15th November 2012 Patrick Sykes of Burne Troop was presented with his Chief Scouts Gold Award (the highest award a Scout can receive) by the District Commissioner in front of all the current Burne Troop Scouts, his parents and the District Scout Leader Wayne Tompkinson. Patrick started his Scouting adventure as a Beaver at the age of six and has always fully participated in all events at both group and District level.
Well Done Patrick you are a credit to the Troop.
BONFIRE AND FIREWORK NIGHT
The leaders of Leigh Pack hosted a bonfire night for the boys during half-term. The evening started with the lighting of the large bonfire which was then put to good use, testing the Guys that the boys had made at cubs the week previous. Sparklers were enjoyed during a brief interval of Guy burning and as the temperature dropped, food, soup and hot chocolate were served before the boys tried their hands at warming marshmallows over an open fire.
The evening finished with a firework display. The boys and parents enjoyed the evening which was planned and hosted by Tracey and John.
Long Service Presentations to Big Beaver & Bearded Beaver
On Thursday 8th November the District Commissioner Angela Rainey visited the Philpott Colony and after joining in with our Camp Fire night and leading the singing of Kum Ba Yah! she made very important presentations to two of our Leaders in front of Beavers and parents alike. Firstly Big Beaver ‘our Julie’ was awarded her 15 year service certificate and badge, followed by Bearded Beaver, my Oliver, who was awarded his 10 year service certificate and badge.
Congratulations and very many thanks to them both for all their years of loyalty and help to me and the Group. You both deserve this recognition as without you Philpott Colony would not be so strong.
Well Done!
Auntie Beaver.
Annual Beaver Halloween Party Thursday 1st Nov 2012
A super evening was had by all at the annual 5th Dartford Beavers Halloween Party. 28 Beavers from all three colonies turned up in their gruesome costumes for 2 hours of traditional games including getting the doughnuts off the string (no hands allowed) apple bobbing, scary picture matching and no Beaver Party would ever be complete without the ever popular ‘Story Game’ particularly enjoyed by the Leaders who can’t wait to join in!! With a break half way through for some ghostly grub washed down with witches brew the time flew by. Each Beaver was given a bag of treats to take home along with lots of happy memories and Mr Bones was put safely back in his coffin ready for next year. Ooooh Spooky!!!
Congratulations to Patrick Sykes of Burne Troop who was awarded the Kent Scout’s Volunteer Silver Award on 18th October for clocking up an amazing 50 hours voluntary service giving up his free time to referee junior Judo matches and still finding time to come to Scouts on a regular basis.
Very well done Patrick we are all proud of you!
Tonight the Phillips-Pack Cubs dressed as phantoms, vampires, ghosts, witches and beasties from the dark side to join in with the Halloween fun. Asside from the fab fancy dress costumes, there was apple bobbing, games and yummy chocolate spider making. A fab time was had by all who dared to enter – Mwahahahaha!
With 42 in our party, this was the largest contingent of Dartfordians to attend the National Scout Rifle Championships at NSRA Bisley. In our 6 years of consecutive attendance, this year was the first where we’ve had to contend with swamp conditions. However, the rain and mud did nothing to dampen our efforts as our Scouts performed well in their events, especially those who recently qualified in the NSRA YPS scheme who were able to put in to practice, under tournament conditions, all they had learnt.
Some of Dartford’s competitors did exceptionally well, having come in the top 20 Nationally and deserve special mention and they are:
| Name | Event | Class | Position |
| James O’Brien | .22 Small Bore | Beginners <14 | 7th |
| George McCarron | .22 Small Bore | Beginners <18 | 16th |
| Matthew Randall | Biathlon | <14 | 14th |
| James O’Brien | Field Targets | <14 | 4th |
| Brian Lloyd | Full Bore | 18+ | 10th |
| Keith Furlong | 6yd Pistol | 18+ | 15th |
| Joe Williams | 6yd Rifle | <12 | 11th |
It’s worth noting that ALL of the young folk named above are NSAR YPS accredited, which goes to show that with the correct training and practice you can achieve good scores.
As with all camps, none of it’s possible without the leaders and support team who look after the young members whilst they’re away and none more so than Karen and Pauline who ensured there were hot meals and snacks available when our young athletes needed it and Keith and John who arrived on camp early to pitch the tents to ensure kit could be stowed in the dry and Neil for loading the van whilst we were still shooting. Thank You very much!
If you want to be considered for the 2013 team, you’ll need to be practiced and focused as we’ll be selecting on merit – Shoot in the black and we’ll invite you back 😉
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