2010-06-12 – County Dragon Boating

dragonSaturday 12th June – Three Earley Troop members attended the first county Dragon Boating day at Bewl Water at Lamberhurst. 80 Scouts and Explorers from Kent were trained in the methods of Dragon Boat paddling and competed in several races.  All were treated to a trip around the reserve on the pleasure cruiser as well as making use of the great adventure playgrounds in-between paddles. Well done to Adam, Robert and Charlie for making the effort to attend this event and congratulations too on being awarded their Dragon Boat racing badge http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/badges/scout-activity-drbo.htm

 

2010-06-13 – AGM & Open Day

AGMToday saw the 5th Dartford Scout group open its doors to family, friends and local dignitaries from the Mayoralty, Council Leaders, our newly elected MP – Gareth Johnson and members of our own Scout District leadership team.   The day kicked off at 11am with activities including 6yd rifle target shooting, Climbing, Abseiling, Ice-climbing, Archery and Arts & Crafts. There were also burgers on sale at  a very reasonable price and refreshments for all for a small donation. 

At @ 12:00 the activities were put on hold whist the official business of the day was conducted, which happily went without issue or complication.  Mr Johnson spoke briefly to us about how he wants to help with some of the issues which the group are facing including, but not limited to, the refurbishment of our driveway and lighting; and how he would like to build upon the  relationship we have heldTarget_used with the Mayoralty and leaders of the local Council.  I’m pleased to reiterate that all members of our executive committee were returned and will be able to continue without delay with the invaluable non scouting work they have done behind the scenes to date and for the year ahead.

After the official business concluded, the fun activities resumed until @ 14:30 with many happy, beaming  faces having shot their first archery gold, their best target score, or indeed the first time they ever rang the bell on the wall.  Council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite even dressed for the climb today by sporting denims and boots and gave a fine demonstration of how abseiling is done at the 5th. 

archeryThe 5th Dartford Scout Group warmly extend an open invitetion to Mr Johnson and to members of the Mayoralty and Council to visit us for a “have a go” session where you can leave the suits, robes and chains at home and enjoy some of the activities which make Scouting at the 5th such a valuable community resourse, which we hope you will treasure as much as we do.  

Many thanks to everyone who ran the events and refreshments for keeping us both entertained and sustained and to Kay for taking a great many pictures to document the day.

2010-06-12 – District Carnival

boat_viking_shipOn Saturday, the 5th Dartford Scout Group was asked to provide the pioneering activities for the Dartford District Scout Carnival in Central Park.  The 5th’s leaders, section assistants and parents helped build 6 structures for the young people in the community to tackle; the Beavers and Cubs, with the help of thier leaders and parents, dressed as Vikings and complete with a decorated Viking longboat, participated in the carnival parade.  The Earley Scout Troop was also victorious in winning the Scouts 5-a-side footballSOCCER competition, which put the cherry atop a great day, which I believe was enjoyed by all.

Special thanks to Maggie and the tea team who who kept us all hydrated on the events so we could focus on the young people having fun.

As always, we have some photo’s, but I can’t be everywhere at once, so please forward any other quality pictures, especially any of the Beavers and Cubs on parade to: jason@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk or on a cd in the Earley Troop mailbox at the hall.

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2010-06-04 – Website enhanced for Smartphones!

top5smartphones_1q2009Check out the 5th Dartford Scout Groups website on your iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry and other smartphones and you’ll see a customised, faster loading menu to get to all the information you need without having to download large graphics.  Why not check it out today…………