2012-05-25 – Power Kiting @ Blackheath

Today, 14 adventurers from the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s EarleyBurne and Johnson sections participated in our third  Power Kiting adventure organised, as always, by the Kent Scout’s Air Activities Team on Blackheath Common.

We met at 10am on a warm, sunny, windy day – the optimum conditions for Power Kiting; and with the early morning spent getting our younger and less experienced members familiar and proficient at the sport, we progressed to larger and more powerful kites.  

As we broke for lunch the gusts became stronger and sustained so we had to drop back to the smaller kites when the session resumed and hoped that the gusts would drop back.  However, we sadly had to cut the day short on safety grounds as the gusts reached levels where personal safety could be compromised, but there was nothing but smiles and tales of “the buzz” and “Epic Fails” from the Scouts as we departed.

Today’s conditions were by far the best we’ve experienced, but let’s hope that our next time will be much the same as today, but without the gusts!

Well done to everyone who participated.

 

2012-05-25 – District Tug-of-War

Tonight the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Earley Troop represented the group at the Anual district Tug of War competition.  The event was, as always, well attended and with two eager teams we were ready for the challenge on what was a glorious early summer’s evening.  Both teams qualified for the main competition, with the B-team reaching the quater finals and the A-Team reaching the finals to place 2nd overall. 

Well done to everyone who attended.

 

London to Brighton for British Heart Foundation

On the 26th May myself, Stuart, Darren, Zara, Dan, Fra, Dave, Adam and a couple of others AKA “Ryan’s Rino’s” are doing the 60 mile London to Brighton Night ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

As some of you may know our son Ryan had to have an operation at the start of the year to fix a hole in his heart.  Thanks to the research carried out by this great charity Ryan is on the mend and jumping around like a 2 year should be!

I know times are tough but we would really appreciate it if you could sponsor us – every little helps!!!

Please click here to visit our Just Giving page.

Thank you and wish us luck!!!

Vicky Watts

Edwards-Colony Beaver Leader

2012-05-12 – 15th Jamboree on the Trail (JOTT)

Members of the whole of Dartford District and family members joined the walk at various points along the route of the Darent Valley Path starting from Otford moving up to Sevenoaks and then winding their way back to Sutton-at-Hone Football Club.

Due to an event already taking part in Central park the latter part of the route was done in reverse by the younger members this year, starting in the park and walking to join the other walkers at Sutton-at-Hone.

After weeks of rain, the sun shone making it perfect weather for the occasion. Hundreds of people walked altogether with plenty of Red neckerchiefs on show. A good chance to have a relaxed chat to parents and young adventurers en-route and a chance for them to earn their Hikes Away badges.

At the finish everyone was rewarded with a JOTT badge, crisps, cakes and drinks.

Well done to everyone who completed the course however far but particularly to Adam Lloyd who jogged the complete route and finished the course just as the Beavers were starting at 2.15pm.

Hope to see even more of you and your families next year.

Regards Wendy

2012-05-11 – 7th Ntl Scout Archery Competition

This was a camp of many firsts for the 5th Dartford Scout Group. For three of the 7 Scouts attending it was their first camp as Scouts; It was the first time the 5th had competed at the National Scout Archery Competition and it was the first time we had taken a Gold medal, thanks to Burne Troop’s Matthew Buttler who won the under 12’s 20yd target competition.

The camp was held at Phasels Wood in Herts, nr Kings Langley, which is @ an hour from home.  The campsite is vast with large open fields and wooded areas, which were perfect for the field events, clout and target in which we all participated.  Paul and Jason were joined on this camp by Russ Kettley, the 5th’s Quatermaster, who looked after camp whilst we were competing and prepared all our meals.  The weather was perfect for the event, with glorious sunshine and most of all it remained dry.  Other activities, which the Scouts took advantage of beetween events included the high ropes, assault course, crate stacking and zip wire.  All the Scouts had a great time and are already looking forward to next year’s competition.  Who’d have thought that only 4 weeks ago we were missing the boss at 10 yards and our standards have improved through practice and  instruction by our own archery leaders Lynn, Debbie, Maggie and Jim to whom we offer our thanks and to Russ for looking after us.