Saturday 5th October afternoon started with the final completion of this year’s National Small-bore Rifle Association (NSRA) – Youth Proficiency Scheme (YPS) with 13 of youth members from Burne, Earley and Johnston sections taking their final exam and partaking in the competition, resulting in 4 achieving ‘Master Shot’, 4 “Expert Shot’, 3 Marksman and 2 ‘Skilled Shot’. A really impressive achievement for all with 4 achieving the top award, with the highest score being 188 when the maximum possible is 210.
The AGM was organised to the new Scout Association guidance, which follows the best practice as recommended by the Charity Commission with what was previously known as the Executive now as the groups Trustee Board. NB: Minutes of the meeting available from the document download
The Chair of the Trust Board, Russ, guided the meeting through the new format, appointing the Trust members.
The Treasurer, Karen provided insight to our finances, explaining about the recent spend in preparation of the new hall, increased expenses and capitation costs with the consequences of increased charges to members, however as a group we look to ensure Scouting is for all and we look to assist wherever we can.
The Group Lead Volunteer, Paul provided an insight to the Scouting year, thanking the volunteer leadership that makes it possible as well as the Trustees who make it all possible. Paul presented both Russ and Karen a token gift of vintage silver Scouting ‘Thank You’ badge with Scouts presenting flowers noting both of their service to the Group and Scouting for more than a decade each. Paul also acknowledged Bev who was not able to be present as she has decided to step down for being the groups auditor after 25 years, before that she was the groups treasurer for further 25 years. Over 50 years of volunteering supporting Scouting.
The newly appointed District Lead Volunteer, Neil Gearing presented the Chief Scout Gold awards to Tristain, Leo, Olivia, Evie, Ollie and Alex.
The leader of the Council, Jeremy Kite addressed the AGM on the benefit of Scouting along with the long term support the council has provided and looking to support into the future via the Salute to Youth scheme.
The Mayor of Dartford, Andy Lloyd expressed his thanks to the Scouting Volunteers and his memories of when he was Scout gaining his Chief Scout Award and his support for the movement.
The AGM was official closed, however Keith and Julie were running the tea and cake stall with the instructors providing parents and siblings an opportunity to try out air-rifle and pistol shooting for themselves.
On October 5th, 6 of our young people were presented with their Chief Scout Gold Awards frm District Lead Volunteer, Neil Gearing. Congratulations to Tristan, Olivia, Leo, Evie, Olliver & Alex. Congratulations also to Maisie & Meigan who were unable to attend on the day.
Back in June, 13 Scouts and Explorers from the 5th signed up to the National Small-Bore Rifle Association – Youth Proficiency Scheme (NSRA-YPS) course, 10 first timers and 3 retaking to improve their skill level. Starting in July, the young people attended weekly sessions to learn everything from setting up a range, equipment, the law, safety, eye dominance, stance, & breathing to the follow through, sighting, sight adjustment and scoring; concluding with a multiple choice exam and a shooting competition. In order to qualify for the competition a quiz of 10 randomly selected true/false statements was taken, where a minimum of seven must be answered correctly; these points are also added to the 4 scoring cards for the total score. Each card has the potential score of 50 points with 5 shots at each, making the maximum possible score of 210, including the quize score.