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.
Hobbycraft Crown Making Competition
Between 25th May and 1st June, the Crayford branch of Hobbycraft ran a Crown making competition for local Beaver Scouts, which the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Beaver sections entered into. Votes were cast by customers visiting the store.
Donation from Co-operative Community Fund
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
2012-04-22 – St George’s Parade
The sun shone for the 5th Dartford Scout Group today along with other groups, Brownies and Guide sections for the Dartford district St George’s Day service and parade in Central Park. As always, the 5th were well represented and looked smart and well turned out. After the parade, which took place in the park this year, The Earley-Troops George, Kyle and Henry were presented with their Kent County Invicta Challenge awards by District Scout Leader Wayne Tomkinson.
2012-05-19 – Disco & Curry Night Fundraiser.
Despite less support than we’d hoped, the Curry & Disco fundraiser at the Amar Hall was a success with all costs covered and a small surplus going to the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s coffers. To all those who were able to attend, we thank you for your support and hope you had a great time.
2012-04-06 – Easter Camp @ Thriftwood
On a bright & sunny Good Friday’s morning, members of the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Earley-Troop, Burne Troop and Johnston Explorers descended on Thriftwood Campsite, Brentwood for our annual Easter Camp. Conditions upon arrival were favourable and setting up in the sunshine is always a bonus.
The programme was a simple one, with all meals cooked by the Scouts “Backwoods” style and activities including fishing, whittling, axe & saw, camp gadgets, canoeing, 3D maze, assault course and the Easter Egg Hunt.
Every Scout was able to catch at least one fish, but many landed a considerable catch, with some very nice specimens caught too.
The 5th Easter Camp is widely known for its adventurous menu choices, where the Scouts are asked to prepare and cook food they wouldn’t usually attempt in an oven, let alone over coals and this camp was no exception with 3 large fresh whole salmon selected Friday morning. With only 3 passers on the meal, the overwhelming buzz from the Scouts was that the fish was a success and tasted even better having done it themselves.
Thanks to Darren for the planning of this camp and to all the attending leaders who made it possible.
We’re a chosen charity at ASDA Living – Dartford
The Dartford branch of ASDA Living, situated at Prospect Place, has selected the 5th Dartford Scout Group as one of it’s charities, so if you’re looking to spruce up your home over Easter, why not check out the store and vote for us at the checkout as demonstrated by Isobel of the Edwards beavers, who popped her green token into our charity.
