2014-12-07 – 98th Birthday Parade

happy-birthday[1]Today we celebrate 98 years of continuous Scouting at the 5th Dartford Scout group with a parade from our hall to the Spital Street Methodist church, followed by parties and paint-balling. Well done to everyone who attended and especially to our award winners and Harry and Nathan for their reading. Please read on for the GSL’s address and photo’s from the day. Continue reading

2014-10-30 – Beavers Halloween

pumpkinA record 43 boys arrived dressed in Spooky costumes for our biggest Beaver Halloween Party ever. We even had a Dalek and Darth Vader join in the celebrations. Along with the valued help of four of our Explorers the Beavers enjoyed traditional games such as getting the Doughnuts from the string without the use of hands, picture matching, the ever popular story game Ooh Spooky! and Apple bobbing followed by getting minions out of the icing sugar once their faces were wet. Continue reading

2014-06-13 – Dr John Burne RIP

It is with sadness that we report that Dr John Burne, one of the founding fathers of 5th Dartford Scout Group, died on 13 June 2014 following a short illness.

In the early 1950s Dr Burne – along with Ernie Johnston, Skipper Leigh, Alan Medcalf and many other volunteers, worked hard to raise funds so that the old wooden hut used by the group could be replaced with a state-of-the-art Scout Hall (the one we know and love today!). It took three years for the group to raise the money for the project and building work started in 1959.

It took two years for the leaders, parents and other volunteers to build the new hall and Dr Burne was one of only a dozen or so people who saw the project right through from inception to completion. Lyn Medcalf remembers well Dick talking about how Dr Burne worked tirelessly alongside his father, helping to dig out the foundations for the new Scout Hall.

Dr Burne was a former trustee of 5th Dartford and one of our lifelong supporters; he corresponded with the 5th all through his retirement and took a keen interest in our activities and, in particular, our current fundraising efforts for (yet another) new hall.

In January 1986 the group honored Dr Burne by naming its new Scout Troop after him.
Dr Burne will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

2014-10-11 – YPS Accreditation

yps_11The final quiz and shooting competition for this years National Small-Bore Rifle Association (NSRA) Youth Proficiency Scheme (YPS) took place on Saturday the 11th October. After completing the seven week course were the participants learnt about safety, aspects of the law, sighting, breathing, trigger control and the standing position they competed in the final competition and was awarded their Proficiency standard and as detailed by the governing body NSRA.

Congratulation to all who took part, and best of luck to those attending Bisley the Scout National final on the 18th & 19th October, but a special mention must go to Chris for his score of 183, beating last years record holder by a clear 6 points!

yps2014 yps2014a

2014-10-17 – Bisley Camp

With a party of 30, the 5th Dartford Scout Group competed at NSRA Bisley for the 6th consecutive year. The teams were comprised of members from Earley-Troop, Burne-Troop, Johnston ESU and supported with many thanks by Karen and Tracy again for all our meals.  The weather was favorable and remained dry and sunny throughout the competition. I’m pleased to report that everyone represented us well and turned up for their events at the right time, with the right kit and in the right frame of mind and as a result of our continued practice and development we attained 3 bronze awards, with Nathan in the Biathlon, Chris in the Field Targets and Kay in the seniors knockout. A few pictures from the event and our scores below.Passport

Continue reading

2014-11-15 – Murder Mystery

mysterySATURDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 2014 6.30pm

Whether you’re a LADY or a TRAMP, an ARISTOCAT, A LION KING, or LITTLE MERMAID – time to be BRAVE , pick up MARY & POPP – IN to our Scout Hall where INSPECTOR GADGET needs your help.

Yes folks another chance for the whole family to enjoy a Saturday Night out together, dressed in Scouting uniform, camp clothes (onesys, tracksuits etc) or this time your FAVOURITE DISNEY CHARACTER – (prize for best costume.)

All you need for a great night out – which for our SLEEPING BEAUTIES usually finishes about 10 o’clock, is your own crockery, cutlery and drinks, and you’ll all be fed some of the 5 ths legendary Camp Food – with a 4 course meal for all.

The evening starts with a Leader getting MURDERED! (again) (not gory/non violent) then between courses you and your table of up to eight get the chance to try and work out by the visual clues – WHODUNNIT, when the story of the investigation is played out for your entertainment by the 5ths legendary players, as well as hopefully our legendary cubs and beavers.

With songs from films like Jungle Book, Toy Story, Mary Poppins and Frozen plus a raffle we hope you can all come along and join in the fun.   Tickets £10 per Adult , £5 per Child (U14) available from any leader. All proceeds to New Hall Fund.

So like PETER PAN, you never grow old of the films and songs, no need to SHRINK THE KIDS – bring them with you! You may not be FINDING NEMO but you might find the Guilty Party, and unlike CINDERELLA – you’ll be well home by midnight – it’s hardly a HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL!.