National Archery Competition 2013 – Phasels Wood
For the second consecutive year 5th Dartford Scouts took part in the Scout National Archery competition at Phasels Wood Activity Centre, however with growing interest we doubled last entrance: 12 Scouts, 1 Explorer and 5 Leaders. This year saw the largest participant field of 397 competitors in the 20yard Target, Clout and Field competitions. During the times were waiting to compete the Scouts were able to use the excellent camp site facilities: Climbing, Zip-wire, Crate Staking, Trampolines as well as the assault course. Although not brilliant sunshine all the time, the weather was relatively kind to us enabling us to compete in the sun and have a dry pack away.
The seven weeks training that we provided on a Tuesday evening before the event paid dividends with comments made by the Field Captains that all our participants were “knowledgeable, knew what they were doing and were excellent participants”. I am pleased to report that as well as everyone thoroughly enjoying the three different archery disciplines; James achieved 2nd Place u14 Fields Targets, Matthew achieved 2nd Place Clout u14, 1st Place 20yds Target u14 as well as highest scoring u14 in the category of ‘Supplied Equipment’ and won a compound bow for the group.
Many thanks to Gary, Lynn, Jim, Maggie and Jason for volunteering their time running the practice sessions coaching the scouts, Tim for being our first-aider and camp lead whilst at the competition.
Also a special mention to Kevin Wells, John and Pauline Butler who helped us set up camp on Friday evening and to Colin Hart helping us to unload and pack away the equipment on our return on Sunday. This was greatly appreciated by all of the leaders making it a whole lot easier for us to take the scouts camping and attending these sort of competitions.
I will look to post the final results of all our competitors once they have been released. If you have any photographs of the weekend please forward them to Paul@5thDartfordScouts.org.uk so that we collate them in to a presentation.
Paul Boreham
The 5th Dartford Scout Group were well represented at this years 
Today, many of the cubs and beavers who are going on the Disney 2014 trip, attended a bag packing session at Dartford Sainsbury’s to help raise funds for the trip. Our young adventurers, accompanied by 
a parent, did one of two 2hr sessions and we’re pleased to advise that the bucket count for today was £547.15. We were also able to collect 625 Active Kids vouchers (running total now 9600) with customers realising that Scouts can benefit from them too.
Today, 4 members of the 
Tonight the 
Another success for the 5th Dartford Players with their non-violent ‘Canoe Done It?” mystery, which was well attended as usual. Cast member Darren was the culprit on this occasion having sabotaged the canoe race for financial gain! However, he was rumbled and the only one to gain on the night was our New Hall Fund as the evening raised
Tonight, the 
. It was a great evening, which was rounded off with our overseas friends singing some of their songs and it certainly ticked some boxes for our Global Challenge too. We look forward to seeing them when we visit Gravelines for our Summer Camp in July.
This evening, members of the 
