Snowdon Troop Report 2013 – 14

27th February 2012 by a_gaunt

Snowdon Scout Troop Report (2013 – 14)

 

The Snowdon Scout Troop continues to be run by Andrew Connor (Leader), Tony Gaunt (Leader), Steve Cushman (Leader), Neil Taylor (Helper) and Femi Oresanya (Helper).

At the time of writing, we have 16 Scouts in the Troop, this is a lower number than normal as we have lost several of our older more experienced Scouts to the Pinewood Explorers unit. The good news is that has allowed for new Patrol and Assistant Patrol Leaders to be selected and learn the leadership skills required for these important roles. Also some of the Scouts that have left the Troop are now working as Young Leaders supporting the Beaver Colonies and Cub Packs in their weekly meetings; the experience gained by these older scouts is used and transferred into the younger sections, which is valuable to all involved.

Our Summer Camp in 2013 was a joint event with the Nevis and Scafell Troops and was held at Beacon Hill Scout Campsite near Horsham. The Scouts learned camping skills, cooking as patrols on fires throughout the week – they were surprised at just how much wood they needed and how tricky it is to manage your fire ! Other activities included kayaking, cycling and pioneering. The last night of camp was spent sleeping in shelters that the Scouts had built.

With the Scout HQ being refurbished at the beginning of Autumn term, it meant that we really had to put the out in Scouting, and we spent plenty of time away from the HQ on fun activities. These included an Observation Hike, a trip to Craggy Island climbing wall and caving system in Carshalton amongst other things.

We work hard to provide a programme of activities that is both interesting and instructional – some of those we have done through the year are :-

  • Hobbies night, where the scouts showed off their hobbies and interests.
  • Cooking night where some excellent meals where prepared and cooked by the patrols, then judged by the Leaders.
  • Swimming Gala – we entered this as a joint team with Nevis and Scafell – we won !!
  • Designed and built self-propelled vehicles from recycled materials.
  • Forester Badge Weekends – learning about tree identification, management of woodlands/forests, caring for equipment and laying hedges
  • Medway Kayaking trip – an 8 mile trip down the River Medway for some of the more experienced Kayakers

As ever this is only possible due to the time, energy, effort and dedication of our leadership team, helpers, executive committee, GSL, Scouts and Parents who contribute to our programme of activities. Without this support we would not be able to provide the good memories, opportunities and skills to our scouts. We offer our thanks to each and every one of you involved.

If you think you could help us with any of our activities please come and speak to any one of us before or after a meeting, we are in need of extra support within our troops and you would find your involvement very rewarding…..

 

Yours in Scouting

28th Croydon Snowdon Scout Troop Leaders