Barton St David Scout Group
Autumn 2012 Newsletter

Beavers is starting again!

There is big excitement at the Barton St David Scout Group because we are starting a new Beaver Colony on Monday 5 November.  Beavers is for boys and girls aged 6 to 8 years old.  Two new leaders - Jenny Turk and Trudie Gordon - have kindly stepped forward to help and have already planned a programme to start after half-term.  Beavers will meet on Monday evenings from 1815 to 1915 at Barton St David Village Hall.  Subs are £20 per term.  To apply for a place for your child please click here.  For any other queries please contact Jenny Turk.

Cubs

At the beginning of term, the Cubs joined the Scouts on a woodland walk at Neil McDonald's new farm - Orchard Park Farm - at Hornblotton.  Neil is hoping to clear some woodland to enable us to build a camp for the Scout Group, which will be brilliant - we cannot wait!

Cubs then spent a weekend at Great Lyde Scout Hall learning skills such as fire lighting, axe and saw, map work, lashings and patrol tent erecting.  Many thanks to Vega, Ian and Neil for accompanying them.  They had a marvellous time.

The week after this, they had a special guest potter at their session who helped them to make models out of clay. Then it was time to polish up their bicycles for a cycling session at Orchard Park Farm with James, Neil and Ian.  The following week, they talked about the sports they love and gave demonstrations.  Last week they learnt some vital first aid skills.  

The final session before half-term focused on the Chef Activity Badge.  The children played games to illustrate the importance of washing their hands correctly, how to store food safely and how to plan a menu.  To attain this badge they now have to prepare and cook a 2-course meal for 4 people and clear away afterwards.  We are hoping to do some cooking with them in small groups in the future.

Scouts

Scouts kicked off the Autumn Term by joining other Scout Groups in the Yeovil and District Scout Council for the Joint Activity Water Sports (JAWS) weekend camp at Buddens Scout Centre in Dorset.  They did canoeing, dragon boating, climbing, abseiling, caving, shooting and archery and had an amazing time.  You can see the photos by clicking here.

Since then, the Scouts have been exploring in the woods at Orchard Park Farm; learning to use their senses by identifying things by smell, taste and touch; drawing and painting works of art for their Artist Activity Badge; cooking spaghetti bolognese to complete their Camp Cook Badge; and brushing up on their first aid.  In the final session before half term, they will be sharing their sporting passions with each other and talking about their sporting heroes and heroines.

After half term, it will continue to be action-packed, with Remembrance Day Parade; a visit to RNAS Yeovilton; an International Food Evening; and Scuba Diving, among other things.  Please look at the programmes below for more details.

Fund raising

Early in September, James and Trudie set up a stall at Keinton Mandeville Village Day to raise money for the Scout Group and to recruit some new members, assisted for a short while by Jane.  Sixteen children signed up to receive more information about Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and several have since joined, which is great.  Many thanks to James and Trudie for all their hard work.











Christmas fundraising at Sainsbury's in Street

Darren Cross, the Group Treasurer, has kindly arranged for the Scout Group to pack bags at Sainsbury's in Street in the run up to Christmas.  Here are the dates and times we are on duty.  We really need your help, so please sign up to come along and help your children raise money for the Group:

Friday 7 December 2012 – 5:00pm until 8:00pm
Friday 21 December 2012 – 5:00pm until 8:00pm

Remembrance Day Parade

Remembrance Day Parade will be on Sunday 11 November at St Peter's Church, West Lydford.  Further details to follow but we usually meet at 1000.  All Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are expected to attend.  



News about events and activities

You can keep up with news about events and activities via our website.

Thank you

Many thanks to all the leaders for their hard work and commitment to the Group, especially to James, who dedicates hours of his own time to enabling the children to enjoy the benefits of scouting.  Particular thanks to Vega our Group Scout Leader; Darren our Treasurer; James, Jon and James our Scout Leaders; James, Ian and Neil our Cub Leaders; and to Jenny and Trudie for coming forward to lead Beavers.  All of our leaders have completed their Scout Association training, which has been quite time-consuming.

Now that the Group is growing, we would really welcome occasional help from parents.  If you would like to get involved in any way to support your children please contact us.