Week ending 27.04.13
Cornalees “Yes Please”
Inverkip Beavers went to Cornalees and met the rangers who assisted them in pond dipping, finding lots of species which was really interesting. In addition to finding lots of small insects they found toad spawn and even a newt! This was all before venturing round the nature trail, sampling plants and learning about different birds and insects which live there. This was a first hike for some Beavers and helped towards their Outdoor Challenge Badge.
1st Gourock Hail a Great Walk
Scouts, Cubs and Beavers from 1st Gourock were joined by parents, friends and brothers and sisters on their annual sponsored walk.
The Scouts began their walk at the Drumshantie HQ and were joined by Cubs at Lunderston Bay while Beavers started at Inverkip for the walk up to Everton. In total more than 90 people took part in the event.
Walkers cheerfully endured rain, hail and cold winds on their way up to the campsite where they enjoyed hot soup and sandwiches provided by members of the group executive.
The walk was extra special for two Beavers, Sam McGarva and Luke Garrity, who were invested on the site. It’s certain the two boys will remember the day they made their promise in the hail at Everton!
On the way back down the sheep and lambs huddling together under hedges for shelter from torrential downpour watched the still cheerful but very wet walkers.
Thanks go to the exec team for soup and sandwiches and well done to all walkers who have really earned their sponsor money.
60th in Everton tidy up
The 60th Group spent a busy day at Everton as part of their Environment Partnership Award project.
The group, based in Glenburn School, was finding out how they can care for the different environments they use, from the areas around their halls to the district campsite and leisure spaces.
Cubs and Scouts worked hard and Everton is now a much tidier site as they cleared litter and picked up discarded items from various sites, including a very soggy pillow in a stripy blue pillowcase!
They also cleaned up the planters at the church and planted bulbs in them which will hopefully provide colour later in the year.
The group plans to visit Lunderston Bay and Finlaystone Estate later this year to complete their project.
Football Crazy
Cubs from all across the District have taken part in a District Cub 5-a-side Tournament at the Greenock Sports Centre. It was a great day with lots of excellent football skills on display and great sportsmanship.
There was plenty of court time for all involved with all Packs playing each other once. The 85th and the 32nd made it to the final which everyone knew would be a hard fought match after they accumulated the same number of points at the end of the mini-league.
During the final the 32nd were the first to score and thought they were victorious until the 85th drew level in the final seconds of the match. After a penalty shoot out the 32nd were crowned the winners.
Well done to all teams who took part and congratulations to both teams who made it to the final. A big thank you to all the leaders who dragged themselves out of bed to ensure their Cubs had a fun day!
First Response Training
Congratulations go to those who passed their First Response Training.
Elizabeth Grant (47th) Maureen Williams (47th) Pauline McLevy (32nd and 60th)
Lauren Anderson (32nd) Liam Nelis (32nd) Debi Lees (85th) Ross Wylie (YL)
(Ardgowan ESU)
All completed their First Response training at HQ, thanks to Shaun McKenzie an Explorer Scout who has recently joined the District Adult Training team who is fully qualified to deliver both full First Aid and First Response training.
One Young Leader who attended said: “What a brilliant course! Shaun really knows his stuff and was really confident and relaxed. Everyone thought it was an amazing day”. These sentiments were echoed by the other attendees.
Explorers Event Goes Swimmingly Well
Darroch Explorers and 1st Gourock Scouts had two fantastic weeks out of the hall completing their Swimmers Staged Badges.
After an intense first week of constant swimming and techniques, week two saw the Explorers and Scouts being involved in some competitions, diving and finishing with a large game of Water Polo.
Many thanks to Amy and Ryan (coaches) for running both sessions and also to Aileen for arranging this. Many thanks to all who assisted with transport from the hall.
Meanwhile, some Explorers from the Darroch Unit spent an enjoyable pre-exam camp at Everton last weekend while the 1st Gourock Scouts completed some Hardie/Webster Camping Competition training.
The Explorers were left impressed with the Scouts’ camping standard and wish the Scouts all the best for next week’s competition. The night away will count towards both sections Zodiac Awards – for camping in each month of the year.
Finally the Unit is proud of the 16 Explorers and two Leaders who were awarded with Saltire Awards for making a difference in the community through Scouting. The Inverclyde Community Awards were held in the Beacon Arts Centre. All enjoyed the atmosphere, food and drinks. Well done to all.
I Promise to do my Best
Scouts from the 32nd Troop took part in an intensive week to achieve the Promise Challenge which included a night at the Summit Centre where they re-made their promise, created a code of conduct and completed various promise-related tasks.
They also learned about how their local council works and debated some issues at Greenock’s Municipal Buildings. Thanks to local Scouting Ambassador, Councillor Ciano Rebecchi for facilitating this.
As part of the week, the Scouts also met Hazem Alagha who promoted a fascinating discussion about the Muslim faith. The badge requirements where completed and the Troop achieved their accolade from Depute District Commissioner Shirley Cairney.
Overton to Everton
In a joint venture 30 Scouts from the 70th and 59th Troops took part in an overnight hike and camp from Overton to Everton. The rain held off and the Scouts enjoyed some night time navigation as they crossed the marshy moorland into Leapmoor Forrest and onto the campsite for midnight supper. Everyone is looking forward to the next hike and other joint activities later in the year.