9th Stafford Sea Scouts

Royal Navy Recognised Group No 34

Ninth News - November 2002

Contents

Membership Numbers

Membership Numbers of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and of adult Leaders and Helpers are at present declining throughout the Scout Movement and indeed in voluntary organisations generally. In our own Group we are in need of more Leaders if we are to continue to provide a high standard of Scout training and worthwhile activities for all our members. Traditionally the most fruitful source of adult help is from among the parents of members. If you are the parent of one of the youngsters we do urge you to give this some thought - get in touch via email or talk to a leader, and see if there is a way in which you could help the group to thrive.

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Troop Summer Camp 2002

The Troop Summer Camp was again held on the shore of Windermere in August, attended by 16 Sea Scouts and a team of leaders and instructors. The younger Scouts camped in patrols while the older members, those who where due to become Explorer Sea Scouts, camped separately in hike tents. Activities on the water formed a large part of the programme, with on-shore games and activities each evening. All attending made significant progress in the new Basic Nautical Skills Badge.

5 Sea Scouts gained their British Canoe Union 1 Star Award with another Scout passing his Paddle Power 4.

The whole of Wednesday was devoted to the now traditional all day Wide Game, while the traditional Lake District weather provided the usual day long downpour. Each patrol was set a series of tasks and tests from which Monopoly Money could be raised to free one 'Kenny' a kidnap victim. Tasks included building a raft to cross a small bay (great fun although the crossing owed more to swimming rather than raft building skills), navigating to the far side of the lake to find clues leading to a trail through the woods, and solving pioneering problems which had been set up in the woods. It all ended in paying the ransom money and recovering 'Kenny', (who we should say was a dummy). All very complicated, if not impenetrable!

Other activities at the camp included walking in the nearby Grizedale Forest, a Regatta on Friday (no wind so no sailing), sailing capsize drill for everyone, and of course sailing, swimming, canoeing, rowing as well as the whole business of CAMPING.

Very many thanks to all who helped, those who provided help with transport loaned vehicles and trailers. And all the leaders, Instructors and Helpers who took part in the highlight of the years' Scouting Programme. Everyone is now looking forward to Summer Camp 2003!

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Fire Safety Badges

8 Scouts gained badges after attending a course at the Fire Station in July. Well done.

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Group 100 Club

It is our policy not to publish names on the web site but you can see the winners list on the hard copy of the newsletter.

If you would like to join the 100 Club please email us at Scouts@bholland90.fsnet.co.uk and we will send you the application form

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Beavers Day Out

The Beavers recently visited the Science Museum in Birmingham which has been reorganized and improved and is called the THINK TANK. The day was much enjoyed by Beavers and adults alike - a worthwhile trip. There are 9 Beavers in the colony at present and a few new members would be very welcome.

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Winter Camp 2002

The Troop held a winter camp at Sherratt's Wood over the weekend of 18th/20th of October. It was very cold both nights but dry all day Saturday. Naturally it rained on Sunday just in time for striking camp! A full programme included firelighting and cooking, a campfire and an obstacle course. 8 Scouts attended all gaining their Outdoor Challenge Badge.

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Go Kart Race

The District Go-Kart race took place on Saturday 3rd November. After much designing and build work of a new Kart by the Scouts and instructors, the Scouts raced against other teams in the district. The team performed well coming second in both the Junior and Senior races.

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Explorer Sea Scouts

Explorer Scouts are the new Section which is in the process of being established in Scouting. Explorers replace the present Venture Scouts but cater for a slightly different age range - the lower age being 14 and the upper 18. They do not form a section with the group, being responsible directly to the district, but may be 'linked' to a Group by a form of agreement. We hope to see established a Sea Scout orientated Explorer Unit, linked to the 9th Sea Scout Group, which cater for members of the 9th who wish to continue their water based and other scouting activities after they reach the ripe old age of 14. It would of course be open to others who have not been 9th members to join this Explorer Unit and without doubt 9th leaders and specialist instructors may well work with 9th and with the new explorer unit as the need arises. It is as yet early days and there will surely be problems to solve as we go along but the important thing is the 9th Group leadership and Committee are fully committed to doing their level best to help this new scheme to succeed. We have a fine HQ building, and impressive fleet of boats and equipment, the use of excellent waters and a good deal of expertise. It is hoped that we also have the goodwill to get this new venture off to a flying start.

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Spring Camp

The next camp for Sea Scouts to look forward to is the annual week-end at Consall scout camp site. The dates have not been fixed yet but will be in March / April 2003. This is a MUST with the programme including building and sleeping in bivouacs, firelighting and cooking, pioneering projects, a night wide game and maybe even a night hike and navigation exercise. We sometimes lay on atrocious weather just to make the week-end memorable..

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Water Activities

Water activities have come to an end for this year (except for perhaps a little canoeing for those who really insist on getting cold and wet). The boats will be brought back from Gailey for their annual overhaul ready for next year's activities which will start in April/May 2003.

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