East Grinstead District Scouts

Saturday 27th March saw the return of the 2010 ‘Beaver Fun Base Afternoon’ held at Imberhorn Lower School.

Beavers from East Grinstead, Forest Row, Copthorne and Turners Hill & Crawley Down took part in the event, but the Trophy didn’t have far to travel staying with the 1st East Grinstead Scout Group, this year in the possession of Winnipeg Colony.

Well done to all of those who took part, and thanks to all the leaders and support which enables these events to happen!

Rowfant Explorers have recently taken part in geocaching after winning two GPS units. Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure.

A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache’s existence and location online. Since laying, there have been 4 visits, two of which are people also involved with Scouting!

Cubs from the 1st Turners Hill & Crawley Down Oak Pack recently scaled the heights of the Blacklands Farm Climbing Wall.

The indoor climbing wall is a great way for young people to get a first taste of rock climing, without having to worry about the weather. As you can see from the photos, it looks like they had a great time!

See more photos (Photos John Marsh)

On Sunday 7th Feb, over 45 young people from Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers were presented with their Chief Scout Award.

Each Section has its own CSA which rewards and promotes commitment, self-motivation, teamwork, skills (both life-skills and Scouting), and many more qualities which can be developed in young people.

It is also used as the core of the Scouting programme, as the requirements of the award vary from participation in community activities, to more traditional Scouting activities such as camping.

Each of the you people presented with the awards have demonstrated they have reached the highest level of their sections, and should be proud of thier achievements.

At a special ceremony on Thursday 4th February, the 1st East Grinstead Group Scout Leader Jok Dowe, and Group Chairman Martin Groat officially opened new WC facilities at the Scout Hall in Moat Road.

The work has improved the existing facilities at the Hall, and includes the provision of a new purpose built disabled facility.

This has been a long running project, and costs have been met through a combination of grants and fundraising.

The ‘First Flush’ celebrations took place following the groups ‘Going Up’ ceremony, which sees young people moving from one section to another.

Parents and leaders were treated to a brief speech riddled with toilet humour, as the chairman thanked those present for not allowing the project to ‘go down the pan’, and agreed to stop the bad jokes at the in cistern’ce of everyone there.

Griffyn Explorers we lucky to secure an evening with Father Christmas last week.
It was the anual collection for East Grinstead Rotary Clubs Christmas Charities Appeal. Money collected is used to provide food and gifts for local residents who are in need or going to be alone this Christmas.

Once again, the big FC was on hand to wish local children well in the run up to Christmas, and a reminder to stay tucked up in bed on Christmas Eve. He even had a few spare minutes to invest Griffyn’s two newest members.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

East Grinstead Courier & Observer 3rd December 2009

The results of the Triangle Competition Hike, and a brief report can be found here (PDF)

Congratulations to all teams that took part in challenging conditions.

Once again East Grinstead Beavers celebrated Christingle at the annual event at Imberhorne Lower School on Sunday 29th November.

The Beavers enjoyed making their Christingles, sang songs and were treated to a display of string shapes thanks to ‘Mr Finger Strings’

In the weeks running up to Christingle the Beavers collect loose change in aid of the Children’s Society Christingle Appeal. This year the Beavers raised £232.23 which will help the work of The Children’s Society with disadvantaged children who face violence, neglect and poverty in their daily lives.

As always the SAS, or the ‘Scout Active Support Unit’ formally known as Scout Fellowship were on hand to help with the organisation and administration, as well as some of the district’s Young Leaders who lend a hand with the Beaver Sections.

More photos can be found in the Gallery

Links:
Fingerstrings.co.uk
childrenssociety.org.uk

East Grinstead Courier & Observer 26th November 2009