The group are now very
lucky to own 2 new tents for beavers so Maple leaders decided to make
use of them during the holidays, and held an overnight camp at our HQ
.
After some rainy days
that week the weather improved and couldn’t have been better for
us.
Leaders spent the
morning erecting tents before the beavers arrived at 2pm – they
were all very excited.
Kit was temporarily
stowed in the hall. Beavers said goodbye to their parents and went
outside to be welcomed and briefly told what to expect and a few
necessary rules for their safety.
We began the afternoon
activities by meeting Steve Woodrow who had come to teach the boys
about building and lighting camp fires. I am pleased to say the boys
listened very intently and collected kindling and had a go at
lighting a fire. They were then able to make S’mores. For those not
in the know these are toasted marshmallows that are so delicious that
everyone wants ‘some more’.
The next base was
Knotting. Scouters Jacky and Pete were there to teach the boys lots
of different knots and their uses including sheet bend, sheep shank,
and reef knot. Not easy for some but ask your son to show you if he
can remember.
After a break for
squash and biscuits, prepared by mum Aimee, beavers met our
Group Scout Leader Ian who showed the boys how to make a ballista
from garden canes and elastic bands. Once completed they had to fire
a ping pong ball from a hoist and see how far it would travel. The
beavers worked very well in twos building and taking turns at firing
– sometimes having to make adjustments but very successful. I think
trying to aim at the GSL was a good incentive!
The next base run by
Sika was to make Armpit Fudge. Ingredients were measured out into a
sealable sandwich bag and then (the clue is in the name) held under
the armpit to melt the ingredients before gently kneading them until
well mixed. We did have a quick taste (yummy) before popping them
into the fridge to set overnight.
During this base Otter
and Eagle were preparing the next activity which was a flour trail.
Beavers had to follow a trail of flour signs around the grounds and
spot the strange things that were hanging in the trees and bushes.
Some beavers were very observant and managed to spot them all.
I am pleased to say
that Beavers remembered their manners and thanked all the visitors
for coming and teaching them some new skills.
Beavers washed for
dinner which we ate outside under the event shelter. We had some very
hungry beavers and leaders and we made short work of pizzas and chips
followed by ice-cream with sprinkles and teddy wafers.
Eagle then took the
beavers out onto the field to play a compass game. It taught them the
points of a compass and If they followed the instructions correctly
they would end up at a designated spot.
Otter and Sika helped beavers to collect their kit and take out to
their tent. Sleeping bags were got ready with pyjamas and teddies
ready for bedtime. Then beavers went back inside to make their own
mugs of hot chocolate before going to the camp fire circle where
Eagle had prepared a great campfire and we were all able to enjoy
some singing and our hot chocolate.
Some very tired
beavers then washed and cleaned teeth before settling into bed. After
a few trips to the toilet they were all asleep by 9.30 quickly
followed by the leaders. Despite what your sons might tell you they
did all sleep all night not waking till about 7am and stayed in their
sleeping bags reading books until about 7.30am
Then it was time to
pack up bags and have breakfast.
We enjoyed an ‘al
fresco’ Full English breakfast in the sunshine cooked by Otter and
Mum Andrea. Then after washing and cleaning teeth they went once more
onto the field to play some games.
Until
recently Beaver Scouts have only been allowed to have sleepovers
indoors but under the rules of scouting they are now allowed to camp
outside. Following our very successful first attempt last year when
we had to borrow a tent, we approached Romsey Extra Parish Council
earlier this year, who very kindly offered us a grant enabling us to
purchase our own tent with a further one funded by the group.
