1st Romsey - half term Challenge Camp

The start of the half term saw the keenest youngsters from 1st Romsey out and about, sharpening their mapping and camping skills.
 
The event started with a hike form the Romsey HQ to the campsite in Lockerly largely via the Test Way, up to Mottisfont and then via HAtt farm Lane and the north woods. 

 The tracks in Squab wood proved a bit of a test for our supposedly more experienced map readers who had struck off ahead, and they reached the lunch time rendezvous about half an hour after the rest of the group. The story of the tortoise and the hare comes to mind. Still with the aid of VHF radios and tracking equipment, no one was lost for long. The going was quite muddy and a very intimidating pheasant blocked the path at one point, but once everyone had arrived, tents were pitched and a fire prepared for dinner of curry with rice to be cooked. 

A cooked breakfast in the morning and the camp  essentially divide into two - one group building a mud oven (more about this later) and the other group building a monkey bridge - a good chance to make use of block and tackle and ground anchors. Everyone who wanted to do so had a go on it, including a couple of dads who turned up in plenty of time, though had we been staying longer I think we would have made a more complex one..

Chicken for lunch was fully cooked in the oven, but given the time and rather wet state of the firewood, the decision was taken to cheat a bit and use the oven in the hall to kick start the jacket potatoes and crumble, - all learning  recipes and techniques that were new tricks for many of the scouts. 

Once up and running well the tin plate chimneys on the oven roar reassuringly, like a small jet engine, though fine temperature control is an art.

After lunch it was time to strike camp, and with very welcome parental help to get kit into cars and so forth, however, before we left we had one last extremely important event, as our yougest camper was formally invested before closing camp.

Then homeward to baths and beds.

Many thanks again to those Leaders and parents who made it possible, and of course to all those Scouts who came, and I hope enjoyed it.


Mike P_J (ASL 1st Romsey )

PS If anyone from another group or section fancies borrowing the kit of parts for building the oven to have a go themselves, please contact Mike Page-Jones at First Romsey. (Though a donation of a couple of quid to cover the inevitable deterioration of the steel  would be appreciated .)

Romsey District Founders Day Walk

A walk to celebrate Founders Day, and a pub lunch before the heavy rains came.

Beaver Party

On Saturday 31^st January, the Beavers party took place at Crosfield hall, Romsey. Upon arrival, the Beavers were greeted by some very smiley and enthusiastic Beaver leaders all ready for an afternoon of fun and games.

The event started with some games whilst everyone arrived. Once all were there, the Beavers were led by Sue, District Beaver leader in singing songs with actions. She was helped by Kerrie, 21^st Leader and the young leaders.

The Beavers then were split into teams and played several games lead by Kate, 15^th Leader aided by all other leaders.  All the children enjoyed themselves and even the young leaders joined in.

The Beavers then went on to have food and drink which went down really well, during which Bertie the Beaver, the District Beaver Mascot paid a visit to see what his friends were up to.

After finishing their food, the Beavers were treated to a Marionette puppet show about a missing reindeer and a circus. The children were so engaged with the show we could hear their shouting in the other room. Even the leaders who sat at the back enjoyed it.

During the afternoon the Mayors of Romsey and Test Valley came to see what the beavers were doing. Both really enjoyed their time with the Beavers.

As part of the event, the Beavers were asked to bring along some food items which they did in large amounts. This was part of their community badge and was for the local food bank.

I would like to thank all the leaders who helped at the event running games, making the drinks and getting the food ready as well as helping to tidy up at the end and load all the food into my car. 

Tony Moles
ADC Beaver Scouts

3rd Romsey Scouts Parents Pancake Party

 

After weeks of planning - tonight was the night!  Invites had been written & sent, responses received.  Menus had been discussed, changed, amended again and then finally agreed on.  Sketches had been (quickly) rehearsed.  Shopping had been done.

The hall was full of Scouts & parents waiting to sample the delights of the PPP!

We appreciate the parents & siblings coming - it was lovely having you there - we hope you enjoyed it.

 

Thank you to the Scouts for doing what needed doing and being good about it!  A huge thank you to Shona & Tris who had the unenviable task of being in a very hot kitchen supervising the Scouts make 4 different toppings, cook over 100 pancakes - and topping the pancakes successfully!!  Lastly thank you to Alex & Joe, my Young Leaders, for keeping the squash flowing and taking/counting the votes.

 

Well done to Eagles & Kestrels who were joint winners of the competition for the best filling - all voted for by the parents.  The evening was slightly manic - but good fun!

Usually we ask a Scout to write the report for the evening, tonight it was written by a parent volunteer.......

An enjoyable evening with sumptuous pancakes and a truly mouth-watering experience with rip roaring skits – going home on a sugar rush and not feeling guilty because I had my 5-a-day!

 

THE MENU!

 

 

Sarah Beaman

3rd Romsey Scout Leader - Ashanti Troop