Scouting Snapshots

With computers, mobiles, Skype, Twitter, Play Stations, sometimes even Scouting can get away from the basics that we were all taught in our early days.

So, as part of the National Programme involving the Chief Scout Award Challenges, many groups and sections are encouraged to go back to basics from time to time.

Whether it be at camp learning how to put up a tent, making gadgets on site, back wood cooking, orienteering, map and compass, there are different, basic skills to be shared.

Sophia Hornby, Akela at 1st Bispham Cub Pack, said: “The Cubs worked in their sixes to go round different bases.

“They learnt how to correctly fold the flag, how to iron and roll their neckers, how to tie some knots, they made their own card with the Cub Scout Promise and Law on and they learnt about the story of Scouting. The Cubs were particularly interested in learning about the relevance of the Jungle Book and how each of the leaders had a name from the story.

“We later played a relay game that related to this subject too.

“This was a great refresher for the Cubs who have been in the pack for a while and a great start to the year for those who have just recently joined us.”

Beavers make youth pledge

As a taster for our National #Youth Shaped Month in February, the 37th Blackpool Beavers colony based at St Paul’s Church Hall, Egerton Road, had a visit from Ben Hughes, one of a number of Deputy District Youth Commissioners for Blackpool. The purpose of the visit was for Ben to ask a number ‘youth related’ questions, such as are the Beavers invited to help organise their own programmes, do they respect each other, and give their peers space when needed, and how would they like to be more involved in the decision making with their leaders?

The Beavers were asked to sign a ‘Youth Pledge’ to display in their headquarters.

Bowled over to be back!

No Ashes were involved, but the same fun and enthusiasm was played out by the 3rd Blackpool Cubs.

Cubs aged between eight and 10-and-a-half meet at their headquarters at St Mark’s Church Hall, Layton, on Monday evenings.

So, after discussing what everyone did for Christmas, and all those presents, just to relax before starting on their Scouting Journey, badges, outings, competitions etc, they came together for a bit of indoor cricket.

Even quick cricket makes everyone competitive!

They all had a great evening.