Scouting Snapshots

Blackpool Explorer Scouts took the opportunity to explore the fantastic outdoors of the Lake District National Park on their ‘Winter Adventure Weekend’.

Members of the unit had the opportunity to either explore a low level walk with skilled and experienced scout leaders, which meant the terrain was still difficult and hardy with many obstacles to overcome, or take part in a high level walk, which was including snow and ice in the Patterdale mountain region, including Hellvelyn, with, once again, skilled Scout leaders.

The group, aged 14 to 18, were based at the Patterdale Hall, Patterdale.

Following on from their walking or climbing adventures, the Explorers then got a taste of the zip wire experience when they visited the Go Ape High Ropes Course at Keswick, where the course is based high up in the trees.

They had a wild time zipping between the trees – an exhilarating experience them.

With this type of weekend challenge, a lot of the activities will go towards the Explorer Scout’s Platinum Challenge, which is achieved over four years of dedicated hard work, fun, and lots of great experiences.

This kind of weekend 
also helps to form long lasting friendships.

Quiz keeps Beavers busy

Beaver Scouts from all over Blackpool took part in their third annual quiz, held in memory of Carolyn Kirkham – a dedicated district Beaver leader, secretary and member of the county team.

The event took place at the South Shore Methodist Church, where 10 colonies took part with four in a team.

The quiz was hosted by Phil Wheatley, a District Cub leader. There were two general knowledge rounds , two picture rounds based on 
television characters and a music round.

The winners were the 10th Blackpool Beaver Scout Colony who will go on to represent Blackpool District Beavers at the West Lancashire County Beaver Competition.

Ready, steady, let’s cook

Scouts showed their culinary skills during a Ready, Steady, Cook style competition.

The youngsters aged 10.5 to 14 competed at the 1st Norbreck Scout and Guide HQ on Kelvin Road.

This was the first competition of its kind in the Blackpool District Scout Section, with 15 teams taking part and four participants per team.

The first part of the morning was taken up with a quiz connected with the kitchen and cooking, led by Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts Stewart Swan.

Then it was sleeves rolled up for cooking.

Stewart said: “The 60 Scouts were asked questions on food hygiene in a quiz format. Then they were given various foodstuffs to cook up into tasteful meals. These were then judged by Mark Curtis, a Blackpool chef and Cub leader.

“Points were awarded for the presentation, quality and taste. These were then added to points from the quiz and points awarded for clearing and cleaning the equipment .

“The winners were the 1st Norbreck C team. They were presented with a small 
trophy.

“Thanks to all the helpers and to Mr Curtis. Hopefully this will become an annual event.”