How lucky we are.There are many Scout and Guide Groups in the Axe District (17 Scouts Groups at least) who have not had the forward thinking of their past Group Executive and Leadership teams.
As a current Leader in the 1st B and W Scout Group, and a parent of a Cub and a Beaver I would like to thank our predecessors in the Scout group for their forward thinking and planning, and everything needed to give the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides the experience and fun we can give them now.
The 1st B and W Scouts continue their challenge to camp every month for a year and have now completed five months under canvas. A high point so far has been the troop's recreation of WW1 trench warfare conditions on Armistice Day. With the help of military re-enactors, they lived the life of a Tommy in the trenches for an evening and a night. The mud caused by heavy rain added authenticity.
Escape from Colditz: The Scouts have escaped for the second time. The troop were split into three sections and had to either escape from the Bunk House, (The Scout Quartermasters Store) the exercise yard (The BT Yard) or a Chapel (The Small Hall). They then were taken by jeep up Wrington Hill to make for Switzerland with the French resistance (via Congresbury and along the river Yeo). The use of authentic costume, and again the Military re-enactors, made the event feel very real.
In January the Scouts travelled to Gilwell Park, London to attend the Winter Camp: they had a brilliant time. Activities included quad biking, archery, climbing and outdoor laser tag.
Our Scout troop will be doing various fund raising activities this year to pay for a trip to Normandy in August where they will be visiting many sites of importance associated the First and Second World War. This will be the first international trip under the New Leadership of Jason Pope, Ian Evans and Matt Steward.
This term the Cubs are going to be working on their Community Challenge Badge and the Home Safety Activity Badge, with many activities that should take us out into our community so keep an eye out for us and don't forget to give us a wave.
The Beavers are working on their Friendship Challenge Badge and will also be out and about in the community learning about where they live and meeting people and making Scout Friends. If you see us around please stop and have a chat. They may need your help to answer some questions. I assure you they don't bite (too hard).
Yeo Explorers have a busy year ahead: in 2012 the group will venture to Spain with an exciting programme planned, including mountaineering and white water rafting. The unit is the longest standing Explorer group in the area, thanks largely to the
leadership team of Tony Harden and Andy Hutchings. Over the last 10 years they have travelled as far afield as Morocco, the Italian Dolomites and, in 2011, Slovenia, allowing young people to climb peaks as high as 3000m and enjoy great experiences they will remember all their lives.
Yeo Explorers always welcome new members aged 14 - 18. They meet on Friday evenings in Wrington. For more details, please
get in touch. Search 'Yeo Explorers' on Facebook or visit our website www.yeoexplorers.co.uk
