Senlac Scouts

GROWING THE MOVEMENT

Knowing the results of the 2008 Census, Senlac District Scouts continue to grow with an overall increase of 2 per cent. We can also record that Scout Headquarters reveal nationally youth membership is up by 3.7 per cent. Undoubtedly Centenary Year, 2007, with the support of the media, has given Scouting a boost to its profile. Interestingly enough the improvement has gradually risen since 2001. More and more young people are interested in joining Scouting. The real need is more adults to share in adventure and fun

CENTENARY YEAR - 100 CHALLENGES

During Centenary Year Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts were involved in a staged process of achieving, if possible 100 Challenges. The staged process commenced with completion of 25, challenges, followed by 50, 75 and finally 100. Whether it be tying shoelaces, washing-up, ironing a scarf, use of a mobile telephone, gain an activity badge, find 50 items that will fit into a matchbox, or make a cup of tea. Scouts would attempt more advanced challenges '“ hike 24 miles in 24 hours, use internet to find Scout Promise of three other countries, pass stage 3 of first aid badge, recipients of 100 challenges achievement gathered to receive their certificates, supported by parents and leaders. 25, 50 and 75 challenge certificates were presented within Scout Groups.

MOST GRUELLING OUTDOOR HIKE WITHIN EAST SUSSEX

Teams of Senlac Scout and Explorer Scouts recently set out in atrocious weather conditions (rain and wind) to hike approximately 15 miles on first day and 10 miles on second day being timed throughout each period to reach all check points and attend to incidents faced. Teams of four were required to wear correct expedition clothing, have rucksacks of correct weight and be able to camp overnight, cook meals and actually finish course. Two teams from Hathi Explorer Unit, 3rd Bexhill, competed - one team completed first day, second team completed course and finished 15th, - 36 teams completed; 54 teams started. The Scout Section entered a combination team (Little Common and Battle), gaining 12th position '“ 16 teams within County completed. Robertsbridge team completed first day. All notable achievements.

SCOUTS AND EXPLORER SCOUTS ACHIEVE

Scouts, Sarah McCarthy, Charlie Gray, James Crowley, Charlie Honnor, Robertsbridge Troop; Matthew Pope, Little Common Troop have gained the Chief Scouts Gold Award. Besides completing the Outdoor Challenge requirements are that four other challenges need to be satisfactorily recorded from: Outdoor Plus Challenge; Adventure Challenge; Expedition Challenge; Fitness Challenge; Creative Challenge; Community Challenge. Hathi Explorer Unit members: James Clark, Peter Coward, Harry Puddefoot, Isaac Brewerton have all achieved requirements for the Platinum Award; Tom Hollick has achieved the Diamond Award. In each case, the areas of Skill, Expedition, Service and Physical Recreation; also activities to include: International, Values and Environment need to be completed. Well Done!

DISTRICT SCOUT INDOOR PATROL COMPETITION

Teams throughout the district competed to have a fun evening and also to be able to use skills learnt. Following an Inspection eight bases of 20 minutes were set, namely: First Aid, Weather and Clouds, Map and Compass, Pioneering, Axe and Saw and Knots. A close competition resulted in: 1 Battle, 2 Little Common, 3 Bexhill, 4 9th Bexhill, 5 2nd Bexhill Sea Scouts, 6 - 2nd Bexhill Air Scouts.

ENVIRONMENT AWARD

Battle Scout Group has now become engaged in The Environment Award - This is about encouraging young people to develop a sustainable lifestyle, a way of life that has the minimum impact on the environment. It is designed to bring a group together to promote a way of living that is environmentally friendly.

KIDS OUTDOORS LAUNCHED

A 10 million Kids Outdoors Fund has been launched. The fund will be used to develop Scouting locally, provide better training facilities and equipment to Grow the Movement. The emphasis is on adventure. To inspire one million new adventures. Modern Scouting is about the ' outdoors ' and involving young people, from all parts of society, in life-changing experiences '“ together. Scouting is alive and it is fun.

For more information about local Scouting please contact Harry Saunders: 01424 211465