As part of their 40th birthday celebrations, Ferny Crofts, our county scout activity centre and campsite, are installing Crazy Golf as a new activity and are looking for you to help design the holes!
You could win 2 days worth of camping by designing one of the nine new holes, just design your hole and email or send it to them by Thursday 31st March
In addition, find out about their working day to help clear the site on Saturday 12th March.
On a cold February weekend, 19 members of Southampton SSAGO (Student Scout and Guide Organisation), went on an intrepid trip to Snowdonia, climbing both the tallest mountain of Snowdon and the finest mountain of Tryfan that Wales has to offer, along with visiting the Welsh Mountain Zoo.
After a long journey up to north wales, we eventually arrived at the centre at 2AM so we quickly went to sleep. On the Saturday morning, we set out to climb the tallest mountain in Wales, Snowdon. The weather was fantastic if not a bit cold and as we ascended the amount of snow on the ground increased and the amount of slipping increased leading to a combined attack with some members using crampons to guide the other members up.
Eventually we got to the top and with a great sense of achievement took the compulsory group photo. This meant it was time for the next challenge; Getting back down.
During half term 45 Scouts from across the district took on a challenge to achieve an activity badge in a single day. Some Scouts opted to light their own fire and then cook 2 meals for their patrol. The rest of the Scouts found out about the different trees of the forest, how to protect them and also how to safely chop wood using an axe and a saw.
It was a hugely successful day.
Well done to all the young people who took part and thanks to everyone who came out to support the Scouts and help them achieve their badges.
On Wednesday the 3rd of February, the Cubs District Chess Competition took place, having been running for 50 years by the same volunteers, the Drew Brothers.
The winner of the under 9½ trophy is Ridley from the 22nd.
The winners of the over 9½ trophy are:
James from the 11th (has trophy at the moment.)
Leo from the 22nd
Maxim from the 29th
George from the 7th.
![P1000500 [4611686018427700440]](http://southamptoncityscouts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/P1000500-4611686018427700440-300x225.jpg)
![P1000485 [4611686018427700249]](http://southamptoncityscouts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/P1000485-4611686018427700249-300x225.jpg)
![P1000501 [4611686018427700456]](http://southamptoncityscouts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/P1000501-4611686018427700456-300x225.jpg)
Details reflecting where we are with bookings for training modules for February to April 2016 can be found on the County website at http://www.hampshirescouting.org.uk/module-bookings/
We usually stop at 24 delegates on each, and really need a minimum of 10 delegates to run most modules (residential a minimum of 15) – please ensure you book on Adult Training Modules in plenty of time to prevent cancellation!
There are currently a couple of places left on the Residential weekend on the 19th & 20th March covering Modules 5,7,8,9,12(a/b),16, if you want to attend this weekend book soon.
To book a place on any of the County Adult Training Modules download an Adult Training form or use the on-line booking form. For District run Modules please email the District contact shown.
Gene Burgoyne
County Training Administrator (Courses)
County Website: http://www.hampshirescouting.org.uk/adult-training
Application forms: http://www.hampshirescouting.org.uk/adult-training-application-forms
This years Scout District Cross Country fun event is being held at the Sports Centre starting sharp at 10am on Sunday 6th March 2016.
This is a great fun event open to all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network, giving everyone a chance to race and win themselves a certificate and their group a trophy for their group trophy cabinet.
Parents and families are very welcome to come along and cheer them round the course.
The Southampton City District Canoe Club is offering a selection of different courses, including:
The weekly fee for each session on all the above courses are just £3 for those in member groups, or £6 for non-member groups
Find out more about the courses available, and how to get involved!
It’s starting to become a tradition within our Scout troop to camp in the peak of Winter, when there is maximum chance of it being cold, muddy and wet!
Each year I vow never to camp again in January but somehow I’ll be talked into it and something will end up in the diary. I’ve learnt that actually there are many benefits. For example you’ll often have the campsite to yourself and it’s great to fix the post Christmas blues with a camp on the horizon.
In November 2014 Fran our ASL moved away from Southampton to Bristol to start a new job. She also immediately got back involved with Scouting and took up the role as a SL for a brand new troop in her new hometown.
We have kept in touch, shared programme ideas and heard about 62nd Bristol Scout’s new troop grow and grow. The young people of both groups knew about each other and eventually we planned a camp for them to meet up.
Last week almost 50 Scouts, 3 young leaders and around 10 leaders had a blast at Ferny Crofts. Immediately Scouts across both groups got on well and exchanged their favourite wide games, card games and scout night activities. As leaders it was also great to share ideas and hear about how Scouting is run outside our own district.
During the day we were treated to the exceptional facilities at Ferny Crofts such as the crate stacking, gladiator wall and assault course. The Winter made it the more fun with the ridiculous about of mud you can cake yourself in at every opportunity. We had to put up with some rain too, but it made the night hike all the more adventurous jumping over puddles.
So, don’t dismiss camping in January… You may find it hard to beat for the rest of the year.
Scouting requires you to hold a blue card swimming certificate to prove that you are a competent swimmer before you join in our wide range of water activities.
If you are going to District Camp you will need to attend this test evening and get a blue card swimming certificate.
The next Blue Card Swimming Test Evening will be on Tuesday 22nd March 2016 at the Regents Park School Swimming Pool, Richville Road Entrance at 6.30pm sharp.
Please bring TRACK SUIT BOTTOMS and T-Shirt
I am sad to say I have not had any group or section come forward this year to help with Founders Day as the 29th Scout Group did last year.
I am sure you will all agree that is disappointing especially as everyone was so keen on us having a celebration of Baden-Powell’s birthday rather than a traditional church service type event.
That lack of support leaves me no alternative but to cancel this years Founders Day.
Colin Floyd
District Commissioner