Last weekend over 150 Scouts, Explorers, Network members and leaders spent the long bank holiday weekend in glorious Wye Valley. We took part in archery, kayaking, mountain biking and hill walking.
For more photos and updates from the camp, take a look at our Facebook and Instagram page. 14th Highfield (Wed Troop) made this excellent video which captures the camp brilliantly.
This video may not play on mobile devices due to copyright limitations.
Last weekend, 250 Scouts who had recently achieved their Queen Scout Award, the highest youth award in Scouting, came together to parade at Windsor in celebration of St Georges Day.
The Queen’s Scout award involves Scouts taking on and committing to a new skill, physical activity and volunteering service for a year or more, undertaking a self-sustained expedition and complete a residential project as well as working on various topics within the areas of international, community and values.
Four of these Queen’s Scouts, Ben, Tom, Henry and Oli, were from Southampton and have written a little about what their Queen Scout Award means to them.
Taking part in the St Georges Day parade at Windsor was the culmination of a six year journey which has seen me mature and develop. The time I spent on Dartmoor for my expedition challenged me both physically and mentally, particularly when the fog and rain closed in, however the sense of isolation while walking in the middle of the moor with just a few friends is something I will cherish for a long time.
While most people will tell you that their expedition was the most challenging part of their Queens Scout Award, for me it was my residential; I spent several weeks volunteering at an orphanage (Open Arms) in Malawi. As a 19 year old, seeing the very different realities of life in places that I’d previously seen only in documentaries was a perspective changing experience that made me place far more value on the simple things in life that we often take for granted in the UK.
Having started my QSA as a fresh faced Assistant Beaver Scout Leader I’ve made use of the opportunities presented by Scouting, taking on new roles, developing skills, gaining permits and most importantly growing as a person as I’ve seen the impact that I’ve been able to have on those young people around me – the smile of a six-year old who has learnt to tie a knot with strawberry laces is priceless!
All these experiences and challenges were topped off by the St Georges day parade at Windsor, this was a chance to meet other members of the select group of Queens Scout who have achieved the highest badge available in Scouting. Seeing the diversity of people and uniforms (whether the blue of the sea and air scouts or the tartan of the Scot’s kilts) made me so proud of positivity of those in the Scout Movement, with so many enthusiastic people from across to country (and world) taking the opportunity to step up, get involved and take a hand in providing the chance for those in our communities to fulfil their potential.
As part of the QSA service in St George’s Chapel all scouts present renewed our promise.
On my honour I promise that I will do my best – throughout the whole process each of the requirements have required me to do my best, and to push my boundaries.
To do my duty to God – for the values section of the award I was involved in my church and grew in my relationship with God.
And to the Queen – Not only do I feel an immense sense of pride in completing the Queen Scout Award and being invited to receive it at Windsor Castle, but the combined efforts of the 253 recipients in the Environment section will have a positive impact on our country and the global climate.
To help other people – Through volunteering and service. Many have done this alongside helping the next generation of scouting.
And to keep the Scout Law – A combination of everything that has contributed to this award has helped me develop in all areas of the Scout Law. Whether it be camping, travelling abroad or writing a report the activities have refined me towards the role model a Scout is intended to be.
Participating in the St Georges day parade at Windsor castle this year was a great experience as I thought it was a culmination of the hard work I put into my Queens Scout Award and the many years I have been in scouting.
Out of all the experiences I had during my Queens Scout Award the defining was when I undertook my explorer belt expedition in Poland which I found fun but also challenging.
All of Queen’s Scout Award was great fun and has given me new experiences and skills which I would have never done if I didn’t complete it.
Attending Windsor as a Queen Scout really hit home the importance of Scouting in my life, what it means to me, and just what a family Scouting is. Everyone came together as one, with a day of marching in the sun and celebrating our own journeys and challenges, along with a service reinforcing the importance of bringing communities together, kindness to others, friendship and the true meaning of Scouting and a chance to renew the Scout Promise: On my honour, I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God and to the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout Law.
Before getting involved in Scouting, I didn’t have much confidence or courage, I let most opportunities pass straight by me, I just went where life took me and did what I thought was needed. Since finding Scouting through the Student Scout and Guide Organisation at university and getting involved with a newly starting Network in Southampton and embarking on my QSA, it’s fair to say it has completely changed my life. I now spend more time outdoors and camping than in, I’ve pushed myself in every area, and I’ve had more experiences, learn more things and met more amazing people in the past few years in undertaking my award than I had for the rest of my life before, so both Scouting and the QSA itself mean a lot to me.
My award for me was my first steps into that new life, those first set of new challenges to take. I undertook hiking expeditions in both Dartmoor and Brecon, going through the whole process of learning how to put up a tent and read a map and navigate through to pushing myself to new heights (figuratively and literally) and camping for the first time! I continued this through my physical skill, in getting involved with the university Hillwalking club taking me to Yorkshire, Cornwall, the Peaks, the Lakes or even just to the Isle of Wight for challenging but always incredibly enjoyable walks – always trying to push myself that one step further on the more technical walks, learning to scramble, bog hop and handle the ice without going for a slide! With my new found and growing confidence and skills, for my volunteering, I took up a student representation role, representing the students in my faculty at university to the staff and for my skill taking up a role in organising and planning events for freshers who weren’t living in halls. For my residential, I pushed my limits on going and helping out on a SSAGO international trip to Slovenia, my first proper trip out of the country and learning and discovering a new culture, but also how to run an international camp, a skill I’ve since put to use in now running a similar camp myself to Switzerland. For my international, I put my technical and computer skills to use in helping with the Essex International Jamboree as the Web Team lead.
All together, it’s impossible to put into words how much this pursuit changed my life and opened up new possibilities beyond anything I ever imagined. Scouting now fills every moment I’m not studying or working and I love every minute of it and cannot thank Scouting enough for the opportunities, the people I’ve made friends with and who have supported me or how it’s changed me as a person from a quiet, shy person passing by life, to the person who can organise and run events, seize every opportunity and actually try to make a difference in the world.
Don’t forget, if you are aged between 18 and 25 and are currently involved in Scouting, you can be working towards your Queen’s Scout Award. You can find out more and register within minutes online at https://members.scouts.org.uk/qsa.
Don’t forget to explore the exciting opportunities coming up with the Canoe Club this May! There’s still time to sign up and get involved on your next water adventure!
As I’m sure you are aware, every year the District selects a local charity to raise money for. This year we have chosen the PICU Ward at Southampton Hospital.
We can’t raise funds for a specific item, but whatever we raise will be used to: fund a refurbishment, fund new pieces of equipment, and provide a support service for patients and their families.
The donations from our celebrations (Founders Day, St Georges Day, Wacky Races, Carol Service and Christingle) usually go to the district charity. But wouldn’t it be good if every section/group did a sponsored event – for example:
The Hospital is providing us with promotional material – which I will hold on to. So please let me know when you need them. I can also provide you with the sponsorship form. I suggest you collect the money in and pass to me when completed. I can then keep a running total of how much we raise over the year. Please note that we will need to give the Hospital the original sponsor sheets so that they can claim the gift-aid.
Thanks in advance for all the hard work and effort I know you’ll put into creating something amazing.
Congratulations to everyone who took part in either the ABP Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K today. Did you notice all the Scout groups cheering you on? Here’s a quick video from 1st and 2nd Southampton groups who were on the common.
Massive congratulations to 29th Immaculata Beaver leaders Ben (forth from right) and Oli (third from left) who took part in the annual Queen’s Scout Parade and Day of Celebration at Windsor Castle today. The Queen’s Scout award is the highest youth award that can be achieved in Scouting and takes a great amount of work and dedication to earn. Today, in celebration of that achievement, Ben and Oli joined Queen’s Scouts from all across the UK to parade through Windsor into the Castle and were inspected by The Duke of Kent. Well done to both of you on your hard work!
Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th May 2017
Take part in Jamboree on the Trail as well as tackling the high ropes, zip lines, archery, backwoods cooking and an adventure course.
There is also a bushcraft skills base, a science and cooking zone and with a Heritage display and a campfire your day will be full.
All activities start at 10am and end at 5pm (a camp later for those who are staying). You can gain 2 badges whilst attending. This event is open to all sections. ( Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network.)
All this for only £10.00 per person for the day or come and camp for whole weekend 12th – 14th May 2017 for £26.
Book in on the forms below and we will send you an invoice for payment.
Closing date for bookings 04/05/17
Leaders go free all Beavers, Cubs and Scout groups must be accompanied by a Leader or Leaders.
Book here for 13th Saturday May.
Book here for 14th Sunday May.
Book here for the weekend 12th – 14th May.
The information on this page is also available here.
Are you a Scout or Explorer? Do you want to try Kayaking?
If you answered yes to both then join our “Taster Sessions” on April 8th
In a break with tradition we are holding a taster day on Saturday 8 April for troops and units. We plan to have two sessions, one in the morning 10:00-12:00 and one in the afternoon 13:00-1500.
This is the first day of the school holiday. Saints are not playing at home that week.
Venue: The club is based at the 25th Southampton Scout H.Q. at Crosshouse Public Hard, Crosshouse Road, just by the Itchen Bridge.
Personal Kit Required: Old trainers, nylon lightweight anorak, swim wear, T-shirt, shorts, jumper and towel. Optional: Wet suit, wet suit shoes and waterproof trousers The personal equipment is likely to get wet so bring a dry set of clothes (including shoes). Bring bags to separate your wet and dry clothing. If the participant needs to wear glasses for this activity please bring a suitable securing strap.
Swimming Ability: All Scouts and Explorers wishing to go afloat must pass the District Swimming Test, which can be arranged through your Scout or Explorer Leader.
Congratulations to the 14th Highfield Cubs and the 29th Immaculata Scouts for winning the football in the Six-a-Side competition this weekend! Well done to all the teams who took part.
