Forthcoming Activities
A lot of information in this update - please read through so you and your children don't miss out on anything.
Thank You
I want to take this opportunity to thank Rachael, Gordon and James for their support in running the troop. I have had to miss several meetings lately due to work commitments and they have kept the troop running smoothly in my absence. I would also like to thank Jasmine and Caroline for their support as Young Leaders helping us give a wider range of opportunities for the Scouts.
Contact
To make sure these updates are reaching all Scouts I would be grateful for a 1 line response to this email just to say you have received it. As I rely on email for troop communications it would be good to know my contact information is accurate.
Cross Country - 9th March 2013
Well done to James, Ellie, Zoe, Kirstyn and Maizie for taking part and doing so well in the District Cross Country on Saturday. The 4 girls secured 3rd place in the over 12 category and James did brilliantly as our sole representative in the under 12s. I would also like to say thank you for Hannah for turning up and supporting us even though she was unable to run (I know she wanted to run).
Scouts 14th March
Will be at the hall as usual. The Scouts will be doing some cooking at our camps this year so we are going to practice cooking in the hall. A future meeting will be cooking on open fires.
Work Party - 16th March
It is time for our spring cleaning at the hall with jobs for everyone. We will be at the hall from 10am to 4pm. Even if you can only help for an hour your support would be appreciated. Drinks and a light lunch for all helpers.
Johnson Trophy - 17th March
This years Johnston Trophy will be a 'Monopoly run' around Dartford Town centre. Teams move to different bases and complete activities to earn money. Teams will consist of between four to six Scouts. The Monopoly run will be from 9.15am to 1pm. Please let me know by email or at Scouts on Thursday if your child would like to take part.
Scouts - 21st March
On 21st March we are going to have an evening in Joydens Wood for games in the dark. No uniform required except scarf. It may be muddy so wear suitable clothes and bring a torch. If is looks like it is going to rain please text me as we may meet at the hall if the weather looks bad.
Scouts - 28th March
Will be our last meeting before Easter and will be a games evening at the hall.
Easter Holidays
There will be no meetings on Thursdays 4th or 11th of April
Summer Term
Summer Term will start on Thursday 18th April
Troop Weekend Camp - 15th to 17th May
This will be held at Buckmore Park Scout Campsite. On the Saturday the scouts will help with some campsite maintenance giving them an opportunity to earn their community challenge. There will be lots of fun and games around the campsite work. We will be home by late morning on the Sunday. Cost of weekend to cover camp fees food and transport will be £15 per Scout. If your Son / daughter would like to attend please let me know with a £5 deposit by Thursday 25th April.
8th Dartford Family Camp
This is being held over the weekend of 7th to 9th of June. Attendees will camp as families using own camping equipment and own cooking. We will provide a BBQ on the Saturday evening. The cost of the weekend to cover camp fees, BBQ and all activities will be £17 per person (under 3 free). All those over 18 need to have a scout Association CRB check. If you would like to attend please let me know numbers and a £5 deposit per person ASAP. The CRB checks do take some time. If you think you might like to come and are not sure if you have a current Scout Association CRB check please get in touch with me ASAP. The family camp is being held at Hamlet Wood Scout campsite near Maidstone. For those that don't want to cook Friday night there are two takeaway options just down the road. We promise a fun weekend and it would be lovely to see some new families join us. We re able to help with camping equipment if necessary.
Summer Camp
The response to our Summer Camp has been fantastic with 19 Scouts and 10 Explorer Scouts already signed up. It is not too late to join us. Give the scale of the response we may need some help with transport to Eastbourne - more info to follow. If you have lost the information on our Summer Camp email me and I'll send you another copy.
Contact Forms
Earlier this year I circulated a new contact form to meet the current requirements of the Scout Association. I have only had about new forms for about half of the Scouts. If you are not sure whether you have completed one please come and see me on Thursday. I will have copies available.
8th Dartford Website
We are making an effort to put more information on our website and once we have a complete set of contact forms we will start adding photos. Please check our our website at www.8thdartfordscouts.org.uk with the Scout section at www.8thdartfordscouts.org.uk/page-scouts.html. This email will be placed on the website if you need to refer back to it.
Future Calendar
The troop calendar for the rest of this year can be found at www.8thdartfordscouts.org.uk/spage-scouts-programme_2013.html
Activity Badges
There are a large selection of activity badges available in the Scout Section. If you think you qualify for one of these badges please print out the badge requirements and ask someone to sign that your child qualifies. I will then buy and present the badge. The badge requirements can be found at http://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=7,64
Chief Scouts Gold Award
Is the highest award obtainable in the Scout Section and is the focus of many of our meetings at Scouts (although the Scouts do not always know they are working towards the award). If you are interested in the requirements they can be found at http://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=7,64
Subs
A reminder that subs are due whether or not you attend a meeting. This is due to the fact that the majority of our subs is automatically due to the Scout Association to cover Capitation costs.
Congratulations
On reaching the end of the email. I hope you can see we are working hard to give your children a fantastic Scouting experience.
Kind Regards
Gavin Jessup
8th Dartford Scouts Scout Leader