Kidlington Scout Group
This month, we have a special report from our Sea Scout Troop.
Tuesday 4th April was a very big end of term meeting for the 33rd (Oxford) Kidlington Sea Scouts RN102.
Firstly, as a Royal Navy recognised Sea Scout Troop (one of only 103 in
the country), the Troop are subject to an annual review to ensure that the high
standards required for this recognition are maintained. Lieutenant Will Jones
RN commanding officer of our local Royal Navy Unit came along to spend an
evening with the Troop and congratulated them on their broad programme,
training opportunities and reminding the Scouts of the valuable life
skills they are learning. Lt Jones confirmed the review was successful
and RN recognition maintained.
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| Lieutenant Will Jones |
Secondly, District Commissioner Anthony Morris came along to present three Scouts with the Chief Scouts Gold Award. To earn this, the Scouts each had to complete six activity or staged badges and a further nine challenge badges - no mean feat! Anthony reminded the Scouts that the requirements for achieving this Award have become more difficult and encouraged them to thank their Leaders, parents and fellow Scouts for helping them achieve this award. Well done to Holly, Tilly and William!
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| Will, Tilly and Holly |
Last, but by no means least, Phil Earl (County Commissioner) and Anna
Weekes (District Commissioner) came to the meeting to present Sea Scout Leader
David Eyles with the Silver Acorn Award. This prestigious award is only given
to a few Leaders and recognising exceptional service to Scouting for a minimum
of 20 years. David’s Award deservedly recognises not only his 27+ years as a
Scout Leader, but also his roles as Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts,
District Nights Away & Water Activities Advisor and County Canoe, Kayak
& Rafting Assessor. Well done David!
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| David Eyles and Phil Earl |
This was a
fantastic end to the term, and followed the Troop's first outdoor camp of the
year at Youlbury Scout campsite in Boar's Hill on the weekend of 31st March-2nd
April. 34 Scouts and Leaders camped, and rather than the usual wind, rain,
sleet and snow, the Troop were lucky to have warm sunshine for their 'back to
basics' weekend. Over the two days, they learned Scouting skills such as making
camp gadgets, navigation and cooking on open fires. They also had a lot of fun
taking part in one of the onsite activities, axe throwing!
***
Elsewhere in the Scout Group all of our units have had an action-packed term
of meetings, weekend events and awards. Of particular note are the six members
of the Land Scout Troop who earned their Chief Scout Gold Awards (well done Kian,
Harry, Adam, Ashton, Natasha and Charles) and Lennon in Mowgli Cubs who earned
his Chief Scout Silver Award. Jo Hawtin, a Scout Leader for many years in
Kidlington and now Assistant County Commissioner, receives a Silver Wolf award
in this year’s St George’s Day Awards.
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| District Commissioner Anthony Morris and Lennon |
Well done to each and every one of you who has worked hard to earn
awards and badges this term. You make us all proud!
AGM
If you’re interested in learning more about the Scout Group or want to
find out how you can get involved, please join us at our Annual General Meeting
on 8th May. The meeting is at the Scout Centre in Blenheim Road and
starts at 7.30.
Find out more at www.kidlingtonscoutgroup.org.uk
