Troop Events - Autumn 2003

Troop Events

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Pictures from Troop Nights - Autumn 2003

I've said it before and I'll say it again, The Fulwood Scout Troop are more than active during all weathers. We never let the rain spoil things especially during the Autumn Term. (The principle is that no Scout has ever melted in rain!). We have only once had to cancel an activity due to rain, a backwoods cooking session behind the hut, which was turned into a gas burner variation inside the hut when the biggest downpour in recent history struck Fulwood. We now have a shelter behind the hut! so even the rain can't stop that.

The big challenge this term was the sudden influx of 10 new Scouts (50% increase). With all activities outside the hut until later in the term it would be interesting to learn all their names in the dark. Unfortunately, again I was unable to take my camera with me on most of this terms activities so pictures are scarce in this terms report.

With the Westbourne Cup taking place in the Autumn Term, we usually concentrate on basic Scouting Skills. The first meeting back was a reintroduction to using a compass with an orienteering exercise on the field behind the hut. Me thinks we have a lot of work to do!!!

Shelter building followed which is one of the many activities the Scouts enjoy away from the Hut (out on the Moors). For many this is the first time they actually manage to complete a shelter that they can all fit into, and it is all made that little bit more exciting by being in the dark.

A quick night on how to tie poles together, or Pioneering to the initiated, resulted in nearly all learning the basic knots and lashings so that the following week we could let the Troop compete in its own 'Westbourne Cup' in and around the hut.

With a large 'Conker Tree' behind the hut it has become tradition to have a Troop competition each year, and this year it took place on 7th October. The winner this year being Robbie Mitchell-Williams

It seems that some form of cooking takes place during each term programme, and this was no exception. To make use of our new shelter we set up the altar fires behind the hut and learned how to prepare and light wood fires for cooking with. The usual sausages were 'cremated' but also we encourage the Scouts to prepare 'toasted sandwiches' (Inside out sandwiches basically wrapped in foil), which take a couple of minutes to cook on the embers.

The Patrol Activity Night is designed to test the planning and organisational skills of the Patrol Leader, who has to arrange a night out for his Patrol. This year activities included trips to the Cinema, Ten Pin Bowling, and Laser Quest.

The Group Bonfire was a success again, this year including 'proper' burgers courtesy of Bob (the Group Butcher). Thanks to all who came and donated fireworks.

More cooking on 18th November. This time however using stoves instead of open fires. The Scouts were able to learn about different types of stove and fuel such as an MSR stove that uses Paraffin or white spirit, Camping Gaz that uses Butane, or a Trangia that uses methylated spirit.

Of course it would have been wasteful of fuel not to have cooked some burgers ! and a cup of tea etc.

As we moved into December we started to remember that it is nearly 100 years since the first powered flight. So a couple of evenings making un-powered flying 'devices' saw an evening of Gliders and hot air balloons.

The gliders were made from simple stick kits and resulted in a distance competition from one end of the hut. Champion of this was Robbie (who also won the Conker Competition earlier this term ??.

The hot air balloons were very successful. Made from tissue and stuck together with glue, the Scouts were able to fly them outside in 'almost' still conditions. Seen here in the various stages of construction and flight.