Bonaly News and Opportunities

2 May 2023

Bonaly

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The 2023 Bonaly Outdoor Cooking Competition

Congratulations to all the Scouts that took part in the 2023 Bonaly Outdoor Cooking Competition, the food this year was exceptional!

Our judges were treated to flat breads with foraged wild leek and garlic, fresh salmon with asparagus, vegetable chilli, creps, chocolate orange cake, Thai green curry, pizza, garlic and rosemary bread, salsa and guacamole, chocolate brownies, chicken fajitas and loads more.

Thanks for coming guys, we really were amazed with the way you all worked together to produce such great food. Hopefully we will see you again next year.

1st place – 1st Aberlady Scouts

2nd place – 26th Craigalmond Scouts

3rd place – 1st North Berwick Scouts

FREE Leaders Day – “Traditional Scouting Skills” Development Opportunity. Sunday 14th of May 10:30 – 15:00

We often hear from some leaders that they would like an opportunity to develop or refresh their personal skills in some of the activities traditionally associated with Scouting – this is your chance to come to and “be a Scout” for a day!

You will be pitching a patrol tent, building fires and tying knots. This will be a fun day where Leaders get the chance to share ideas and pick up a few tips from the Bonaly team.

For more information and to book a place, please contact events@bonaly.org.uk

Please note that places are limited.

Bonaly Events – a March update

28 Feb 2023

Bonaly

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Bonaly Scout Centre Events 2023

Here’s your update!

Volunteer Instructor High Ropes ‘Have a Go’ Evening – Tuesday 28th March – complete
There are still a few places left on our Volunteer Instructor High Ropes “Have a go” evening, Tuesday 28th March from 18:00 – 20:00. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a Bonaly Volunteer Instructor and having a go at our High Ropes Activities. For more information and to book a place, please contact events@bonaly.org.uk

Scouts Campfire Cooking Competition – Saturday 29th April – complete
Booking is now open for the Scouts Campfire Cooking Competition on Saturday 29th April. Please contact events@bonaly.org.uk for an information pack and to book. Places are limited and filling up fast. Working in teams of up to six, Scouts have to cook a three-course meal on alter fires using Backwoods techniques alongside pots, pans and utensils. Each team must plan their own menu and produce a shopping list for ingredients. We will be judging the quality of the food, understanding of healthy eating and Camp Craft.

For more information and to book a place, please contact events@bonaly.org.uk

Ukrainian families welcomed with warm Scouts hospitality

In January, the Bonaly Scout Centre Team and volunteers welcomed a group of Ukrainian families. Read a blog all about the fun-packed day from Scouts Scotland.

Bonaly Scout Centre Update

30 Jan 2023

Bonaly

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What's in store at Bonaly in 2023? Scroll down for the events calendar

2023 promises to be a busy and important year for the Bonaly Scout Centre. We look forward to welcoming you on site. You’ll find more details on all the events including the new Ken’s Den below.

We have a range of events planned for young people and Leaders during the year and, since volunteers are key to our future, we have added a “Have a go day” planned very soon (see below).

We’re particularly excited about the new Ken’s Den, a self-contained village, which opened to bookings in December to commemorate Ken Thomson. It promises to be a great addition to Bonaly and as it’s already proving popular, book early. We have an official launch event planned if you read on.

Lastly, we have all our funding approved by the Trustees and sportscotland (thank you to both) for the new Amenity Hub to be built in 2023. Look out for more news on the building of our new toilet and shower block with a drying room between the main field and the Druim field, later in the year. If you missed the announcement about this please click here.

Ken’s Den

After a lot of hard work from the Bonaly ASU, it’s great to announce that our brand-new facility Ken’s Den is now open for bookings.

Our first guests have had a great time and it is proving a very popular choice of accommodation. If you would like to stay in Ken’s Den, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Ken’s Den is located on the right-hand side (behind the Barn) of the main field. This self-contained small village consists of two log cabins, a shelter, campfire with seating, and picnic tables. The facilities can accommodate 22 people in total.  

– The Sheiling – sleeps 10 people in bunk beds with mattresses and a separate extension for 2 leaders on single beds. 
– The Bothy - sleeps 10 people in bunk beds with mattresses. 
– The Shelter - a basic kitchen area with worktops, sink, double gas burner (with gas), cooking utensils, tables and a seating area.

Ken’s Den can be hired for single night stays and the minimum booking is 12 guests. The cost for SES Scouts is £175 per night for the first 12 people and £12.50 per additional person up to 22 in total. There is also space for a few hike tents, so don’t worry if your numbers are a bit higher than 22.

Online availability checker You can now check availability for camping or buildings with our new online availability checker.

Ken’s Den is dedicated to the memory of Ken Thomson (1949 – 2020)

Ken began his Scouting at the 30th Inverleith Scout Group and after gaining his Queen’s Scout Award, became their Scout Leader, he then served as District Commissioner in Liberton and Edinburgh Area Commissioner. He went on to represent the Area as Chair of the Scottish Board and a member of the UK Board of Trustees. After the formation of South East Scotland, Ken, who was the Head Teacher of Lasswade High School, led Adult Training in the Region and used his teaching skills to enthuse many new leaders to provide exciting and adventurous opportunities for our members. Ken is remembered as a good friend and would be delighted that this amazing “village” in the heart of Bonaly Scout Centre, gives our young visitors the chance to experience the outdoors, develop friendships and self-confidence, and learn new skills.

For further information and to place a booking please send an email to info@bonaly.org.uk 

Bonaly Events 2023

We’re delighted to be running six events this year and there will be something for everyone.

Our volunteers are the key to Bonaly being able to run these events and support Scouting. If you are interested in helping us to deliver high quality activities to young people, why not come along to one of our Volunteer Instructor “Have a Go Events”?

We are looking to build a new team of volunteer instructors who will specialise in High Ropes. If you think this might be for you, please come along and have a go at these activities for a couple of hours on the evening of Tuesday 28th March, 18:00 – 20:00. This event is now complete.

Campfire Cooking Competition

Working in teams of up to six, Scouts have to cook a three-course meal on alter fires using Backwoods techniques alongside pots, pans and utensils. Each team must plan their own menu and produce a shopping list for ingredients. We will be judging the quality of the food, understanding of healthy eating and camp craft. Bookings open and information packs will be available from 10th of February, events@bonaly.org.uk This event is now complete.

Bonaly 2023 Events Calendar
Date	Event	Sections
28th March	High Ropes Instructor “Have a Go Evening” – This event is now complete. We are looking to build a new team of Volunteer High Ropes Instructors to deliver sessions to Scouting. This is an opportunity to have a go at these activities and find out what’s involved in becoming an instructor.	Adults
29th April	Campfire Cooking Competition –This event is now complete. Working in teams of up to six, Scouts have to cook a three-course meal on alter fires using Backwoods techniques alongside pots, pans and utensils. Each team must plan their own menu and produce a shopping list for ingredients. We will be judging the quality of the food, understanding of healthy eating and Camp Craft. Click here for the info pack	Scouts

14th May	Leaders “Traditional Scouting Skills” Training Day – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! We often hear that some leaders would like an opportunity to develop their own skills in some of the activities traditionally associated with Scouting. Such as, pitching a patrol tent, fire lighting, outdoor cooking etc. This day has the dual aims of providing leaders with practical training in these skills and how to teach them to their groups.	Leaders
28th August	Halloween Survival Camp Training Day – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN & INFO PACK AVAILABLE FROM EASTER A day course to help prepare the Explorers who will be attending the camp in October. It is also an opportunity for leaders to understand our expectations for the weekend and highlight any areas their Explorers may need to practice.	Explorers & Leaders
3rd September	Pioneering Day – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN & INFO PACK AVAILABLE FROM EASTER Would you like to develop your Scouts pioneering skills? Our instructors will be running training workshops and construction challenges.	Scouts
30th Sept – 1st Oct	Conservation/Nature awareness weekend – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN & INFO PACK AVAILABLE FROM EASTER A weekend of nature awareness and conservation activities that count towards badgework. Be a nature detective, build an animal home or plant a tree. Cubs will be able to camp overnight while Beavers and Squirrels can come along for the day. All the activities will be led by Bonaly Volunteer Instructors.	Cubs, Beavers & Squirrels
28th – 29th October	Halloween Survival Camp – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN & INFO PACK AVAILABLE FROM EASTER Explorers are challenged to survive the spooky Halloween weekend! Sleeping out without tents, cooking everything on open fires and learning survival skills.	Explorers

Major improvements coming to our Regional Centres!

18 Dec 2022

Bonaly

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We are pleased to be able to share that major improvements will be coming to both Regional Scout Centres in South East Scotland Scouts.

At its recent meeting the Regional Executive Committee gave the final approval to proceed with development work, starting in early 2023, which will see the facilities at both Centres radically modernised and provide a better experience for Centre users as well as improving accessibility.

The Regional Executive Committee has agreed to substantial investment in both Centres to allow these changes to be made, recognising that these are necessary to ensure their long term future. It is also important to highlight that these developments are only possible due to additional generous funding of £190,950 provided by sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund. We are grateful for sportscotland’s support and recognition of the significance of these improvements both to young people across the Region and our wider communities. You can read more about the funding in this press release from sportscotland.

At Longcraig, the funds will be used to:

– extend the existing toilet and shower block,
– upgrade the current changing, office and toilet facilities to provide more flexible and accessible changing/shower facilities,
– provide the foundations for the installation of renewable energy solutions

These renovations will give the Centre flexible changing, shower and toilet facilities as well as improve the accessibility of the Centre making it suitable for people with additional support needs, as well as accommodating all gender identities.

Meanwhile, at Bonaly a new Amenity Hub will be constructed. This will see:

– replacement showers and toilets
– a new drying room for clothing and equipment,
– fully accessible facilities for campers with additional support needs,
– flexible covered space for use in support of camping and outdoor activities,

Proposed location of new amenity block

These improvements will provide increased opportunities for young people of all ages from across the Region to take part in outdoor sport and physical activity and develop Skills for Life.

Martin Elliot, Regional Commissioner said:

“Like many within the Region I have many happy memories from both Longcraig and Bonaly and so I am delighted that these improvements are being made so that future generations of young people can continue to make memories. The Regional Scout Centres at Longcraig and Bonaly are central to us achieving our longer term aims as set out in our Regional Strategy and I look forward to working with both management teams to ensure that we maximise the opportunities for young people to enjoy outdoor experiences”

John Cannon, Regional Chair said:

“I’m delighted as Chair of the Region to see this significant investment in our Scout Centres. These planned developments will truly enhance the experience for everyone who comes to visit them and provides us a great opportunity to encourage even more people to use these great facilities. My thanks go to all on the Regional Executive for giving their support to these ambitious projects and to those people who have been directly involved in making this aspiration a reality.”

Malcolm Leckie, Longcraig Centre Manager said:

“The desire to enhance the facilities at Longcraig was a key outcome of the business plan endorsed by the Regional Executive in 2020 and it is great that it is now, with the support from sportscotland and the REC, going to become a reality. We are all looking forward to welcoming young people back to the upgraded facilities and continuing to deliver adventurous activities in support of the Scouting programme.”

Peter Casebow, Chair, Bonaly Scout Centre said:
“I’m really excited by the investment in the long-term future of Bonaly Scout Centre by both the Region and sportscotland. It will provide us with first class facilities, that secure our future and allow us to continue to be a magical place that makes memories which last a lifetime for all the young people who visit.”

Would you like to get involved?

If you are excited by the upcoming changes then now is the ideal time to get involved by supporting the important work of both Centres. If you are interested in joining the enthusiastic teams of volunteers who deliver memorable experiences for young people whether in a front line activity role or a supporting role please reach out to Kirstie Armsworth our Scouting Support Officer at Kirstie.armsworth@sesscouts.org.uk

Bonaly: Bookings for 2023 & Ken’s Den

29 Nov 2022

Bonaly

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It’s been a busy year at the Bonaly Scout Centre and great to welcome back to international Scouting. There have been visitors from The Netherlands, Germany, France, Poland, Fiji, Ireland, England and of course Scotland! We hosted District flags, summer camps, Blair Atholl training and a WSJ selection day. It’s so good to be running Bonaly events again. We were pleased to host our own Outdoor Cooking Competition at Easter and Halloween Survival Camp in October.

Our new team of ASU instructors have been busy training and we are delighted to have started offering the instructor-led Nightline activity again; more activities will be available early next year. If you’re interested in joining the Bonaly volunteer team, why not come along to our Volunteering Opportunities “Have a Go” day in March?

The new ESCAPE! activity is proving very popular and we are bringing Tomahawk Throwing back for 2023.

As always, our ASU Maintenance Team has given a huge amount of support to keep things working and Bonaly looking good – especially with our new Ken’s Den! See below. Our ASU catering team has kept us all well-fed and watered all year. Bonaly simply couldn’t operate without all the volunteers and we would like to say a BIG thank you for everything you have done this year.

The Bonaly Team is looking forward to welcoming everyone in 2023, please take a look at our Events calendar below and get in touch to book ahead. Bookings for 2023 events will be taken from the 1st February, please email events@bonaly.org.uk

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Bonaly team

Date	Event	Sections
26th March	Volunteer recruitment day; “Have a Go” activities and “site service” projects	Adults
29th April	Cooking Competition	Scouts
14th May	Leaders “Traditional Scouting Skills” training day	Leaders
1st – 3rd September	Pioneering Extravaganza weekend	Explorers and Scouts all weekend, Cubs & Beavers on Sunday Morning
28th August	Halloween Survival training day	Explorers & Leaders
30th Sept – 1st Oct	Conservation/Nature awareness weekend	Cubs, Beavers & Squirrels
28th – 29th October	Halloween Survival	Explorers

Ken’s Den

The lasting legacy to the late Ken Thomson will officially be opened by his wife Alison on Sunday 11th December.

‘Ken’s Den’ is located on the right-hand side (behind the Barn) of the main field. The self-contained small village consists of two log cabins, a shelter, a campfire with seating, picnic tables and a camping area. The facilities can accommodate 22 people in total. There is additional space for leaders to camp.

The Sheiling: Sleeps 10 people in bunk beds with mattresses and a separate extension for 2 leaders on single beds.

The Bothy: Sleeps 10 people in bunk beds with mattresses.

The Shelter: A basic kitchen area with worktops, a sink, tables and a seating area. A gas burner and cooking utensils can be hired separately.

Groups are able to commence using the facility from February 1st 2023. For further information and to place a booking please send an email to info@bonaly.org.uk