Explorer Scouts invested into their Unit afloat on Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP)

4 Jun 2019

Two Explorer Scouts from Earlston were invested as Explorers standing atop Paddleboards which they had just learned to master, during the recent Borders water activity weekend. More photos and a full report in next month’s newsletter!

REMEMBER: Were you involved in any way with Longcraig Scout Centre at any time?

 

Or anyone you know??

We have been in touch with a good number of the folks who have helped out at Longcraig in previous years, in any capacity. But we know there are many more that we have lost touch with (or may have lost touch with us). If you know of anyone, can you please point them to a new dedicated e-mail address we have set up, to get in touch.

reunion@longcraig.info

or directly to: ian.harrower2@virgin.net

Please pass this snippet of information on to anyone you know who may not have direct access to this newsletter!

We are planning a reunion and celebration event in July specially for these very important people so need to get in touch with anyone we have missed very soon!

Bore Stane and Meadows Explorers Help at ‘Walk for Autism’ event

4 Jun 2019

On Sunday 19th May a number of Explorers from Bore Stane and Meadows ESUs volunteered to help at an inspiring event called the Walk for Autism. Whilst there, we helped at the food (sweets) and souvenir stall as well as helping to run the tombola.

We watched as everyone set off on the walk around Arthur’s Seat and watched them as they returned through the finish line with looks of joy on their faces. There were lots of people who took part in the walk, from all over, and it was a great opportunity to raise awareness for autism and help Autism Scotland which was the charity that ran the event. All in all, it was a great event to attend as it was a real eye-opener and great fun.

Lily Dickinson, an Explorer at Bore Stane Unit.

1st North Berwick Beavers and Cubs raise over £2,000 for Summer Camp

4 Jun 2019

The 1st North Berwick Scout Group has been busy recently raising much needed funds towards its annual camp.

The camp is taking place at PGL Dalguise in June. The 1st North Berwick Scout Group needed to raise money towards the cost of transport to and from the camp as 2 buses are needed for almost 100 Cubs, Beavers, leaders and the parent helpers who are expected to attend.  The annual camp is always one of the highlights of the year for the Cubs and Beavers. They will be spending 2 nights away and are able to take part in water sports and other activities that are not available locally.

In order to raise money towards the bus hire, 43 Cubs and Beavers, aged between 6 and 10 years, completed a sponsored hike on 17 March from Yellowcraig Beach back to their base at North Berwick Scout Hall.  The youngsters proudly carried their Scouting flags the entire way, helping to raise awareness of the Scout Association too.

On Saturday 30 March, the Group also held a coffee morning at North Berwick’s Hope Rooms.   The Cubs and Beavers served tea and coffee along with home baking. There was also a tombola, raffle and some lovely Mothers’ Day gifts, which all contributed towards the fund raising. The event was a real success, raising over £900, and was supported by some of the founder leaders of Beavers in East Lothian.  

Thank you to everyone within our local and scouting community for your amazing hard work and support for both these events.  We have been able to pay for the transport for the camp, meaning each child’s payment has been greatly reduced. 

With the money raised we were also able to purchase camp blankets for all the Beavers and Cubs, and had a commemorative camp badge made. We ran a design competition for it, with the winning design created by one of our Cubs, Austin Walker. Well done Austin!

Laura Hill, 1st North Berwick Beaver leader

Fifty Cubs from Durham visit Edinburgh and have a great time!

6 May 2019

Fifty Cubs from Durham City District came up by coach for their District Camp at Bonaly Scout Centre in Edinburgh. On Saturday we woke up to snow followed by lots of rain, but the Cubs weren’t going to be put off by that.  Having started to plan the route on Friday night, Cubs set off in smaller groups to get the bus into Edinburgh, half were to spend the morning at Dynamic Earth and the other half to start on Monopoly Run.

The morning group eventually made it to Dynamic Earth having got very cold and damp after walking across Edinburgh, so they were very grateful for the hot chocolate that I bought them on arrival to warm them up!  The staff at Dynamic Earth were fantastic – nothing was a bother and we delayed our tour to get warmed up. We spent around 4-5 hours in Dynamic Earth, although some groups spent more time than others. The Cubs had an amazing time!

We then set off trying to get to as many locations as we could and for Cubs to get their photo taken at those places.  We met some very friendly Policemen outside the Scottish Parliament who spoke to the children and let them have a look at their handcuffs.  My group were determined that we would get to The Royal Yacht Britannia, which we did!

Back to camp for a nice warm dinner and an indoor campfire as the Cubs had been cold and wet enough for one day. Well done to our Leaders and Young Leaders who ran our singing for us. It is always good to have lots of volunteers.

On Sunday morning we took the Cubs to the swimming pool at Wester Hailes where the staff were really accommodating.  Cubs took part in staged swimming badges with a number of leaders on the side checking off each stage. The remaining leaders stayed in the pool, just in case, but all went well and 50 Cubs achieved a swimming badge! We split the Cubs into 2 groups and the other half went to Ratho climbing wall where all the Cubs had the opportunity to take part in climbing.

Thank you, Bonaly, for a great weekend, we will definitely be back again soon.

Sarah Dodds, ADC Cub Scouts, Durham

Dazzling Davidson’s Mains Lights

13 Dec 2018

Edinburgh Scouts support the Mains Christmas Lights switch on event.

 

Davidson Mains Christmas Lights Switch On

On Saturday 1st December the 30th Craigalmond Scouts spent the day making sure the event was successful.  They helped put up tents, prepare the site to make sure everything went smoothly and raise money.  The lights were switched on at 7.30pm and cheers were made throughout the village.

The event was set up to raise money for new lights with an aim of £10,000. We would like to make a massive thanks to the Christmas Lights Committee. This year they managed to hold an amazing event. We would also like to thank them for letting us be part of the organisation. As one Scout explained, “I enjoyed helping out because it was all worth it when you saw everyone having fun!”

 

Article written by the Scouts of 30th Craigalmond Scout Troops as part of their Media Relations and Marketing activity badge

Applications Open for the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band Course 2019

5 Nov 2018

National Scout & Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band

Applications for the 2019 National Scout & Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band (NSGSO and NSGCB) course are now open. The course and concerts are based in Stourbridge, West Midlands and runs from Sunday 28 July – Sunday 4 August 2019.

Last year 142 young people attended – a record year again. The course is hosted by Birmingham Scout County in conjunction with Girlguiding Birmingham.

The NSGSO and NSGCB Ensembles

The Orchestra is now in its 44th year, and after the success of forming the Concert Band three years ago it will again run alongside the Orchestra. The NSGCB were re-branded last year with their own identity. However both groups are based together and although they have separate rehearsals and concerts they come together for a massed finale item and all accommodation and social activities. So there is a choice of 2 ensembles to apply for. There is slightly different criteria and instrument choices for each – please see below and also our website for specific information.

NSGSO

The NSGSO and NSGCB Course

The NSGSO and NSGCB meet every year for a fantastic week’s course of music and social activities led by 2 conductors and 12 professional tutors, and hosted by 8 staff members. Members are housed in single and small dormitories with common areas and rehearsal venues for all; all food is provided. During the week the Concert Band will perform 2 concerts in the community and also their main Saturday lunch time concert on 3rd August. They will also have the opportunity to take part in two concerts with the Orchestra as guest artistes. For the Orchestra the week will culminate in two evening concerts in Birmingham on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd August with the Concert Band as guest artists. Both the Orchestra and the Concert Band will also play a joint piece together at the Friday and Saturday evening concerts. To see for yourself what the course involves watch the NSGSO Promotional Video

To apply for the 2019 NSGSO or NSGCB Course and to find out lots more detail go to apply.nsgso.com. 

For the Orchestra all applicants must be:

– A Member of the The Scout Association or Girlguiding.
– Aged 13-25 by 31 August 2019
– Proficient player of a least one orchestral instrument (Grade 5 or above)

Please note: String players who are Grade 4 may be accepted under certain circumstances.

For the Concert Band all applicants must be:

– A Member of the The Scout Association or Girlguiding.
– Aged 12-25 by 31 August 2019
– Proficient player of a least one concert band instrument (Grade 4 or above)

Details of all instruments are on the website at apply.nsgso.com

Please note: Applicants between the ages of 26-30 will be considered in the event that a section is under-subscribed.

Further Information 

The cost of the course is £510, payable in four instalments. The course cost includes full board, accommodation, rehearsals and workshops with a professional conductor and sectional tutors, uniform for new members, transportation during the week and social activities. You just need to transport yourself to Stourbridge and after that everything else is paid for. We can pick you up from Stourbridge station or Birmingham airport.

For help with funding applicants should contact their group first, then district and then region. Applicants can of course do their own fundraising for this event. We can help you with contact details if you would like to email. A small amount of money is available in grants from NSGSO/NSGCB.

For anyone wishing to use this course for their DofE, QSA or QGA residential then this year must be the first time that they have attended.

Applicants will hear before the New Year if they have been successful.

Please email jill@nsgso.com with any queries that you have.

The closing date is midnight on Saturday 15th December