It’s 1 week today til the 12^th Cambridge launches its second Scout Troop!

So, our very first meeting kicks off at 7:45pm next Wednesday, at the Scout Hut on Gilbert Road.  The entrance is through a fairly narrow set of gates between the Gurney Way and Courtney Way turns; there’s a full map here (under the “The 12th” tab).  The meeting will run to 9:15pm, and parents are welcome to pop in for a chat at the end (or indeed at the start, but the leaders may be a little busier sorting things out then).

We’ve got a couple of games included in the programme, as well as a general introduction to Scouting, a getting-to-know-you activity, and a session on using pen knives safely.  As with most Scout evenings, no specific kit is needed, other than uniform for those Scouts who are already invested (i.e. those transferring from Thursdays).  It’s a good idea to wear old clothes, just in case we have some messier or outdoor activities, and to bring a coat/waterproof that’s suitable for the weather.  We’ll be doing quite a few things outdoors over the summer term in particular.

For those few people who haven’t returned information forms yet, it would be really handy to have them in advance, but otherwise do please bring them in at the start of the meeting.  As you’ll appreciate, we need contact and basic information before any Scout is left for the meeting.

If there are any queries, please do email, or give Toby a call on 07912 494875.

Events to look forward to…

• Archery competition camp: Friday 8 to Sunday 10 May
• Go-karting: Sunday 17 May
• Sun Run (night hike): Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 June
• Troop camp: Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July
• Summer Camp: Tuesday 18 to Monday 24 August

It’s 2 weeks today til the 12^th Cambridge launches its second Scout Troop!

Over the last two months we’ve used the weekly updates to set out some of the events for next term – including the “Sun Run” overnight hike in June; the Troop camp in July; and the main Summer Camp in August.  Once we’re up and running in April, we’ll be inviting bookings for those events (this is managed through a simple online system called OSM, and there’ll be more details sent out about this soon).

There are also a couple of places spare on a go-karting activity which the Thursday night Troop has arranged for Sunday 17 May.  This costs £25, and anyone who might be interested is welcome to email for more details.  We’re putting this out now, rather than waiting until our first meeting, as space is genuinely limited.

We’ll also shortly be confirming a Wednesday around the Whitsun half-term when we’ll meet at a local campsite rather than the Scout hut, for outdoor games, camp-fire, and more.

Next week we’ll give a flavour of the programme for  Wednesday 15 April and the first couple of meetings, as well as reminding everyone about the practicalities – meeting times, what to bring (don’t worry, not much!), etc.  But if there are any questions now, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Events to look forward to…

• Archery competition camp: Friday 8 to Sunday 10 May
• Go-karting: Sunday 17 May
• Sun Run (night hike): Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 June
• Troop camp: Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July
• Summer Camp: Tuesday 18 to Monday 24 August

With the General Election quickly approaching the troop’s Patrol Leaders, our senior 13 and 14 year old scouts, decided that they wanted to have a night themed on it and decided to invite the candidates for the Cambridge seat at May’s election to an evening to be grilled by the troop in a “Question Time” style event.

We were joined for the evening by Valerie Holt, campaigned for Liberal Democrat candidate Julian Huppert, Labour candidate Daniel Zeichner, Green Party Councillor Oscar Gillespie and UKIP candidate for South East Cambs Deborah Rennie.

Just like on the tv show none of the candidates knew any of the questions in advance and some were clearly surprised by the nature of some of them which varied between the voting age, use of cycle helmets, GCSE grade inflation and immigration. UKIP’s Deborah Rennie said “I was really impressed with the questions” and Labour’s Daniel Zeichner said ” it was actually the most interesting event we have done so far, because the audience was a much more genuine cross-section. I was very impressed by the young people”

They were clearly not the only ones to enjoy it as one scout called it “the best night I’ve had at scouts this year”, it looks like we may have now got some budding politicians in the making. The event also got coverage from the local press

The group would like to thank all those who gave up their time for the group in what is a very busy time in the run up to the election.

It’s 4 weeks today til the 12^th Cambridge launches its second Scout Troop!

We talked last week about what normally happens during meetings, including games, team activities, learning skills, etc.  As we’ll be a new Troop, however, the first few weeks will include a few special introductory activities, helping Scouts to get ready for their investiture.  This is the short ceremony when they officially join the Troop, and we’d expect to run a big investiture around half term.  We’ll try to find somewhere unusual for it – maybe up a climbing wall, or in a swimming pool! – and Scouts are welcome to suggest ideas for this!

Making the Scout Promise is one of the main parts of getting invested – it’s our commitment to acting in a certain way during Scout activities, and in fact throughout life.  The core Promise is as follows;

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God, and to the Queen, to help other people, and to keep the Scout Law.

There are alternative versions of the Promise for those different faiths and nationalities.  The Scout Law sets out seven values, including trust, loyalty and respect.  You can find out more about both the Promise and Law at www.scouts.org.uk

Events to look forward to…

• Archery competition camp: Friday 8 to Sunday 10 May
• Sun Run (night hike): Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 June
• Troop camp: Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July
• Summer Camp: Tuesday 18 to Monday 24 August