Camp@Home

Hammocks in the woods

Calling all young people from across Northumberland, the UK, and the Wider World. COVID-19 may have changed the way we do things, but it won’t stop Scouts camping!
Northumberland Scouts are organising a month-long Virtual Camp across April, from the 1st to the 30th. The camp will end with an attempt to set the world record for the largest virtual camp on the 30th of April, when we’d like as many people as possible to participate.
Take up the challenge and let’s keep on #virtually camping, here are the “Rules”We’re asking you all…… Hedgehogs, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Network, Leaders, Parents, and Young People interested in joining in the fun to: 

  • Pack a bag
  • Build a den at home / pitch a tent in the garden/ hang up a hammock (whatever you can)
  • Sleep in your shelter of choice
  • Build a ‘campfire’ (real or virtual)
  • Take part in a “Scouty activity”
  • Help with cooking meal

MOST IMPORTANTLY……. Each night you participate share a creative photo, video, blog, etc. to our social media with: #CampAtHome 

  • Facebook: Northumberland Scouts
  • Twitter: @1stStocksfield and @NorthlandScouts
  • Instagram: @Northumberland_Scouts

 Then share them with your leaders and friends to show that although we can’t meet “Face to Face” Scouting doesn’t stop!

Each Young Person who takes part will be entitled to 1 Night Away for each night they participate (as long as they aren’t sleeping in their bed). Meaning you could get up to an extra 30 Nights Away if you take on the challenge! Everyone who participates will also get a #VirtualCertificate for joining in, we will also be awarding special #VirtualCertificates for those that manage the full month. Additionally, if you take part on the 30th of April and we get enough participants you’ll be part of setting a world record!

The Great Indoors

The Great Indoors

We know the coming days and weeks are going to be difficult for families across the UK, as the spread of Covid-19 causes schools to close. As the experts in developing skills and bringing adventure to young people, The Scout Association wants to do what it can to help.  

While we normally love the great outdoors, The Scout Association has pulled together some inspired indoor activity ideas. We hope they will keep your kids learning new skills and having fun (and avoid hearing ‘I’m bored’ every 30 seconds) all in #TheGreatIndoors.

There are also plans afoot for “virtual meetings” so that we can all carry on Scouting – more details to follow soon

Cancelled

coronavirus

I have just been emailed by Tim Kidd, the UK Chief Commissioner for Scouts. With a heavy heart he instructed us that all Beaver, Cub and Scout meetings and activities are cancelled with immediate effect. This is after the Prime Minister’s instruction to avoid non-essential travel and contact. As a Group we must await further instructions from The Scout Association. Plans for online and at-home activities are being developed.

Dr Malcolm Murray
Group Scout Leader

Camp

  • Scouts and Cubs learn to fence
    En guarde!

Older Beavers and Younger scouts joined the Cubs at a camp at Dukeshouse Wood. They left with new experiences, new friends and a significant amount of mud on their clothes!

Thinking of Others

Makeshift shelter

Everyone in the Group has been raising funds to try and finish off the new hut. At the same time though, it is important that our members also think of others. For the last three years the Scout Troop has effectively been homeless, operating out of a range of temporary locations. This was used as a stimulus for discussions about homelessness, poverty and the things we take for granted. Scouts built temporary shelters using scavenged materials. They collected donations for a local food bank. Together with the Beavers, Cubs and Leaders, they have also been learning about sanitation and have been working to twin our toilets in the new hut, to create new toilets elsewhere where they are really needed.

Page from a quiz about toilet twinning
Scouts learnt about sanitation issues in a quiz. The answer is D by the way 🙂

I am always impressed by their resourcefulness. Three Scouts raised almost enough to twin a toilet on their own through an impromptu bake-sale. The Cubs also made and sold some nice looking mince pies after their Christmas play.

A plate of mince pies, each topped with the Scout emblem
Fantastic mince pies

What happens when you run out?

Last night the Scouts were challenged: what do you do if you are out walking and your water bottle runs dry? They learnt how the empty plastic bottle could be fashioned into a DIY water filter, using stones, sand, charcoal scavenged from an old fire and a scrap of cloth.

Much to their amazement, when dirty brown water was poured in at the top, clear water came out the bottom. It would still need boiled, but it was the first step.

Quality Camp Food

At the weekend the Cubs were demonstrating their camping and cooking skills when they went to Whittonstall

  • Big dixies sitting atop three roaring fires
    Dinner Underway

Deep Learning

Scout diving

For the last two weeks Scouts have made the journey to the Diving Centre at East Bolden, for their Discover Scuba sessions. These have been a big hit with the Scouts and their parents – several had a go too!

If you go down to the woods today…

Camping in the forest

You won’t be alone! This weekend thirteen Scouts from Stocksfield joined 150 from the District and over 1,500 from across the UK at Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre on the edge of Kielder Water as part of the 2019 Wintercamp.

Activities included quad biking, tomahawk throwing, zip wires, power-boating, crafts, fairground rides, mountain biking, a silent disco and a Scout version of angry birds.

Participants returned happy, tired, having made new friends and tried new activities. Plans are already underway for the 2012 camp!

@1stStocksfield   #Belonging   #SkillsForLife
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