The Squirrel Drey at 7th Retford Scout Group has been having lots of fun with interesting sessions on Tuesday evenings for four- and five-year-olds. Some of the Squirrels are moving up to the Beaver Colony as they turn six. Beavers meet on Mondays and so far, they have had a space-themed evening, a book evening, a Lego evening, air activities, and an experiments evening. Daisy, aka ‘Squirrel’, Chris, Elijah, and Amelia have been working well together to provide an engaging weekly programme.
Cubs have had fun making parachutes for their small soft toys while learning some knots in the process. They also made armpit fudge and bum sandwiches, and the following week, they learned how to lay a table, put on a duvet cover and pillowcases, and do simple ironing. They even made gifts for Mothering Sunday. A surprise 80th birthday cake was made for Maureen, one of the team members, by Cakes by June.
Scouts had a hike led by Aaron, one of the Young Leaders at the group. Leading an activity is part of the Young Leader training scheme, and he planned the hike and evaluated it afterwards. He has also completed other missions as part of the award scheme.
The parent-helper rota at Scouts has been working well. Gaia’s Mum has helped at a session, and Hugo’s Mum assisted when the Scouts made fantasy animals from marshmallows and spaghetti. Louise (Conan’s Mum) helped at a session led by two Scouts, Gaia and Lucas. They set the Scouts a challenge to make pancakes from buttermilk, which was a fun evening. Helen Tamblyn-Saville, Community Rail Officer and Rose’s Mum, came to talk to the Scouts about rail safety and being a good passenger. The Scouts asked lots of questions, including why all level crossings don’t have full barriers, which would make them safer. The answer lies in the lack of electricity close by, and often, it’s due to financial costs.
The group is looking for more adults to join the team of volunteers in all sections. Whether you can volunteer once a week or once a month, please get in touch. No experience in Scouting is needed, and there are opportunities to work behind the scenes rather than face-to-face with young people. All adults need to complete a Scouting DBS. Most training is online, with some modules to complete before starting to volunteer.
A team of adults will be joining the group for the May Day weekend camp, with five new volunteers. The group will have fun supporting the young people to get the most out of the weekend, with activities such as the zip wire, obstacle course, climbing, rifle shooting, Cresta Run, grass sledges, soft shot, Nerf guns, and a cave bus. The catering marquee and campsite will be adjacent, with everyone sleeping in tents.
If you’re interested in joining the group or if your child wants to join, contact 7thretford@gmail.com. Please call 07958 696122 or email 7thretford@gmail.com. The minimum age for joining is four, and it’s advised to place your child’s name on the waiting list in advance. You’ll need to provide the child’s name, date of birth, home address, parent’s name, and contact details. It’s also useful to know what school they attend (or if they are home-educated) to help find them a buddy for their first session.
Join the adventure… and have fun yourself!