Family Camp 2016 took place at Gilwell Park from 20th to 22nd May. Over 85 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Parents had a fantastic weekend of activities with an Olympic theme.

Friday night was camp set up and quiz night. 2 sessions of activities were organised for Saturday morning with choices for everyone including kayaking, raft building, archery, climbing, pedal karts, grass sledging, zip wire, 3G swing, areoball and crate stacking. After lunch was the mini Olympic challenge followed by tea to celebrate the Queens birthday. A fantastic BBQ and bonfire rounded off the evening. Up early on Sunday morning for a 3 mile hike in Epping Forest and returned to a full English breakfast.

Next years camp is booked for 9th -11th June 2017 at Gilwell.

Now you know why we ask parents to pack plenty of spare dry clothes when the leaders cannot be trusted to stay out of the water….

“I’m sure there is supposed to be a signpost somewhere around here”!!!

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We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Smith as District Commissioner for Southgate Scout District. Steve has been working as a Deputy District Commissioner supporting Jack Caine whilst he was interim DC, and is also Group Scout Leader of the very successful 6th Southgate. Steve will take on the role with effect from the 11th April. We wish him well in his new role and look forward to the next phase of Scouting in Southgate!

On the 12 March 2016, Southgate District held an Activity Day at the 14th Southgate HQ (Vin Fleming Scout Centre).

The idea was conceived at a Leaders meeting in January 2016 and then Martin from the 14th planned all the activities and took it forward. The session was held between 10:00 and 13:00.

The bases were

(1) Pancake challenge – Cubs prepared a pancake batter and make a pancake.
(2) Tower build –  Cubs built the tallest structure out of newspaper and tape.
(3) Sneak a peek – Cubs looked at a Lego structure and try and replicate the structure from memory (like Kim’s Game).
(4) Knot tying/Pioneering – Cubs took part in tying different knots and lashings/pioneering.
(5) Tents Cubs practiced putting up Patrol Tent and then taking it down and putting away.
(6) Fire lighting – Cubs will practice their fire lighting skills in small fire pit in the Garden.

37 Cubs from 6 different packs attended the session. Since we were running this activity for the first time in the beginning it was a massive challenge for the Leaders to get going. Lots of new things had to be explained and work as a team on some of the bases. Cubs spent around 30 minutes at each of the bases and then moved to the next base.

Overall it was a good day and the weather was just perfect for such a session, where the Cubs enjoyed the indoor and Outdoor activities. The photos show all the Paper Structures built. Team 2 were the best and their Paper tower is in the front of the rest. Other photos are about Fire lighting in the pit and Knot tying.

Dan and the Hatters joined the Queen and members of the Royal family at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service.

The Beavers had a fantastic weekend at Belchamps….