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Ruxley at the National Sea Scout Regatta |
1st Ruxley entered crews in the
Under 14 double dinghy, Under 14 Gig and Under 14 kayak
events at the National Sea Scout Regatta during the
weekend of 5/6 July at Thames Ditton. The scouts put
their training to very good effect against sea scout
groups from across the country, winning four pulling
races and gaining a hard fought second in the kayak heat
on the Saturday which meant that we had an interest in
all events right through to the end of the regatta on
Sunday evening. The Gig crew reached the quarter final,
the dinghy crew reached the Semi final and our
canoeist reached the semi final of the Kayak event.
All the Ruxley
crews performed with style and determination and were a
credit to the Group. Well done to all who took part and
and thanks also to the parents for their support during
the event.
In a rash moment someone (so far
unidentified) entered the Ruxley scout leaders in a
leaders Gig race at the end of the regatta and we were
then advised that there would actually be two races
(with no break in between !). The intrepid five
ventured onto the water to take on an impressive looking
crew from the Torbay area (Brittania). In a good race
the Ruxley power to weight ratio came into play and a
good win was achieved complete with impressive bow wave
! The final was much tighter, but the support of the
cheering crowds gave the crew an extra lift and again
victory was achieved.
We would like to express our thanks
to the 1st Cuddington (Warspite) Sea Scout Group for
their continued support in allowing 1st Ruxley to use
their boats and facilities in recent years, and for
their advice and encouragement.
Click here to see regatta photos in the gallery Note
: There are three pages of photos!
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Scoutabout - A Scout's View |
On the way to Scoutabout
it took about 1hour and ½ to get there. when we got
there the outside of our tents were already put up all
we had to do was put the groundsheet down and hook in
the sleeping compartments. When we had all finished
putting our tents together we were given our wrist bands
and were then allowed off to do the activities, 1 of the
main activities was the disco which was on from about
7o’clock until lights out at 11 o’clock.
On the Saturday all of the activities were open and
me and my friends went off to the dunk tank where a
person sat on a board and people threw tennis balls at a
small target and when a ball hit the middle of the
target the person who was sitting down on the board got
dunked into a big tank of water. After we had dried we
saw a massive mound made out of hay stacks, we went over
to investigate and read the sign that said CAVING and so
we lined up. After about 10 minutes of waiting we got to
the front and were told to take off our shoes and socks
and t-shirt in you wanted to get wet, me and my friends
went to go the dry way. When we entered the hay we were
given some helmets with lights on so we could see where
you were going, we went round the corner and saw a
ladder so we went up and saw a marshal and he said go
down so we went down a small hole near where we came up.
A while later after we had gone quite far we saw day
light so as we headed towards it there were more
marshals asking do you want dry, wet or super wet. We
went wet so we went on further with our knees in water
and water dripping on our heads and then super wet was
in front of us and we had to go all the way under water
to get out. There was a tuck shop there with lots of
drinks and sweets you could purchase.
At the closing ceremony I was lucky enough to carry
the flag for 1st Ruxley and
so I waited at the back of all of the scout troops and
guide groups until it was time for all of the flags to
walk down the middle of the groups with all of the
guides on the left and all of the scouts on the right.
At the end we were told that there were 38milloin scouts
and guides worldwide!
CP - Scout
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Voluntary Work in Malawi |
E.V., an ex Beaver, Cub,
Scout and young leader at 1st Ruxley is off to Malawi in
East Africa for 5 weeks to work at the Open Arms
orphanage. Previously this year our Beaver colony has
donated paints and crayons to a children's charity in
Cuba, but on this occasion has sent a collection of
balls and games to Malawi. We will keep you posted on
the Malawi trip.
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Beaver Football |
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On Sunday 22nd June a large number of boy and girl
beavers joined Jaqula and Keeo at HQ for football
training for the coming season. This will be a regular
event with the possibility of Beaver games being
arranged against other groups.
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Surrey Scoutabout 2008 |
Scoutabout is a major event that
takes place every three years. This year it was
held at the South of England Showground in Ardingly,
West Sussex and was attended by 5000 scouts and guides.
There were over 200 activities available including:
Caving, Canoeing, Paragliding, Archery, Rock Climbing,
Abseiling, Crafts, Shooting and Films.
Many of the 1st Ruxley scouts and
some of the older cubs had an action-packed weekend and
managed to return home with all tents dry! We hope
to have some photos available soon.
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Cub Camp 2008 |
This year 1st Ruxley cubs had their annual camp in the
New Forest. They took part in a full range of
activities, inclusing a trip to Brownsea Island to visit
the birthplace of Scouting.
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Explorers Gliding |
Gliding with the Surrey Hills Gliding Club was
exhilarating. The G force at the take off and during the
steep banks made my head spin and
the landing was quite bumpy. The views from 1000
ft in the air were spectacular and I will definitely do
it again if I get the chance
B Explorer Scout
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Flying |
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All Scouts are considered to be members of the Surrey
Scout Flying Club, so I went to Redhill Aerodrome for a
flight experience session. I went in a single engine
Archer with 4 seats. I was in the air for about 30 mins
and flew over West Ewell and Ewell Village.It was very
good and I hope to get a licence and become a pilot in
the future
BS Explorer aged 16
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Explorers on the Water |
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The Explorers can be found every Wednesday night
sculling on the Thames at Barnes. They are
enjoying themselves despite thunder, lightning, rain and
strong winds. This activity should continue
through the summer.
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St George's Day Church Parade |
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Following tradition, the group paraded from HQ to Ruxley
Church on Sunday, April 27th, to celebrate St George's
Day. As part of the service, each section took it
in turns to renew their promises. We were pleased
to be joined by the our new District Commissioner, John
Jordan, who also presented a Long Service certificate
and a Wood Badge to two of the leaders.
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Cubs Football |
On Saturday, April 26th, Ruxley entered teams in
both age groups of the District cubs football
competition as well as 1st Ruxley providing food
and drink with our outstanding catering team,
led by Skip. both team played so well and
although they did not win the overall
competition they did win some of there games.
they all showed great skill and ability and
fantastic sportsmanship and team spirit through
out. there was some out standing performance
from C. and M. N. in the older team and from L.
and A. in the younger team.
Overall there was a great day had by all. Thank
you to everybody who gave there all and offered
their assistance cubs, parents and leaders
alike.
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Scouts Challenge Hike |
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This year, the District Challenge Hike was based around
Bentley Copse scout campsite near Shere. Ruxley
entered three teams - two in the older age group and one
in the younger. Unfortunately one of the younger
team had to withdraw because of injury, but the other
two scouts took part regardless. The first
'Challenge' was getting to the start! With 3-4
inches of snow falling in the morning, and the A3 closed
by an accident, everyone did well to get to Bentley
Copse. After the initial snowfall, the day
continued fine, providing some lovely walking around the
course. Well done to the older team who won their
age group, and to the two younger scouts who would have
been placed highly with a complete team.
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District Cross Country |
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Once again the District cross country competition took
place at Horton Country Park. Although it was
warm, with glorious sunshine, the rain of the previous
few days left plenty of mud and puddles. Ruxley
entered sizeable teams of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and
everybody managed to finish (sooner or later!).
Well done to those who took part.
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Scouts go Night-Time
Orienteering |
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On Friday, 28th March, the Scout troop met at Horton
Country Park for some night-time orienteering.
Despite a heavy shower before we started, the rain
cleared to give us a fine night. Three groups of
four scouts were set unique courses through the park
with the task of collecting information form the
orienteering posts, as well as being set an additional
challenge. Only one group managed to reach all of
their posts, but they did arrive back after the allotted
time!
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Church Parade and a Muddy
Walk! |
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On Sunday 16th the group participated in the Palm Sunday
Church Parade at Ruxley Church. After the service the
Beavers went on a very wet muddy welly hike. The walk
took about 1 hour and nearly every muddy puddle was
found and fallen into. Despite the day being wet with
rain teeming down it was a great success. The walk was
followed by hot drinks and cakes at the now muddy Scout
headquarters at Tealing Drive. Tabaqui (Riverview
Beaver Leader) has now decided that she needs boots or
wellies!
Beavers are fun and great
On Sunday we had to go to the church, we learnt about
Palm Sunday and then we went on a wet wet walk around
the school park, I enjoyed holding the flag when we
walked from the church. we all got wet and had fun going
in the mud. Then we went back to the Scout hall for hot
chocolate and cakes.
J Beaver aged 6
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Explorers Night Hike |
We entered a team in the County Explorer night hike
challenge. The weather was good not cold a bit windy but
dry. We walked for about 5 hrs but only did 1 loop. we did 3
incidents, the first was an obstacle course really severe, J
Cut himself and I had to do 1st aid. the 2nd was a
blindfolded course and the last one was making pancakes and
flipping them over a high wire for another one of the team
to catch in their pan. I enjoy the night i have been tired
all week the hardest part I think was walking on thick sandy
paths in walking boots , but I will do it again
B Explorer Scout aged 16
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Beavers have Fun at Walton
Firs |
On Tuesday 19th February, 25 Beavers plus 2 helping
Cubs, 3 Explorers and Leaders descended on Walton Firs Camp
site. They participated in Beaver size Bows and Arrows, a
very muddy Adventure assault course, orienteering and also
very very wide games. A lot of extremely sleepy, muddy
Beavers returned tired but happy!
Hello my name is L and this is my outing at Walton Firs.
We went to the Beaver hut and went into the Blue Mini-bus.On
the way we played British Airways Aeroplane. There was a 4
person Karaoke at the back of the mini bus. When we got
there me and 4 others did darts ( bows & arrows ) while the
other half played games on the field and the others had an
adventure. Then we swopped over and we played on the field.
Then we swapped over again and we went on an adventure it
included finding a Beaver camp a bridge, and lots more. then
there was something i've never been on before A ASSAULT
COURSE , we did the pole, climbed the rigging. did the hoop
jump on the wood then back to the begining again,and do the
balancing rope and did the wood that you had to balance
on,which the girls hated and then did the thing when you
hunt for the pictures( Orienteering) then we played catch
Fayo , witch game, and running,and catching the ball,and
frissbe, then we got into the mini-bus,and headed back home.
that was my day at Walton Firs
L Beaver aged 6
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Thanks from Afghanistan |
One of the 1st Ruxley leaders has a work colleague whose
husband is a serving soldier in Afghanistan. Because
of the situation there, the soldiers were told not to expect
too much at Christmas time - it was to be a day like any
other. When the folks at home learned about the
situation, they organised a collection of shoeboxes, filled
with treats and everyday essentials so that the troops did
not miss out on Christmas altogether. Cubs and Scouts
from 1st Ruxley collected a number of boxes, which were
added to the consignment to be sent to Afghanistan in time
for Christmas.
A few weeks later, the organiser received a letter from
Shane, one of the troops who received a parcel, thanking
everyone for their thoughtfulness and generosity.
Shane's letter can be seen
here.
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Explorers Visit Craggy Island |
On Monday 18th February a group of Explorers visited Craggy
Island, a prestigious indoor rock climbing centre in
Guildford.
We went for rock climbing at craggy island. Although we
have done a lot of rock climbing before this was the first
time I had been to an indoor climbing centre. We did lots of
different walls & activities and had lots of fun despite
injuries to arms and hands. We all improved a lot although J
was the best and progressed from easy to difficult walls.
Overall it was a good day despite the mini bus being slow
and not too good. [Last sentence edited for public
consumption!]
A (Explorer, aged 17 ) |
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New Flag for Latest Beaver
Colony |
On Sunday February 10th, members from Beavers, Cubs and
Scouts attended Church Parade at Ruxley Church. We
arrived to find a gas leak, but after a worrying few
minutes, the church was declared safe to use, albeit without
heating!
As usual, the Colours were presented but, this time, there
was an extra duty to perform. The recently-formed
Riverview colony paraded its new flag for the first time,
and it was formally blessed by the vicar.
Beavers took an active part in the service and were
especially appreciative of heart-shaped marshmallows!
The following is a report from the lucky Beaver who was
chosen to carry the flag for the first time:
Jaqula picked me to carry the new flag
I felt happy when he picked me
it wasn't heavy
I had to carry it to the front of the Church at the
start of the service
the new flag was blessed
After the service I had to get the flag from the front
of the Church
I carried it outside and I had my photo taken
I was really pleased I went to the Church Parade
O (Beaver, aged 7) |
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Sainsbury's Active Kids 2008 |
 Once
again the 1st Ruxley Group are collecting Sainsbury's Active
Kids vouchers. This year's scheme runs from 14th February
until 4th June, so we have plenty of time to build up our
collection.
After a late start in 2007, we collected sufficient vouchers
to buy a small amount of equipment for every section. This
year, with your support, we aim to collect enough vouchers
to make a difference to all the young people in the group.
Please bring your vouchers to any section meeting. |
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Christmas Fundraising Success |
Cubs and Scouts from 1st Ruxley gave up their time on
Saturday 22nd December to pack bags for customers at Marks &
Spencer, Tolworth. Trade was brisk on one of the busiest
shopping days of the year, and the M&S customers were
generous both in their donations and in their words of
support for scouting. One lady took the time to tell us
about her late brother, who had received a personal letter
from Baden-Powell.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the manager,
staff and customers of Marks and Spencer for their help and
support. One day of fundraising helps to support the
activities of the group throughout the whole of the
forthcoming year. We are delighted to report that this was
one of the most successful fundraising efforts ever! |
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Christmas Message from Brian
Hilton |
Ray received the
following message from Brian Hilton
To all at Ruxley Scouting. Thank you for your
Christmas Card and copy of "Signal". I read it with
much pleasure. Scouting seems to be fit & well in
and around Tealing Drive. I have looked at your Web
site, excellent stuff. We were invited to two 100th
events one at St Georges Windsor and one at Gilwell.
nice to be so honoured. We also watched and read
about many of the other events, well done all round.
Derek Twines CBE gave special pleasure.
Regards Brian Hilton (Ruxley Cub, Scout, Senior
Scout, and Leader 1939 to 1957 and Leader elsewhere
to 1991).
In a second e-mail,
he goes on to say...
At Christmas we normally
have our nuts in a splendid wooden bowl, which
was our Wedding present from the Group, a
cherished possession because of the memories it
encapsulates. Scouting was a major influence in
my life and I still consider myself one. The
foundation was laid in the 1st Ruxley, I
remember the first "Tin Can Trophy" and of
course the building and opening of the HQ (never
called a "Hut" then, because if you did it was
the subject of a fine of a Shilling
in committee!) I mixed mortar for Stan Stevens
to lay breeze blocks and manage to get the
week-end off as a recruit to attend the opening
ceremony. The platoon Sgt was an old Scout! In
so many ways Scout training gave me an edge in
the Army where I stayed for nearly 20 years
finishing up as a Colonel. But the best command
I ever had was the Badger Patrol in 1944. Happy
Christmas, yours in Scouting Brian Hilton
It's good to know that former members keep
in touch and have such happy memories. If any other
former members would like to contact the group, please send
an email to
webmaster@1struxley.org.uk.
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Christmas Church Parade and
Beaver Party |
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Sunday 9th December saw over 50 members of
1st Ruxley at the Ruxley church for their December church
parade which included a toy service where presents were
given to the church for underprivileged children at
Christmas. Afterwards the Beavers returned to the Scout
Headquarters for a Christmas party, at which Father
Christmas appeared with a present for everyone old and
young. A great time was had by all
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Queen's Wedding Anniversary
Service |
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Sunday 18th November at Guildford
Cathedral was the setting for a special service to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Queen and Prince
Phillip's wedding. In the congregation were many dignities.
Four Ruxley Explorers were in attendance. A great
honour and one they will always remember.
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Centenary Church Bellringing |
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One of the final District events in the
centenary year was church bellringing at Christ Church,
Epsom. An attempt was made to ring a quarter peal, but
this sadly came to grief after 30 minutes. Ninety minutes of
open ringing followed, with 22 people either ringing or
visiting. Two leaders, four scouts and one beaver from
1st Ruxley were among the ringers. District
Commissioner, Nigel Bird, courageously picked up a bellrope
for the first time in many years, and County Commissioner,
Richard Shortman was persuaded to 'have a go'.
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Epsom and Ewell District
Centenary Dinner Dance |
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Leaders from 1st Ruxley, together with
their partners, enjoyed an excellent evening at Sandown Park
racecourse. Along with leaders and supporters from
many other groups in the district, they enjoyed a
three-course meal before dancing the night away. In
true Ruxley style, the party arrived and left in three Rolls
Royce limousines, to the surprised envy of those who pressed
their group minibuses into service. That said, a
minibus is a little more practical for camp than a Roller!
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Remembrance Sunday Parade |
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Cubs, scouts, explorers and leaders from
the 1st Ruxley group joined other local scout and guide
groups, the Territorial Army and Air Cadets at the annual
Remembrance Day Parade and Service of Remembrance. The
parade started at West Ewell station and processed through
Ewell village to St Mary's Church, where wreaths were laid
at the war memorial in the old churchyard by the Mayor, the
local MP and representatives of local services and groups.
A service of remembrance followed during which the two
minutes' silence was observed.
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Centenary Trek Cart Challenge |
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 Many
groups from the Epsom and Ewell District joined forces on
Saturday, November 10th to take part in the Trek Cart
Challenge, part of our Centenary celebrations. The
challenge was to visit every group HQ in the Borough of
Epsom and Ewell, before crossing Epsom downs on the way to
Boidierhurst Scout campsite on Box Hill - whilst hauling
traditional trek carts. Almost half of the 1st Ruxley
Scout troop joined it at some stage, and the cubs and
beavers lent their enthusiastic assistance at later stages
in the event. Obstacles such as railway bridges and
stiles presented no problems as the carts were quickly
dismantled, carried over and re-assembled. At the end
of the day we were refuelled with one of the Service Team's
legendary 'spag. bols' before rounding off with a campfire.
Those who took part were proud to walk some or all of the
16.4 miles, and there are plans afoot to make this an annual
event. More information and pictures can be found on
the
Epsom and Ewell District website. (opens in new window)
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Lazer Quest |
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The normal Friday scout troop meeting was
replaced on November 2nd by a trip to leaser Quest in
Guildford. Fourteen scouts and four leaders donned
their electronic combat equipment for two fast and furious
games, punctuated by a welcome cold drink. The final
game saw two teams of scouts battle a team of leaders.
The leaders, of course, justified their final scores by
saying they had less people on their team. Perhaps the
scouts were just better.......
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Group Day |
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Saturday, October 20 saw seventy beavers,
cubs, scouts, leaders and family join together in a day's
activities at Boidierhurst Scout Campsite for 1st Ruxley's
Group Day. Thanks to the glorious weather, all
activities took place outdoors and ranged from
simple-but-fun animal noises games through to a hard-fought
tug-o-war. The day gives family members who are
usually outside scouting to gain an insight into the type of
activities on offer, as well as getting to know the leaders
from the other sections. As is traditional, Skip
provided a hearty supper of stew and dumplings and the day
was rounded-off with a campfire led by Grey Wolf.
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London Zoo and
Changing of the Guard |
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On Saturday 22nd September Beavers, Cubs
and Leaders went to Buckingham Palace to see Changing of the
guard then onto London Zoo. We travelled by
double-decker luxury coach complete with TV, The
weather was fine, we parked near Clarence House and walked
to the Palace, the crowds were enormous but the Police let
the children sit on the kerb to watch. The mounted police
were great , explained what was happening and let the
youngsters pat and stroke their horse’s. It was a tremendous
day out thanks Mao can we do it again. The Beavers
were asked to give a report of the day and can be found
here.
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Scouting
Sunrise - August 1st 2007 |
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First Ruxley Cubs and Scouts on Glastonbury Tor |
Beavers and others joined in the ceremony on Box Hill |
On Wednesday, August 1st, First Ruxley joined with Scouts around
the country and around the world to renew their promises on the 100th anniversary
of the founding of the Scout movement.
Many cubs and scouts renewed their promises at the summit of Glastonbury Tor as part of the Summer Camp, whilst Beavers
and others not at camp joined other groups from Epsom and Ewell and Dorking at the
viewpoint on Box Hill. |
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Cubs and
Scouts Summer Camp 2007 |
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This year 1st Ruxley Cubs and
Scouts joined together for their summer camp at Huish Woods
Scout Campsite, near Taunton in Somerset. The highlight of
the week was the renewal of promises made at the top of
Glastonbury Tor. Not to be outdone, the leaders
dressed in black tie and frocks for a centenary celebration
dinner that evening.
More camp memories and photos to come. See
Activity reports.
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Explorers
Summer Camp 2007 |
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The summer camp this year was
in an activity centre at the base of the Black Mountains,
Brecon, Wales. It was an incredible week; the weather was hot
virtually all week
while on site they participated in Canoeing (achieving BCU1 Star ) Kayaking, raft building and
sailing on the local lake, climbing on high ropes,
abseiling, hill walking (GSL included), fencing, wall
climbing and various challenges. A great end to the
summer term's activity. |
Previous news items can be found
here |
