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3rd Brampton Scouts

3rd Brampton Scouts

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The Role of Scouting in Shaping Young People Across the UK

January 18, 2026 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

boy scouts

EuroJam Images

Scouting has played a significant role in youth development across the United Kingdom for more than a century. From its beginnings in 1907 to its presence today in towns, cities, and rural communities, scouting continues to support young people in building confidence, resilience, and life skills that extend far beyond childhood.

At its core, scouting is about empowering young people. Through a structured programme of activities, badges, and challenges, Scouts encourages personal growth while fostering a strong sense of community and responsibility. Young people learn to work as part of a team, take on leadership roles, and develop problem-solving skills in practical, engaging ways.

 

One of the strengths of scouting in the UK is its adaptability. Modern scouting reflects contemporary society, offering inclusive programmes for all backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs. Activities range from outdoor adventures and environmental projects to digital skills, first aid, and community volunteering.

Perhaps most importantly, scouting provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. In an increasingly fast-paced and digital world, scouting offers balance—helping young people connect with nature, with others, and with themselves.

Scouting in the UK remains a powerful force for good, shaping generations of confident, capable citizens who are ready to make a positive contribution to society.

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: 3rd Brampton Scout Group, 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, badges, beavers, camping, Chesterfield Scouting, cooking, Derbyshire Scouting, young people

The Unexpected Bonds and Lasting Memories of Scouting

November 23, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

scoutsWhen people think of scouting, they often picture camping trips and knot tying. While those are certainly a big part of the experience, the true magic of scouting lies in something far deeper: the friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Scouting creates a unique kind of community. It’s a place where you’re surrounded by people who share your curiosity and love for adventure. You’re all in it together—whether you’re trying to figure out how to build a shelter from scratch or working as a team to paddle a canoe across a lake. These shared experiences forge unbreakable bonds. The person you’re struggling to light a fire with today might be your best friend for life.

 

Think about the feeling of sitting around a campfire after a long day of hiking, sharing stories and laughs with your troop. These aren’t just moments in time; they are the moments that become the fabric of your memories. The inside jokes, the epic stories of failed attempts and ultimate triumphs, and the quiet moments of reflection under a starry sky—these are the things you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the trail.

activityScouting is more than just a club; it’s a family. It’s a place where mentors guide you, leaders inspire you, and peers support you. It’s a place where you belong, where you are challenged to grow, and where you learn to be a better person.

The patches and badges are a testament to your accomplishments, but the true treasures of scouting are the friendships you make and the moments you share. These are the memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

Want to join us?  Get in touch here

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: 3rd Brampton Scout Group, 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, badges, Chesterfield Scouting, cooking, Derbyshire Scouting, outdoors, Scout Movement, young people

The history of the scouting camp blanket

February 10, 2025 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

With the camping season new getting nearer, it’s time to dust off the old camping blanket (or buy a new one) and get sewing all those spare badges on.  Of course if you are relatively new to scouting, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about….

The Camp Blanket is a Scouting tradition stemming back to the very beginnings of the Scout movement. It has many functions, not just for keeping warm. But the main function of the Camp Blanket is as a place to keep all those badges that can no longer be kept on your uniform, campsite badges, event badges, badges from your old uniforms, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers etc.

Camp blankets are traditionally worn around the campfire circle and represent a history of your Scouting career, so others can see your achievements, where you’ve been, and the people you’ve met, it’s yours to carry through all sections of Scouting and is very much yours to personalise as you see fit.

Some leaders have managed to collect no less than 4 camp blankets!  Yes, four! and still have 100’s of badges to sew on!  This is something our squirrels and beavers can strive towards, if the fancy takes them!

But where did the now ubiquitous camping blanket come from? The answer to this can be traced back through the centuries, stretching before the two World Wars to the days of the earliest frontier traders in Canada and the American West. And in fact, its earliest beginnings predate even that.

There was a weaver called Thomas Blanket (Previously Blanquette), who we can thank for the actual blanket.  Go way back to 1339, living and working in Bristol, he set up a loom and created a bed covering to make the straw pallets more… well, palatable 🙂

By the end of the Elizabethan period, blanket making was on the up and up.  Yorkshire was a firm lead in production of the blanket, but they were made all over the country, including Witney in Oxfordshire, who supplied Hudson’s Bay Company blankets produced from Cotswold wool, who exported to North America. 

These blankets became highly sought after by traders and Native American Tribes, because of their warmth.  Trappers traded them for (eek!) beaver pelts, which again were in huge demand for the hat trade.  

So, let’s just bring that information back around to scouting…  French-Canadian voyageurs made their blankets into ‘capotes’, which are long hooded cloaks, not dissimilar to how we wear them today to attend our camp fires.

The wool blanket was also common issue to military forces throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Both Napoleon’s and Wellington’s armies were supplied with them, as were Union and Confederate forces in the American Civil War. In the 20th century, they subsequently became field issue for troops in the Great War and the Second World War on both Axis and Allied sides too. Blankets also went to sea, and cabin blankets were first made in the early 1700s. In almost all cases, these military blankets were a drab khaki or grey colour. Following the cessation of these conflicts, forces veterans often kept them for their own use, while surplus blankets were frequently co-opted by other outdoorsy types, including numerous Boy Scout troops. In turn, this gave rise to the Scouting tradition of the camp blanket as a wearable reminder of shared adventures and experiences, gradually becoming adorned with embroidered Scout badges.

The classic Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket is still in production today and they remain heirloom pieces in many American and Canadian families, handed down through successive generations. 

I wonder if you will do this with your ‘camp blanket’ 

 

 

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: #campover, 3rd Brampton Scout Group, 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, badges, beavers, camp blanket, camp fire, camping, camps, Chesterfield Scouting, cooking, Derbyshire Scouting, outdoors, Scout Movement, scouting, scouting values, Scouts, young people

Countdown to Christmas

December 4, 2024 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

A Christmas tree with presents underneath

The holiday season is all about spending quality time with loved ones, and what better way to do that than by making every day of December special? Whether you’re looking for fun crafts, tasty treats, or meaningful traditions, this 25-day countdown of Christmas activities is designed to help you create lasting memories with your family.

 

Let the countdown to Christmas begin!

 

 

 

 

Day 1: Decorate the Christmas Tree Together

You may have already done this, but if not…. Kick off the holiday season by decorating the Christmas tree as a family. Let the kids hang ornaments, string garlands, and place the star on top. This is a great opportunity to share stories behind special ornaments and start a tradition of adding a new one every year.

Day 2: Write Letters to Santa

Set up a cozy writing station with festive paper and crayons for your kids to write their letters to Santa. Encourage them to not only ask for gifts but also share what they’re thankful for this year. You can mail the letters or save them as keepsakes.

Day 3: Make Homemade Christmas Cards

Create simple, homemade Christmas cards to send to friends and family. Provide kids with colored paper, markers, stickers, and glitter. Let them unleash their creativity and spread holiday cheer.

A homemade Christmas card with a white bunny and snow that says "Joy!"

Day 4: Christmas Movie Night

Pick a family-friendly Christmas movie, make some popcorn, and snuggle up together for a cozy evening. Some kid favorites include The Polar Express, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or Elf.

Day 5: DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

Make salt dough ornaments that your kids can paint and decorate. They’ll love creating something they can hang on the tree each year. Salt dough is easy to make with flour, salt, and water—just bake and paint!

Day 6: Go Christmas Light Spotting

Pile the family into the car, grab some hot cocoa, and drive around town looking for the best decorated houses. You can even make it a game by rating the decorations or searching for specific elements like a Santa or snowman.

A house decorated with Christmas lights.

Day 7: Make a Gingerbread House

Set up a gingerbread house-making station with icing, candies, and graham crackers or a gingerbread kit. Let your kids have fun decorating their houses, and don’t forget to take pictures before they sneak a bite!

Day 8: Craft Paper Snowflakes

Teach your kids how to make paper snowflakes. It’s a simple but magical activity that can turn your home into a winter wonderland. Let them decorate their bedroom windows with their creations.

Paper snowflakes against a blue backdrop

Day 9: Bake Christmas Cookies

Spend the day baking and decorating Christmas cookies as a family. Let the kids cut out shapes, decorate with icing, and sprinkle toppings. Don’t forget to set aside some cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve!

Day 10: Create a Christmas Playlist and Dance

Put together a playlist of your family’s favorite Christmas songs and have a holiday dance party in your living room. It’s a great way to let off some steam and get into the festive spirit!

Day 11: Visit Santa Claus!

Make a family outing to visit Santa! Let your kids share their Christmas wishes with Santa and snap some photos to capture the moment. 

A family with Santa Claus

Day 12: Make a Christmas Wreath

Create a DIY wreath using greenery, ribbons, and ornaments. Involve the kids in picking out decorations, and hanging it on your front door for a personalized touch.

Day 13: Host a Family Christmas Game Night

Plan a Christmas-themed game night with fun activities like Christmas bingo, pin the nose on Rudolph, or holiday trivia. You can also enjoy classic board games with a holiday twist.

Day 14: Donate Toys and Clothes to Charity

Involve your kids in giving back by selecting toys or clothes to donate to families in need. Explain the importance of generosity during the holiday season and let them help deliver the items.

A box full of toys.

Day 15: Have a Christmas Pajama Day

Stay in your Christmas pajamas all day! Watch holiday movies, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy a relaxing day of family bonding.

Day 16: Create a DIY Advent Calendar

If you haven’t already, make a simple DIY advent calendar with small daily surprises or activities. It can be as easy as filling small bags or envelopes with treats or fun tasks for the day.

Day 17: Go Caroling (or Virtual Caroling)

Bundle up and go caroling around your neighborhood, or organize a virtual caroling session with friends and family. Sing your favorite Christmas songs to spread joy and laughter.

A family singing Christmas carols with music sheets in their hand.

Day 18: Have a Christmas Storytime

Read classic Christmas books as a family, such as The Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or The Polar Express. Make it extra cozy with blankets and hot cocoa.

Day 19: Create Handprint Reindeer Crafts

Help your kids create adorable reindeer using their handprints as antlers. This craft makes for a great keepsake and can be used as a decoration or gift for grandparents.

Day 20: Visit a Christmas Market or Tree Farm

If possible, take a family trip to a local Christmas market or tree farm. The festive atmosphere, lights, and outdoor fun will surely get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Day 21: Write Thank You Notes for Teachers and Friends

Encourage your children to write thank you notes for their teachers, friends, or neighbors. It’s a simple way to practice gratitude and spread kindness during the holidays.

Day 22: Make Personalized Christmas Stockings

Spend the day creating personalized Christmas stockings for each family member. You can buy plain stockings and let your kids decorate them with fabric paint, glitter, sequins, and felt cutouts. Encourage everyone to design their stocking to reflect their personality. Hang them by the fireplace or on the wall, ready for Santa to fill on Christmas Eve.

Red and White Stockings hanging on a mantel..

Day 23: Have a Hot Chocolate Bar

Set up a festive hot chocolate bar at home with a variety of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Let each family member create their own custom hot chocolate masterpiece. You can even add fun stir sticks like cinnamon sticks or festive straws. Enjoy your drinks while watching a holiday movie or reading Christmas stories.

Day 24: Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Make reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas a special Christmas Eve tradition. Snuggle up together and enjoy the magic of the classic tale before bedtime.

Day 25: Christmas Morning Magic

Wake up to the excitement of Christmas morning. Open presents, enjoy a special breakfast and spend the day playing with new toys and spending time together as a family.

A family opening presents on Christmas Day.

Conclusion

With these 25 Christmas activities for families, the holiday season is sure to be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. Whether you’re crafting, baking, or snuggling up for a movie night, these ideas will help you create a magical experience that your kids will remember for years to come.

whereissanta.com

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized Tagged With: 3rd Brampton Scout Group, 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, beavers, Chesterfield Scouting, Christmas, climbing, cooking, Cubs, Derbyshire Scouting, outdoors, Scout Movement, scouting, scouting values, Scouts, values, young people

Family Camp June 2024

July 5, 2024 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

No doubt we have around 80 exhausted people after returning from our annual family camp!  With 24 families attending, it was sure to be a successful weekend and it didn’t disappoint. 

What an amazing weekend it was!  Our scouting family joined together to make the best family camp so far!  

Everyone has given positive feedback and we all can’t wait to do it again, so we have decided to set a date in the near future for FC2025.  Watch out for it on Facebook.

It was a packed full weekend of games, activities, singing and playing and joining together to embrace unity and nature. 

 

We camped at the amazing Walesby Forest Activity Centre, who have been creating adventures since 1938, is an International Outdoor Adventure Activity Centre set in over 250 acres of forest, with over 30 adventure activities and a range of accommodation for a multitude of visitor groups. 

activities

The weather was kind to us and we had a whole host of activities to join in with and our families made good use of them, trying out new activities, with the young people working towards new badges.

Of course a camp wouldn’t be a camp without a campfire and a few songs, so we invited our very own Ben Widdowson to entertain us, and what a job he did! 

We sang our hearts out to favourites like “Who we are”, “The Pirate Shanty”, “Cecil the Caterpillar”, ” Penguin’s attention” and many more, finishing off with our tradition of kumbaya. Kumbaya refers to moments of harmony and unity, and we certainly had lots of them whilst gathered together around the dying embers of the campfire.

 

 

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Filed Under: Beavers, Cubs, News, Scouts Tagged With: #campover, 3rd Brampton Scout Group, 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, camping, camps, Chesterfield Scouting, climbing, cooking, Derbyshire Scouting, Family Camp, outdoors, Scout Movement, scouting values, young people

7 healthy lunch box ideas to take on a camping trip

July 8, 2023 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

campingCamping season is coming! 

We love a bit of camping, here at 3rd Brampton, getting into the great outdoors and exploring the unknown. And it’s getting into that season again. As parents though, we tend to be more about the detail. What’s the weather going to be like? What should we pack? How long are we going to go for? That, and how do we continue to eat well? With that in mind, here are seven quick and easy healthy lunch box ideas, perfect for your next camping trip.

  1. Flatbreads

One of the best things about flatbreads is that they are easy to pack versus a chunky loaf of bread. Fill them with your choice of protein and salad, or pack everything separately and have fun making a healthy wrap, pitta or maybe even a flatbread pizza together.

  1. Rice bowls

This one’s really easy, all you have to do is cook up a big batch of rice, combine it with chicken slices, onions, peppers, mushrooms – whatever you like – and pack it away in a bowl. You can prepare all of your healthy ingredients beforehand and then just pop it in your bag.

  1. Pasta pots

pastaJust like rice bowls, pasta pots are super convenient too. Boil up plenty of wholewheat pasta in a saucepan, and add in your tomato sauce, basil and other ingredients for a hearty Italian camping feast. Let it cool and then simply spoon into individual pots.

 

 

 

  1. Soup

Soup is one of the easiest and most nutritious meals you can prepare for camping. Whether you decide to go withsoup chunky soups or a blitzed up version, this is great opportunity to pack your kids’ camping lunches with goodness. Use a base of tomato or flavoursome stock and you’ll be able to mask all manner of healthy ingredients within the soup. Spinach, broccoli, peppers… the choice is yours.

5.Hearty salads

We’re not talking about a little lettuce, cucumber and tomato here – although they are all fine and could be included in any salad – we’re talking the nutrient punch that comes from quinoa, lentils and beans. Mix with a little lemon vinegar dressing, add in some salad leaves, tuna and boiled eggs and you’ve got a twist on a nicoise salad. Fuel and flavour all in one.

6.Homemade granola

Granola is the perfect start to the day and it’s also great for a lunchtime snack. But rather than pour it out of a cardboard box you can make your own. Toast off some oats, nuts and pumpkin seeds, combine with some dried fruit and you’ve got homemade granola on the go. The slow-release carbohydrate kick will keep everyone going until the next meal.

eggs7.Eggs

This one’s a little different, as you definitely will need a heat supply, or at least have to eat them within a day of cooking. Scrambled, poached, boiled or fried, pop your pan over the campfire and enjoy the goodness. Alternatively you can take some hard-boiled eggs with you and pop them into your rice bowls, pasta pots or flatbreads.

Pack some or all of these healthy lunch box ideas and you’ll have happy campers!

 

 

Adapted from bigmaninthewoods

Filed Under: News Tagged With: 3rd Brampton Scout Group, camping, camps, Chesterfield Scouting, cooking, Derbyshire Scouting, outdoors, Scout Movement, scouting, scouting values, Scouts, values, young people

Family activities over Xmas

December 2, 2022 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

christmas countdownThe countdown to Christmas is on!

MONDAY 12th December @ 18:30, St Thomas’ Church.

We are hosting a Scout Xmas Market on the 12th December at 6:30pm.  Please come along and support us.  Our Rother scouts have been busy making handmade products for you to purchase (They are working towards their fundraising badge along with many others for this project).  We’ve got bird boxes, Xmas wall plaques, gift boxes and tags, tree decorations and lots lots more.

We hope you have a wonderful time.  As we will not be meeting during the holiday, we’ve put together a selection of fun things to do together with the family to get everyone in a festive mood.

Most of these ideas can be linked into badges for your young person, just make a note, take a few pics and let your section leader have them when we start back in January 2023.  The leader will then update your child’s badge records, it’s a great way to bump up the badge earning ?

Read a Christmas story together

There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a Christmas story (or two!). Fantastically festive tales like The Snowman, The Jolly Christmas Postman, or The Nightmare Before Christmas will help you spread a little cheer and give you a chance to spend some quality time together. Why not make it a daily occurrence throughout December? Make a note and take to your section leader to link into badges.

Everyone can take turns choosing a story to read whilst you all chomp on some delicious festive snacks. Speaking of which…

Bake some Christmassy food

Nothing says Christmas quite like some brilliant bakes! So, get your pinny on and flour those work surfaces, because it’s time to get messy. Some of our favourite recipes include these The Snowman-inspired cookies and Christmas tree-shaped biscuits, but there are so many other Christmassy treats you can make. Spread the cheer further by making big batches of your creations and sharing them with neighbours, family and friends. This is a wonderful gift as well as a great and easy way to help out those in need.

Make and send some Christmas cards

Another lovely way to connect with friends and family is to make your own Christmas cards. You can download and use our Wimpy Kid and Christmasaurus card templates, or make one really personal to you. You could all dress up and take a nice family photo – great for relatives to keep and see how you’re all doing – or enlist the help of your pet and get them to pose for a photo (you will need some treats for this!). Or just grab all the art supplies you have and go for it!

Better still, you can buy some gifts from our Scout Xmas market!

home alone xmasOr watch some classic Christmas films at home

You can’t beat a good ol’ Christmas movie from the comfort of your own sofa. Turn it into a family weekend ritual during December and give everyone a chance to pick a festive film to watch. The only prep work you’ll need to do is make a hot chocolate, grab some sweet treats from a selection box and pick a spot on the sofa. If you have Netflix or Disney+, you could try Teleparty (formerly known as Netflix Party). It’s a Google Chrome extension that syncs video playback so you can watch films or TV programmes with friends and family online. There’s even a chat function!

See some Christmas lights

If you don’t fancy travelling to a Christmas light switch-on event, go for a walk around your neighbourhood and spot some luminous holiday displays. Great to do as a family, you can tally up the houses you see with white lights and those with multicoloured lights. You could also play ‘I Spy’ for all the Christmas trees you can spot in the windows of homes.

Have a video call with Santa Claus

Is it even Christmas if you haven’t visited Santa’s grotto? However, if you are strapped for time or anxious about going to one, thanks to the wonders of technology, you won’t have to miss out on seeing the main guy – you can have a video call with him instead. Santa’s Calling You allows you to book a private Zoom call with either Santa, Mrs Claus, or one of Santa’s elves, and you can even request them to read you a story. All you have to do is decide on a time and date!

Build a snowman

If you’re lucky enough to get some snow over the Christmas period (apparently it is forecast we can live in dreams),snowman take a trip outdoors – whether that’s to your garden or local park – and build a magical snowman together. All you need to do is grab some mittens, pull on those wellies, wrap up warm and get building! Don’t forget to take a carrot for a nose and an extra scarf to keep your wintery creation nice and warm.

Turn your home into a winter wonderland

Go all out with the Christmas decorations this year and turn your home into a festive wonderland! If you’re on a budget, get crafty and make some homemade decorations. Or buy from our Market. We’ve got step-by-step tutorials and plenty of printables: make a Greg the Sausage Roll bauble or some comic-like Wimpy Kid baubles. Or print out these Hetty Feather tree decorations. There are lots of tutorials online for making wreaths, festive garlands, and other ornaments. Then when it comes to decorating, you can make a day of it. Everyone can have a job – Christmas light technician, bauble colour consultant, tinsel specialist – or a room they’re in charge of turning into a festive utopia. Don’t forget to make a jolly playlist so you can all jam along whilst you decorate.

Donate this season

Christmas is a time of giving; there’s no better time to donate than during the festive season. As a family, go through any toys, games, books or accessories you no longer need and donate them to The Salvation Army, who run a Christmas Present Appeal. We know there’s nothing nicer than receiving a book for Christmas, so give £10 to BookTrust to send a special book gift to a vulnerable child. Many families struggle with the extra costs that come with Christmas, so why not contribute to Feeding Families by donating individual food items at a collection point or by putting together a whole hamper and delivering it to the family yourself?

Make a Christmas Eve box

Start a new tradition, if you haven’t already and make a Christmas Eve box you can all enjoy. Believed to have been inspired by countries such as Germany, where they open their presents on Christmas Eve, this is a fun way to maximise the Christmas spirit. Use a cardboard box, crate, or wooden chest, and then pack in a set of new PJs, homemade goodies, Christmas stories, films, board games – whatever you want!

Host a craft party

Looking for another fun but budget-friendly activity? Host a Christmas craft party with friends or family! Simply choose some cool things to make – such as this mason jar snow globe or paper plate Christmas masks – make sure you have all the supplies, snacks, and refreshments you need, and then schedule a time and date. You could even turn it into a contest and organise prizes for the winner, if you wanted to.

board games monoployFamily game nights

It wouldn’t be Christmas without playing a game (or several) with your family. Board games such as Cluedo, Scrabble, and Monopoly are good for those with a competitive streak. If you like team games, try Charades, Pictionary or Trivia. If you want to get really creative, you could make this Christmas tree bowling game using empty plastic bottles or toilet rolls, or follow this poke-a-pumpkin game tutorial but make it a Christmas tree instead.

Put together a scavenger hunt

Another fun activity to do at home, especially if it’s cold and wet outside, is a scavenger hunt. Put together a list of things to find, such as an ugly Christmas jumper, a red decoration or your favourite gift of all time. Alternatively, the organiser of the hunt could place different clues around the house that everyone has to search for together. The end reward can be a secret message or some yummy Christmas treats.

Adapted from www.penquin.co.uk

Filed Under: News Tagged With: 3rd Brampton Scout Group, 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, badges, badges at home, cooking, Derbyshire Scouting, outdoors, Scout Movement, scouting, scouting values, values, young people

13 annoying things you can say to a scout leader

September 1, 2021 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

There are endless positives to being a Scout Leader but that doesn’t mean it comes without it’s sterotypes.

There are a few things people – outside of Scouting – wrongly assume about being a Scout Leader , like we all get paid and it’s all about camping…

Below you will find 13 of the most annoying things you could say to a Scout Leader

We can all relate….

1-Isn’t Scouts all about Knots?

NOPE!!

With over 100 activities badges ranging from 1st Aid to Kayaking, there are activities for everyone and yes you can still learn how to tie a clove hitch!

2- How much do you get paid? 

Volunteers dont get paid quote

 

Yes there are paid roles within Scouting, these are mainly based at Gilwell Park HQ but there are  over 154k volunteers within Scouting in the UK ranging from Scout leaders to adults who seat on the executive board to volunteers behide the scenes such as the Group Quarter Master.

3- There’s no bacon for breakfast on camp!

Bacon frying on a campfire

A Scout leader’s worse nightmare on camp unless you don’t eat Bacon!

4- Cheapest babysitter I could ever have!

british coinds and paper money notes

Every Scout Leader will hear this from time to time… Its true Scouting is much cheaper than a babysitter–it’s a Fact!

5- It’s only 2 hours a week!

Multiple analoge clock faces

No one actually knows where this quote started from. Everyone has heard it.  But in actual fact you can volunteer within Scouting for just 2hours a week.

There is a role for every one!

6- Sorry I can’t possibly help. I have 2 children and I work full time.

 

Another quote I’m pretty sure ALL Scout Leader’s have heard and will continue to hear.  Most of our volunteers do actually have full time work and started volunteering while they has children in beavers, cubs or scouts…. they could see the impact we make and still they continued after their scouts had moved on!

7- Johnny has come back without a plastic bowl, a left sock, and his toothpaste, please let me know when these are found so I can come and pick them up.

We often get asked if we can drop that item around to the house or re open up the Scout Hall.  But Nope sorry… make sure it’s labelled and we will get it back to you at the next meeting.  Leader want to get back to their own families from time to time 🙂

 

8- I didn’t know about that, I don’t check my emails very often…

Even if you snail mail, text or what’s app that parent, they will still claim they never received that message!  Is this you?

9-Why don’t you run through the holidays?

Diary

Some groups do continue running through School Holidays. But for we valur our leaders… some of them have young children too!

10- Why have you picked a campsite an hour away on a Friday evening? I’ve had to leave work early to get him here, it’s really inconvenient.

Yes,  this comment happens …. perhaps take time out to think about the leaders that have spent weeks, sometimes months planning the weekend for you little darling… may be taking his/her annual leave to accomodate it.

11- We’ll be off on holiday…. Would you mind dropping him off at home after camp?

 

Or we are at the cinema, Could you look after little Johnny for another Hour please because we are still out at the restaurant.  Don’t even think it!

And the most annoying thing you can say to a Scout Leader is…

Dyb Dyb Dyb!!


Please note “Dyb Dyb Dyb” has not been used officially in scouting since 1967.

 

 

 

 

 

Adapted from Big man in the woods

Filed Under: Beavers, Cubs, News, Scouts Tagged With: 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, badges, beavers, camping, camps, Chesterfield Scouting, cooking, Cubs, Derbyshire Scouting, values, young people

Films that spark Scouting values (Pt3)

July 10, 2020 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

Welcome to our third and final week of movies with scouting values.  This week we will be looking at Mulan, Beasts of the Southern Wild and The boy who harnessed wind.   

Have you seen any of the films we have featured over the last few weeks?  If you have, let’s know your thoughts. Please leave comments below, tell us what you thought about them. 

Mulan (1998)
Suitable for: Beavers and up

MulanIt’s the 15th century and China is facing invasion from the Huns, a nomadic tribe keen to conquer the land. In an effort to gather defence, one man from every family is called to arms. But for the patriarch of the Fa family – a former warrior of great fame and respect – there are issues preventing him from fulfilling his  duties. In old age, he cannot walk properly, and is certain to perish as soon as he steps into battle. That’s when his brave daughter, Mulan – tired of being mocked for being too ambitious and too tomboyish – decides to go on a secret mission to prove her worth in a society she feels is yet to acknowledge it. One dark and stormy night, she prays to her family’s ancestors for protection before fleeing into the heart of the conflict, dressed in her farther’s armour and disguised as a man. What follows is a classic Disney story of bravery, honour and a quest for love and truth – with a difference. Released at a time where the only other princesses on screen were mostly seen swanning around in big ball gowns and fainting
at the feet of their admirers, it stood out for all the right reasons, and continues to show girls they can do anything.

Scout values: integrity, belief, co-operation

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Suitable for: Cubs and up

Beast of Southern Wild‘The whole universe depends on everything fitting together just right.  If one piece busts, even the smallest piece, the entire universe will get busted.’  Set in the fictional landscape of the Bath Tub (often compared to areas of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina), this is the tale of Hushpuppy, a heroic six year old who – faced with a changing climate that threatens to flood what remains of her childhood home – decides to fight back.  Along the the way, she must sail the seas, battle ancient creatures unleashed from the melting ice caps, and find her feet in an increasingly hostile world. It’s a fable that’s hard to describe, but don’t let the quirky appearance fool you.  Beneath the whimsey is a film of lasting depth: a celebration of friendship forged across generations, the power of imagination and the importance of never giving up. It’s a tough watch in places, with moderate swearing and several harsh truth bombs that reveal the deep divide between the rich and the poor. But watch it with young people aged eight and above and it’s sure to become a firm favourite. 

Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation

The Boy who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Suitable for: Scouts and up

windIt’s 2001 in Malawi and the Kamkwamba family, like many others in the region, are struggling to make ends meet. Despite the burdensome financial costs, parents Trywell and Agnes try to keep on top of their children’s education. But when 13 year old William is forced to leave school after they fall behind on his payments, he becomes determined to help not only his family but the whole community, who are all doing their best to deal with an escalating famine
as violence and panic begin to break out.  Inspired by instructions he finds in a a library book, William becomes
obsessed with the potential and wonder of basic engineering and building techniques, rising early and going to bed late in order to tirelessly research and work on a wind-powered device that he hopes will help to restore the land, and save as many people as possible while there’s still time. What follows is an amazing true story of a real-life hero; a
remarkable teen who harnessed his initiative and curiosity to change his community – before becoming one of
the world’s most famous engineers.

Scout values: integrity, co-operation

 

Words: Aimee-lee Abraham | Illustrations: Maria Suarez-Inclan.  Courtesy of Summer Scouting Magazine

Filed Under: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Tagged With: 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, badges, badges at home, camping, climbing, construction, cooking, Cubs, films, help, outdoors, Scout Movement, scouting, scouting values, Scouts, suitability, values, young people

Welcome to our virtual camp over

June 18, 2020 By scoutsrule Leave a Comment

Scouts camp at home – June 19th – 20th (Or if you would prefer 20th to 21st, just follow the program)

camp overWelcome to 3rd Brampton lockdown virtual group camp.

Camp how you prefer, don’t have a tent? Don’t worry, make a den inside or out, choice is yours only stipulation is that you don’t sleep in bed ?.

Zoom meeting details below…. 

 

You can access the PDF here

Friday    
5 – 7pm Set up tent Take pictures and post on Facebook group page.  Virtual camp albums have been set up for you to post in.

 

Use Hastags

#3rdBramptonScouts

#Campover

Throughout the camp please

 

7pm Activity – Teabag challenge Throw a teabag into a cup from the furthest distance.  Roughly measure the distance and post in FB section album.  Have a forfeit for the one in your family that throws the shortest.
7:30pm Camp Fire

Zoom meeting – details below

 

Bring your best jokes and skits

 

Your sleeping bag or blanket

 

Spooky story for scouts – led by Kev

Zoom meeting – We will meet on Zoom for a virtual meeting.

 

  Welcome.

 

We can tell each other where we have set up camp

 

We will share jokes and skits and maybe a spooky story (sorry not for beavers or cubs, we won’t them to be able to sleep tonight,  but you could have your own witching story at home, maybe try with one person starting the story and the next person adding to it and so on.

. 

8:30pm Supper time

 

Hot chocolate

 

 

Don’t forget to post pics in the section camp album

 

Try making camp pizza:

Pita bread, tomato puree, cheese and whatever filling you fancy.  Add your toppings to the pita bread and wrap in foil and put on your fire, (or oven)

 

Or make marshmallow smores

 

Let’s see your pics.

9:30pm Star Gazing Use an app like Star Walk 2 and gaze at the stars.  Identify stars and planets and constellations. Try to spot a satellite
10pm Scouts own Choose to sleep or have a game of cards or play a game with the family

 

Saturday    
08:30 Cook breakfast See recipe card for our choice, or make up your own

 

Don’t forget to post pics in the section camp album

09:30 Zoom meeting details below

 

Tell us how you slept.

 

What did you have for breakfast?

 

Outline of days activities

 

Let us see how everyone slept

 

10:30 ·         Crawl over the picnic table

·         Do 10 jumping jacks

·         Run around a base and back

·         Hop on one foot

·         Jump over the flower pots

·         And so on …

 

It’s fun, it’s unique and it burns energy! This particular game could be changed based on what you have around the garden, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
OR Find as many things as you can and build the tallest free-standing tower without anyone holding it.  Measure it and post pics in the section album. Just in case the weather isn’t kind to us!

 

Don’t forget to post pics in the section camp album

  Activity 1 Family sleeping bag race

This is much like potato sack races except you will use your sleeping bags to hop along to the finish line in. If you are worried about getting them dirty or damaging them, using your plastic bin bags can be fun too

  Activity 2

 

Have extra marshmallows from your S’mores? Everyone should put one in their mouth and try to say the phrase “Chubby Bunny.” No problem? Okay, then get another one, and see if you can say it with two marshmallows in your mouth. Keep going until you can’t say it, either because your mouth is too full, or you’re laughing too hard.

Chubby Bunny Don’t forget to post pics in the section camp album
  Activity 3

 

All you need is a ball to play this game. Everyone stands in a circle except for one player who is in the middle with the ball. The player in the middle goes around the circle saying “catch” or “don’t catch” and throwing the ball. Like the children’s game, Simon Says, if a player catches the ball when told not to or the other way around, that player is out.

Catch

 

Teenagers especially can be a hard group to tear away from their devices, but games like this could be fun for them too.

11:30 Get lunch ready

Recipe below

 

Have a BBQ or try out our recipe, Bacon, Beef and Bean casserole

Don’t forget to post pics in the section camp album

13:00 Zoom catch up details below

 

Ryan will be giving out the program for the next 24 hours for if you are camping another night

 

Camp down if not camping two nights

 

#3rdBramptonScoutsUse Hastags

#Campover

Throughout the camp please

IMPORTANT INFO:

Zoom catch ups

Topic: Welcome & Camp Fire
Time: Jun 19, 2020 07:30 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73186132914?pwd=clRDWjBWZ1BpNCs1ajJCb0NkNUN1dz09

Meeting ID: 731 8613 2914
Password: 9rb49a

*******

Topic: Virtual Camp meeting

Time: Jun 20, 2020 09:30 AM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78278016874?pwd=ZUZKSUtUS0laWS9oWkJicHdyQkE1QT09 

Meeting ID: 782 7801 6874

Password: 2hqsUy

*******

Topic: Virtual camp close meeting

Time: Jun 20, 2020 01:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77807827921?pwd=OGMzV29lVmlOMkt5TDk0eGdEK1NlQT09

Meeting ID: 778 0782 7921

Password: 4Ncbgu

 

BACON, BEEF, AND BEANS CASSEROLE

¾ Pound Bacon
¾ Pound Ground Beef
20 Ounces Canned Baked Beans
½ Cup Steak Sauce or Barbecue Sauce
1 Can of Biscuits

This tasty and filling Dinner is just perfect for cold evenings. Grill up the bacon in a skillet at medium heat. Once done remove it from heat, drain, and chop. Now cook the Ground beef until it is just done. Add the chopped Bacon, Baked Beans, and Sauce to the skillet. Stir this until it becomes well mixed and comes to a boil. Take it off of direct fire (think low to medium heat) and layer out the biscuits on top of the Meat and Bean mixture. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the biscuits are golden, brown, and delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: #campover, 3rd Brampton Scouts, activities, badges, badges at home, camping, camps, cooking, outdoors, scouting, Scouts, values, virtual, young people, zoom

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