Post 1,300

We do hit a anniversary in this blog today, a physically challenge or two aside when from when we started in 2018 during a period of issues with Tumblr and initially simicasting on Tumblr when I found I wanted to talk about scouting, past and present and the great outdoors.

One group in Scouting we're inclined to forget about is those over 14.

Many of us loved Cubs, you might of been a Beaver and moved up to Scouts at 10 1/2 to about 14 years where for some other interests may come more to the fore, some may see Scouts as a bit too "childish" or uncool and so drop out.

In scouting it need not be this way, there are programs that are more suited to your abilities and awards you can work toward, all of which do add something that helps you stand out looking for work or getting a place at college or university.

From the time of Baden-Powell, there have been arrangements for young people who wanted to continue after their time in the Scout Section,and in 1967, Venture Scouts were formed from the existing Senior Scout and Rover Scout Sections. 

During the late 1990s the Scout Association decided that, to meet the changing needs of young people, there should be two sections for the over-14s:

Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18-year-olds, and the Scout Network.

The Scout Network allows 18 to 25 year-olds who have an interest in both Scouting and their own personal development,and ultimately want to have fun, the opportunity to do so.

This also enables them to continue and complete their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and/or become a King’s Scout.

Activities

Scout Network members take part in a variety of activities, which they undertake and organise themselves

with the support of a Scout Network Leader.

Example activities include Abseiling, award work, bowling, camping, circus skills, climbing, cooking, games, go-karting, gorge walking, hiking,pioneering, shooting and watersports.

Some may help running the younger programs or events too.

There we have it, life continues for scouts and in a uncertain world facing challenges children and young people being prepared to deal with whatever happens while having fun.

Saint David's day

 

St David is the patron saint of Wales and St David's Day is celebrated on 1st March each year. This marks the anniversary of his death in 589AD. The day is traditionally celebrated by hosting parades, and eating traditional Welsh food, such as Welsh rarebit which is made from cheese.

In Scouts we do market it with activities like baking Welsh Cakes, learning about St. David and making cards with daffodils.

Out and about

 

More things are out seeing spring happens officially Sunday as things slowly warm up.

The Catkins are here!

 

More signs of Spring here where the Catkins are out.

Catkins are long, slim, often drooping clusters of tiny, wind-pollinated, petal-less flowers found on trees such as hazel, birch, oak, and willow. Appearing in winter and spring, these "lamb’s tails" are actually the male flowers releasing pollen to female flowers. They are crucial for early-season pollination before leaves appear.

They're out!

 

After a long wait and some seriously cold days here, the daffodils are finally out ready for Spring which is not far off at all looking great.

Seeing things come back to life, the resumption of the Dawn Chorus is what I really love.

Outdoor fun

 

Trees have figured in both stories and imaginary play and actually some Scouts have been involved in making Tree Trails that people have to spot which can be used to raise environmental awareness and also as test of observation skills.

Just the sort of thing as make our way towards Spring.

Standing tall

 

Looking smart in the thick of it, these two are a credit to the grown ups in their lives.