Scouting and Me review 2023

 Over the last two years we decided to do a bit of a review of the year unlike previous years and I am inclined to devote a bit of time to that this time.

The year has seen some challenges not least the loss of my Mum, coping with the emotionally intense reactions of Dad as he obviously grieved not being helped by the delays in getting all the funeral arrangements done and a few bouts of covid on my part too although I did get my booster done early this month.

I did however continue exploring the woods, meeting people and helping out in the community in various ways all of which have helped deal with some of the long term effects of not just the pandemic but having contracted it myself.

I managed to get away which allowed for exploring of the southern half of Westmorland around The Lakes and the Ribble Valley area of Lancashire.

We looked on this blog a bit the places I had visited when I was younger and got the bug for all this with the skills and lessons I have learned along the way.

Uniform was renewed too from quality suppliers.

I wrote about modern day scouting on this blog, the challenges, the sterling work of all in it running the programs, the badges and just what children and young people get out of it.

This blog beyond the "And me" always looks outwards and this year I contributed not just on a monthly basis to Gilwell aiding the Scout Association nationally in its work but with the Squirrel appeal for our four to six year olds that were established in their Dreys last year.

I also contributed to our own scouts, here in the Potteries North district in a number of ways enjoying seeing them taking part in community life, something that cheers me up no end.

Overall in excess of £980 was raised through the Santa appeal through peoples generosity locally in December which was amazing and testiment to how we feel about Scouts.

Here's to Twenty Twenty Four!

Guides outdoors

By tradition on this blog we mainly look at the units that boys in scouting would join although the Scout Association today being co-ed is open for girls too and this blog isn't just a nostalgia based one.

Somehow and somewhere boys of a certain age tend to get the idea girls have it easier even in Scouting and yes elements of the programs can differ but those in Girlguiding have never had it easy.

Then as now camping was more or less the same for guides as scouts, these guides from 1948 have had to pitch their tent, ensure their uniform was put away properly and look smart on parade.

When I sometimes see cubs and scouts today I sometimes feel those in charge could usefuly get them 'smartened up' not least in public settings.

The thing for the Scout

It's christmas so I do look at the odd thing in the stocking that pertains to scouting and this is this years.

Basically it's a  book stuffed like an overfilled rucksack with tips and tricks from one of the world's most celebrated adventurers apart from being Chief Scout from pitching a tent, leading a team, how to keep fit, tie knots, memorise facts, identify trees, stars and birds, as well as learning real survival skills like putting up a tent in the wild and stashing your breakfast in ground to keep it hot for the next morning?

This is the book for anyone who is a Scout, was a Scout, or wants to be a Scout and was very much a wanted present this year.

Christmas Pause edition

Now then, now then, now then!

As the weekend begins I get busy as Christmas is upon us visiting folk and on Monday the day itself is here so we normally pause on note of seasonal greetings for all who follow this blog.

Wishing you all a very happy christmas and all the best for 2024.

Joint activities

Here's a great idea, a combined Brownies and Cubs Christmas pantomine show with everybody not in costume looking really smart and some scout groups do Christmas performances.
 

Ho Ho Ho!

The countdown continues here as in most places by the arrival of the Man himself, Mr Santa Claus who really gets around.

Here this happens thanks to the local Scout Group as the sleigh does a circular tour of all the main estates with a powerful sound system followed by local members and leaders which happened yesterday as I was out cheering him on.

Funds are raised for the local unit and we all enjoy seeing Mr Claus in all his refinery.

The Christmas post service

Amazingly the great tradition of writing Christmas cards and your local scout or guide group arranging a collection service in its area is alive and well with lots of drop off points to make it very convienent for locals.

A small fee here is charged with proceeds going to the local scouts with an organized delivery system in place.

Making the change in the state of the Planet

 The one thing that strikes me after climate change conferences is that for all the big and really important talk about the impact of things like the use of fossil fuels, population pressures on the world's resources and regional inequalities is the small things that we all could change such as desposing our waste and litter is something literally right on our doorsteps is something all too many of us are not doing properly.

I don't have to go far here to see litter strewn in the street or alongside principal roads or the boundaries of wood or heathlands and yet it is not difficult to find a bin to put it in or if on a journey to take it back home to bring it home for your own bin.

When we camp we should Leave No Trace, ensuring that when we've had our fun other people will not have theirs spoilt by our thoughtlessness, never mind the impact on any wildlife which is why in Scouts we do place a great emphasis on this whenever we are about and often scouts will be involved in community tidy ups as much as doing things like planting trees together with other conservation activities.

Environmental activism starts on your own doorstep.

Was Santa Claus a boy scout?

 

One thing that has often facinated me is how many historical figures may perhaps of been Scouts before it really started when you look at their lives and how they live them

Let's take a look at Santa Claus shall we and see how he may compare and specifically how he compares against the Scout Law:

Trustworthy – You certainly can trust that Santa will show up every year, just like he promises.

Loyal – He’s very dedicated to his craft and his mission. Imagine the disappointment if he wasn’t loyal to his work.

Helpful – saves many Dads from last-minute shopping. Dads are notorious for leaving things to the last minute, just ask a mom.

Friendly – how many adults would let a millions of kids sit on their lap and listen to what they want? And smile while doing it?

Courteous – He always says “thank You” for the billions of calories he gets in milk and cookies each year.

Kind – delivering gifts to children is a great act of kindness. Except for the drum sets. That’s not too kind, at least to the parents.

Obedient – I emailed Mrs. Claus on this one. No reply, but seeing he’s been married for all those years, I’m going to bet he does what she tells him.

Cheerful – Ho ho ho. Need I say more?

Thrifty – makes his own toys. Saves a bundle on shipping alone.

Brave – would you get in a magic sleigh pulled by reindeer and fly? Me neither.

Clean – not sure how he does it, but that red suit looks great even after the millionth chimney has been gone down

Reverent – does his thing on a very special night for his religion and represents the spirit of the day.

…So yes Troop, it looks like Santa Claus may indeed have been a Boy Scout.

This time of year no matter what holiday you celebrate, remember that doing your best every day and living the Scout Oath and Law is what really makes each of you a Boy Scout!

Scouting ties it all together

 When it comes to being able to fasten things together, often out of doors knowing your knots really does come in handy and in scouts we don't just learn of them but practise making them so you'll be able use thta knowledge effectively.

Restful winter

 After the snow of the last few days and much rainfall, we return to the other side of winter while out here.

Moored up while its occupants are getting provisions here as there is only one place three miles south that has that with a day or so of travelling and enjoying a walk in the fresh air, this barge (aka a narrow boat) is traditionally decorated while the reflections in the water are idyllic.

Looking to its right, beyond the tow path is a steep drop in land level, the direct result of subsidence from mining which is endemic here.

Cubs Naturalist Activity Badge

Sometimes I do look at the Awards and corresponding badges here, some of which change over the decades that Cubs may earn in part to show the effort the young person does put in and also what Scouts in its different programs does offer.

Ecology and the Environment is a topical subject and a part of our role as responsible stewards over time is understanding and caring for the natural world so it seemed a good idea to look at the Naturalist Activity Badge, something that also would appeal to me.

How to earn your badge:

1. Learn how to identify six different living things from two of these categories:

   • trees
   • garden birds
   • water birds
   • minibeasts and insects
   • wild flowers
   • pond dwellers
   • fungi
   • butterflies and moths

   That means you should have 12 examples in total.

2. Over three months, visit the same natural area at least four times.

   Take a note of the changes in the plants and wildlife that you see. You might visit a garden, hedgerow, canal, river lake or park. Make sure that you have an adult’s permission for the visits.

3. Learn the countryside code and how to follow it.

4. Choose one of these activities to do:

1. Make a hedgehog, ladybird or bee house.
2. Create a piece of art using natural material. You could do a bark or leaf rubbing, dried flower picture or maybe a collage.
3. With an adult pick wild edible berries, leaves or fruit. Use them in a recipe.
4. Use a dye that uses natural ingredients to colour a piece of material.
5. Make a feeding station for birds. Get permission to hang it in a good position.

Guidance is available over the sort of activity you might plan, permissions required and safety considerations but it is YOUR effort that would secure the award.

Parachute Tag

 

Thankfully not everything in cubs is just learning a skill or passing a test leading to an award as great as that can be.

We do play games and a fun game is Parachute Tag and this is what we do.

Everyone should hold the parachute at about waist height.

The person leading the activity should count to ‘3’, or give a signal, and ask everyone to lift the parachute high over their heads.

When the parachute is in the air, the person leading the activity should quickly call one person’s name.

The chosen person should then try to run underneath and to the other side of the parachute before the parachute comes down and ‘tags’ them.

Once their turn is over, they return to their spot and you can play again. 

St. Andrews Day

The St Andrew's Cross or Saltire is Scotland's national flag. Tradition has it that the flag, the white saltire on a blue background, the oldest flag in Europe and the Commonwealth, originated in a battle fought in East Lothian in the Dark Ages. It is believed that the battle took place in the year 832AD.

What is St Andrew's Day? Scotland's national holiday is called St Andrew's Day, and it commemorates Saint Andrew. Ever since his relics were said to be taken to the east coast of the country and buried where the town of St. Andrews now stands, he became a significant religious figure in Scotland.

St Andrew's Day is the feast day of Andrew the Apostle and is celebrated every year in Scotland on the 30 November. In 1320, St Andrew officially became the patron saint of Scotland when the country's independence was declared with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath.

We do mark it in Scouts where activities may include learing some Scottish Gaelic, baking some tasty Scottish treats, playing a game of Haggis hunt or trying homemade Highland games.

Paused

 

A break from playing your instrument during the parade, you check the program for the next events and just where with your pack you need to be at that point.

I always found those sorts of events a bit nerve wreaking as much fun as they could be.

Winter colour

One thing I've always had a fascination for is pyracanthas having a few in the garden growing with their trademark glowing orange berries which the local bird population adore, eating their way through them.

They contrast well with the red berries that I see while out around hedgerows which are more succulent all of which add colour as we move into the deep winter of December and January in all its starkness.

You might perhaps wonder what by way of keyring I have and actually it is this vintage scouts one which take your key via a link to the top which avoids the problem of the pressure of the key eventually breaking the plastic slot and its own chain also expands.

Winter hiking and Hillwalking tips to keep safe

1. Have a permit and permission - check your route for this in advance

2. Know people’s experience, ability and limits to make it achievable

We're all different when it comes to experience, stamina and abilities and those of us with disabilities need to have then taken into account.

3. Follow any provided kit lists

Guidance on what you need is often available and in scouts you'll be given it

4. Check the weather before you go

5. Wear bright colours to be visible

Dark colours merge at a distance into the landscape so if your jacket isn't bright do wear reflective material on you such as rucksacks so you can be spotted.

6. Clothing to keep you warm and the importance of layers

There are three layers, base, intemediate such as a fleece and outer such as rainproof jacket and keep extras on you.

7. Know your gear and its limitations so you use the most appropriate for the conditions.

Not all outdoor gear is made for every task

8. Start earlier in the morning to get home when it’s light

9. Take a paper map and compass, then practice reading it mobile phone signals can go apart from finding your battery is flat.

10. Tell someone where you’re going and how long you expect to be

11. Stay hydrated and take emergency rations

Because you expect to be out a few hours doesn't mean you shouldn't allow for any kind of emergency and all of this will fit in your rucksack.

12. Light up the way and keep a torch or in some situations a headlamp on you

13. Go with someone else or a group

Apart from the company extra bods are a back up for advance or even getting help in an emergency

14. Always know what to do in an emergency on any hillwalking activity

Uniforms...on the move again?

As it's been announced that Scout is do a uniform review it's as well to remember major changes in uniform started in Girl Guiding which went a more casual feel in the late 90's and two thousands from where this picture dates.

Hoodies and outdoor jackets with matching baseball styled hats came in although the most recent Girl Guide review saw a more feminine approach reintroducing skirts as girls didn't want to resemble boys apparently which the more unisex look they felt left them looking.

The problem I have with hoodies is  that while they're fine for camp and those kinds of things, they just lack the kind of formality that is appropriate to parading.

International Literacy Day

 As I rest my paws after doing a few things beyond this blogs remit, going back a bit to Wednesday's post as I'm typing this on Thursday night it is International Literacy Day which is being looked at within scouting.

Reading books isn't just some harmless activity to fill up spare time but actually quite inspirational for the impact they have on people of all ages and not least children and young people.

They may cause you to question certain assumptions and ideas or inspire you to try out new and differing things in your life which as a person who has faced life-long disability challenges I know can be an uphill struggle.

Within the history of Cubs (and before then cub scouts and Wolf Cubs) one such book played a massive part and that was Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.

Time reading stories, learning to "story tell" so the book is brought to life through using different voices, intonations isn't just relaxing but can help teach things such as understanding and empathy with characters and their situations.

Another thing is you find your brain moves into that world so you feel those situations as if you would "for real" and so it can aid learning to deal with stressful situations and think out strategies.

That's why time spent in meetings and at things like camp spent on reading is well worth while

Ladybird Scouts and Guides

There are some items that just bring me back to when I was a lad and they do include books, specifically the Ladybird series which were often updated.

They were a small an fairly short paged series of books often with colourful illustrations around certain topics such as buildings, cars, nature, history and famous people being a bridge between full on books for older children and adults and books aimed at the youngest readers.

The series had books on many organizations a number included Scouting in its different forms of which one, Cubs rightly was covered in the beginning of this blog for it's role with me and one of the three topics within it.

You normally move up to Scouts from Cubs at around ten and half years until a little after fourteen and so a part of this book was explaining where scouts fits in  apart from those who were joining for the first time as Scouts.

It was written with much input from the Scout Association at the time so it was all as accurate as possible.

Here we have two editions from different eras of the Girl Guides book, Girl Guides being the girls version of Scouts from which as with Cubs, the Brownies would fly up to at ten and a bit.

Remembrance Pt.2

Yesterday was Remembrance Sunday where the parade and service is marked here at the local Parish church to which local scouts, brownies and others attend.

 Flags are carried with care during the parade.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them."

From For the Fallen By Laurence Binyon

Remembrance 2023

 

Having seen off Guy fawkes night and Halloween, we move to one the biggets most important days in the scouting calendar, Remembrance Day, when we think about those who give their all to keep us free and to save lives during war and other conflicts.

We sometimes forget upon the end of any conflict however big or small, it is not a matter simply of the living and the dead; The living have injuries that are not  even physical in nature.

Physical, mental or emotional injury or trauma; the absence of time with loved ones; or the pressures that come from serving, highlight why the Remembrance of service is so important. This year in Scouting we mark significant anniversaries united by the theme of 'Service'

Remembrance Sunday for Scouts isn’t about marching like soldiers or glorifying war. It’s about representing fellow Scouts who ‘did their best’ in frightening and dangerous circumstances for the sake of their community and their country. 

Last year, one lonely placard, waving above the heads of the crowd, read ‘The Young Are Grateful’ and let's not forget what scouts did "at home" helping out when out towns and cities were being bombed night after night assisting the emergency services, taking messages, guiding them to the quickest routes, saving lives.

That is what we are reflecting upon.

Penny For The Guy and other fun

It's not uncommon in scouting not least with younger children to run some Guy Fawkes night activities beyond your units fireworks display often involving arts and crafts such as covering a piece paper or card with random wax crayon colours, covering with paint and encouraging them to scratch sparkles from a firework on to it.

Another which is fun is making a Guy.

For this activity you get them into teams of 6 andmake a ´Guy Fawkes´. 

Get a judge to award a prize to the best guy.

Materials Needed

Old clothes, props and lots of old newspaper

Having got them all together with the materials you give the teams 30 minutes to make their guy and get a team of judges to award the prize for the best guy

You could just print out that illustration and colour it!

Five In a Bed - Camp fun!

As nights draw in memories of glorious camps and campfire sing songs and story telling before time to make your way back to your sleeping accomodation come flooding back to some of us not least the funny songs we sang sometimes improvising with the lyrics and sound effects as you had your sausages and marshmallows.

There were five in the bed

and the little one said roll over, roll over,

So they all rolled over and the one fell out,

He bumped his head and he gave a shout,

Please remember to tie a knot in your pyjamas

sleeping bags are only made for one, two,

three, four in the bed…

…three in the bed… …two in the bed… …one in the bed and the little one said goodnight, sleep tight!

Songs like that were what I loved.

Bonfire night

 We are approaching that most of us on this island know a lot of, the marking of the day Guido Fawkes and friends tried to blow up the King James I of England and Parliament in 1605 but they were found out before this deed was done.

Typically we hold a bonfire night where fireworks are let off in a safe manner and amongst groups that put on displays are local Scouts such as these in Mid Cheshire who also provide refreshments as often by eight pm it is starting to get a bit cold so hot tea, soup and hot dogs are much appreciated.

This is a picture I took from one I attended at a private party showing the colourful rockets flying across the night sky.

Winter hiking

Making ones way through the thick undergrowth we progress on our hike toward our destination.

At this time of year any foliage would of dropped off but you certainly need to push back the undergrowth if you're to avoid any grazes on your legs.

Personally I'd of worn thick knee length socks for this activity.

Halloween 2023 edition

Time was when All Saint's Day was more what we marked with events but that almost seems like ages ago as Halloween has become the de facto for around October 30/31st.

Although this is American as is Trick And Treat, scouts can put on a short show with costumes and skits based around Halloween and ghoulish goings on and in places they do.

You may have arranged and event that incorporate taking part in games that count towards your badges, some arts and crafts halloween themed activities which is what I was up to this week and generally have a great time.

This was one for Beavers and Cubs.

One activity you can do easily is making face masks with a spooky theme which is what these  Beavers have done which is rather fun.

Scouting, whatever program you are is was always meant to be fun even as we learn new skills that will help us along the way in life so having fun together such as for halloween is such a great idea even if "Bobbing the Apple"  which we did for All Saint's no longer features.

Season's change

 

Winter is almost here now with just a few of summers flowers aroundand the leaves here with not long before they die back.

October has been a strange month for above seasonal temperatures at the start of the month and by months end we've had strong winds and heavy rain.

Autumn fruits

 

It may be late autumn but this tree has other ideas such as throwing out its apples resident in an era with plenty of water.

So much water that to deal with flooding and subsidence issues many trees were planted to suck the water up and add much needed fibreous roots to bind the soil.

 

These are the apples that have so far fell off the tree!

The classic Autumn.

 

As all of last weeks rain starts to receed with all the delays and closures to road and rail transportation at least we have the classic autumn copper leaves a;though shots like this require an increase in exposure to overcome the background lighting.

In the old days I'd typically set a +1.5 ev on the Minolta XD7 or X500 if I didn't use a seperate exposure meter and grey card to set it manually.

Keeping the rain off

 

Today is another one of those really wet days with torrential rain so I can't see myself going far today if at all however if you were at say Camp and it was the season it can rain a bit not least if you are in the Lake District from personal experience there is something lightweight that can help.

You have a cover over garment called a Poncho thatwill protect you top and upper part of your shorts or trousers which is waterproof it is easy to put on and is available for Beavers, Scouts and as pictured here Cubs from scoutshops.

Fun and games

 There's a very strong wind out today so I don't feel somehow I'll be out and about exploring today not least with either being literally blown off my feet  or possibly being struck by fallen tree branches and such like.

Beavers may be our second newest program but they are well established now for those from the age of around six to eight and a bit before they move up to cubs and if you were one, wouldn't you just want a teddy like this?

Actually I still like teddies!

On better days your leader might arranage for the most fantastic ginormous teddy bears picnic to happen with blankets and lots of food and drink apart from some games too cos they are so super fun to be  apart of.

You might even get a badge for it!

Winter is approaching

 I can quite assure you that had you been out this morning scouting you'd of been jolly grateful for lovely pot of hot tea being brought to you as I was out in my blue cord short trousers, grey socks with garters and a dufflecoat with temperatures here of some three degrees c out exploring.

I could use a hot snack too I might add!

That feeling of immersion

 

When you're out, well away from concrete pavements and tarmac you find yourself becoming more immersed in our surroundings noticing more what is going on, alert to the smallest of things unfolding before you.

Often there is much activity in the trees, at this time of year from various birds and the local squirrels way up in the branches having stoof still within a hands span of them.

It's where being scout and all that goes with comes over the strongest.

I'm reliably informed one S. Claus has a copy of this book for delivery on December 25th but given who Bear Grylls is is much looked forward to be read.

In the meantime Dyb dyb dyb.

Cubbing Autumn 2023 style

Around this time of year we have ever since 2018 or there abouts done a autumn special just because Autumn, the smell of leaves as we go through this part of the year always take me back to the days as a junior wanna be cub.

While being outdoors is a great part of it, learning takes place indoors by either formal instruction in the den or at home using tools such as books or today a tablet or laptop.

Sometimes it may be before you go out to do something or may be afterwards in which instance you make make a note or take a photo first to use while doing that research.

Make the most of that time taking it all in when you're out as it's not just what you learn it's the memories you're making and that between the showers is what I've been doing this year.

Fall is not just about the richness of the leaf colours as they turn it's about when trees lose their leaves or as here the thin branches break off aided by the strong winds from last week.

Here you can see how we go from a lime green to copper colour all on one set.

Fall is here!

Yes, it's finally come here even if the wind was making focusing a proverbal nightmare as I was over at one of our green spots where I spotted this contrast between different sets of leaves on the same tree.

It was surprisingly warm this weekend so I was out in ankle socks, t shirt and shorts taking in the best of this weather before we get to colder period with less sunlight.
 

Filling the larder...

 Autumn is making itself known much to the delight of the local grey squirrels with an abundance of acorns ready for being buried if only they can remember where!

I find it interesting that on the whole they tend to land in fairly neat bundles rather than being scattered around.