The third quarter is always a busy one, as the Troop tries to do as much as possible before the exam pressures of term four.
Our Meerkats Den has been busy with numerous activities – fun around the Olympics and under the sea, and a chance for the Meerkats to get out and about in Claremont and the park. As always, the enthusiasm of the adults is key in engaging our youngest troop members and getting them hooked on the scouting world!
Cubs have had a busy term as well: working on their badges – for gardening and science and conservation – as well as doing a cub hike in the rain, proof that scouting fun can be had, whatever the weather.
1st Claremont is a busy, well-loved group which is booming – we see more demand than places! And to manage this, we are helping to relaunch a new Scout Group – 4th Claremont / Fernwood Scouts!
In this quarter, our scouts have engaged in various activities that are core to scouting: as Tim recounts, orienteering is a key scouting skill and a formidable challenge to master. Community service is also a crucial part of scouts – a chance to live out Baden-Powell’s advice to ‘leave the world a better place than you found it’ – and this quarter saw two projects: Ethan and team helped repair a board walk at the Kildare Nature Reserve, and another group helped build steps down to Smitswinkel Bay.
COVID has had an impact on many things, including competitions. This year’s Gordon’s Shield had a reduced format – only one team of five scouts was entered.
And as always, the scouts have done some hiking – up Chapman’s Peak and Lion’s Head...
Sadly, in this edition we also pay tribute to the late Peter Niddrie, who will be sorely missed by the scouting community.
And finally, we close as always with Reflections on Scouting.
