A group of Camelsdale leaders (and one recent ex scout) will be traveling to the frozen Northlands later this week to walk the equivalent of a Silver D of E expedition ... not by accident ... they actually chose to do it!

This year sees the 60th Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh award. Many Camelsdale scouts who've moved on to Explorers have worked through D of E, every single one has benefitted enormously. 

Our current coordinator, Claire Morris, has organised a band of "Old Diamonds" to take up the challenge. Money raised will go toward the D of E organisation and help get more young people involved.

You can find out more about Diamond D of E here, watch a clip on the One Show, or, most important of all, support our challenge by donating to our team:

• Claire Morris
• Mark Russel
• David Campbell
• Catherine Campbell
• Mandy Hodson
• Cathy Searle
• Sam Byham
• Andrew Byham
• Iggy the dog

Or .... why not pick up the challenge yourself?

Apologies for the free trial message!

The Scouts, Cubs and Beavers were joined by Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and even a few Explorer Scouts for the annual parade and service of remembrance at the Camelsdale war memorial. There was a great turnout, in excess of 300 people, as this event has grown in the local community over recent years.

For the second year running, the parade was led by a piper, adding to the importance of the parade.  We were all very proud of the young people who were well turned out and showed great respect for the occasion.

Sunday 1st November saw the 2015 groundforce day at Camelsdale Scout HQ and camp site - and a great day it was too!

• The tangle of holly and beech from ongoing management of the grounds was neatly converted into an impressive bonfire for firework night on the 5th
  
• We improved the area around the flagpole (now removed, ready to be re-instated at the top of the camp site) ready for use possibly with a growing willow structure; cleared leaves from the hut gutter
  
• The war memorial was cleaned by cubs and scouts in preparation for remembrance Sunday.

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All helped along with a splendid lunch of baked potato and beans to keep our energy levels up. 

Cameldsale Cubs romped home with a second consecutive win of Muir Trophy on a glorious autumn day at the weekend. Pictured here are the lads from team A holding the plaque presented by acting DC Father Jonathan and Sue Style who, apart from being a completely lovely person has organised three Muir Trophy events over the last two years - the weather denying all but last Sunday. 

Well done Camelsdale, well done to all the teams that took place, and a HUGE thankyou to all who helped organise the event.

Camelsdale Cubs had a splendid Autumn backwoods camp, starting 6pm on Friday 25th through to Sunday lunch time. This was our first camp headed up by our new leader Chikai (occasionally known as Ivor) who, known for his impeccable organisation, even laid on the most glorious weather we've ever known. A great couple of days with a lovely bunch of kids.

All agreed this was one of the best summer camps we've had with Camelsdale Cubs - 4 days and nights camping at Streamside Scout Hut on the south coast. This was the second time we've camped at Streamside, and we'll be back again. 

This year we:

• Tried to kayak on the river (not easy when the tide is out!)
• Made our own boats from cardboard boxes (and over half a kilometre of duck tape)
• Floated and paddled in said boats, with a 60% degree of success
• Raced go-carts
• had a civilised round of golf on the local links
• mucked about on the beach
• visited the RNLI
• made our traditional last evening armpit fudge

Plenty of photos were taken, take a look here

Claire Morris, who has been our amazing group chair for the past six years and has guided us though lots of necessary change and helped bring 1st Camelsdale to the dizzy heights we’re at today is taking a rest. She’s not leaving us and intends to take an official appointment within our cub pack. Those with explorer scout children will also know she does a lot with the DofE scheme.

So, we’re looking for her replacement. Do you fancy a go, or do you know someone who might consider the role? A relative, friend or neighbour perhaps? Someone you chat to at the gym, church or work?

Here’s a bit of what the role involves; it’s not a uniformed role and it doesn’t involve turning up at a section meeting every week!

• Chair the Group Scout Council & Group Executive Committee, and make sure we follow Scout Association rules…..in practise about 5 or 6 meetings a year

• Work closely with and support the Group Scout Leader and encourage development of
• Scouting within the group and as part of the local community
• Help the group secretary & group treasurer with their roles.
• Build strong ‘admin’ teams to help look after our headquarters and grounds and a team to raise funds and seek grants.
• Generally keep an eye on all the admin & official side of stuff but not get too involved in section activities…. unless you want to of course.

We have really strong Beaver, Cub & Scout sections with great leader teams providing really exciting development programmes for our 6 to 14 year olds. We just need someone to take care of the official matters and make sure our facilities are looked after and our cash-flow is more than sufficient.

Could you do that for us, please? Or do you know someone who would?

Please do let me know

Keith Clayton


Tel: 01428 653823 
Email: [email protected]