Caterham District Scouts

January saw us organise our own Frost camp at Roverdene attended by 26 scouts and included a hike in readiness for the night hike challenge in March.Although no frost a good time was had by all.
We also started the global challenge badge on poverty in Kenya and based on the De Staffords school link with Kimilili we learnt about real hard ship and the conditions that children live in.

February started with the older scouts completing their Expedition Challenge to Banstead woods followed by the a session on the Sunday joined by the rest of the troop for a spot of Rhodedendrum Bashing helping out the Downland trust . With the snow starting to fall we left Banstead and returned to a Snowy Caterham to retain the wide game trophy later in the week by default as it was cancelled due to the snow. 6 of the older scouts took part in the carnival darts tournament and got through to the semi finals. We also cooked a traditional Kenyan meal including goat and the troop tasted various tropical fruits.

March started with 6 teams taking part in the night hike challenge and both the senior and junior teams retained their title. During march 2 scouts Michael B and Hannah W completed their Chief scout gold awards so well done to the pair of them. Our major focus was on our inaugural monopoly challenge and 4 teams headed to London with cameras and routes all worked out .This was navigating with a difference tubes and busses were the order of the day and after arriving at Charing Cross everyone charged off looking for road signs . The really enthusiastic went to Pentonville jail, photographed policeman and juice points to gain extra points. The day ended with the scouts some what weary at Hyde park mingling with the g20 protesters but all passed off peacefully and the next years Monopoly game is eagerly anticipated.

April saw the usual easter egg bearing hunt where compass skills were rewarded with eggs and finally over half term our first mercers Park water camp. See comments below all these activities could not happen if I did not have the assistance of Steve, Chris and Alison whose enthusiasm and time come in equally large amounts and for which I am very grateful.

Will try to make it a monthly issue in future but seem to have a busy month ahead so better not promise too much.......

Neil
Scout Leader.