Beavers at Paultons and other activities

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 March 2011 16:54 Written by Administrator Friday, 03 December 2010 00:00

Beavers at Paultons Park Jamboree and other activities

Both the Malak and Hawkeye launched into the second half of the Autumn Term with a visit from the PCSO Helen Carthew. The evening covered many interesting and informative aspects of road safety, home security and dealing with strangers, to name but a few. Toward the end of the evening each lodge was given the opportunity to re-enact pivotal moments from the PCSO’s agenda. A fun evening was had by all, many thanks to the PSCO.

The venue of the following week’s meeting was the Swanwick Nature Reserve. A number of the staff generously offered to take the Beavers on a Bat and a Bug Hunting Adventure! The colonies were shown a device for listening to bats and then were given the opportunity to ‘hunt for bugs’. Worms, woodlice, spiders, all of the old favourites were on display. The meeting concluded with a game of ‘Bat and Bug’; the blindfolded ‘bat’ attempting to locate the clapping ‘bug’.  Thank you to all at the Swanwick Nature Reserve for making this visit possible.

As the term progressed the Beavers once again participated in the annual Beavers Paultons Park Jamboree. Thankfully the weather was somewhat kinder this year – it remained dry!  All of the Beavers found numerous rides to suite their tastes, ranging from the Dragon to the Edge. Birch even had the opportunity to display his Top Gear driving skill on the go-karts, pipping Ash at the post by a whisker (where was the video replay?)! The afternoon would not have been complete without the obligatory visit to Santa’s Grotto; Father Christmas and his team of elves did not disappoint, there were even mince pies on hand for the Leaders!

November also included an evening entitled ‘Clean Water’. Margaret Pickthorne very generously offered her time to provide the Beavers with an insight into the importance of clean drinking water throughout the world, comparing the UK with that of Uganda; this was achieved by fun, games and a film. The night finished with Margaret receiving the legendary ‘3 cheers’ from the colonies in appreciation for all of her efforts.

With the winter drawing in, November’s penultimate offering entailed Camp Fire Cookies.  The evening began with the Beavers hunting for kindling in vicinity of the Scout Hut.  What followed was a lesson in fire building which provided great excitement as the Beavers were keen to view (at close quarters) the flammable qualities of their kindling.  Once the flames had subsided Birch’s legendary Camp Fire Cookie recipe was carefully entwined onto each of the Beavers cooking canes. Great patience was then required as the dough gently transformed into a golden brown treat; all agreed that the wait was well worth it as the smell of honey and hot cookies, as well as the sound of satisfied stomachs filled the air!

Without wanting to miss out on the snow the Beavers then had a Night Hike. Despite the wintry conditions, both colonies met at the Hampshire Bowman, all suitably attired in a multitude of hats and hi-viz vests for the evening’s expedition. The brave pioneers trudged off into the snow-laden moonlit landscape, their destination Scout HQ and a welcome mug of hot chocolate. An outstanding effort by all of the Beavers; the event provided an unrivalled Night Hike experience which contributed towards their ‘Outdoor Challenge’ badge.