Welcome to the summer term where we have another action packed variety of programmes planned for all our sections, check out the news and events below.

Beavers
One of the highlights last term was the District Activity Day at Bristol Docks where Beavers from the 26th Bristol (Northcote) met with 180 Beavers from all over the District. They toured the SS Great Britain, took part in a treasure trail, explored the M Shed and Redcliffe caves before returning exhausted on the Bristol Packet Ferry Boat. The Beavers behaved impeccably throughout, a huge ‘thank you’ to all those parents who offered their help on the day.

We will be holding a Beaver sleepover for both colonies on 17/18 May at Northcote. Details will be given out by your leaders shortly.

Next term Beavers will be focussing on healthy lifestyles (keeping fit and eating well), whilst also making the most of the green and open spaces that Bristol has to offer.

Cubs
This term we will be trying to do as many outdoor activities as possible but have a backup plan if the weather is as bad as last summer! We will aim to achieve the Navigator, Cyclist and Athletics/fitness badges. Some will also be doing the Global Challenge badge in association with the Shelter Box charity. There will be other outdoor activities such as den building which is always a favourite. Cub camp will be held from 5-7 July at the camping field near Cribbs Causeway. More details about these exciting activities will be sent our nearer the time.

Scouts
Scouts enjoyed a successful winter camp at Woodhouse Park in February and a popular session at the Bristol Climbing Centre where the Scouts had to work as teams to ensure each other’s safety and then, with the help of a wall anchor, assisting their slightly overweight leader(s) to the top of the wall and back down again (phew). The anniversary of last year’s Sauze d’Oulx ski trip was marked with a visit to the Avon Ski Centre. This term we have also welcomed many new Scouts from Cubs and a number of new leaders who have bravely volunteered to help us.

The summer term programme will focus on camping skills:

20 April – 10-4pm camping skills activity day at Glenny Woods camp site at Portishead.
17-19 May weekend training camp 1 Cribbs Causeway
14-16 June weekend training camp 2 Cribbs Causeway
5-7 July weekend Pioneering camp Cribbs Causeway (Cubs camping too)
25 July to 4 August – Summer camp Hawkchurch, Dorset

All information about the camps/kit list etc is on our website under the scouts section.

Silver D of E presentation
The Lord Lieutenant will be visiting Northcote to present eleven D of E Silver Awards on 26 April to the following Explorers/Young Leaders: Rob Waggett, Chris Hobbs, Jon Waldren, Ed Wheatcroft, Edward Bray, Sarah Goodenough, Kate Goodenough, Calum Smart, Huw Parry, Dunstan Thompson and Anna Sutton. We are extremely proud of these Explorers many of whom have been in Scouting at Northcote since they were Beavers. We now have our fingers crossed that it will not be long before we will be able to announce some of our older 26th Scouts have completed their Queen’s Scout Award, the highest honour available to our young people in Scouting. Watch this space!

Gilwell 24 Event for Explorers 12-14 July
Join in with 24 hours non stop adventurous activities with Explorers from all over the UK at Gilwell 24. Book your place by 9 May with your Explorer Leader, cost is £50.

Family Camp 13-15 June 2014 – Save the date!
The long awaited Family camp will be back in June 2014 in the beautiful Severn Field (overlooking the Severn Estuary, hence its name) at Woodhouse Park where there will be brand new adventurous activities for us to try such as high ropes course and climbing facilities. More details to come but in the meantime hold the date!

Online Scout Manager
During the summer term we are going to trial an online system that many other Scout Groups are using around the county to manage badge records, admin and events. You may receive some emails from your leaders via online scout manager over the next couple of months. If it proves to be effective and we get positive feedback from parents we will use it across the group from the autumn term.

New Assistant Leader for Castle Beavers on Tuesday evening 6-7.15pm
We are looking for a couple of Assistant Beaver Leaders to support Kieron on Tuesday evenings, please contact Andy Hobbs for more information about this exciting opportunity. It doesn’t have to be each week, we want to be flexible so we can help you help us in Scouting, email Andy Hobbs.

Food Bank
The Bristol NW Food bank were extremely pleased and grateful for your donations last term. The food bank gives out food parcels as a temporary measure to individuals and families in this area who can no longer afford to properly feed themselves. Food donations can be made in the crates at the entrance hall.

Sainsbury’s Active Kids
In previous years we have used Sainsbury’s Active Kid’s tokens to buy balls and other sports equipment and to buy cooking equipment. The scheme runs until 22 May so please keep collecting for more equipment. The vouchers can be put in the box by the entrance to the building.

Quiz Evening in March
Thank you to all of those who attended our fun quiz night in March where we raised £300.

Summer Term Diary

Previous 26scouts Northcote Newsletters
26th Bristol Scout Group
Northcote, Great Brockeridge, Westbury on Trym, Bristol
Northcote venue and room hire information