news's blog

Scout Community Week was launched today! It's going to be 14-20th May in 2012, and we can't have a community week without a community. So, we at 1st Histon Scouts would welcome any ideas for projects that we can undertake around that time that would be useful and relevant to Histon and Impington. So if you are involved in any aspect of our local community that could benefit from enthusiastic hard work from local young people, please get in touch. We really want to help!

Scout community week is inspired by the long dead but not forgotten Bob-a-Job concept - and we do look to use it to raise funds for ourselves to benefit our youth programmes. But the difference is that we want to take on big projects that have a real community impact. You can find out more about how it works at Scouts.org.uk. If you have ideas for how we can make a difference in Histon and Impington, then mail me, Greg Harewood.

Cheers,
Greg
1st Histon SL

Following the kind grant from Histon Feast last year for archery equipment, we want everyone to know that we really are getting into our archery here at 1st Histon Scouts. We're now set up for all sections from 8-year old Cubs upwards to learn archery regularly as a sport. As always though, we're constantly looking for more adult volunteers to help more boys and girls to take part more often. If you fancy learning and teaching archery or any of our other many activities, give us a call. We'd love to have you along!

Scouting - Everyday Adventure!

"Thank you so much for taking Cameron on scout camp last week. He obviously had a fantastic time and although we are very pleased to have him home we get the impression if he could live there with you all he would! Many thanks for giving up your time so willingly and generously."

1st Histon Scouts are back from their first big traditional style camp in two years, having travelled the canals last year instead. Happily, the old skills were none the worse for wear leaving plenty of time for caving, climbing, abseiling, pony trekking in the Black Mountains, canoeing (kayak) down rapids on the Wye, swimming, hiking, a home-made assault course and the odd game of Assassin. The camp was jointly organized with Bar Hill Scouts and it was a great match with everyone making new friends. We're sorry you missed it, but we'd love to have you along next time!

Let's be proud of our community. Why not take a few minutes to think who from Histon or Impington is worthy to carry the Olympic Torch in Cambridge? Who's made a difference? Who has inspired you?

A team of four Explorer Scouts from Histon and Oakington competed at Mepal with their peers from around the county, Saturday. The first day of a two-day Scout outdoor activities competition, they chose kayak, archery, shooting, assault course, high ropes, volleyball, climbing and Scout car racing. Every member of the team was new to Explorer Scouting this year, most of them new to Scouting, and they made their Scout promise during the adrenaline-charged Scout car race. Welcome to the family, boys!

Explorer Scouting is for girls and boys from 14-18 years old.

1st Histon Scouts would like to wish the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge every happiness and hope they visit their new city very soon!

We've got space in the troop! That means space for boys and girls 10-13 to join straight away!

It's not infinite though. We can take maybe 10-15. So priority will be given to those in year 6 and those whose parents are prepared to help out. After that, it's first come first served :-)

Here's our joining information page for more info. BUT - please let us know you're coming. We want to run a special programme for new starters this term. We can't wait to see you. You're going to love it :-)

There is also space in Explorers, 10-14. Cubs and Beavers for 6-10yrs, however, are choc full, so your only chance of quick admission there is to help out. We'd really love to open more sections at all ages, and all the training for adults is free.

Two Scouting stories hit the national news in the last couple of weeks. They're not connected, but they are both inspiring.

When Libya turned to civil war, Benghazi was first to turn against Tripoli and all the regime uniforms, including the police, quietly melted away. Chris, an Assistant Sea Scout Leader from Southend, and a Royal Navy man in his day job, noted that there was one uniformed group moving around when they approached:

Two Histon Explorer Scout teams (plus one each from Cottenham, Over and Hardwick) spent three days and up to forty miles on foot in the Peak District over the first three days of half term, not only surviving, but stalking and evading each other while carrying a third of their bodyweight each in equipment on their backs. SCRAM works as a game but also as a DofE Silver practise expedition for Scouts in the district.