Hi everyone,

I thought I should take time out to catch up with you all; on what a busy couple of scouting weeks we all have had!

Getting the DBS’s through in time for family camp, thank you Steve Rattan, everyone got in.

Last week I met with the Farnham District Network Group, these are the 18-25 year olds, after Explorer Scouts.  Matt Whitaker is their chairman. It’s amazing to see young men such as Matt, David Crow and Rupert Deadman who came through the Fantastic Fourths as Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to still be so actively involved. Good to see they hadn’t forgotten their basic skills and could tie a decent square lashing. Together we erected the pioneering camp gate for family camp.

Last Thursday I was at scouts, it happened to be the Queen’s Birthday, Tim Shellard, Scout leader, organised a rousing chorus of the national anthem, fortunately Sarah Gearey was there to keep us in key and in rhythm.

Family camp 2016 was a great success again. Over 550 people camped overnight and some 770 people on site on Saturday for the fun. Although it rained Friday eveningSaturday was sunny, today was colder, especially up the top of the climbing tower.

Many thanks to all the Scout leaders involved this weekend we had some 70 people from the Fourths camping. The most we have had attending for a long time. We had a great turnout from the Beaver section with many new parents too camping, hopefully a good sign for the future.

12 Beavers were acknowledged for gaining their Bronze Chief Scout Award. Our newest leader Iaan Thorn was enrolled.

Also on site were the Explorers, loads of them, 14-18 year olds many from the Fourths helping run all the activities from inflatables, climbing, shooting, archery etc. Two local Explorers from Elstead were awarded the Chief Scouts Commendation for good service and today (Sunday 14th) were to be awarded a medal at Windsor hopefully by the Queen. They had given first aid to a collapsed adult in Elstead who others had passed by, they saved his life!

We even got to see a little April Sun, and were very pleased to get all the camping gear down dry and put away.

We have some important Camping dates coming up:

• District Scout Camp, Mellow Farm, Dockenfield, 14-15th May
• District Cub Centenary weekend, Garners Field, 11-12th June
• Scout Expedition Camp weekend, Seale 10-12th June
• Cub & Scout Summer Camp,  Harrowgate, Yorkshire, 23rd -30th July

Another date for your diary – is our Group Annual BBQ – Friday 24th June (incorporating Group Updates, and AGM)

We shall also be giving each member of the Group – Beavers, Cubs & Scouts a Queens 90th Birthday badge to wear on their uniform.