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News
OCC Thanks in a Poem!
We have received a thank you from Joan Chicken on behalf of St. Andrew's Church for our work with Christmas shoe boxes. Enjoy!
SHOEBOXES
What can you put in a shoe box, apart from a pair of shoes? Well the Beavers, Cubs and the Scouts of 3rd Washington Will give you lots of clues. They learned the plight of children in lands far away from here. How children may not know the meaning of Christmas or gifts from loved ones dear. Each section of the Scout group was asked to take action and give aid, by filling up lots of shoe boxes for poorer children. And so the decision was made. A box for each child needs a toothbrush, soap, flannel and toothpaste, A hat, a scarf, to keep them warm on colder days, pencils, a pen, paper and some sweets for them to taste. Well all of these really are gifts which are so worthwhile But is there something more they could give To fill the shoe boxes up and make each child smile. Something to give the WOW factor for every girl and boy What could be given to do it? Give a doll, a wind- up car, a bouncy ball or a lovely cuddly toy. Well the challenge for filling up shoeboxes was so willingly set. The boys and girls in each section got on with the task and the target to fill many boxes as you can see was well and truly met. Joan Chicken November 2016 |
420 nights away and it's only April! Our trustees are providing even more adventure!
Adventure is at the heart of what we do, and our group executive recently agreed to fund our own minibus on any night away for any section in the group. This means more money will be available to ensure every young person will experience even more archery, kayaking and zorbing (to name a few). With over 420 nights away so far this year across the group, that'll mean we can get more young people experiencing fun, challenge and adventure by going on a night away. Some nights away which will see the benefit include:
Check out the full list of events. If you'd like to read more about the group executive, or see our accounts, click here. 3rd Washington Scouts is a charitable organisation providing fun, challenge and adventure across the north and west of Washington. Our active group executive are the trustees of the charity and have a strategic goal of encouraging as many young people to experience nights away across 2016 and beyond. |
Adult Volunteers Take On a Challenge
It's not just about adventure for young people, our leaders are taking on challenges of their own, both raising money for the group and for another local cause. We'd be very grateful for any support you can give to help us raise as much money as possible Stockton River Rat Race - Saturday 29th August 2015 Andrew Turnbull, Carl Hickman, Craig Johnson, Gemma Younghusband, Kate Bowdon, Jonathan Chicken and Stephen Harrison are all taking on the Stockton River Rat Race, raising money for St Benedict's Hospice in Sunderland. The River Rat Race is a 10 kilometre run, including a series of obstacles which takes us in and out of the River Tees, such as walking the plank from the replica of Captain Cook's boat and an army style assault course along the way. Visit www.stocktonriverratrace.com/ to see the full course map. Please visit our Team i.Scout sponsor page and pick a leader to sponsor as well as finding out why St Benedict's Hospice is important to us all. |
Scouts & Explorers: Summer Camp 2015 - Like a Room Without a Roof
![]() ![]() It was like a dream arriving on the campsite, with the views stretching out down to the river and along the valley, sheep peacefully roaming alongside the water and the area of grass that we were to call home for the week was completely empty. As our van packed with camping equipment drove onto the site, younger scouts were a little apprehensive about building camp. The
first challenge was for scouts to get to know the other members of their patrol so they could work together to turn the empty field into a campsite for the
week, working hard to get their patrol site ready,
pitching tents, making patrols boundaries and connecting stoves. The main challenge for explorers was to work out how to pitch their new tents. Scouts
worked well together and in what seemed like no time at all, tents were up and camp was established. ![]() Monday was our first big activity day as everyone headed off site to How Stean Gorge, scouts spent the day caving and gorge walking, while explorers swapped the caves for canoes. The awesome gorge walk started with a 40 foot vertical abseil from the bride to the water below, which certainly got the adrenalin pumping. Some scouts had to dig deep to overcome their fears, supported by adult leaders, to successfully complete the challenge. Once in the water, scouts and explorers overcame waterfalls and were able to enjoy the plunge pools of How Stean. Scouts spend the other half of their day caving, exploring Goydon Pot with experienced instructors who led them in a circular route deep underground through the caverns and via the Smarties Tube, so named because it's a very narrow tubular section of the cave. Tuesday took scouts and explorers out to Grassington for a day walk and an ice cream reward. Scouts and explorers took in the sights of the dale along the way, crossing the Hebdon
suspension bridge and stepping stones as well as passing by the Linton Falls on the
way into the town. Everyone worked extremely hard and the walking distance for the day was around 9 miles. Wednesday
was one of the most thrilling days of camp as the group headed to Light
Water Valley for rides and roller coasters. Scouts were free to make
the most of their day and go on as many rides as possible, from the swan
pedalos to the Ultimate roller coaster. One of the highlights of the
day was undoubtedly scouts our afternoon trip on the Ultimate where we filled an entire train. The Eagle's Claw and Whirlwind also
provided a huge amount of stomach churning! ![]() The last day of camp was much more chilled with scouts spending the
morning in Ilkley, buying presents to take home and exploring the
historic town, before heading to Ilkley Lido to cool off in the
afternoon. After the Lido came the traditional huge end of camp BBQ and
campfire, before scouts spent the night sleeping under the stars.
Scouts left the site on Saturday with so many new memories and new
experiences, with highlights including everything from our day at the
gorge, to having an awesome time with new friends, to the Sunday morning
jog and dip into the river, to cooking a meal for themselves for the
first time. Scouts formed memories which will live on with them for
years to come!
You can check out photos from our week long adventure in the photos zone. |
Scouts: Celebrating Badgefest Success
![]() ![]() Badgefest is also a unique opportunity for leaders as they work with a group of scouts over a number of weeks and have the chance to see their group grow in confidence, in experience and in skills across the programme. 3rd Washington Scouts pride themselves in providing a balanced programme that appropriately challenges young people and adult volunteers alike. Through a range of activities, often outdoors-based, we aim to help young people to enjoy life, have fun and become better citizens who uphold scouting's values. |
Scouts: All Aboard to Kettleness!
Steam powered adventure for scouts and explorers... Yes Please! The older Scouts and the Explorers climbed aboard the minibuses for a spooky action-packed weekend at an old railway station in North Yorkshire. Converted from Kettleness railway station in the 1960’s by the East Cleveland Scout District, Seeonee Lair Campsite and Activity Centre is a fantastic venue for our adventurous Scout and Explorer sections. The weekend with the older members of the group proved a big hit so I am sure the event will become a firm fixture in our future plans.After a few tense minutes trying to find the power switch the Scouts and Explorers made their way into the accommodation and settled in for the weekend. With another fantastic effort by Tesco Home Deliveries, the group packed away the food for the weekend - this much adventure requires a lot of calories!!
The group was lucky to celebrate two birthdays over the weekend, congratulations to Callum and Ali. There was plenty of cake and candles for all of the group, although the number of candles on Ali's cake could have been a fire hazard! The famous ‘Ghost of Kettleness Station’ was never far away and would often close the kitchen door right in the face of a leader- what timing! Late one night two intrepid (and perhaps a little scared) group leaders went to investigate a strange knocking sound at the front door. On investigation the leaders confirmed that the front door was firmly locked although a regular knocking sound came from the door almost as if the Ghost had missed the train and was demanding entry! A video was taken to prove the ghostly going-ons and the next day we discovered a strange whistling noise on the video which added a new level of suspense to the next day’s camp fire! Sunday morning was spent at the local beach with Scout leaders running madly up and down the sand in an attempt to get our new kites to fly. The majority of the Scouts and Explorers sensibly watched from the side lines shouting encouragement! Eventually, but not before we lost one kite on the cliffs, we admitted defeat due to lack of wind. The group then faced the tough journey back to the old station climbing over 200 steps from the beach to the cliff tops. Sunday afternoon was spent clearing away and the group reluctantly left for home but not before a group photograph on the old platform.Another fantastic weekend away with 3rd Washington Scouts! Scouts
can find out about more opportunities to experience nights away on our camping pages and can look forward to an exciting
year of outdoor adventure. |
Scouts: What a Breath of Fresh Air
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Active Kids - Back for 2015
![]() You can find out more about how the group fundraises by visiting our fundraising pages or by contacting donations@3rdwashingtonscouts.org.uk. If you like your fundraising a bit more adventurous why not contact us about taking part in our sponsored zip wire fundraiser. |
Scouts: Gainford Got Us Grinning
![]() After a manic Friday night of games, stories and a film, Saturday morning is where the adventure really starts. Rotating round a number of activities, scouts got a taste of archery, with some scouts showing some great skill, hitting the bullseye more than once. Scouts also tried their hands at geocaching, a high tech treasure hunt using GPSs to get out and about in the village and beyond. The third activity for the morning was pancake races, we might be a bit early for Pancake Tuesday, but it was flippin' brilliant! It's debatable how many of the pancakes were edible, but that didn't matter as our main aim was to flip them as high as possible. In the afternoon we unpacked our boots for a scenic walk along the River Tees from Egglestone Abbey to Whorlton. The walk included a couple of hills which scouts were able to roll down. Luckily for us, the weather was good, although I think a few of us were hoping for snow. At the end of the three miles, the leaders looked more worn out than the Scouts! Saturday evening challenged the imagination of our young people as we headed back to Egglestone Abbey for a wide game in the dark. The ruins of the abbey cast a ghoulish shadow across the playing area and provided hiding places aplenty for leaders. Sunday morning was spent with a traditional scouting activity as everyone tried their hand at pioneering. After learning some basics, everyone worked together to build a set of monkey bars, which were strong enough to hold scouts (not leaders!). Once completed, scouts challenged each other to get across safely. Visit our image gallery for more photos from the weekend. Scouts can find out about more opportunities to experience nights away on our camping pages and can look forward to an exciting year of outdoor adventure. |
Celebrating 40 Years of Scouting at 3rd Washington
![]() It's 40 years since founder John Addington set up the group, at the time, John's son was on the waiting list for a group in Usworth and the local adult volunteers were trying to persuade parents to get involved. Perhaps some things haven't changed that much! At the first meeting of the new cubs and scouts sections, 30 cubs and 36 scouts enrolled for the first night, now we have over 200 young people enjoying scouting each week, it's incredible to think that the group could be so successful. We think we're pretty youthful at 40, 40 years ago you certainly wouldn't have read this on our website, or heard scouts coming back from a camp talking about geocaching, but the evening gave us a chance to reflect on why we all scout, look out for some videos coming soon. 3rd Washington Scouts is an active group, with young people enjoying a new challenge every week as part of a busy programme. Around 40 adult volunteers lead the adventure and work to make scouting possible as many young people as possible. |