A Beaver Leader's first camp

Seventeen 6 to 8 year olds from Consett and Leadgate Beaver colonies staying overnight at the Minsteracres retreat. It was our first night away as Beaver Leaders and I can honestly say I don’t know who was more nervous; the parents, the Beaver scouts or me and Neal! 

The parents had a good look round at the dorm where all our Beavers slept, before leaving them in the capable hands of a mix of experienced Scout Leaders and newly appointed leaders such as ourselves. 

The children were excited and jumped into every challenge. In twenty four hours we managed to fit in a range of activities, including following a trail, tent building, boat building and much more. We had a traditional camp fire where Ruby from Leadgate Beavers led the children in some funny songs.

The food was great but I was amazed to see how many fussy eaters we had, I mean how many kids don’t like cake and custard?

Some of the leaders and Beavers enjoying the dens they made

 We had an amazing time and the kids have some awesome memories. Back for more fun in September.

Gavin Heckles, Consett Beaver Leader.

£4,350 Grant for Nights Away activities

1st Consett are celebrating after receiving a grant of £4,350 from Durham County Foundation. The grant is to help reduce the cost Nights Away for all members of the group and to go towards leader training.
1st Consett has a policy that all young people should be able to take part in Nights Away experiences regardless of background and ability to pay. However, with all the group's fund raising efforts going towards the new headquarters, the group was unable to subsidise its camps making them out of reach of some.
This grant will ensure that all of our members will be able to experience the Adventure of Scouting by taking part in nights away activities, such as summer camps for Scouts, Cuboree for Cub Scouts and indoor weekends for Beaver Scouts.