Scout Groups across our District will be reforming soon to pursue their ‘term time’ activities, having had a summer break, although as detailed in a recent column some exciting but more informal activities have carried on during this period. In the meantime, I am grateful to David Mumby, Group Scout Leader of our 4 th Ripon Group, for keeping us informed of its preparations for the summer break.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of 4 th Ripon Scout Group ended their Summer Term activities with a joint barbeque. It was also a way of celebrating another successful year for the Group.
The sunny weather was a bonus and enabled the participants to use the lawns surrounding the Church Hall to play games. An open invitation had been given to the families of the Group members and a good attendance of parents, brothers and sisters was in evidence. With such a large number of people there, it was decided that the food would be prepared in the kitchen oven and then finished off on the barbeque.

Initially, the boys were entertained with a number of parachute games. The Beavers especially enjoyed this activity and even the ‘sophisticated’ Scouts reluctantly admitted, “It had been good!” Thanks to Jenny Langley, Cub Leader, for organising the activity.

While the games were going on, a small band of parents was in the Church Hall kitchen preparing the teas, coffees, cold drinks, etc. Another group was organising the chairs and tables and supervising the grilling outside. The next activity, organised by Barry Wolfendale. the Scout Leader, was an usual tug of war competition. This involved tying two ropes together at the middle to form a cross, ensuring that all the boys, some sisters; brothers and parents could participate in the game.
After three challenging and exhausting pulls, everyone was relieved that it was time for refreshments and a sit down. The food must have been tasty as there was always a queue for extras until everything had gone!

All of this extra nourishment was put to good use when the last activity was revealed to be a short but hectic game of football, with the Beavers and Cubs playing against the Scouts. Although greatly outnumbered, the Scout team played with enthusiasm. The referee, David Bumby, the stand in Beaver Leader, made sure the game was played safely and certainly bent the rules a few times (is this allowed in Scouting?) to favour one side then the other.

All had had a good time and it was agreed that the Group should have more joint activities, especially when it involved any eating! A big thank you and presentation was given to Peter Cheeseborough who had been a valuable Assistant Scout Leader for nearly three years but was now leaving to continue his university education. The help of the hardworking parents and of the helpers who regularly give up some of their Friday evenings to assist with the section meetings was also appreciated. 4 th Ripon Scout Group is now looking forward to another successful year.