Scouting with John Helliwell

This week we hear from Laura Gibson, Cub Scout Leader at Masham who combines a busy family life with a full-time teaching job as well as making a regular weekly commitment to Scouting.

She tells us about an exciting County event which took place over the recent bank holiday weekend . . .

Do you want to go exploring and discovering?
Nearly 600 Cubs did just this during the County Cub Camp on the Pateley Bridge Showground at the end of May!
Cubs from Masham, Boroughbridge and Ripon joined together in their mini-camp within the big camp to learn and share their own exploration techniques.
They planned a route from a map and made a mock-up of the terrain to check whether it would be safe; group work involved crossing rivers, streams and ravines, working with the native people and making friendship bracelets to show that we came in peace; and constructing our own temporary shelters in case of inclement weather and marauding bears.
So the great American West was tackled and colonised: all in one weekend and by hundreds of Cubs!

The weekend started well with glorious weather on the Friday evening: just right for leaders to put up tents.
Then on Saturday the rain came… and came… and stayed!
The weather didn’t stop the activities taking place, although the obstacle course challenge set by the Wild West Explorers in Ripon proved to be more of a challenge in driving rain!
The Cubs who attended bravely battled on.

By Sunday, a cold wind had replaced rain; but fortunately Monday was a day of bright sunshine in which to strike camp and pack up.
Ripon Cubs were given the opportunity to visit all the other bases where they learned a great deal about different explorers and inventors.
They were able to take part in the first production line for a motor car and proved to be the quickest!
They went rampaging and pillaging with Vikings; fishing in the Arctic Circle with polar explorers; building igloos out of sugar cubes; firing rockets; improving their archery; practising their climbing and abseiling and – always a great favourite – grass sledging.
On the Saturday night there was entertainment for all and Sunday evening gave us traditional camp fire songs, some of which were new to the Cub leaders, and very funny!
The Masham and Boroughbridge packs camped together, with 6th Ripon close by, but shared in the running of the activity bases.

 

 

By the end of the three days the Cubs were exhausted but, on the plus side, had gained badges from numerous bases and made lots of new friends.
On the Sunday afternoon the Cubs were able to be part of the 10,000 Scouts visited by Bear Grylls, the Chief Scout, on his whirlwind tour of the North of England.
He spoke to them all briefly about his enthusiasm for Scouting and was able to visit some of the bases before heading off to Boroughbridge to meet the Ripon Explorer Scouts on the River Ure.

We need more leaders of Laura’s calibre if Scouting is to be able to offer places to the hundreds of young people who are on joining lists all over the county.
However, we also need people who can make an occasional contribution to Scouting by helping out from time to time.
Could that be you? If so, please call me on 01423 320731 - a warm welcome awaits you in Scouting!

Scouting with John Helliwell

Taking a large group of Beavers (Scouts, boys and girls, aged 6-8 years) on a day trip isn't easy as I found out at the beginning of last month.

The Beaver Leaders in the District had decided that the day out during the summer term was to be a visit to the National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield and for various reasons it fell to me to organise it.
Fortunately a large number of Leaders and CRB-checked parents had agreed to accompany about 90 Beavers, all in smart uniform, who left Bishop Monkton, Masham, Ripon and Boroughbridge around 9 am on June 12th, to be transported to the Museum in two very serviceable, but overheated, Eddie Brown Tours coaches.
Thanks to a handy "spotting" exercise provided by Janine of 4th Ripon, the children were fully occupied on the way to Wakefield via the M1; no-one was sick or wanted to go to the toilet en route.

Splitting into six groups on arrival at the Museum, the Beavers either went on the underground tour fairly soon after arriving or did something else, perhaps the nature walk, until the group’s departure time for their tour came round.
There’s no doubt that the underground tour is the highlight of a visit to the Mining Museum. But what does "underground" mean to a 6 year-old, and why did people in the past actually go underground?
Oh, and what is coal?
The guides, mainly ex-miners, were well-informed about the history of coal mining in Yorkshire, but their patter is, I suspect, the same for all parties who visit.
So university students and post-graduate engineers enjoy the same commentary as Beavers who have never warmed their hands in front of a coal fire and are not quite sure exactly what miners used to do all those years ago before Mrs Thatcher or Arthur Scargill destroyed the mining industry.
The lift into which we were claustrophobically packed and which took us 140 metres below the surface (the height of Blackpool Tower, we were told – "Where’s Blackpool?") was a new experience for many Beavers, but only one or two whimpered the immortal words: "I wanna go home now!"

Weighed down by hefty battery packs and protected by ill-fitting helmets we walked, scrambled or crawled through a maze of tunnels and levels deep in the old mine.
"The Lord of the Rings" is scary for Beavers, but, if they had seen it, they might have thought of the Mines of Moria and been on the look-out for the Balrog……
Inevitably there was the experience of total darkness at one point when our friendly guide instructed us to turn off our lamps ("I can’t turn the switch on mine"!).
Only about 20% of the Beavers cried out "I wanna go home now", so we carried on, past plastic models of 19th century children, polystyrene pit ponies and rusty machinery until, with relief, we returned to the claustrophobic lift and soared back to ground level and blue sky.

Beavers are automatically polite and they haven’t at the age of seven or so learnt to say "the right thing".
So when they all said they’d had a great time in the mysterious underground of this world, I believed them.
I think they knew they’d enjoyed or endured a different kind of experience, and that somehow being a bit frightened was in an odd way quite good fun! Scoffing packed lunches, spending £2.00 in the shop, leaping around in the activity area clutching bits of coal ("What does it do?") passed the time until the drivers fired up the diesel engines and we headed for home.

There was no "spotting" and several Leaders were soon sound asleep, leaving a few eagle-eyed parents in charge.

By the way, all the adults said they’d enjoyed the trip as well.
If spending a day with a manic bunch of Beavers appeals to you, reader, or if you’d prefer a more sedate introduction to local Scouting, why not give me a ring on 01423 320731

Scouting with John Helliwell

Camping is said to be one of the delights of Scouting and it was my privilege to take part in the District's annual Scout camp earlier this month at Westwick Hall Farm, not far from Bishop Monkton.

The field in which around 45 Scouts and 10 leaders camped makes no pretensions to being a cricket middle or bowling green; in fact to describe it as "somewhat uneven underfoot" might pass as a text book example of understatement.
But the grass was dry, cow pats sporadic, and tents could be pitched over a wide area on the low plateau overlooking the River Ure which at that point flows sluggishly below nearby Westwick lock.

Being wise to first nights on camp, I'd pitched my personal tent as far as possible from the miscellany of tents occupied by Scouts, expecting to have a broken night's sleep.
How pleased I was to sleep soundly with only slight discomfort from a substantial tussock of grass under my right hip!

The plan was for Scouts to do everything on the domestic side of the camp, which meant cooking all their own food.
Did 12 year-olds in the past know how to cook a fried breakfast?
I've no idea, but it soon became clear to me that our Scouts had few cooking skills at the start of camp (and at the end, in some cases).
Nevertheless, All Bran was a healthy option provided by Anne Collins at the Boroughbridge sub-camp and I followed this with a concoction of sausage, bacon, egg and tomato which was only slightly burnt before avoiding the interminable process of clearing away and washing up which occupied the greasy Scouts for the next hour or so.

During Saturday and Sunday the Scouts enjoyed a series of activities in groups: bell-boating and kayaking on the river under the watchful eyes and tutelage of Wally Grout, Andy Gibson and a number of very helpful Explorer Scouts; Orienteering with David Day of 6th Ripon, wearing a pair of lederhosen which caused certain female members of the camp party to avert their eyes; and a Nature Walk of sorts with Colin Slator, Ripon’s ecological pundit whose wife, Clare, demonstrated a slowly-evolving degree of expertise on the bell-boats over the weekend.

Click the image to see the full version!

Some skills were acquired, no doubt, and there was a good deal of shouting and splashing on the water.
No Scout was swept away downstream and the dreaded Ure pike failed to sink its sharp teeth into limbs which occasionally dangled into the tepid river water.
Deadly giant hogweed waved invitingly from the bank but no one succumbed to its enchantment.

The activity highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the raft-building competition and subsequent raft race, superbly organised by Derrick Day.
Usually rafts, lovingly but ineptly constructed, disintegrate on being introduced to the water under the weight of four Scouts.
On this occasion, however, all but one raft maintained its structural integrity and a thrilling relay race across the width of the river took place, accompanied by wild cheering and the sort of excitement certainly not seen this year among England supporters at the World Cup!
6th Ripon paddled home in first position and even 4th Ripon, who needed a helping hand from a couple of instructors in kayaks, finally made a successful landfall, scrambled up the bank and headed back to their sub-camp for a beaker of dilute squash and a "value" bun from Morrison’s.

Saturday night was camp fire time, admirably led by the abovementioned David Day and doyen of Boroughbridge Scouting, Mike Collins.
I understood a couple of the jokes told by Scouts and was relieved that "She’ll be coming round the mountain" was free of rudeness and innuendo.
Given the physical demands of the day’s activities and the greater demands imposed by cooking and washing up, there was no noise after 11 pm and all bar one slept soundly.

Sunday was the day on which rain was going to spoil everything and drench the tents prior to packing up.
But, although cirro-stratus clouds built up ominously over the western horizon and the wind gusted to near gale force, not a drop fell on the exhausted leaders and bedraggled, unwashed Scouts.
By 3.30 pm, Elsan buckets were emptied; toilet tents ceremonially dismantled; the hessian urinal screen no longer flogged in the breeze; and local cows were sensing a return to their customary pastures . . .

None of this may appeal to readers.
If, however, nostalgia for the things of youth stirs in your breast and you feel that Scouting may have something to engage and enthral you, please give me a ring on 01423 320731.

Scouting with John Helliwell

David Bumby, Group Scout Leader of 4th Ripon which meets at Harrogate Road Methodist Church, has sent me an exciting report on the activities of the youngsters in the Group during the past couple of months.

Beaver Leader Carol Ransome writes as follows about the Colony:
Since our last report we have had a very busy time in Beavers beginning in May with our Colony Sleepover (we did get SOME sleep!).
This was when Janine Toole gained her Night's Away Permit; many thanks to Elaine Day for attending, helping and signing off this part of Janine's training.
We have been visited by John Helliwell, Andrew Roberts and Susan Richardson and have spent time outside completing a treasure hunt, getting wet (water sports) and a teddy bears' picnic which took the place of our walk to Studley Park, cancelled due to unsettled weather.
During the past half term we have invested three new Beavers: Daniel Wilson, Spencer Chapman and Benjamin Wolfe; and we were all thrilled when Janine was presented with her Wood Badge a few weeks ago.
The highlight of the term has to be the County 'Let’s be Safe' Day at which we were awarded the Balfour Beatty Trophy for winning one of the competitions; congratulations to Kurt, our star performer!!

Cubs Leader Angela Farmery sends this report about the Cub Pack:
The Cubs undertook the task of achieving several badges this term mainly on the theme of safety.
We began by doing the Home Safety badge and the Cubs found out how to keep safe both in and around the home.
John Helliwell came to three different sessions over the course of the term to deliver training for Emergency Aid 2; the Cubs had a go at resuscitation with the 'Resuscitation Annies' that John kindly brought in and enjoyed role-playing an emergency call which highlighted the need to learn their own phone numbers and addresses.
The last session focused on administering basic first aid using bandages and plasters, and it looked like we had a high ratio of injured children by the time they all went home!

Click the image to see the full version!

The Cubs also completed their Communication Badge and we learnt how to make an emergency call and crack codes.
The real challenge was learning how to take the Cub promise in Makaton!
We also managed to fit in a sausage sizzle and wide games at Hell Wath.
Finally the cubs enjoyed their pack holiday at Thornthwaite Activity Centre, and huge thanks go to a fantastic group of parents and leaders who supported us on the weekend.
The Cubs completed the Naturalist badge and went exploring for creatures and identifying the trees within the area.
Other activities included backwoods cooking, kite making, shelter building, campfire with songs and stunts, archery, traversing a climbing wall and finishing with a treasure trail around the site; all-in-all, a fantastic way for the Cubs to finish the term!

David Bumby, Acting Scout Leader, writes about the Scout Troop:
The Scouts have been very active this term doing activities to prepare them for camp a the beginning of July: cooking a light meal on gas stoves in the open; a joint meeting with the Beavers to show their tent erecting skills; sorting out the camping equipment before the District Camp; and checking that the equipment was in good order.
The weather was good for the camp and everyone had an enjoyable time.
The Troop followed up the camp with a meeting concentrating on brushing up their map and compass skills for a return hike the following week.
Well done to the group which actually completed the hike; those Scouts who had to be transported the last stretch will need to put in a bit more training in future! The Troop is looking forward to the new term when Peter Cheesbrough will be taking on the role of Scout Leader.

Scouting with John Helliwell

This week’s unusual news item has been sent directly from Steven "Spike" Spencer, dynamic Beaver Scout Leader of the Boroughbridge Thursday Colony and Chief Engineer on the Beaver's latest mission.

Beavers found at Newby Hall . . .
1st Boroughbridge Beavers were discovered at Newby Hall having one enormous adventure . . .
On a Friday evening in July, 15 intrepid Beavers and 6 Leaders of doubtful sanity began building several craft to take us on our unknown adventures.
Such adventures required the most unbelievable land, sea and air vehicles: flotation devices, tall masts and other very technical and quite impossible-to-describe bits and bobs.
Once the vehicles were complete, a game was needed to wear out the inventors and then it was back for sausages in a bun at Base Camp.

We took shelter in the Village Hall at Skelton-on-Ure and as the stars twinkled and the fire flickered in the fading light - and finally after a story about a "Bald Twit Lion" - the brave Beavers retired to their tents.
Thus the start of a long night . . . but that’s another story.
As the embers faded away and the brightest star disappeared, the Beavers awoke from their slumbers and the Leaders craved for sleep.

Click the image to see the full version!

The dawn of a new day, the excitement of adventure to come, a breakfast feast of fruit, toast, yoghurt, brioche and fresh juice; just what was needed for the first exercise of the day which was to be an orienteering exercise, kindly laid on by Scout Leaders Mike and Anne Collins.
Cut short by a torrential downpour, our bold Beavers raced back for shelter and began to look towards their next mission.
Off we set for Newby Hall where the brave Beavers went forth to the gnarly oak, encircling it with paper and an enormous bark rubbing in many colours emerged, despite the rain, which was to be expected in the monsoon season.
Eventually we made our way towards the Lost Hall.
Ravaged by hunger we scavenged for food until one bright Beaver remembered we had each made our healthy lunch before leaving Base Camp!
We feasted on tuna, ham and cheese salad sandwiches, fruit, raisins, buns and birthday cake (made by leader Jo Mays) as Nathan celebrated his 8th birthday on his first Sleepover.
We had to move on.

Time was not on our side; there was so much to do and so much to see.
To the discovery walk and the sculpture park we went where the magnificent trees, the beautiful flowers and the strange and oddly attractive sculptures which filled the park intrigued us all.
Then the faint "toot toot" from the train encouraged a fresh spring in the Beavers' steps and off we ran to the Newby Hall station.
"All aboard" was called and off we went, whisked away as the rain tried to do its worst.
But we were ready: we had our waterproofs on and as the train chugged back into the station with a chorus of "1 2 3 who are we", we realised there was still one task unfinished.
We raced towards the ice cream booth.
Soon, the parents turned up and rescued us, but not before each Beaver had been presented with a Nights Away One, Hikes Away One and Outdoor Challenge badges plus a souvenir key ring of the miniature railway.
Well done to all the Beavers who took part in their first Sleepover and hopefully thoroughly enjoyed it; and thank you to all the leaders who helped run the event, without whose help it would definitely have been Mission Impossible.

Scouting with John Helliwell

Ripon District’s Explorer Scout Unit is small but very busy, engaging in a range of challenging activities throughout the year.

It is led by Phil Oakley, assisted by Derrick Day, Andy and Laura Gibson and Roz Bardon.

On this occasion, Phil writes about a variety of exciting events which took place during the latter part of the summer term.

In June the Explorer Scouts (boys and girls in the 14-18 years age range) joined Easingwold Explorers for a backwards cooking competition.
It was an informal evening, cooking on open fires without the use of pots or other cooking utensils.
Tin foil and green sticks were used to cook an assortment of food; sausages and bits of chicken were skewered and stuck on the fire.
Fish was also a favourite.
One Explorer had a pheasant and a rabbit which were wrapped in foil and thrown on to the hot coals.
Cinnamon bread was also made.
The winner was one of the Easingwold Explorers who impressed the judges with his chicken cuisine.

Being an Explorer means helping with the Scout section.
Many Explorers are Young Leaders and help on a weekly basis across the District; but we also help out with specialist activities.
A climbing evening at Brimham Rocks provided an opportunity for the Scouts to have a go at climbing and abseiling.
Those Explorers with climbing experience provided belay support, under adult supervision.
This kind of involvement gives them valuable leadership experience as well as confidence in running an activity.
It also gives the Scouts an opportunity to meet and get to know the Explorers before they move up to the unit.

Four Explorers did their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award assessed expedition in May.
Cameron McCormack, Chris Howard, Laurie Edwards and Connor Caswell completed the 30km from Helmsley to Sutton Bank over two days.
All were successful.
Cameron McCormack has recently completed all of his Bronze Award. Well done!

The Ripon & District Scout Camp was this year held at Westwick Hall Farm.
With the campsite next to the river, kayaking was among activities in which the Scouts could participate.
The Explorers provided valuable support for this and other water-based activities as well as assisting with the raft building and enjoying the camping experience.

In July we helped support the Ripon Triathlon, which has now become one of the biggest in the country, providing kayak cover for the swimming event.
During the race, one of the swimmers got into difficulty.
He had been spotted earlier by one of the support team who then kept a close eye on him.
However, he suddenly stopped swimming and went under.
Within seconds he was pulled to the surface by our kayak leader and supported by one of the Explorer Scouts who was paddling within a few feet of him.
A rescue rib boat arrived on the scene moments later and the unconscious swimmer was whisked away to an ambulance.
As kayakers, the Explorers train for rescue scenarios and on this occasion they were able to use their skills for real.

The Explorer programme for the coming months is being formulated as I write this.
The programme will include climbing, a hillwalking weekend in Snowdonia, clay pigeon shooting, bowling, swimming, a visit to the fire station to help cut the roof off a car and probably kayaking once the rivers have filled up in the autumn.

If you are interested in joining the District’s Explorer Scout Unit, either as a youth member or as an adult Helper, please give me a call on 01423 320731