Are you afraid of the Gruffalo? Well, the 1st Little Stoke Beaver Scouts certainly aren’t!
The weekend of 23rd and 24th March saw a group of sixteen excited Beavers spend just over 24 hours at Woodhouse Park campsite near Almondsbury, staying in the Lovell Centre.
On arrival the Beavers all enjoyed their packed lunches before one group enjoyed facing their fears and conquering the ‘low ropes’ course.
Group leader Tony Edmonds, was very impressed with the Beavers, saying:
“All of the leaders were extremely proud of the behaviour and teamwork of all of the Beavers. Many of them were worried about the low ropes course, but with the support of their fellow Beavers, they faced their fears and didn’t give up.”
The remaining Beavers went on a Gruffalo and bug hunt in the large expanse of woods around Woodhouse Park. The Beavers were challenged to try to fill a small box with one item to represent each letter of the alphabet. Some excellent suggestions were made, and the Beavers quickly realised that the smaller the item, the better. Unfortunately, no one managed to squeeze a Gruffalo in, and the unicorn was clearly exploring elsewhere!
After the groups had switched around, it was time to make their bunk beds. Laughter was heard from all the bedrooms as the Beavers all tried to put fitted sheets on their bunk beds, clearly a life skill which needs more practice! After all the rooms were set up, the Beavers enjoyed a meal together before settling around the campfire for an evening of singing, toasting marshmallows and more laughter. The evening was finished off with hot chocolate while listening to the story of the Gruffalo.
The next morning started early, with breakfast, tidying, sorting, playing, including parachute games. All the Beavers, adult helpers and leaders had an amazing time, and as a result of her super organisation, Beaver leader Gemma Oram has passed her indoor overnight stay warrant. On top of this, two of the Beavers also achieved their Chief Scout’s Bronze Award, which is the highest award Beavers can achieve.
Ollie, one of the Beavers who attended the camp, enjoyed a variety of different activities but said:
“My favourite part was sitting around the fire toasting marshmallows, singing and then going back inside to warm up with hot chocolate.”
If you would like any more information on getting involved with 1st Little Stoke Scout Group, please contact group Scout leader Tony Edmonds on 07957 880503 or email tonyedmonds108@yahoo.com
This article originally appeared in the May 2019 issue of the Stoke Gifford Journal magazine (on page 13). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to over 5,000 homes in Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke and Harry Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
