posted 20 Feb 2012 13:52 by Carl Hickman
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updated 20 Feb 2012 13:59
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Is your troop the next Manchester United, Chelsea or Sunderland/Newcastle?
Why not pit your wits against the other teams in the annual District 5-a-side competition on Saturday 17th March 2012.
You can enter as many teams as you like, in this friendly atmosphere, but competitive event.
Entry forms and rules of the competition are available to download here. |
posted 14 Feb 2012 04:41 by Jonathan Chicken
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updated 14 Feb 2012 04:42
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 100 young people and their volunteer adult leaders from HLS joined 500 other scouts at Frostie:24. The event, run by Durham Scout County challenged young people from the Tyne to the Tees to undertake a seemingly endless number of activities at their Durham adventure centre before boarding a fleet of coaches at 1am to travel to Newcastle’s Centre for Life. The 24 hour challenge began at 11am on Saturday and having bounced on seven metre high bungee trampolines, abseiled from a 60ft climbing wall, mountain biked, cooked food 'Bear Grylls style in the woods, the scouts partied on into the evening, celebrating common friendships and enjoying being a part of a big, growing youth movement.
As temperatures plummeted, scouts set off for Newcastle to begin the nocturnal part of the challenge. The Life Science Centre's attractions promised to keep the scouts amazed for much of the early hours of Sunday, with its Planetarium, Science  Theatre, Motion Ride and permanent Human Life exhibition as well as the brand new 'make-it' activity area which was unveiled earlier in the day as a brand new attraction for half term.
But just in case that wasn't enough, the Scouts themselves brought an inflatable assault course, giant 12 metre slide and gladiator games as well as a pop up cinema to show 'Bang Goes the Theory' episodes to get everyone in science mood. The scouts in house stage team ensured a lively atmosphere truly brought science to life!
By 4am, with boundless energy left, scouts enjoyed the Skating@Life rink, opened for a special dawn skating experience – very much in keeping with the Frostie:24 theme.
Organisers at Life were pleased to be able to accommodate the idea "We have some amazing facilities here" said Kathryn Brame, group events organizer "the exhibition space seems even more exciting at night and takes on something of a magical quality.”
By 6am, the scouts‟ logistical feat began again, moving the participants back to Durham for a hearty breakfast and an early morning fitness session! Off-road buggies churned the mud, and craft activities continued in the heated 200ft marquee for those feeling a little less energetic!
 At 10.30am, boys and girls gathered for the Final Act, a closing ceremony and party to mark the end of 24 hours of world-class fun. 550 tired-but-content young people then left the site, taking not just bags full of washing home, but a sense of pride that they are part of the UK‟s largest coeducational youth movement.
“My youngest has just returned from #frostie24 very muddy and tired. Volunteer leaders deserve a medal”, tweeted a parent from shortly after the event closed.
Frostie is an annual event for scouts in the North East Region. This year's event is unique as it’s the first time that the event has run non-stop over a 24 hour period. It is one of several events the Scout County run to support its membership in the delivery of outdoor adventure. The event is organised by volunteer adults who are trained to a nationally recognised standard by the Scout Association.
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posted 4 Feb 2012 08:37 by Jonathan Chicken
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updated 4 Feb 2012 08:43
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- Saturday 10 March
- 9am - 12pm,
- East Boldon Scout HQ, (Behind the Grey Horse Pub, East Boldon)
- £45pp.
Driving a minibus is very different from driving a car, yet
many minibus drivers have never received professional training. This is because the necessary D1 driving
licence was automatically included for car drivers who passed their test before
January 1997.
These drivers may be able to drive your minibus legally,
but this is not the same as driving it safely. Every group's duty of care means these drivers should be provided with
MiDAS minibus training at the earliest opportunity.
Minibus Training Courses
There should be no compromise in the safety of children. Providing
leaders with MiDAS minibus training shows parents and the community how
committed
you are to the safety of the children in your care.
The minibus driving course typically takes half a day + a driving session and will
be run by Simon Gray of East Boldon Scouts. It is designed to ensure all minibus drivers
meet national standards in safety and competence. It includes the following key areas:
- Passenger
safety
- Competent
minibus handling in different driving conditions
- Accident
and emergency procedures
- Legal
responsibilities
- Health and
safety awareness
Drivers take the MiDAS minibus test, which leads to a
certificate of competence and safety.
Remember: MiDAS driver training is not a licence. Your minibus
drivers also need a D1 licence, or your vehicle needs an exemption
permit. See this link | MIDAS Course 10th MarchMIDAS Course 10th March |
posted 8 Dec 2011 14:26 by Jonathan Chicken
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updated 8 Dec 2011 14:29
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Durham Scouts: Burns Night 2012
Burns Night will be slightly different in 2012, the
evening will start at 7.00pm with Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, we will
then have two live bands playing, the first a ceilidh
band playing traditional Scottish folk tunes with a Caller leading the
dancing.
They will be followed by a Covers Band playing 80's, 90's & 00's songs by Scottish Groups.
To add to the fun we will have a bar selling Real Ales & Ciders as well as bottled drinks.
We also have a
limited amount of beds in the House, these are £10 each and include a
full Scottish breakfast on the Sunday morning at 10am. | Durham Scouts: Food Hygiene Course
A “Basic Food Hygiene Certificate Course” will be held at Moor House on Saturday 21st January. The instructor will be Mr Simon Temperton a Food Hygiene Advisor/Lecturer and Scout Leader from Chesterfield.
The course lasts approx 7 ½ hours including a short written examination at the end. Successful candidates gain a nationally recognised “Basic Food Hygiene Certificate” from the “Chartered Institute of Environmental Health”. Please advise the office if you require
extra time or help with the written test due to Dyslexia or similar special needs requirement.
The Course fees are £32.50 per head (£40 for non-Durham Scout County members). This includes your course registration literature, certificate and refreshments.
Please bring a packed lunch – only twenty-five places are available.
Download the Booking Form
| Durham Scouts: Climbing Competition
A County climbing competition will be held at Rock Antics in Newton Aycliffe. Districts can nominate 3 climbers per category (3 Cubs, 3 Scouts, 3 Explorers and 3 over 18’s*) Some Districts hold local competitions for this process. Cubs 12:00-13:00, Scouts 13:30 – 14:30, Explorers 15:00-16:00, Over 18s 16:30-17:00** Cost £6 per climber. Only District entries approved and signed by the District Commissioner will be accepted, closing date February 17th. Download: Poster 1 Poster 2Download Booking Form |
posted 30 Nov 2011 12:31 by Stephen Harrison
This year will marks the twenty-fifth
anniversary of the
Beaver Scout section as a section within Scouting and Houghton-Le-Spring
Beavers celebrated in style with a huge 80's themed party last Saturday evening at Haraton Community Centre.
Beavers
and leaders looked fantastic in their 80's fancy dress, with everything
from a Rubik's cube to Adam Ant to a pair of ghostbusters arriving to
save the day. It was pretty difficult to pick out a stand-out fancy dress as all of the Beavers made such an effort. 'Suggs' spun the 80's tunes on his vinyl in the corner and
got the party started.
There were games a plenty and Beavers
enjoyed musical statues, pass the parcel and there was lots of dancing.
Jonathan popped in just in time for the birdy song much to the amusement
of the Beavers. For the leaders it was a trip down memory lane (showing their age there!), whereas for Beavers it was a chance to explore the world around them and to be creative. Look out for more Houghton-Le-Spring District beaver events coming in in 2012.
Beavers enjoy lots of crafts, making
friends and trying new activities. Unfortunately more young people want
to join our Beaver section than we currently have places for, so if you
can give up a little time to join our vital, flexible volunteers to
enable more young people to participate in Scouting, please visit our volunteer pages. |
posted 27 Nov 2011 12:49 by Jonathan Chicken
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updated 27 Nov 2011 12:54
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All recipients of eligible awards, plus their guests and a leader, will be invited to this prestigious event and will have the opportunity to meet other award recipients and special guests and be presented with their award. Who can attend?
Anyone who receives an eligible award (listed below) between the 14th July 2011 and the 14th July 2012 will be invited. Each recipient will receive two guest tickets along with a ticket for a leader from their group (up to a maximum of one ticket per section per group). More Information
If you have any questions, please email Ian Hammond on events@durhamscouts.org.uk. How can I help?
In order to allow us to invite eligible recipients to the event, we need your help throughout the year in identifying recipients from your district, section or group. You can do this by completing the nomination form. Please tell us about any recipients throughout the year rather than waiting to the deadline, as it will allow us to plan accordingly. You do not need to tell us about any awards in the table above that are denoted by a *, as the County are automatically told about these and will invite the recipient. Nominate a member to receive an award
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posted 21 Nov 2011 10:13 by Jonathan Chicken
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updated 21 Nov 2011 10:14
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This year our Cubs' Christmas day goes all red carpet as we take on a festive movie theme! A great day out for the 100+ cubs in the district.
Cubs: Christmas Lights Camera ACTION!
Arthur Christmas Premiere Elves’ Gift Workshops Incredibles Workout Lunch Time Drive In After Party Punch Snaggles Award Ceremony Toy Story Obstacle Course Wii/Kinect Challenge And much, much more....
Around 80 Cubs from local groups will attend. Event is indoors throughout. Wear fancy dress (movie theme) or casual. Local Cub Packs will organise meeting places & times Bring a packed lunch. For more information, contact your local cub leader
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posted 13 Nov 2011 08:51 by Jonathan Chicken
Today, over 250 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Adult Leaders, Exec Members, parents and friends of groups in Washington joined other scouts from the District at remembrance services in Washington and Houghton.
They sang some hymns, joined in prayers and listened to readings before the bugle marked the traditional silence to mark the Act of Remembrance, playing The Last Post. Along with hundreds of local people we remembered those who fought in two World Wars and people who have suffered as a result of conflicts to the present day.
'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
Leaders were extremely proud of the young people who attended in their smart uniform and all of whom showed impeccable behaviour that was appropriate, solemn and respectful.
Scouts are proud members of their local community and encourage young people to take part in community occasions such as Remembrance Sunday. This supports our work in showing empathy for others and developing better local citizens. | |
posted 27 Oct 2011 08:38 by Carl Hickman
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updated 27 Oct 2011 08:41
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Our Christmas Nights out have always been a popular night with Leaders in the District.This year we’re off to Sunderland Greyhound Stadium on Saturday 3rd December for a ‘night at the dogs’. £12.00 price includes: Admission, 3 drinks tokens and a hot turkey sandwich!!! If you’d like to go, please add your name to this list as soon as possible. (Event is for over 18’s only).
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posted 3 Oct 2011 08:46 by Carl Hickman
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updated 3 Oct 2011 09:06
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Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) The JOTA and JOTI are real jamborees during which Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared. They happen over the same weekend in October every year and are worldwide events. During the weekend, sections normally participate for 48hrs or part thereof. The 2011 event is taking place from 15–16 October.
Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)The Jamboree on the Air is an annual event in which half-a-million Scouts and Guides all over the world make contact with each other by means of amateur radio. Short-wave radio signals carry their voices to virtually any corner of the world. The use of amateur radio means that many Scouts grasps the opportunity to discover the skills of wireless radio techniques and electronics, while JOTA is also the only event that offers each individual Scout the opportunity to speak to other Scouts across the world.
Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) Jamboree on the Internet connects Scouts across the world in a similar way to JOTA, but through the means of internet. Volunteer organisations like Scoutlink and Scoutnet provide the necessary technical support and server capacity.
Houghton-Le-Spring District Cubs, Scouts & Explorers
will be connecting to JOTI from
9.00am-3.30pm on Saturday 15th October
1st Washington HQ
Glebe Crescent in Washington Village
| How Do I Take Part?Come along with your PC or laptop and using our broadband link we can connect you via wired or wireless network. We will help all users to install the required software to get you started. If you can’t bring a laptop along, why not arrange to share one with another scout from your troop. Remember, there aren’t any ‘spare’ computers available What Do I Need?Wear casual clothes, but please bring a necker to identify which group you are from. Lunch is not provided, so remember to bring a packed lunch or money for your dinner. (chippy maybe?) Don’t forget to bring your laptop or PC. |
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