1st Brechin Scout Group

Another fantastic year has just flown past again, and I hope the cubs enjoyed it as much as the leaders.

CUBS

At present we have 33 Cubs in our pack. For the first time this year we haven’t been able to take on any new members from outwith scouting as we have a steady flow of youngsters moving on from our Beaver colony. For a short time, we even exceeded our 36-maximum capacity.

LEADERS

Section Leader: Sari Hill (Akela)

Assistant Section Leaders: Jon Bruce (Sheerkan), Michael Falconer (Baloo), Kay Cameron (Kaa), Sarah Blair (Raksha)

Young Leader: Stuart Cameron (Bagheera)

During the year Michael, Jon and Kay have all taken on the role of assistant section leaders and are in the process of completing their leader’s training.

Stuart is very close to complete his 4 Mission Awards as part of his Young Leader Training.

PARENT HELPERS

We had lots of parents helping us through the year with various activities and we always need help with transport. I love organising trips - these give the Cubs so many unique opportunities.

At district camp for the past many years, the Brechin group provided the catering with our superb cookie crew. They do an amazing job - it is no small challenge cooking for 150 people. We are always grateful for help at tent pitching, striking, cleaning, transporting and putting away the huge amount of equipment that goes to camp with us.

MAY

As part of the Scottish Challenge badge we took part in our very own Highland Games at the park.

JOTT 2017 took us to the top of Craigowl Hill on a very foggy day where we were rewarded with an ice cream in the rain. It was all eaten despite the weather.

Followed a trail round Brechin, following clues answering questions.

JUNE

Took part in the Pageant with our usual stall of toasting marshmallows and supplying the scouts’ tea tent with pancakes cooked over an open fire. It was hard work keeping up with the demand and I was very grateful for the help of my chief fire maker Kathrine who kept the fire alive and made sure pancakes were cooked to perfection and printed with the scout logo.

Took part in the annual Angus Cub District Camp at Tannadice in glorious weather.

Finished the year with games and making our very own ice cream.

AUGUST

Started the term with some team building games and our annual group camp at Kinnaird Estate.

SEPTEMBER

We worked on our pioneering skills, learning to tie knots and building a mini ballista. Learnt about fire lighting and enjoyed a sausage sizzle.

Our Sixers took part in the district Sixer’s Camp at Ladenford. They participated in a selection of teambuilding, problem solving and outdoor cooking activities.

OCTOBER

We played more teambuilding games and enjoyed a Halloween party.

NOVEMBER

Trying to perfect our knot-tying skills. We learnt about Remembrance Day and watched a power point presentation about the role of Scouts and animals in the war and we took part in the Remembrance Service at the Cathedral and the walk to the War Memorial.

We started our preparations for our yearly visit to entertain the residents at the two local Sheltered Housings.

DECEMBER

We visited both sheltered housing complexes in Brechin. Half the group went to Airlie Gardens and the other half to Newington Gardens. We entertained the residents with a selection of Christmas songs and music played by some of the Cubs. Then we served some party food for all, which was kindly donated by the parents. The residents really appreciate our visit, it brings a little variety into their lives and teaches the children about having a caring attitude. At the end of the party, even Santa paid us a visit with presents for all.

We also went to the Christmas production of the local Panto group.

JANUARY

We worked for the First Aider badge with the help of one of the parents who is a nurse.

FEBRUARY

Had a food tasting challenge night, cooked pancakes on tin can over candles. We went ice skating and curling at Forfar Indoor Sports. We learnt about the history of scouting and played some traditional scouting games. Took part in the Founder’s Day Service at Gardiner Memorial Church.

At the annual District Cubs’ Swimming Gala the Brechin team came second.

MARCH

Visited the Fire Station as part of the Fire Safety badge, made fire safety posters and had a fire drill. Went around the town for a road safety walk, learning about all the different signs you can see on the streets.

APRIL

22 Scouts,16 Cubs, 2 Young Leaders sand 9 leaders had a fantastic time at Lochgoilhead Scout Activity Centre doing raft building, sailing, motor boating, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, fire lighting, shelter building and having lots of fun in glorious sunshine. As we were leaving the weather changed and our bus had to negotiate the narrow roads in a snowstorm.

During the year Cubs earned many badges and I presented 6 Chief Scout Silver Awards.

Thank you for your continuous support with all our activities. We had dads and mums helping with cooking, baking, crafts, fire making, wood chopping, tent pitching, driving, and washing dishes. Your help is really appreciated.

Sari Hill – Akela – Brechin Cub Scout Leader

© 1st Brechin Scouts - Scottish Charity Number SCO 17511