Since I wrote my last report, which was in early spring, the entire group have taken part in many activities, the highlights of which are here.

At present my main concern is that we still have more than 100 members and a waiting list which we cannot deal with. Please keep supporting our activities and any offers of adult help, even on an irregular basis, would be welcome.

Fathers and Sons

At the beginning of May, our fathers and sons camp was held at 'Phasels' in Kings Langley. Their weekend included climbing, archery, rifle shooting, abseiling, pedal car racing, potholing and a 'Cluedo' themed wide game and other sporting games. They also cooked a meal over an open fire and some 100 people were entertained to lunch at the end of the camp.

Beavers

Our six to eight year old Beaver group has had an exciting summer of activities based on the fun and friendship theme of the group. It is this section for which we don't have a permanent leader and consequently have had to restrict the membership of the group.

Cubs

Although the closure of Gobions due to foot and mouth affected our outdoor programme this summer, the Cubs have been able to organise an exciting programme. Some members of the pack visited Legoland near Windsor.

Cub Camp

Their camp this year was held at Brentwood in Essex, and offered our youngsters new experiences including rifle shooting, canoeing, raft building, archery, and an assault course. This plus the usual games and cooking some of their own food meant the 34 cubs who attended had a good time. The cubs also competed in the District five a side football tournament, and one of our teams was runner-up.

Scouts

The Scout Troop, which now has a membership of more than 40, has also had many of its summer meetings outdoors. The troop held a survival camp in May at which scouts built shelters to sleep under and cooked a meal without using utensils.

Fourteen Scouts from the troop took part in a weekend cycle camp staying at the Scout Campsites at Harmer Green, Welwyn and Phasels Wood. Apart from an impassable ford, this was a very successful weekend.

Scout Camp

Our summer camp this year was held in Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, and our activities included off road cycling, swimming, pioneering, potholing and a trip to Chessington World of Adventures. A very enjoyable five days for the 28 Scouts who attended. Dick Veal, our Scout leader for the last 7 years, has now moved and he was presented with a gift for his new garden by the troop.

Village Day

At Village Day our group executive, assisted by some parents, ran our Tombola. Thank you to all those residents who donated prizes for this, almost a complete sell-out. Thank you also to those of you who donated jumble and came to out annual jumble sale.

Square Dance

Our American Square Dance is again being arranged, and will be on Saturday, January 12th. Pete Skiffins is the caller, and tickets are available. Andrew Dey, our treasurer, has now 'retired' and we thank him not only for his work as treasurer, but also for organising the square dance in the past.

Ian Lewington
Group Scout Leader
(01707) 643474