Scout Network
For all 18 - 25 year olds
The Scout Network is for young adults aged 18 to 25. You do not need to be a Scout Leader to be a member of the Scout Network. However, if you are a leader then you can also access the benefits that being a Network member brings.
The Scout Network is a fast growing organisation, operating both at County and District level across Cambridgeshire.
The programme reflects the huge variation in members' interests. A key elements is the opportunity to continue to enjoy the adventure of Scouting as an adult. Scout Network members also enjoy great support with schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
For further information about Scout Network activities for 18 to 25 year olds in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon, Peterborough, St Ives and Wisbech contact Cambridgeshire County Network Commissioner, Martin Whelan.
Email: martin@cambridgeshirescoutnetwork.co.uk
I want to join
If you would like to get involved with the Scout Network in Cambridgeshire, please complete the Scout Association's online enquiry form by clicking here.
Cambridge University Scout and Guide Club.
If you are a new student ai the University interested in Guiding or Scouting, then visit www.cusagc.org.uk
Cambridgeshire County Scout Network.
For further information visit the County Scout Network website at www.cambridgeshirescoutnetwork.co.uk.
Network happenings
Cambridge Network “The Muppets”
A weekend in June saw Cambridge Network (AKA The Muppets) head to Southend for ‘Mad UK’, the annual network camp hosted by Essex Network. After a quick trip to Southend Seafront to introduce Lise (a visiting Danish Scout) to fish and chips. Friday night was a chance to meet other Networkers from across the Country for a beverage or two. Saturday gave us the opportunity to try something new with a variety of activities on offer. Many of us Muppets tried Fencing for the first time, finding it bizarre to be encouraged to stab your friends! Power Kiting also proved to be a good challenge with the gusty conditions and wet grass sending a number of The Muppets flying across the campsite. The legendary camp delicacy the ‘MAD burger’: two burgers, cheese, bacon, pineapple and a fried Egg all in one roll proved quite a test, although one Muppet managed four!
Saturday evening shenanigans were a Hollywood themed party, with us transformed into Pirates, partying with Oompa-Loompas, Jedi and a 1930s film crew amongst others. An ‘It’s a Knockout’ Competition with a mix of inflatable slides, shaving foam, flour and plenty of water provided much entertainment on Sunday. We did Cambridgeshire proud, joining forces with a group from Hertfordshire to win the competition overall; guess that means we’ll just have to return next year to defend our title!
Cambridge Network (The Muppets) staff a Wedding
Cambridge Network (The Muppets) pride themselves on being able to rise to any challenge, so when we received an email from a Scouter in Bristol asking if we would wait and staff the bar at his wedding in Cambridge, we had no doubts in accepting the invitation. Fortunately for the guests we weren’t doing the cooking, this was provided by a Chinese restaurant in Cambridge.
Arriving at Stow-cum-Quy village hall, we found a beautifully decorated room, a well stocked bar and comprehensive timetables and menus. I thought it was only the bride that was allowed to be late to the wedding; much to our relief the food finally arrived about 20 minutes after most of the 100 guests!
Having served the starters, it was onto the eight different main courses plus two plates of rice for all twelve tables, I’m not sure I’ve seen seven muppets move so fast, doing laps of the kitchen. The limited space proved quite entertaining when we had to clear 300 plates and dishes at the same time as plating up 100 desserts!
The groom presented us with his group’s scarves during his wedding speech and explained to any guests that had not worked out already that we weren’t professionals!
After such a successful evening, we already have our next booking, cooking at the county BBQ!
Icenorum Living History Group
Icenorum Living History Group covers the Iron Age, Roman, Anglo Saxon and Viking periods and they would love the opportunity to present their displays.
They have recently received a grant from the Local Network Fund to enable them to do just that, to put on events for community groups such as the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, a grant which has reduced the cost a great deal to just £1 per child.
The group is particularly interested in exploring ideas raised concerning changes arising from immigration/invasion, the improvements this brought and how this country became what it is thanks to excellent new ideas.
Although this might sound rather serious and daunting, in actual fact it is great fun trying out, for example, Roman weaponry and armour (all child-safe), talking about a day in the life of an auxiliary, or preparing (very smelly) Roman food!
If you would like further information then contact Mary Hannigan at icenorum@hotmail.co.uk
By the way, they are all teachers and parents and are all CRB checked.
Media training for young spokespeople
The most positive and geniune messages about Scouting always come from the young people themselves. They are infused about Scouting because they take part in the adventure it brings.
In developing the Cambridgeshire PR strategy it is vital that we can rely on at least one young spokesperson in the locality of each District to help deliver the message through radio, television and the press.
If there are any young people who you feel would make a competent spokesperson then please let Chris Ward know. He will contact them individually about attending the next young spokesperson training event run by the HQ media team. The County will fund the places and we are hoping for an enthusiastic and motivated Cambridgeshire contingent.
For more information, please contact Chris Ward - chris.ward@cambridgeshirescouts.org.uk
Programmes Online in Cambridgeshire
Programmes Online is tool designed to make it easier for adults to programme plan. It is for members only and can be found at www.scouts.org.uk/pol
SpyMasters
SpyMasters is an exciting action adventure centre, at Bar Hill near Cambridge, which challenges both physical and mental agility, together with observational skills, in a team based environment (sounds a bit like Scouts eh?!).
The centre is designed to look like the inside of a Russian Embassy. Teams will act as Secret Agents making their way through the complex…..avoiding numerous alarms, cameras and infra red beams to complete their mission. They have a set of equipment given to them which they have to use to avoid detection and get them through the Embassy.
Participants are in teams of 4 or 5 and each group goes off 10 minutes apart. The teams are given a starting score and points will be deducted for setting off alarms and being seen by the Embassy cameras. Points will be added for completing certain objectives throughout the mission. Team work is essential for SpyMasters so it is co-operative rather than competitive and good for creating a group or team spirit.
Spymasters would like to invite you to come and try on any weekday evening after 5.00pm (excluding Mondays). For 16 or more players there is a discounted rate of £10 per player (see website for normal prices).
Please look the website www.spymasters.co.uk– to find out more or call Gill Thornton on 01954 789134.
Milton Country Park
If you are planning to use Milton Country Park, Cambridge for an activity in future, please remember to book with the Park Rangers in advance on 01223 420060 or email: miltoncp@scambs.gov.uk
Children's Scrapstore
Children's Scrapstore at 82 Akeman Street, Cambridge is open First Friday of every month from 2pm to 5pm
The Children’s and Young Peoples Participation Service Scrapstore provides a source of recycled materials for children and young people to use in art, craft and play activities. They also sell arts and crafts equipment at cost price.
Just turn up on the day.
Scrap will be sold at £1.50 per carrier bag full, these will be provided.
There will be an extra charge of 50p per bag for County users.
Note: Although the organisers take every step to ensure that materials are suitable for play, they cannot take responsibility for the safety of items used. The Children and Young People’s Participation Service Scrapstore will not be liable for damage, loss or injury that might arise from using any materials supplied.
For more information contact:
Hannah – 01223 457873
Hannah.townsend@cambridge.gov.uk
Duxford Air Museum
If you are looking for a Unit visit, think about a the Imperial War Museum, Duxford for a great day out.
For further information see the museum website http://duxford.iwm.org.uk
A terrific opportunity and it's in our County
