Cambridgeshire Scouts

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OnTourWeek with the TriBe

Simon looks back at running the Spring Term for the 12th, 18th & 26th Cambridge Beavers.

Week 1: Welcome Back Games Evening

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
18th Cambridge 8 7 8 8 9 40 (40)
12th Cambridge 8 8 7 9 7 39 (39)
26th Cambridge 7 6 5 8 7 33 (33)

This week the Beavers were treated to a dedicated games evening as our way of introducing new members to the colonies and welcoming everyone back. Get-to-know-you games were followed by numerous team and individual classics, with favourites like Dodgeball, Red-Run, Arches, Quarters and Sharks all featuring.

Most importantly though, the Beavers were loud and active...which means we can expect a quieter and more constructive week for Air Activities in 7 days time!

With regards to the OnTour Colony Competition, the 18th have taken the early advantage with a one point lead over the 12th. The 26th are playing catch-up in most areas but there is still a long way to go between now and the end of term!

Week 2: Air Activities Evening

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
18th Cambridge 8 8 6 7 8 37 (77)
12th Cambridge 7 6 7 9 7 36 (75)
26th Cambridge 8 7 7 8 6 36 (69)

This week the Beavers were challenged to a number of air-related activities. Starting with a general discussion about flying, the evening got truly underway with a game of 'Airports'. Running around like planes, the Beavers had to land at one of 6 airports on the leader's instruction "Coming to land"...but if they picked the airport that was closed then they were out!

The colony then broke into 3 groups for 3 10-minute bases;

Parachutes - The Beavers were given a little cardboard 'Beaver Scouts' and asked to make a parachute that would save them in an imaginary sky dive. With no help from leaders, they were given string, a bin-bag square, some scissors and some sellotape...the rest was up to them. To finish off, a little discussion about how parachutes trap air to slow descent and prevent injury.

Paper Aeroplanes - The Beavers were given a demonstration in making a 'paper dart' and asked questions about aerodynamics and how they 'fly'. They were then challenged to throw and land the planes as close to a target as possible.

Balloon Control - Using untied long balloons, the Beavers were asked to think of ways that could control the direction of the balloon when they let go and watch it fly away. They developed and tested a number of wing theories, some successful and some not. To finish off, a little discussion about how planes and balloons both use thrust to propel forward and stay in the air.

With little time remaining, the Beavers were tested on their knowledge of different aircraft as part of a game. Scattered around the hall were 15 different objects that fly. The leaders gave the Beavers 10 lots of two 'clues', which they then had to use to identify each aircraft...with some of the Beavers having to explain their answers.

Hopefully, they'll carry their parachuting skills to the Easter Sleepover, where they'll be expected to save a raw egg from an unpleasant drop. Unfortunately for me though, any eggs that survive will be cracked over my head!

The 18th still had the better week of all three colonies, but a much improved 26th are on the way up.

Week 3: Craft Workshop

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
18th Cambridge 7 7 9 7 9 39 (116)
12th Cambridge 8 9 7 8 7 39 (114)
26th Cambridge 8 9 9 8 8 42 (111)

This week the Beavers were given a number of crafts to complete towards their Creative Challenge and Imagination badges, but we also mixed it up with part of next week's Faith evening.

The meeting started off with an imagination game. Using a stick, the beavers had to pretend that it was an object and act out what it would be used for, such as 'a flute', 'fishing rod' or 'cricket bat'. The other Beavers then had to guess what it was before passing the stick on to the next person. They were then split into groups and rotated around the following bases:

Mosaic - The Beavers were given a piece of paper each and some small squares. Using their imagination, they had to stick the squares down to form a picture of anything they liked, and explain to others what it was. As an example, the beavers were shown a picture of a giant mosaic the USA presented to the United Nations, based on cultural diversity and tolerance.

Elephant Fridge Magnets - Beavers were challenged to make a simple fridge magnet which doubles up as a letter holder. They had to cut out the template pieces then stick the various bits together, including a clothes peg, wobbly eyes and magnet, to create the finished article.

Religious Tour - The Beavers were taken on a virtual tour of a religious sight, with interactive story telling courtesy of the 18th Cambridge Cub Leader, Charles Brown. The tour explained to the Beavers how Christianity came to Europe and how the ancient civilisations used to persecute people for believing in certain faiths. With that in mind, it was also a great opportunity to put today's tolerance of ethnic diversity and multi-faith societies into context.

Each base lasted between 15-20 minutes so time for games at the end was limited. However, some of the Beavers were extremely happy to receive some overdue badges from the previous term.

On the whole, it's been a really good week and all three colonies have scored brilliantly across all criteria. However the 26th, which has also witnesed the greatest influx of new members since the beginning of term, had the best of the three and are quickly catching up.

EVENT: Cambridge United FC Outing

TriBe Beavers and the 18th Cambridge Cubs were special guests at a local football match to celebrate the launch of the new Scout Activity Badges. Cambridge United Football Club offered 40 tickets to the group so they could show their support to local sport. As our way of saying 'thank you', the Beavers and Cubs were allowed onto the pitch at half time to present the Club with three of the new 'Health and Fitness' activity badges.

The event included hikes to and from the Abbey Stadium, both of which counted towards the Hikes Away badge. All of the Beavers and Cubs participated in the chanting and bouncing for a full 90 minutes, which saw Cambridge beat Althrincham 2-1.

Week 4: Fun with Faith

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
18th Cambridge 8 5 8 6 10 37 (153)
12th Cambridge 8 7 8 8 8 39 (153)
26th Cambridge 8 7 6 6 6 33 (144)

Covering faith is one of the areas my leadership team and I have always struggled with in recent years, so with Lent and Easter fast approaching it seemed a good time to tackle the issue. This week the Beavers explored elements of morality and understanding how it can be important to have a faith.

The evening started with a hunt around the HQ for religious symbols and the Beavers, in pairs, had to try and identify which of 5 faiths they might have belonged to. After 10 minutes, everyone gathered together for the answers and an explanation that there are many faiths and beliefs in the world today...and how there are different beliefs within each of the faiths (eg. Christianity: Roman Catholic and Church of England).

Whilst altogether in a circle, the Beavers were then given a piece of paper with a word on it. This formed part of a game but also a story. Everytime the word was read out loud, the Beaver had to get up, run around the circle and back to their place. In keeping with the theme of the evening, the story was based on the 'Good Samaritan'...which relates beautifly to the Beaver Scout Promise (being kind and helpful).

Having listened to the story, the Beavers were now split into small groups for 'The Good Samaritan Relay'. Little bits of the story were printed on coloured card and placed at one end of the room. Each team were assigned a colour and, one at a time, they had to collect all the pieces of their story and try to put it all in order...with as little help from the leaders as possible.

To finish off, the Beavers were asked to write a prayer, which they would be sharing at the beginning or end of each meeting after half term. With the time that was left, we played a game about 'morality'. The room was split in to two...one was 'right' and the other was 'wrong'. The Beavers were then asked a series of questions and asked to run to the side of the room they thought the answer was. For example 'it is ok to help others?'. In some instances, the Beavers were asked to explain their answers. Good question included; Is it ok to hate others for what they believe?, Is it ok to tell someone if you are being bullied?, Is it ok to lie if you haven't done your homework?...and is war ok? - you can learn a lot about a beaver's beliefs from their answers.

That's a few of the faith elements out of the way and rather appropriately, one of our local sponsoring churches is holding a family service for Beavers and Cubs this coming weekend...an ideal opportunity to cover the other half of the faith badge! The 26th had a pretty average week, with the 12th showing a lot more discipline in all areas of the competition. The 18th had a good week, but a few lapses led to a firm word or warning, which brought their behaviour score down significantly. However, their impressive opening keeps them narrowly ahead of the other two colonies.

Week 5: Chinese New Year

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
12th Cambridge 9 8 7 8 9 41 (194)
18th Cambridge 8 7 7 6 9 37 (190)
26th Cambridge 8 6 7 6 9 36 (180)

This week consisted of two extended joint evenings between the 18th/26th and 12th/14th Cambridge Beavers, both with roughly 40 Beavers attending. The theme was 'Chinese New Year' with a pancake twist for the beginning of Lent.

The Beavers were split into 3 groups for an hour of bases:

Chinese Lanterns - The Beavers were challenged to make chinese lanterns whilst also learning about their significance in buddhist countries.

Chinese Dragons - The Beavers had to colour and cut a large chinese dragon and turn it into a puppet using sticks.

Chop-Sticks and the Colour Red - As a games base, the Beavers were sat in a circle and given some dice. Every time they rolled a six, they were allowed to approach a plate full of sweets and try to eat as many as they could using chop-sticks. Their turn came to an end when another Beaver rolled a six. With five minutes to spare, the Beavers were then asked to pick a coloured piece of folded card. Those lucky enough to pick 'Red' were given a prize.

To finish off, the Beavers were told one of the tales of the Chinese Zodiac and how all the animals had to swim across the river to determine their order in the calendar. Hidden throughout the HQ were animal cards and it was the Beavers job to find them! After 5 minutes of searching, the Beavers came back with several animals...some from the story, some not, so they had to decide which animals took part and which were imposters.

With the last of the time remaining, the Beavers were treated to a pancake, with any presentations or investitures taking place before the closing ceremony. For the first time, the 12th snatch the lead in the colony competition with four weeks to go. Everyone had a relatively good week, but the 12th are proving the most consistent overall!

Week 6: Show Time Week 1

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
12th Cambridge 9 8 7 8 7 39 (233)
18th Cambridge 8 6 9 8 10 41 (231)
26th Cambridge 8 7 7 7 8 37 (217)

This week the Beavers started their "creative project", which will be a performance for parents in three weeks time. Over the coming weeks, the Beavers will have to:

Unfortunately, I can't reveal too much about the show (as some of the parents might be reading!). But in terms of what we did, the Beavers were asked to form a line and do an 'X Factor' style audition process in front of the leaders (and each other)...which worked really well (and was good for confidence).

As the performance is themed on 'Easter', the Beavers were split into teams for a hopping race, which allowed the leaders to assign the role of 'bunnies' much easier. Then everyone split down into the two performances and told what each of the roles would require. The Beavers then had to 'bid' for roles.

To finish off, the Beavers were asked about props and how to make them. They were then split into small groups and given a list of objects which they had to think of making in as many creative ways as possible. For example, a bun: get a kitchen sponge, paint it brown and wrap it with a yellow or white ribbon to make the cross.

The 18th had another stunning opening, which is the second time a 10 has been awarded, but fell back on behaviour in what would have been an extremely good week otherwise. The 12th continue their good work, with the 26th still playing catch up. Three weeks remain, and it looks as if it is going to be close!

Week 7: Show Time Week 2

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
12th Cambridge 7 9 8 8 7 39 (272)
18th Cambridge 7 6 8 6 9 35 (266)
26th Cambridge 8 6 7 7 9 37 (254)

Unfortunately, not much to report this week as the Beavers continue their preparations for the Parents Performance. The 12th had an opportunity to make props, which all three groups would be using. The 18th and 26th had a joint evening on the Thursday, with both groups rehearsing in parallel.

To start off though, the Beavers had to decorate a special 'tea pot' shaped card, which they would use for Mothering Sunday. Once decorated, each would have a tea bag stapled in with the word 'Have a cup on me!". A nice, quick craft activity before the rehearsals.

The Beavers were finally given three simple songs to learn and shown the accompanying actions. With whatever time was remaining, the Beavers acted out their performances in small groups and came together for one big game at the end. Next week is when the fun really starts as the structure is put in place with two full dress rehearsals.

The 12th had the better of the evenings and did brilliantly in making the props and Mother's Day cards, learning the songs and going through their performances in the same space of time it took the 18th and 26th to do just the Mother's Day Cards and Songs. A good week next week could make it virtually impossible for the 18th and 26th to catch up in the Colony Competition.

Week 8: Show Time Week 3

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
12th Cambridge 10 8 10 8 10 46 (318)
18th Cambridge 8 7 9 7 9 40 (306)
26th Cambridge 8 7 6 6 7 34 (288)

Like last week, I can't report too much about the meeting as it consisted of two rehearsals for the performance. Rather unluckily, across all three evenings, a few absences meant having to re-assign roles for the plays. In truth, this caused very little disruption and everyone seemed to rise up to the challenge.

This week all of the props were available, which gave the Beavers a better understanding of how the performance would pan out, and allowed the leaders to sort out any teething problems. The first run on all three nights proved why rehearsals are necessary...with characters walking on stage without certain props, exiting on the wrong sides of the stage or dancing out of sync. However, the second run was a lot smoother and the leaders are optimistic the Beavers will do well next week.

With regards to the songs, the Beavers are singing them really well in rehearsals...but will singing them in front of an audience of family and friends put them off? We'll just have to wait and see! Any time left over was devoted to playing "Hey Fishy Fishy!" as a reward for the Beavers patience and good work.

Overall, the 12th had an excellent week. They were cooperative, paid close attention, and responded brilliantly in both rehearsals...and I reckon a week on Wednesday, theirs will prove to be the best. The 18th and 26th lose ground, their downside being too much chatter and time wasting between instructions during both rehearsals. That means with one week to go, the 12th only need 39 points to win this term's competition!

Week 9: The BIG Show

COLONY UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR TIMING INSTRUCT OPENING TOTAL
12th Cambridge 10 10 10 8 10 48 (366)
18th Cambridge 7 6 10 5 9 37 (343)
26th Cambridge 8 7 10 7 8 40 (328)

After three weeks of constant rehearsals and preparation, the Beavers were down to their last 45 minutes to run through the show before stepping on stage to perform it in front of an audience of family and friends. That proved just enough time to settle everyone and make sure they knew what they were doing. So a quick team talk to say "It doesn't matter how well it goes, just have fun!" and on they went...

Starting with a little song and dance about Easter Bunnies, half the group donned special masks to perform a play about a bunny who spends the day being naughty, only to end up losing all his friends in the process. In seeing the error of his ways, he agrees to be good and makes amends for his bad behaviour.

Another song followed, then the other half of the group performed an adaptation of the 'Good Samaritan' story about a man who is robbed and a stranger who comes to his aid. To finish off, everyone formed a line to perform a special Easter version of the 'Hokey Cokey'...which the audience were invited to join in with.

Three nights with three very different performances. The beavers in all three colonies were brilliant throughout...but overall I felt the 12th had the edge, in terms of performance, attitude and preparation. As a result, they scored highly on the Colony Competition and take this term's prize, a 'Jelly and Ice Cream Party,' with a convincing win.

All three colonies ran a tombola and raffle alongside the performance, with prizes donated from parents and local businesses. This managed to raise an amazing £252...which is already earmarked for new craft materials and equipment.

The Beavers should be very proud of what they've achieved over the term...and the feedback from parents, especially from the show, has been extremely positive!

Week 10: Easter Evening & Goodbye Games

To finish off the term, the Beavers have been treated to a special games evening as our way of rewarding them fortheir efforts with the Easter Show. However, as fortune would have it...the 18th also benefit from the 12th's Jelly and Ice Cream Party, due to a pre-arranged joint evening on the last night of term.

For the 26th, they played a mixture of classic Easter run-about games, with a few of the colony favourites thrown in. For the 12th and 18th though, it was a slightly different story.

The Beavers started off with a traditional game of dodgeball and sharks. But from here on in, the evening took a twist. The next game involved retrieving straws from a plate full of jelly, without using their hands. For the Beavers, this meant putting their faces in a plate full of jelly...with very messy results. And whilst there were some reluctance to start with, half of them (mainly the girls) got stuck in!

A quick shoe relay in teams followed, then a quiet sit down game before the jelly and ice cream was served. With very little time remaining, the Beavers were awarded their badges and finished off with a goodbye ceremony for 5 Beavers moving on to Cubs.

TriBe Easter Beaver Sleepover

22/23 March 2008

 
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