While the rest of the UK ground to a halt and hardly anyone was venturing outdoors Scouts from Stroud and Tetbury District, Cheltenham District and Royal Forest of Dean District joined around 2,500 other scouts braving the sub-zero temperatures at Gilwell Park. After hammered their tent pegs into the frozen ground at Gilwell Park they were all set to slept under canvas, as night time temperatures plummeted to minus six - but all the Scouts were well equipped to cope!

During the day they were kept warm with nearly 200 activities to choose from including rock climbing, abseiling, trampolining, rope climbing, laser tag, zorbing, go karts, shooting, archery and many more. In the evenings there was still lots to choose from including a traditional camp fire sing-song, three cinemas, a huge wide game and a disco. 

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: "Every young person deserves an adventure. It's great to see that so many young people get stuck into adventurous activities like climbing, abseiling, quad biking and having a go on the high ropes, all in the coldest month of the year." 

While the campsite boasts modern features such as simulated snowboarding, the traditional scouts' motto "be prepared" is still observed. One young scout came to the rescue of a BBC reporter when the freezing temperatures drained the batteries of his recording equipment, providing replacements from his kit bag.

St Roses School in Stroud, has just opened a new Scout Troop to offer Scouting to some of its pupils. St Rose's School is a non-maintained Catholic specialist school for children aged 2 – 18 years with physical disabilities and associated difficulties, including speech and language, epilepsy, visual impairment and/or learning difficulties. 

Anna King, District Commissioner for Stroud and Tetbury Scout District, welcomed the first twelve members of the new group into Scouting and presented them with their Scout Scarf. After the ceremony the new Scouts, their parents and guests all shared a cake baked specially for the event.  After the ceremony Anna said, "This has been a wonderful and memorable afternoon. Although the members of the new Scout Troop at St Rose’s are confined to a wheelchair for much of the time, they are never-the-less looking forward to taking part in a wide range of Scouting activities. There are already plans for them to take part in some District activities where they will integrate with Scouts from our other troops from around the district. Just like more able bodied Scouts, they will be enjoying the challenge that Scouting offers all young people to try new things, enjoy being outdoors, while also having a great time with their friends. The Roses school offers a wide range of facilities and access to a broad and relevant curriculum, therapy, medical care, sensory experience, varied extra curricular activities and outings. Scouting aims to help all young people develop to reach their full mental, spiritual and physical potential and to be part of their local, national and international communities, while also offering opportunities so that they can really get the most out of life. They aims of Scouting and St Roses School fit well together and we wish the new Scout Troop at the School every success in the future."

Tom's fund-raising activities have included a sponsored walk of sixty kilometers (36 miles) across Gloucestershire in twelve hours and climbing some of the highest mountains in North Wales.

Tom explained: "The air ambulance was there to help my brother when he needed it, and wanted to raise as much money as possible to support the work it does, and help ensure it remains flying to help others. I decided to try to walk 60Km across Gloucestershire in a day and invite people to sponsor me. I enjoy hiking and back-packing with the Scouts, and I enjoy a challenge, so I decided to undertake some really challenging walks to help others."

At the end of 2009 Cub Scouts from Springbank in Cheltenham celebrated the Cub Scout Pack’s first birthday and looked back on a year of Scouting adventures.

For more information about Scouting in Springbank contact Anna.

On Saturday 23 January Stroud and Tetbury District ran a first aid day.  During the day over 100 Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts attended courses of various lengths leading to the Emergency Aid stage 1, 2 or 3 badge.

Friday 13th November, late evening, 42 Scouts and Explorers plus 20 Leaders from Gloucestershire and London arrived at Felin Bach Guide Activity Centre near Caernarfon, North Wales for two days hillwalking in Snowdonia.

Next day, after the usual excellent breakfast courtesy of Darren and his team, and an inspection of the conditions following the excessive floods of the previous evening and night, the decision was made for Antony and Joe to go ahead with their two parties of Explorers on a two day expedition over the Carneddau, and for the others to do a traverse of the wild country between Llanberis and Rhyd-Ddu, half in one direction, half in the other.

Weather conditions high up were extreme and as a result, Joe decided to bring his group down to Bethesda on Saturday evening but Antony's group survived the night relatively unscathed in a bothy near Garnedd Uchaf, completing their expedition midday on Sunday.

Despite the prevailing weather conditions, those doing the one-day walk remained below the cloud and indeed experienced some sun as well. An excellent day out, walking in the shadow of the surrounding mountains was experienced and all returned safely for another excellent dinner and the usual range of varied and entertaining indoor activities.

Sunday morning, led by Toby Vye, was spent exploring the tunnels and surrounding area of the old slate quarries above Llanberis before returning home in the afternoon.

A day of hard graft in blustery weather conditions on 22 November ended in celebration when Wotton-under-Edge Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts all received their Environmental Partnership badge. 

The award recognised the hard work they have put in assisting Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust in making its new Nind Nature Reserve a better place for wildlife. During four sessions of volunteering the group have made significant progress at the site, repairing bridges, felling small trees, clearing scrub, creating a beetle loggery and an artificial home (or 'holt') for otters. Their work has greatly enhanced the site for invertebrates, water voles, otters, kingfishers and snipe to use.

Explorer Scout Maggie Heppell-Joyce has performed consistently well as an air-rifle shooter and has now accepted a place on the National Scout Squad. Being a squad member is recognition of a high standard of shooting, and gives the chance to work with top coaches and other high-performing shots. Maggie spent a recent weekend training with the squad, and came back enthused by the quality of training she had undertaken. The majority of the UK Junior Team comes from the Scout squad, and there's no reason that Maggie cannot reach the highest levels. Maggie took her first shots on the range at Cranham, when she was a Cub. More recently, she has concentrated on developing her skills to compete at Bisley and to earn her DofE Silver Award. Coach, or should that be former coach, Martin Peake, is delighted with her progress, and looks forward to Maggie teaching him some new skills in the very near future.  Explorer Scout Jon Green from Tewkesbury was also invited to join the squad, but due to other commitments on his time was unable to take up a place.

On 6 October over forty Gloucestershire Scouts, Explorer Scouts and their guests gathered in the conference centre at British Energy for the County Chief Scout's Award Reception evening. 

Certificates were presented by Regional Commissioner Gordon Weston to those who have gained the Chief Scout's Gold, Diamond or Platinum Award in the past year.  

Light refreshments and a chance to share Scouting adventures with friends old and new ended the evening.

On Thursday 8 October fifteen Scouts from Rodborough  were invited to Ryecroft Mosque in Gloucester. One of the Scouts who visited tells us more:

When we arrived we were welcomed by Mr Haroon Kadodia who told us where we should take off our shoes. All people who go into the mosque must leave their shoes on a special rack inside the door. This is to make sure that the mosque is kept clean and that no mud or dirt is brought in from outside. We were then taken into the prayer room. I felt really amazed and honoured to be allowed to watch a congregational prayer. Next we went downstairs to see the washing facilities. This is where Muslims can wash before they pray if they have not already done it at home. We saw the Qu'ran which is a Muslim's holy book and we learned that it must never be put on the floor. Finally we went to the classroom where some Muslim children were having a Qu'ran lesson. It was a really interesting visit and we all learned a lot. We felt very welcome and enjoyed the trip.

During the weekend Scouts from all over the world meet and communicate with each other over the Internet. The five Scouts from Nailsworth who participated in the event used web browsers and the JOTI online chat program to make contact with Scouts from over forty different countries from seven continents of the world. From far away countries like Australia, Philippines, Kuwait, Peru or South Africa to countries right across Europe and Asia Scouts were all chatting online with 10 – 12 year olds from Nailsworth. As well as talking to Scouts from literally the other side of the world, the Scouts taking part also learnt about how to keep themselves save when communicating on the internet, and were encouraged to learn more about some of the countries they made contact with. 

At the end of September over 300 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts along with their leaders spent a weekend in the sun celebrating 100 years of Scouting in the Forest of Dean.

The camp was organised in The Scowles, Coleford and included activities from abseiling and archery to water games and woggle making. Scouting was first recorded in the Forest of Dean in Lydney in 1909 and has developed through the years and spread all around the Forest. This event was such a success it has already been suggested that it should be repeated on a regular basis.

This year’s Dragon Boat event was again a great success, with the Gloucestershire Scouts taking three boats into the race. A mix of 63 Scouts and Explorer Scouts from across Gloucestershire took part in the event and by the end of the day, had really got into the spirit of the event. 

Although no awards were won by any of the boats competing, it was not for a lack of enthusiasm and trying on behalf of the young people taking part, and although most were wet, their appetite to win through did not get dampened. 

The County's annual PADI diving qualification course took place over two weekends in September at the National Diving and Activity Centre. The number of participant with colds found their ability to equalise severely hampered by the effect colds have on the myriad of internal passages in the head. As a result several did not complete all the required components during the two weekends but will be back later this year to complete. All participants did manage to complete the confined dive technical skills components and the theory exam so they are all at least two thirds of the way to qualifying. 

Scouts from Tewkesbury District won three medals at the National Scout Air Rifle Championships held recently at Bisley. Four Scouts from Twyning and eight Explorer Scouts from the Haberpakka Explorer Scout Unit took part in a number of shooting disciplines. 

Scout Tim Orchard won the Junior Biathlon (run, shoot, run, shoot, run, shoot, run), beating off opposition from across the UK. Tim also came second in the knock-out completion, narrowly losing in the final. Meanwhile, Explorer Scout Maggie Heppell-Joyce overcame a serious ankle injury to win the Advanced Field Target competition with an excellent score of 59 out of 60. In the same event, fellow Explorer Scout Emily Marsh also shot a creditable 55.

As the shooting team looks ahead to the winter months, they are now seeking somewhere to practice under cover; ideally, somewhere dry, with space to shoot over a 10 metre distance, and power for lighting. Please let Martin Peake know if you have somewhere suitable in the Tewkesbury area: email scouts@twyning.net.

This year the County Canal Boat Weekend went to a different canal for a change – the Staffs and Worcestershire, starting at Calf Heath North West of Birmingham. Having settled in to the two narrowboats [Truman and Felgate] the Scouts went off to the local supermarket to buy food for the weekend having first planned their menu. On Saturday morning an early start saw them heading north towards Penkridge. 

Everyone got a chance to steer the boats, work the locks and help with the food. It was quite windy and this proved to be an additional challenge. They made good time and reach Great Heywood Junction before turning round and mooring for the night. Sunday saw them returned to Calf Heath. The Scouts were awarded the Power Coxswain Badge whilst the Explorers gained the Water Activities badge.

Last weekend (25-27 September 2009) a group of thirty Scouts from across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire reached new heights as they took part in two days of aeronautical activities at a private air-strip near Pershore.

More details

On 23 August 2009 Randwick Cub Scouts travelled to Croft Farm near Tewkesbury for a day of water activities.  One of the Cub Scouts tell us: 

We were to do 'kayaking' and 'raft building'. When we got into the Kayaks

everybody was excited and wanted to get onto the water. I found it quite easy to get the action right with the paddles, but not everyone got it straight away. As we went along most people got the hang of it. I thought that the games Shaun, our Instructor, organised were great and everyone enjoyed them. We all enjoyed it so much that the time flew by and it was soon time for lunch. After lunch we were going to do raft building. First we were going to have to plan out what we were going to do with the 4 logs, 8 long pieces of rope, 4 short pieces of rope and 6 barrels. Once we had finished everything it was time for the race. My team won but the other teams raft fell apart. Then we had to take our raft apart. Next we had a couple of minutes swimming in the water. We all had a great time and can't wait for next time!!!!

A group of Scouts from Nailsworth spent two weeks during the summer back packing in the Austrian Alps. After flying into Salzburg Airport they spent a day exploring the city, some visited the Festung Hohen, while others visted the Mozart Museum. The following day a train journey took the group to the heart of the Zillertaler Alps. The first day's walk took in fantastic views and sunny weather, arriving at the first Mountain Hutte just in time for dinner! The following day descended into the valley, and then, after a swim at the local outdoor pool, up the other side (helped a little by the cable car for part of the journey!).

The rest of the ten day hike followed part of the Zillertaler High Route (incorporating a section of the Berliner Höhenweg). Along the way the group saw glaciers, caves formed by the melt water from glaciers, snow covered mountains, flower filled alpine meadows, and a wide range of geographical features formed by glaciations. Staying at a different mountain hutte each evening, there was a variety of different local foods to try for dinner. On the final night in the mountains the group shared in the 120th birthday celebrations at Edel Hutte, taking part in a church service on the mountain side, a barbecue, and listening to local folk music. The following day it was time to return to the valley and take the train back to Salzburg, and then, after some more time to explore that city it was time to fly back to London and return home with memories of outstanding hiking days and experiences of culture, food and a little history of this Alpine region of Austria.

It was an expedition which looked destined to be a disaster, when civil war prevented us from reaching Madagascar; but none of us could deny that we had the experience of a lifetime in Uganda this summer. For a month we immersed ourselves in African culture, and got used to their laid-back way of life. 

The focus of the trip, the Explorer Belt Expedition, was a challenge to us all, getting up early every morning and carrying all our kit across the Ugandan countryside, but we made up for it by the many people we met in the various villages we walked through: everybody wanted to show us around or cook us a meal (probably consisting of copious bowlfuls of a stodgy flour/water mix called posho) or just stare at us from a foot away as we tried to catch some rest after walking in the equatorial heat. This was by far the best way to see the country as it really was, and it gave the Ugandans who travelled with us a chance to see some more of their own nation and do some valuable work for Ugandan Scouting as well. Once that was sadly over, we reverted to our innate tourist selves, and toured the country by bus, taking in the beach (although it was only 2 feet wide and populated by parties of schools celebrating the end of term), the capital, Kampala, and the River Nile (probably the best white water you could ever hope to raft on). We finished by splitting the group and either ascending the 4321m high Mt Elgon, taking 4 days to complete and reaching the summit at sunrise on the third day, or spotting all of the big five including the very rare leopard and cheetah on various safaris in Kenya. As we came back together for the last few days, we paid our respects to Baden-Powell's retirement home and grave in Nyeri, Kenya, and headed to Nairobi for the flight home. It was only through Scouting that we could have got a trip that lasted as long as it did, contained so much variety and yet hurled us into the very heart of the African life. It only remains to plan the return trip!

Blå Sommer (Blue Summer) is the National Jamboree of the Danish Blue Scout Association (Det Danske Spejderkorps) which is one of the largest scout associations in Denmark.  In 2009, a group of Scouts from Gloucestershire joined in the event ...

Blå Sommer takes place every fifth year at one of the largest Scout campsites in Denmark called "Stevninghus", Southern Jutland. Blå Sommer is an international event with over 20,000 participants including 2,000 scouts from 40 foreign countries. Scouts from all over the world are invited and encouraged to go to Denmark and experience scouting the Danish way. All participants slept in tents, all meals were cooked over open fires with wood, and each Scout unit will constructed its own camp site. Our hosts were the Danish Scout Group Guldborgsundspejderne, an all girl troop. Gloucestershire took 49 Scouts and Explorer Scouts with 13 leaders to Denmark while our hosts had 4 Scouts and 5 leaders. Transport, by coach via Haarlem Nr. Amsterdam, was not easy with the large number we had attending. While the official languages were Danish and English there was a minimal amount of information available in English. However most camp staff, Danish leaders and Scouts were proficient in English and all were very helpful and welcoming. There were ample activities to take part in.  The campsite was arranged in 5 sub-camps of about 3000 - 4000 in each sub-camp, which was further split into sub-sub-camps of about 150-250. Each sub-camp had its own central area with information tent, first aid, cafe, food collection area and meeting tent. This was an excellent opportunity to meet foreign Scouts and experience a different way of camping. Further to this the stop over in Haarlem gave us the opportunity to meet with Dutch Leaders and renew old acquaintances, with accompanying offers of help and support should we take part in any similar venture in the future.

On the 27 June 2009 Scouts from Amberley and Eastcombe Scout Groups got together for an evening of Frisbee (more correctly called Disc) sports. The evening was run by Matt Cutler from Bristol. 

He is one of the top disc golf players in the country and finished 9th at the 2009 Disc Golf British Open in July. Following a practice session for
everyone to warm up their throwing arms the Scouts where split into
two groups. The one group was introduced to Ultimate Frisbee - a team
sport that is a cross between netball, basketball and American
football. Two teams faced off against each other on a pitch with
scoring zones at each end and a fast moving game ensued, this is
definitely a sport for the more energetic type!

The other group went off to play the more sedate, but no less
demanding Disc Golf. This is played along very similar lines to
conventional golf, except the aim is to get your disc into a net, not
into a hole. Matt set up 3 `holes' for the Scouts to play. Even those amongst us who play ball golf regularly found the course a
bit tricky! Half way through the evening the two groups swapped over
so everyone got to have a go at both sports. The Scouts all had a
fantastic time and I would highly recommend contacting Matt if you
like the idea of trying something different.
Matt Cutler: Tel 07986 461345, email bristoldiscgolf@yahoo.co.uk

Most Beaver Scouts enjoy craft activities, but Beaver Scouts at Cam put a modern high-tech twist on their craft activities when they decided to made an animated film and put it on youtube. The ‘star’ of their film was Bob the Beaver, who talked about what he had being doing during the summer. Watch the film and find out more 

Over one hundred members of the Cub Scout section from Stroud and Tetbury District travelled back in time in June when they took part in their District Outing to the Black Country Museum.  During the day they experienced a trip down the mine, a lesson in the school room, a ride on vintage bus, the attractions of the fairground, a view through the old telescopes in the observatory, the remarkable science of the Newcombe Engine (that was working on the day they visited), and visits to the many old shops, houses and industrial sites in the museum.  The museum staff brought history to life giving everyone an insight into life at the start of the 20th Century.

New members were jumping for joy at joining one of the County's newest groups, Northway in Tewkesbury.  In June the Group invested it's new Beaver Scouts, and the first Scouts in the newly opened Northway Scout Troop.  During the same week another batch of Cubs Scouts were invested into the Cub Scout Pack.  Northway is part of the County's Development Project and has grown quickly into a thriving new Group. 

Now with all three sections of the group functioning and a supportive executive committee the group is looking forward to sharing the adventures that Scouting offers to even more young people and adults in the near future.  

FISHING COMPETITION

At this year’s Cub Scout fishing competition in Stroud and Tetbury District, eighteen Cub Scouts from seven different packs tried to win the District trophy at Gardeners Pool Saul. The Cub Scouts had ninety minutes to try and catch as many fish as they could. The winner was from The Stanley’s Pack, with a catch of 1lb 6oz. second place, from Stroud caught 8oz, while third came from Severnside, with 3oz.

This year's weekend took place at Miserden Park. The base camp was set up in a large and flat field. There were plenty of woodlands for the Scouts to spread out in on the first night when they made shelters out of tarpaulins and slept under them. Saturday was devoted to training including cooking a rabbit.  The more advanced Bushcraft & Survival course was run some distance away through the woods. This gave Scouts the chance to improve their skills learnt last year. 

Severnside Cub Scouts visited RAF Lyneham as part of the Air Activity Badge.  The visit started with a tour of the Met Office.  They heard how important knowledge of the weather is to flying a plane and how information is given to pilots so they can plan their flights safely.

After the Met Office a visit to one of the aircraft hangers provided the Cub Scouts with a tour on a Hercules aircraft. Inside the Hercules cockpit two new members of the Pack sat in the pilot’s seats and were invested into the Severnside Cub Scout Pack.

At the end of the visit the Pack was asked to go to the arrivals lounge as a special person was coming into land. The jet landed and the Cub Scouts watch Princess Anne disembark from the jet to her car. As she drove past the Cub Scouts she gave us a royal wave; and the Cub Scouts all waved back!

The first ever PADI Advanced Open Water scuba qualification course for Gloucestershire Scouting took place over the weekend of 15-17 May at Gloucestershire’s National Diving and Activity Centre. At the end of the weekend a total of seven Scouts and Explorer Scouts had achieved this high award – but it was far from easy. Many of them suffered from headaches and nose-bleeds as they struggled to master the ability to equalise, as they practised ahead of their mandatory deep dives, but all were able to carried on to qualify.

On 16 May over 300 members of Scouting visited the Pennwood Scouting Centre's Open Day and took part in a wide range of activities including cooking on fires, orienteering, crate staking, aerial runway, crafts, nature study and much more.  The day ended with a campfire.

Pennwood is Stroud and Tetbury District's campsite and offers scope for a wide range of activities both onsite and in the local area. More details about Pennwood.

SCOUTS TAKE TO THE WATER

During the May school holiday a group of sixteen Cub Scouts and Scouts from Stroud and Tetbury District travelled by train to Longridge Water Activities Centre (near Marlow) and spent a week enjoying a wide range of activities on and off the water including raft building, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, gig pulling, dragon boating, bell boating, leap of faith, hiking, challenge course, and many more!

More details about Longridge

On 11-18 April, 12 Explorer Scouts, 11 Scouts and 8 leaders from Stroud and Tetbury District visited the Netherlands to discover the culture and history of the country. We left Stroud at 5:45am and drove to Folkestone to catch the Channel Tunnel to Calais. During the trip two lucky Scouts got to visit the cab of the train while going through the tunnel. We then passed through Belgium and entered the Netherlands, eventually we arrived at the town we were staying in, Oirschot. This small market town is about 16km from Eindhoven. After unloading and having dinner which was cooked by the Dutch leaders we settled in to our new home; the Dutch Scout hall.

On Sunday we took in the Dutch scenery and lifestyle using the spacious and scenic cycle tracks. But this wasn't achieved on bicycle but on tandem! A tandem is a two seated bicycle which is much more difficult to balance and control due to the pair of people on it as we found out. The route was through scenic countryside, by waterways and bricked streets. After the 30km bike ride we enjoyed a pleasant evening of games and talk. 

Monday involved having enjoyable and thrilling rides at the theme park. The theme park was called Efteling and the park had a theme of fairytales native to the country. There were some very thrilling rides and there were some very calm and relaxing rides for those not there for the big rides. We then returned to the Scout hall where we enjoyed Dutch sausage and chips their takeaway speciality (like our fish and chips). 

Next we went on a hike around the paths and waterways of the Netherlands. It was very interesting looking at all the common swing bridges around the waterways! Then after everyone was back some of the Scouts took part in some orienteering. 

Wednesday was the first day we were really tourists and visited the town's mayor after doing a picture tour of the town. We were given a postcard as a gift and performed some Morris dancing as a showing of a traditional British dance; which he thoroughly enjoyed. We then were allowed to visit the town and explore. There was a very popular sweet shop all amongst the pubs and antique shops. After which we then returned to the scout hall for lunch. In the afternoon we visited a local cheese farm to see how cheese was made and to look around the barn to see the cows and witness the cows being milked by a robot which makes the farmer somewhat redundant. 

Thursday was an interesting day when we visited Liberty Park a memorial museum to the battle of Overloon. The museum had a lot of vehicles and tanks which were left in the surrounding woodlands after the war which was part of Operation Covent Garden, it was very interesting as there was over 50 vehicles and an interesting tour. In the afternoon we visited the cemetery in Overloon where 279 British allies are buried and a wreath was laid to remember the dead, we then looked around at the gravestones, the youngest person that died was just 18 years old, the highest age of an Explorer Scout. Wow! how thought provoking. We then all renewed our promise before we left the cemetery and headed back to the Scout hall. 

On Friday we visited s'Hertogenbosch a big city with a huge canal system. With its big canal system we had to take a trip along them which was a bit like being in Venice. We went through the city walls and also explored the town which was really interesting. We then returned to the hall where we met up with the Dutch Scouts and had a good time having a barbeque, playing games and exchanging email addresses. 

The last day we returned through Belgium but before going through the channel tunnel. After a tiring week most people loved the trip and lifestyle of the country so much most of them didn't want to leave and wanted to stay there. Overall we all think that the trip was a huge success and would love to go again. A place well worth visiting. 

Peter, Explorer Scout

On 1 May twenty-six Scouts and Explorer Scouts plus eight Leaders set forth in mini buses on the 250 mile trip to Great Tower Campsite near Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District.

The following day Antony Hall led two parties of Explorer Scouts and Leaders on a two day hike starting from Langdale taking in Crinkle Craggs and High Raise amongst others and finishing at the southern end of Thirlmere. Where they spent a particularly windy night high in the hills. The collapse of two of their tents led to an early start and an early pick-up at Thirlmere. Despite the overnight wind, weather remained excellent with plenty of sunshine and excellent views from high up resulting in a very enjoyable expedition. 

The remainder of our party split into five different groups and had an excellent first days walking over various routes, between them taking in the Langdale Pikes, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and other lesser peaks. Each group covered a good day's walking of up to eight miles, in excellent conditions, returning to Great Tower in the early evening to welcome showers and some more superb catering. 

On Sunday morning five groups were dropped at different locations below Loughrigg Fell. Each group, having established their location, then made their way up and over Loughrigg Fell continuing over Lang How and finishing in the famous village of Grasmere where they were met with the minibuses. 

Monday saw a complete change in the weather to overcast and wet conditions so our proposed morning out in Bowness and Ambleside were cut short for an early return to Gloucestershire.

To celebrate St George's Day Stroud and Tetbury District held a day of sports and activities it a local leisure centre.  Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts each chose five activities from fifteen options, while Explorer Scouts and Leaders helped run the activities.  Whether trying a new sport such as squash or croquet, or an old favourite such as swimming, cricket, football or many more, everyone enjoyed being active with their friends.  For those who prefer less sporty options crafts, circus skills and hands on history in the museum proved very popular.  The day ended with everyone coming together to re-new their promise and commitment to the ideals of Scouting.

On 7 April Tom (aged 12) and Oliver (aged 13) from Nailsworth Scout Group, walked 60 km (36 miles) across Gloucestershire raising over £600 for the County Air Ambulance. Tom was inspired to organise the walk after his younger brother suffered a back injury and was taken by helicopter to Gloucester Hospital. Tom found that the County Air Ambulance relies entirely on donations. Their walk started at 6am at the northern county border at Tewkesbury, finishing 12 hours (and 60km) later at a point just north of the Southern county border near Wotton. They followed part the Severn Way and then part of the Cotswold Way (with a few footpaths in between linking the two).

Twenty three Scouts and Explorer Scouts descended on the Forest of Dean for a weekend’s caving. During the course they explored systems at Bixhead Stone Mine and Old Ham and Noxon Park Iron Mines to achieve the Scout Caver Badge. They spent some time looking at interesting rock formations and cave creatures. The Saturday evening was spent at the Cave Rescue Group HQ in Cinderford. 

Twenty eight Scouts spent a Friday evening at Shurdington planning their hike. Next day, after a trip to Abergavenny, they split into six separate groups and had an excellent day in the Black Mountains taking in Allt Mawr, Pen Cerrig Calch and Table Mountain. In spite of heavy cloud at times, poor visibility and strong winds, it was sunny by late-afternoon. Everyone had a good day out and enjoyed a take away supper in Monmouth on the way home.

Scouts from Rodborough Scout Troop and Nailsworth Scout Troop have recently (separately) been walking the Cotswold Way.  Rodborough have been undertaking the route in a number of day long walks, making this well sign-posted route easily accessible to a wide range of members of the group of different aged and levels of experience. Scouts from Nailsworth opted for a backpacking expedition carrying their tents and food with them. 

Scout campsites at Cranham, Pennwood, Leonard Stanley and Wotton-under-edge are all situated with in a few minutes walk of the Cotswold Way.

On 28 March Scouts from Gloucestershire visited the Ordnance Survey Outdoor Show at the NEC in Birmingham.  As well as being inspired by a host of information stands there was also the chance to try many different activities and workshops.

Gloucestershire Scouts met for the County Cooking Competition in February, cooking a 3-course meal and decorating their tables. The best sweet trophy and the main event was won by 2nd Twyning. 1st Fairford came second. Both represented the county at the Region Competition where 2nd Twyning came second.

In March another nineteen keen scouts have sampled their first scuba try-dive. It was a long trip for most, but worth it, with a large pool and the usual team of expert instructors. The county organised try-dives are now run under the PADI Discover Scuba Experience banner and, with the transfer of the instructor team to NDAC, the county sessions have moved with them to the superb facilities at the Lydney Whitecross Leisure Centre. Will they move on, later this year, to join the other 35 previous try-divers who are now qualified Open Water Scuba Divers? Time will tell.......

The first weekend of this county  course went well. The narrowboat Pisces was taken down the Grand Union Canal from Harefield to Brentford and back. The crew worked the locks, steered the boat and covered how to look after a crew of Scouts.

The second weekend later this month sees the course heading north on another narrowboat, Hillingdon Star.

Twenty two Scouts and Explorer Scouts spent a March weekend at the County Scouting Centre at Cranham. The pioneer badge course, learnt the basic knots and lashings and went on to construct several projects including a ballista and an arial runway. The Emergency Aid course went well  culminating with a practical test! The weekend was not all work; there was time for a wide game & some films.

Thirty Scouts from Gloucestershire enjoyed two days at a Gloucester Climbing Centre (during the February school Holiday) completing their Climber Badge. They were split into groups of six each under an experienced instructor. They had the chance to climb and belay on several different climbing walls. They also made good use of the bouldering wall.