"The Dump" - Old Scouting Books

If you're one of those who remembers Scouting in the 'good old days' you'll enjoy The Dump. It's a website containing scanned images of dozens of old Scouting reference books. If you want a 1950 Patrol Leader's Handbook, you'll find it here, along with Games, Pioneering Projects, Knot books, and so on. It's an excellent resource site for Leaders; you will pick up some good programme ideas. Ignore anything to do with First Aid, as things have moved on a bit since the 1930s. And remember a lot of this stuff pre-dates the concept of health & safety - it's well worth a read just to see the sort of stuff they used to get away with!

I can't help thinking we've lost something along the way. I have to keep reminding myself that nostalgia isn't what it used to be... ...

Beaver Quiz

I'm reliably informed (by Janice) that the Beaver Leaders have already decided that the Beaver Quiz will take place 24th Feb, 6pm at Hoyland, not 11th Feb at Ardsley per the 2009 District Programme agreed by the GSLs.

District Programme 2009

Last night GSLs met to start planning next year's District programme. You can download a copy of the outline programme by clicking here.

Other possible events were discussed but not scheduled, subject to further discussion at the District Scouters Meetings. These included:

1) reintroducing the Games Night for Cubs/Scouts
2) Backwoods/Survival weekend for Scouts
3) Pioneering Badge for Scouts
4) Water Activities weekend for Scouts

We also agreed to try and differentiate the programme for 12/13 year old scouts to try and improve retention.

This is very much a work-in-progress so please feel free to make comments and suggestions.

Can you please ensure that everyone in your Group is aware of the District Blog. You can download a handout here which explains how to post to the blog and receive email updates.