3rd Billericay Scout Troop

Cobras are Top Patrol, Autumn 2010!!!

The Cobra patrol all pulled together this term, and their hard work has paid off. They are the deserving winners of the Autumn term inter patrol competition.

Very well done to the Cobras.

Patrol points for the Autumn Term

• Kestrel: 1246
• Cobra: 1304
• Bull: 1128
• Seagull: 1022

10th December - Muggle Murder Whodunnit (Wide Game)

Tonight's wide game had a Harry Potter theme. The four houses (Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff) had to figure out who had murdered the muggle, while avoiding the Dementors. Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Gryffindor all solved the mystery. It was Bellatrix Lestrange at Knockturn Alley with the Philosopher's Stone. Hufflepuff wins on points having gained the most polyjuice potion ingredients.

• 1^st: Hufflepuff (Bull) - 50 points
• =2^nd: Slytherin (Cobra) - 30 points
• =2^nd: Gryffindor (Kestrel) - 30 points

Awards

The recent cycling expedition was the final requirement for the cycling activity badge we began working on back in October. With a series of Sunday afternoon rides of increasing length, the Scouts have been working towards this particular event for their fitness challenge. During one of our Sunday rides we decided that the final ride could be a two day expedition with a stay over at Riffhams campsite. So, a lot of things came together last weekend and we present today the following badges...

Cyclist

• Cameron T
• Cameron B
• Lincoln
• Harry

Fitness

• Cameron T
• Cameron B
• Lincoln
• Harry
• James

Expedition

• Cameron T
• Lincoln
• Harry
• Jennifer

Adventure

• Cameron T

5 Hikes Away

• Ben
• Jennifer

Well done everybody. This is an excellent result.

We have added a new feature to the website: Our Hall of Fame I expect to see these hard-working Scouts topping the league table in the near future.

3rd December - MEETING CANCELLED

Owing to poor weather, tonights meeting has been cancelled.

27th-28th November - Cycle Expedition

Despite the arctic conditions, seven brave Scouts set off on their bikes from the Scout Hut heading for Riffhams campsite in Little Baddow. A journey of approximately 20 miles. The ride began at 10:30, the Scouts took it in turn to lead the expedition. They stopped briefly at Bicknacre for lunch and arrived at the campsite at 14:30 with just one hour of daylight remaining to pitch their tent and gather firewood.

A roaring campfire, lit with one match (well done Cameron!) kept us warm while we toasted marshmallows and cooked sausages. Everyone agreed that campfire sausages are: "the Best Sausages Ever".

After a very cold night under canvas, we had a hearty cooked breakfast before striking camp and beginning the ride home. It was a shorter route, around 13 miles this time.

26th November - Safety

For this month's Essex Challenge we had a visit from two Police Community Support Officers. They gave us a very entertaining and informative talk about safety.

14th November - Remembrance Day

12th November - Map and Compass

This week we focussed on our Map and Compass skills. The District Night Hike is coming up and we want to 'Be Prepared' for the navigation challenges ahead.

Jelly-Bean Challenge

The winner of the Jelly Bean Challenge was Lincoln with an impressive time of 56s. Close behind was Edward by one just one second.

• 1^st: Cobras - 50 points
• 2^nd: Bulls - 30 points
• 3^rd: Seagulls - 10 points

This weeks challenge, for 20 points.

Your challenge this week is to work through some Map and Compass exercises.
Begin the Map and Compass training (click the image below) and complete the exercises.
The Exercises are the final option in the Articles list, at the bottom left of the screen.
If you have any difficulty try working through the tutorials. Especially the 'Markers' tutorial.

As usual, send your answers to Skip.

5th November - Cookery

The Patrol leaders' Council decided that they would like to run another cookery competition. The Cobras won the last competition, and this would be their chance to prove it was more than just a fluke.

The voting for first place was tied between the Cobras, for their Burgers and the Seagulls for their Pizza. The food-hygiene worksheet was used as a tie breaker, and the Cobras came out on top, and retain their title of "Supreme Cooking Champions."

• 1^st: Cobras - 50 points
• 2^nd: Seagulls - 30 points
• 3^rd: Kestrels - 10 points

The Troop's second Gold Award

Tonight we were proud to present our second ever Chief Scout's Gold award.
Luke, the patrol leader of the Kestrels completed his Global Challenge tonight, and thus completed the requirements for the Chief Scout's Gold award. Very well done Luke.

We Welcome two more Scouts to the Troop

Tonight was a special night for Luke G. He made the Scout promise in front of the Troop and Akela who presented him with the Moving on award. His Patrol Leader presented him with his patrol badge and welcomed him to the Seagulls.

Welcome to the troop Luke.

We also welcome Adam to the troop. He joins us from the 1st Stock Troop, which has sadly had to close. Adam was also welcomed into the Seagulls by his new Patrol Leader.

New Senior Patrol Leader

In recognition for his good work leading the Kestrels this year, we have promoted Luke to the rank of Senior Patrol Leader. Congratulations Luke.

This weeks challenge, for 10 points.

Your challenge this week is to sort this list of food items into healthy and unhealthy groups.

• Raw and lightly steamed vegetables.
• Pastries.
• Low fat dairy.
• Fried Fish (e.g. Cod, Haddock).
• Cakes, biscuits and any sweet bakery products.
• Oily fish, e.g. Salmon, trout, Mackerel.
• Water.
• Fizzy Drinks.
• Bread and pasta with refined flour.
• Salted Peanuts.
• Chips.
• Chicken with Skin.
• Raw, whole, fresh fruits.
• Refined grains, like white rice.
• Olive Oil.
• Legumes, beans, nuts and seeds.
• High fibre 100% whole grains.
• Chicken without skin.
• Most pudding, custards and other sweets.
• Fruit juices and drinks.

Congratulations to Cameron T who got them all right and earns 10 points for the Seagulls. Peter got one wrong so earns 9 points for the Kestrels. Click here for the answer.