Gateshead Explorers

Gateshead District are setting up a new team to run Gateshead Explorers. Hopefully a representative will be coming along from your group. Lets hope that this will bring about better communication and more activities for the Explorer section.

All,

You may or may not be aware that the on-line booking system has gone live on the County's Web Site for this year's Confido.

http://www.durhamscouts.org.uk/new/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=405&Itemid=402

This year and after listening to the Explorers from around the County, I have decided to give the Explorers their "own space". We will be having "The Explorer Lounge". An area only for Explorers. There will be activities to do during the weekend, within the lounge, but the main purpose of it is to give the Explorers their own place to go. Of course, I hope they will join in with all the other events happening over the weekend but they are now going to have the opportunity to mix with other Explorers a bit more easily.

I hope to see you all at Confido!

My kindest regards,

Stephen Purnell
Assistant County Commissioner - Explorer Scouts
Durham Scout County

After a very productive meeting at District Camp we are going to set up a My Space forum for Gateshead Explorers. This will run alongside this weblog and help to keep people up to date with what is going on. So watch this space !

Things are just about organised for District Camp.
For activities, Explorers will be doing different things to Scouts. At present we have some climbing organised on the Saturday and a challenge hike for the Sunday. Dont worry, the challenge is not distance but some activities at each check point !
See you there !

Dont forget that Kielder camp is 11th - 13th April. We are going to be doing some Explorer activities and planning for the up and coming District Camp from 23rd - 27th May. If you want to have a say come along !

On 11th April we will be having a Scout Activity weekend at Kielder. This is the first and most important date in your Explorer diary. Book it in and be there. We are hoping for all Explorers in Gateshead to attend and get the Explorer unit moving.

Book yourself in with your Scout Leader.

Until then, if you want to take part in the Scout Chess, Quiz or 5 A Side competitions just enter as an Explorer.

To help us organise the explorer programme for 2008, meet at the usual place, 7.30pm on January 8th.

October
7th - District Hike - Meet at 10.45am at grid reference 774665 OS 86.
12th - Night Hike - Meet at Ebchester boat house at 7pm - stop over at the Boat House until Saturday afternoon.
21st - High level hike in the Lake District - Meet at Dunston Church Hall 8am - Return late afternoon - Bring warm, waterproof clothing, food and hot drinks. ( Please post / phone / text if you are going so we can organise transport )
26th - Mountain Leadership Weekend -Email- activities@durhamscouts.org.uk if interested.

November
2nd - Night Orienteering - Chopwell woods 7pm.
3rd - Ditrict Orienteering - Details from your Scout Leader.
9th - Fireworks party - Ebchester BoatHouse - 7pm
17th - Camp and Hike at the Lake District - Meet 5pm - Dunston Church Hall - Return Sunday evening.
24th - District Swimming Gala - Details from your Scout Leader.

December
7th - District Carol Service - Details from your Scout Leader.
15th - Explorer District Christmas Party - Dilston Campsite - Meet at 5pm at Dilston.

If you are interested or want to know any more details just reply to this post.

Poor Simon

Simon is realy sad (again) because he had a little bump in his car (again) so if you come across him being a miserable sod (again) give the poor little chap a laugh and help him to smile
( the miserable get !)

A chance to sit about and decide what we want to do. . . .

Next Tuesday, 11th September. 7.30pm