South Yorkshire Scouts

Following on from Bear Grylls' visit on the 30th May, this weekend has seen another fantastic event held at Hesley Wood; Crewboree, attended by 403 Scouts and Guides from around Yorkshire.

After a week of rain the sun shone on the event hosted by the Woodpecker Crew, Crewboree and County Staff plus scores of other willing volunteers. Based on a millionaires theme with a huge cruise ship, the Crewboree Crewser was anchored on the main event field decked out with bunting and railings, topped off with a smoking funnel and it's very own captain in his officers whites!

Scouts and Guides of all ages were kept busy from morning ‘til night with various activities including numerous crafts from glass painting to rope making, Water Walkerz, climbing, Wii competitions, archery, rides in a simulator, shooting, the Cube experience, an ever so muddy assault course, the England football match and not to be missed; the Apex Challenge!

Saturday night kicked off with a rousing campfire full of traditional and up to date songs that left the Scouts and Guides all fired up for the evening's event on the Crewboree Crewser.

During the daytime activities participants won ‘dib dibs' to be spent in the Crewser's casino and disco which was a thoroughly swanky affair. There were fancy frocks, posh suits and cocktails galore! The ship's captain who had hosted tea and scones earlier in the day judged the fancy dress competition and a difficult job he had indeed!

As is Crewboree tradition the camp's newsletter ran over the weekend, editing 10 issues full of gossip, jokes, quips and inter group friendly wrangling and banter from the children and leaders alike.

A great event, enjoyed by all!

Next year's Crewboree will be held over the weekend of the 3rd to 5th June 2011; put it in your diary to avoid disappointment!

On Sunday 30th May, Chief Scout Bear Grylls visited South Yorkshire Scouts at Hesley Wood Activity Centre to take part in their activity packed fun day.

As part of the first stage in his mission to visit Scouts across the whole of the UK, Bear took to the air in a helicopter to visit 24 events across Yorkshire and the north-east of England over the bank holiday weekend.

Bear said: ‘I'm really looking forward to kicking off the first stage of my UK tour. It's great to be going out and meeting so many people at some really amazing events. Scouting is all about adventure - letting adults and young people go wild and have fun.'

From the minute the helicopter landed, several hundred Scouts went wild with excitement to get a glimpse of the famous adventurer and television star. Bear was joined on his tour by his son, Jesse, and Deputy Chief Commissioner - England, Mark Tarry as they took time to walk round the site and visit different activities.

Bear visited Rotherham Explorer Scouts who were taking part in a training camp for a forthcoming expedition to South Africa. As part of the training they were cooking food on a number of traditional open fires. Bear gave participants tips on cooking by fire and shared his experience of South African culture and local knowledge.

He thrilled over 700 young people as he stopped to speak to them and exchanged hi 5's whilst signing autographs and having his photo taken as he made his way round the fun bases taking place on site.

Crowds of young people gathered round the Chief Scout as he went head-to-head with Mark and Jesse on Don District's crazy balloon challenge in an attempt to beat the record of 38 seconds set earlier in the day. Bear seemed intent on letting his son win but Mark wasn't in on the act as he took the title and narrowly missed out on the best time.

Barnsley Central Explorers and Leaders used pioneering skills to construct a giant 7 metre high carousel using rope and wooden poles. Bear and particularly his son enjoyed taking part in this activity as he urged the Explorer Scouts to make the carousel go faster whilst shouting to his son "Jesse hold on tight"!

During the day teams of Explorer Scouts had participated in a crate stacking competition to see how high they could get in 5 minutes. Bear watched on and encouraged the Explorers as the stack got higher and higher. By the time the 17 high stack had toppled over, Bear hap been penned in by a group of Scouts. After signing t-shirts, neckers and books, he escaped by jumping on County Commissioner, Andy Moore's back and was lead by to the helicopter where he waved goodbye and continued on his tour.

A fun and action packed day was brought to an end with a campfire to round of an exceptional day and one that the young people and adults will never forget!

 

James Bell-Winfrow
Nominated Youth Representative for South Yorkshire Scouting
Bears visit to the county has been one of the highlight of my scouting career, it has been fantastic to see him enjoying the fun day within our county and see the delight of the young people from the experience they had been a part of today.

It was also excellent to see how Bear had the patience with the young people and engaged in conversation, activities, and signing of autographs. His passion of the outdoors particularly shone though when he was on the Rotherham Explorer Scouts base where he and the young people exchanged conversation about cooking on open fires as part of their training for an expedition to South Africa next year, he was able to impart knowledge about African cooking styles and local geographical information which they can put to good use.

Having been able to make conversation with Bear on a personal level whilst walking around the site, gave me an excellent insight into him as a person. All the young people have gone home buzzing, many with photos and autographs that they will treasure forever.

Megan
Don District Explorer Scout
Bear was really enthusiastic about it all, his personality seemed to match well with his role of Chief Scout. Bear Joined in the activities and he looked to have been really enjoyed them.

He wasn't distant and really got involved with the young people. Bear is a good person to be our Chief Scout as his commitment and experience ties in well with scouting. I had an amazing day and I am really thrilled to have has the opportunity to meet him.

Richard
Norfolk District Scout Leader and Scout Network Member
To start with I was a little nervous, but once we had been introduced, it was clear that Bear was a great guy, and really wanted to make the most of his time as Chief Scout.

I think Bear is a fantastic role model for Scouts today, as his young age portrays him as a modern Chief Scout who can really make positive difference to the Scouting movement.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I think that all the Scouts here today did as well.

Beth
Doncaster Explorer Scout
The event went extremely well and it was a fantastic day. I had a really good time and I am very grateful to have this opportunity to meet him. I think Bear Grylls is an amazing Chief Scout.

Tim
Rotherham Explorer Scout
Bear was a genuinely nice person and a real role model for scouting worldwide.

I thought his advice was very useful for our forthcoming expedition and this experience was a great opportunity to learn from the vast knowledge Bear has of the world. He has definitely made an impact on me and my fellow Scouts.

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet one of my idols in exploration and he has really spurred me on with the training and showed me that I must enjoy every minute of it, I'm glad to be here to see it!

Niall
Barnsley Central Explorer Scout
Bear was very entertaining and we exchanged a few Jokes with each other. I'm very pleased that he is Chief Scout and now when I read his books or watch his T.V. programmes I feel like I know more about him and his friendly ways of conversing with people.

 

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