1st Stanstead Abbotts and St. Margaret's Scout Group

The lead up to Christmas for the Group started from the moment the Parish Council invited the Scouts to help at the High Street Christmas Lights Switch On. With a Scout and parent manning each lamppost, the lights went on to the sound of carols on that freezing December evening. The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and their families really enjoyed joining in with all the festivities at this annual community event.

During the next couple of weeks each section hosted its own Christmas party down at HQ and there was even a coach party to see the Panto for the children and families from all the sections . The Woodland Colony Beavers celebrated the last session of the year with an action packed night which included the theme of " Animals and Birds - Winter Survival" – Discovering all about hibernation, what wild animals and Birds eat during the harsh Winter months, and how we can help.  The Beavers made "Fat Feeders" - Baked Orange Peel cones with string attached, that they filled with lard, berries, corn, seeds and oats. They took these home to put up in their own gardens.

They then played some games including ‘Indoor Swimming’ using two mat squares to lie on and then "swimming" around on the polished wooden floor in races. Enjoyed by all, including the floor which took on an extra shine! They also had time to make Christmas Crowns - each one decorated with ribbons, paper, material and glitter. Some beautiful Crowns were made and the Beavers took these home for the festive season. A very action and fun packed evening.

With Jelly, Ice Cream and some very silly party games, the Scouts Christmas Party was a night not to be missed by Scouts and Leaders alike. Balloon Stomp, Jelly Bobbing Relay, Silly Hat Challenge, Ice Cream Relay, Three Legged Race, Wheelbarrow Race, Balloon Volleyball, Mass Balloon Pop, Team Karaoke Challenge, Patrol Box Challenge and many other games made for a great evening to end the term. Please have a look at the great photos of the evening in the Gallery.

The Woodland Beaver Carol Singers made their annual visit to the village’s nursing home when the choir of Beavers and Leaders entertained residents & staff with a selection of Christmas Carols. Beaver Leader ‘Hare’ praised the Beavers and said that she thought this year’s visit had been especially enjoyed by everyone as the children also had an opportunity for a quiet chat with the residents over a drink and biscuit.

The Spring Term is well under way and is set to be full of new adventures and fun for all the Sections and their Leaders at Stanstead Abbotts.

The Panther Pack Cubs celebrated Burns Night in traditional style with a taste of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties after a Tossing-the-Caber competition. The homemade indoor newspaper cabers were a lot easier to toss than the real thing, but just as much fun. Cub Leader Akela said “It was a great evening – we all learnt a lot about this very Scottish tradition, including me! It would have been fun to get a Piper to come along in all his finery – maybe next year?

Meanwhile the Scouts have been practicing hard for the Ware and District Cooking Competition – devising a ‘Local Produce’ themed 3 course meal for 4 people to be cooked on 2 stoves all within a £18 budget. The competition attracts some very high calibre teams from around the District and always shows off some amazingly talented Scouts from many of the Scout Groups

With plans made for the Cubs’ ‘Night at the Museum’, Beavers’ Chinese New Year and the Scouts’ Gliding Camp along with working towards badges such as Road Safety, and preparing for local area Swimming Gala to name just a few things on the diary, the children and Leaders are set for a busy term.

After all the snow and ice, many of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are looking forwards to getting outdoors again. The different Sections will be heading out and about on a variety of outings and expeditions - including a Beaver Spring visit to a local farm, camping on Dartmoor on the annual Scouts ‘March-March’ and the huge action packed Founder’s Day celebration for the whole District to be celebrated at Tolmers Activity Centre in February. Even the Leaders are getting the opportunity for some more training in the Chilterns and a visit the Peak District. Fun and adventure of everyone!