Thank you to all those who supported our Easter fundraiser by entering our raffle. We raised £311 which will be used to buy more tents and equipment for our group camp later this year. The winner of the hamper was Margaret Archibald. Congratulations!!
Also a huge thank you to those who donated prizes including cinema and bowling passes from The Jet Centre, Coleraine and a voucher from McClesters Family Butcher, Ballymoney.
Scouts visited Portstewart Strand on a clear, cool spring evening, for a walk through the dunes, some sand sledding and s’mores on the beach. Two leaders were also invested, Graham for cubs and Joan for scouts. Welcome to the group 😀
This weekend, scouts completed a hike from Coleraine to Downhill forest. That’s almost 6 miles carrying their gear for an overnight Bivi, in the dark with even the youngest managing to keep up!
Along the way they were able to locate their position at a number of stops on an OS map and provide 6 figure grid references. Of course, these stops were also a chance for a short rest and some snacks.
On arriving at Downhill, they were welcomed by a warm fire with soup gently warming. While waiting for soup, they built their shelters (tarps) which would protect them from the rain which arrived overnight. Back to the campfire and soup and rolls to fill up hungry bellies. Another burst of energy and still no sign of sleep at midnight!
Eventually the last scouts awake were reminded to get some rest and joined those already bedded down in shelters for the night.
It wasn’t long before leaders went to bed, with some in more luxurious accommodation than others (ahem..Jonny..ahem)
The morning was cool, but the campfire was lit in no time. Everyone enjoyed breakfast…beans cooked on the campfire, bacon and eggy bread cooked on the stoves. Finally, tarps and supplies were packed away, rucksacks repacked and a leave no trace litter check completed and it was time for tired, smoky scouts to go home
Well done to everyone!
Ok, so it’s actually the 1st March, but we had a week off for half term. Tonight we had a change of pace with a visit from Jive NI. We started off with some line dancing followed by a few a Jive moves. There was a slight delay getting the Jive started as, guess what? Scouts had to touch other scouts hands!! Lol. Then a few games of horses, knights and cavaliers to break up the dancing. Back to the Jive and the Cha Cha slide to finish off. Thanks to Matthew and Charlotte for a fun evening.
This weekend scouts held a £1 jumble sale to raise funds for summer camp to Wales. After setting up the night before, scouts spent 2 hours using a variety of sales techniques to raise a fantastic £145.85. At the end of the sale, they donated a number of good quality clothes, books, toys and household items to a Syrian refugee appeal. These items are on their way with our leader Joan to mid Ulster to help those in need. Well done everyone 😃
This week scouts were taking part in a circuit training session. Many thanks to Jo Clarke for guiding them through 10 different stations, such as power lunges, Spiderman, mountain climbers, box jumps, push ups, punches with weights and burpees! Check out the video below. Great work out for the young people 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
The Scouts attended an interesting information evening at a very important local health service. Our good scouting friend Rebecca invited Ballymoney on a joint visit with Ballintoy and Dunseverick Scouts to the Causeway Hospital. First we heard a presentation about the services the hospital provides, followed by a tour of the hospital to see where the wards are. Many thanks to Rebecca and the Causeway hospital.
The Scouts started Health & Fitness February with a visit to Kyoujin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Ballymoney. David and Becca put the Scouts through some drills. David demonstrated how to fall and slap the ground to soften the fall. Then David talked about safety about the moves before showing them how to do the rear naked choke and an arm bar. After everyone had the chance to try every move it was on to a game of British bull dogs on their knees. All the Scouts had a great time and we all would like to thank David and Becca for the taster session.
The scouts had their winter camp on the north coast this year, staying at the Peter Thompson hall, Castlerock. On Friday night they played in the main hall with space hoppers and balls. The Wii was set up in the minor hall where they had Just Dance. After the fun the scouts had a bit of chill out time with some pizza.
Up early for Survival Saturday with shelter building, fire starting, learning how to purify water and cooking bacon and egg baps for lunch. When they got back to the hall some of the scouts went to the scout room and chilled out, listening to the radio while others played the Wii. It was then time for the chefs to cook dinner (Nathan, Aoife and Joe). Very tasty 😋 After dinner, time to clean up then off to the Jet Centre for ten pin bowling and mini golf.
On Sunday the tired scouts had the opportunity to try some skills, ironing their shirts and hoovering the floor, before heading back home.
Unfortunately there weren’t many photos from the weekend as we were too busy having fun 😄
Over the past few weeks Scouts have been creating log reindeer and woodslice snowmen. They used knife, axe and saw skills to cut the logs, whittle carrot noses, arms, legs and antlers. They also used diy skills to drill out holes to slot the pieces together. Finally they got creative with paint, baubles, felt and ribbon to give their craft a personal touch. Hopefully they will have pride of place in their homes over the festive period 🎄
All the wood was scavenged from the local woods after recent storms blew down a lot of tree
On Sunday, Scouts visited Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood to learn about hedgelaying. After meeting the experts, who briefed them on safety and kitted them out with protective gloves and head gear, it was time to get hands on with a variety of tools. They worked with loppers, axes, bow saws, extendable saws, garden shears and countryman bill hooks. They were keen to learn and took in all advice and direction given. Well done to all who have completed another part of the forester activity badge by taking part in this event.
We had a great turn out today from all the young people in all sections. We also had representatives from all the sections for the wreath laying in the morning with the beavers sections having the honour of laying the wreath.
It was very impressive to see over 40 scouts aged from 5 & three quarters to 18 all walking together alongside other uniformed youth groups and movements from the town to show their Respects.
Well done to the Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, BB, GB, Army Cadets, the British Legion and everyone else for a great display.
Many thanks to the leaders and parents assisting.
video clip below.
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This Halloween scouts chose to visit Limavady Airsoft for a Halloween themed session of Airsoft combat. On arrival they given a safety briefing and the rules of the games were explained. Teams games of 3 vs 3 took place while those not in play had a turn shooting in the range. During the combat there were a few talc grenades released to add to the atmosphere. After all the team games, there was a final game of hide and seek, with a special guest seeker ….. Predator!!! Many thanks to the Airsoft team. An awesome night had by all 😎
Over the last month scouts have been working on their circus skills badge. They have been attempting to learn skills such as clown make up, Diablo, devil sticks, juggling bean bags, ribbon twirling and spinning plates. They also had a go at the static trapeze and watched YouTube videos on circus life. A very entertaining badge for leaders and scouts alike.
In order to finish their badge they need to watch 2 street performers or visit a circus. If you’re at any Halloween happenings over the next few weeks be sure to get a selfie with fire poi performers or the like in the background of your photo and post your pics below this on Facebook 🤡🎪
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Recently scouts visited picturesque Dungannon Park for their Autumn Camp. The sun was shining when we arrived on-site and proceeded to set up camp.
It was a laid back camp with orienteering, capture the flag and lots of free time. Scouts used their free time to relax, explore the park, play football and visit the cafe for ice cream, slushies and other goodies. Later we headed into Dungannon town to do a grocery shop and pick up some takeaways for dinner (we even managed to score a free pizza 🍕 😃).
Back to the camp site and scouts were very happy to see that the play park was free of the general public, so of course they had to have a go on all the equipment. When it got dark it was time for a torchlight scavenger hunt (organised by our young leader). Eventually it was time for snacks and to seek refuge from the chilly night in their tents in order to get some rest for the next day.
An early rise on Sunday morning…dressed, breakfasts, washing up and breaking camp all before 9:45!! Quite an achievement for a group of teenagers 😂. Then it was over to Parkanaur forest for most of the scouts to take part in the mud run while the rest cheered them on. Well done to all who completed the course. Muddy fun! Everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch before getting back on the bus and heading home.
As part of the nationwide Restart a Heart day the Group partnered with both the St Johns Ambulance and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to run a special evening where all the young people (some leaders and parents too!) learnt all about resuscitation, CPR, how to help others and key Life Saving skills. 43 members from all sections covering our youngest 6 year old Beaver scouts right through to our Older Explorer Scouts took an active hands on role in the evening. It was fanstastic to see all sections in the same place working together.
Special thanks have to go to Sheila and her team – James, TA and Shan all from St Johns Ambulance and the Two Dominics from NIAS, all of whom were in a packed noisy hall on a tuesday evening sharing their knowledge along with our own merry band of Leaders who added another evening to their volunteering with enthusiasm and smiles. It was a great event, hoepfully to be repeated again nex year.
All participants gained Certifcated showing their achievements.
To celebrate the end of a busy summer we had a chilled evening of darts, table tennis, wii games and playing cards. There was pizza, cocktail sausages, crisps and sweets to fill hungry scout bellies 🍕.
It was also time to say goodbye and good luck to three scouts leaving the group to move on to the County Explorers Night Owls Unit. They were presented with framed collages of pictures from their time in Ballymoney Scout group and some sweets. We wish you all the best on your next adventure.
Registration nights as follows:-
Beavers 6-8 year old 11/09/2018 from 18:45 – 20:00
Cubs 8-10.5 year old 12/09/2018 from 18:45 – 20:15
Scouts 10.5 – 14 year old 07/09/2018 from 19:00 – 21:00 for the scouts section this will be a social night for all parents, scouts and potential scouts. Come along, fill in the forms and enjoy tea/coffee and a nibble. It will be a good chance to speak to the leaders about plans for the coming year. Hope to see you all there.
The scouts enjoyed their last adventure of the summer….a visit to Carrowmena activity centre! They took part in a variety of activities…raft building (putting knots and lashings into practice), climbing, team building games and a run through the muddy Maize maze.
Summer is drawing to an end, and it is time to register for another busy year at Ballymoney Scouts. We also have a few spaces for new members (aged 10 1/2 to 14), so contact David (section leader) via email if your young person is interested in joining our group. scouts@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
Recently eight of the Ballymoney Scouts teamed up with other scouts from the county to go on an international summer camp to Königsdorf, Bavaria in Germany.
On arrival at camp we were warmly welcomed by our German host scout group, St Margaretha. Weather was just a tad warmer than what we are used to ☀️☀️☀️
During our time on camp scouts helped German scouts to build a hut, tie-dyed neckers, carved woggles, spoons and cups. Everyone completed various tasks to earn junior wood badge, including building a water wheel, milking a ‘cow’ (County commissioner Paul Meikle), taking group selfies, sleeping under the stars and designing board games. They enjoyed a day trip to Munich, where they spent the day hopping on and off underground trains, trams and buses while searching for Mr X! When things got too hot, we cooled off by eating lollies, drinking slushies, having water fights, getting hosed down by firefighters and paddling in the River Isar.
We took part in a few international nights and international camp fire. During these evenings there was singing, dancing, necker swapping and tasting different foods. There were scouts from Jordan, Luxembourg, South African and Germany (of course).
Final night campfire was very emotional for our young people as they had become very good friends during their time at camp.
A huge thank you to our German hosts who kept us fed and watered, made us feel really welcome and treated us like good friends from start to finish.
Finally, a special thanks to the county team and other leaders that made this possible. Paul, Stephanie, Pamela and Caitlin, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Another summer adventure this week, with 10 scouts and 2 leaders taking part in the Wild Air Run on Saturday. A fun run around the grounds of Stormont, over 10 huge inflatables, while soaking each other with water blasters! What could be more fun? Loads of laughing , falling, slipping and soaking of all who took part.
After changing into dry clothes and eating our picnics, it was time to head back home. A short stop off at Burger King for ice cream, although some scouts chose to buy burgers instead, even though they already had their lunch!
Unfortunately, two other scouts who wanted to attend the event were ill on the day. Get well soon guys.
Also, thanks again to Shauna for being photographer for the day.
Scouts requested a trip to the Edge water sports @ the Crannagh as one of their summer activities, so this was the venue for this weeks meeting! Of course, a leader had to accompany them for safety 😉. Great evening slipping, sliding, jumping and swimming under the supervision of the Edge lifeguards. At the end of the session they enjoyed hot chocolate, biscuits and donuts (thanks Rebecca 🍩). Photos by Shauna.
Ballymoney Scout Group had their first ever all section group camp in June. The Scouts and Cubs went horse riding on Friday night before getting some bounce time on the inflatable assault course. This was followed by a camp fire and s’mores toasted on the fire. After a few songs it was off to bed.
Up bright and early for breakfast on Saturday and then the Scouts were off to Glenariff Forest Park for a hike and some photography work. The Cubs then had their outing to Rosepark farm, who just happened to be having birthday celebrations! When the Scouts got back they had some free time and the option to go to play volleyball or play on the inflatable before the Beavers came on site for their camp. Some of the Scouts and Beaver parents assisted in leading the Beavers on their horse riding session. When the Beavers had finished their horse riding it was time for the BBQ. After dinner the Scouts setup and ran the camp fair for the Beavers and Cubs to play. Another campfire, s’mores and songs and a very tired group headed to bed.
Sunday morning and those awake early enough enjoyed watching the horses being brought in from the field – they counted 30 horses passing by. After breakfast time it was time to pack all the gear away into rucksacks. Beavers and Cubs then made creative pool noodle ponies while Scouts worked hard breaking camp.
Parents arrived, group camp badges were distributed and many tired young people and leaders were ready to head to the comforts of home.
Many thanks to all at Sheans horse farm for helping our young people with the horse riding and the use of their facilities for camp. Also, thanks to Dr Walker for running the volleyball, Rebecca for cooking the BBQ and all the other leaders who made camp possible.
Over the month of June all three sections have been bringing in donations for BARK a local dog shelter. BARK had put out an appeal for donations of tinned dog food to the local community and Ballymoney Scout Group answered. We hope that what we have collected over the month will have made a small difference. Louise (in the photos with the crutches)from BARK let the Scouts around to see all of the dogs that are waiting to get re-homed.
The Scouts (plus a Beaver and a Cub) were up bright and early on the first day of their summer holidays to go out and do a bit for the local community. The event organised by Ross Hamilton was called Picnic and Pulling with the national trust, to remove an invasive species called ragwort. The event was in the picturesque Whitepark Bay on the north coast. For many this was the first time at the beach of Whitepark Bay including some of the leaders. The Scouts worked really well even in the very hot conditions. Ross spent time chatting with and educating the Scouts as they were weeding. After their hard work they sat down and enjoyed their picnic before heading to the beach to cool down and have some fun.
We will be looking forward to any up coming events organised in the future.
This week the scouts visited a local working dairy farm. On arrival the were shown around the milking parlour, where some of the braver scouts had a go at milking. They also saw the farm bull.
After this they went around to see 2/3 day old calves. They were able to pet and feed them.
The farm also breeds Clydesdale horses and so the scouts also got to see a Clydesdale foal, a mare and 2 stallions.
Finally the scouts amused themselves playing with 3 collie pups and 3 dogs.
Thanks to the McKay family, especially Martin for showing us around the farm.
Scouts attended the annual county patrol camp over the bank holiday weekend. The weather was fantastic, not a drop of rain! The scouts worked well together pitching their tents on Friday night. On Saturday morning, after cooked breakfast provided by chefs Daniel, Adam, Megan and Ella, it was time to take part in a number of scouting activities.
The activities included backwoods cooking, orienteering, knife, axe and saw, fire lighting and sharing youth shape ideas.
After dinner (bolognese/savoury mince) most of the scouts prepared entertainment for the campfire.
The next morning after packing up, 5 scouts were awarded their Chief Scout Gold award and the close of camp. Well done Laura, Alex, Matthew, Nathan and Robyn.
Finally a get well soon wish to Kurt who had to leave camp a day early as he was unwell.
Thanks to Colin and the team for organising the event
