Category: NEWS

Are you ready for your next big adventure? An essential part of the Chief Scout’s Gold Award is the Expedition Challenge Award. This involves taking part in a two-day expedition – see the scout website for details at https://www.scouts.org.uk/scouts/awards/expedition/

We are planning an expedition at the end of half term, 29th – 30th. If you haven’t already done your Expedition Challenge Award this is your opportunity. It doesn’t come around often!

We’ll be having a preparatory session in the evening on Sunday 16th October when you will begin to plan your route and equipment etc. 

During the expedition you’ll need to 

1. Play a full part in the team.
2. Use a map or other navigation device to keep track of where you are.
3. Cook and eat at least one hot meal.
4. Undertake a project as the purpose of your expedition to be agreed with your leaders before you depart.  For example, a photo journey capturing some of the local history or natural environment. 
5. Produce an individual report or presentation within the three weeks following your expedition to share with the group. You could present your work as a project, performance, video recording, oral presentation, blog or website.

Due to the tight timing we need to know whether you are planning to join us ASAP – Speak to your Section Leader

For more information and to join the teams email Steve

New campfire seating installed for a better campfire experience or for use as an outside classroom. Many thanks to Craig for the help with the installation.

If anyone wants to volunteer a small amount of time we always have a list of things that need doing 🙂
from painting to cleaning and external maintenance jobs.

Contact chair@1stroyalforest.org.uk if you can spare some time to help.

Hopefully everyone has had a great summer break! Over the summer we have still been scouting, our young people have been to Belgium for a week, and sailing with the Tall Ships Youth Trust also for a week among other activities.

You can read their sailing blog at https://www.tallships.org/challenger-2-gloucestershire-scouts-2/

We now look forward to returning to the lodge for the Autumn term, return dates for sections are below:

Monday Scouts	12th September
Tuesday Cubs	13th September
Tuesday Scouts	13th September
Wednesday Beavers	14th September
Wednesday Scouts	7th September
Thursday Cubs	15th September

Tuseday scouts have had a great weekend sailing at Llandegfedd Reservoir near Pontypool with the brilliant Chris, Claire,  Oscar and Alan from the Newport SWAT sailing team.

With a bright and early start meeting at Beaver Lodge, before a short journey over to the reservoir. 

Upon arrival there was much discussion; it was windy, very windy, which yes is good for sailing but not so great for our beginners, although good for practising man overboard with the safety boat.

Decision made, safety kit on and it was out to the luggers a nice sturdy boat for the gusty conditions each fitting 6 crew and our captains Chris and Alan. 

Scouts split into two groups. We were straight into Moby the power boat for a short trip to the luggers which are moored in the deeper waters. Taking it in turn, two scouts controlling the jib sail and one taking the helm. A lovely morning tacking up and down the water.

After lunch it was onto the much smaller RS fevas, spliting the scouts into three boats. First teaching them to rig the boats it was then onto the water, with sails reefed as still windy. The afternoon spent crisscrossing the reservoir with Chris ,Alex and Scott as captains taking the helm and showing them the ropes. Athough I question two of the captains for knocking some of their own crew out of the boats with the boom!! No names Chris and Alex. 

Whilst in the back ground was our own Steve M (who kindly helped transport kit) battling the conditions around the lake on his paddle board.

After a night at CRIA scout campsite it was back on the water using the RS fevas. This time, as the winds had subsided the scouts were on their own getting to grips with sail and tiller. With Steve C on shore duty looking after scouts who hadn’t quite found their sea legs. 

The afternoon was lead by Oscar with all the scouts on one gaint paddle board playing a range of games which mainly meant all the scouts falling off and jumping competitions where we had some interesting dives and belly flops to judge. 

An excellent weekend messing about on the water with 10 worn out scouts,  what could be better. 

More rice anyone!

Monday Scouts spent a great weekend at PGL Tregoyd House in the Brecon Beacons.

We did archery, fencing, zip wire, climbing, orienteering and the sensory trail.  The Scouts showed great courage and determination to overcome their fears and meet their personal challenges which made the leaders were very proud. 

Some superb teamwork and communication skills were shown, and, most importantly,  great fun was had by all!

Well done to everyone from 1st Royal Forest that turned out for the St Georges Day parade!

The parade is run by the town council to celebrate the youth movements in and around Coleford and the Forest. Scouting uses the parade as an opportunity to showcase the movement and to renew our Promise.

12^th March 2022 saw 1st Royal Forest Wednesday Scouts return to overnight camps after a long break due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Based at Beaver Lodge the 11 Scouts enjoyed a morning of adventurous and challenging activities, making use of the Dean Field Study Centre, thanks Reuben for being a fab instructor. The afternoon saw us hiking and den building, lots of teamwork involved.  The evening weather meant the plan for a large camp fire was adapted and Scouts enjoyed toasting marshmallows and smores around a fire pit instead.

As leaders, we were really pleased how all the Scouts worked together cooking the meals, washing up and keeping the camp tidy.

We look forward to many more camps.

Test your general and music knowledge and help the kids going to Haarlem raise funds for their trip.
The bar may even be open to help lubricate those brain cells!