4th June

Quite a tally of badges attained during the camp at Auchengillan. Congratulations to Jason, John, Josh, Aiden, Craig, Callum R, Calum S and Ross on completing their Outdoor Challenge and to Jason, Fraser A, Gregor, Rhys, Callum and Lewis R on breaking their Nights Away duck. Well done also to Stewart, Matthew, Zoe, John, Cameron, Ryan, Josh, Charlie, Andie and Arran on reaching their Nights Away stage 5 and to Hanna on getting her Nights Away 10. As usual if you feel I have missed you out please talk to me and I'll check the records.

Unfortunately we have had to cancel the final two outings planned before the summer due to leaders having other commitments that have arisen since the events were planned. We will try and run the trip to Millport in August and reschedule the Climbing Wall for later in the year. The Troop, once again, is back to maximum capacity for the leaders that we have and to ensure that future events go ahead we really need another couple of leaders. If you would like to volunteer please talk to any of the Scout leaders about it. We know that it can be difficult to find the time to spare but even if it's only a part time commitment then we would like to hear from you.

No Scouts next week (11th June) due to a lack of availability of leaders. Scouts resume on Friday the 18th June with the final meeting before the summer being Friday the 25th June.

21st May

Congratulations to Fraser C on getting his Promise Challenge. There quite a lot of you on the verge of completing Challenge badges and it just requires a little effort to get there.

Friday 21st is the camp at Auchengillan Outdoor Centre. The postcode is G63 9BA. Best route is to go through the Clyde Tunnel, straight through Anniesland Cross towards Milngavie and turn left to Bearsden (A809) at the roundabout just past Canniesburn hospital. After a couple of miles there is a right turn past the ski slope towards Drymen. Follow this road (A809) until you pass the Carbeth Inn. Look out for the Auchengillan sign a couple of hundred metres further on the right hand side, beyond the B821. Follow the lane all the way up to the car park. Aim to be there at 7:00 p.m. Due to the large numbers camping we may be short of cutlery and plates. While I will try and get some more, it would help if you could bring along your own camp cultlery and plates if you already have them . Remember and put your name on them. Arrange to be picked up at 3:00 p.m.

And of course remember that you need to travel to and from camp in top half of uniform

The weather looks set to be fair this weekend so please remember sun cream, midge repellent and any medication  / inhalers that you require.

If you need to get in touch with us try 07774 561775 first or (in an emergency only) the Auchengillan phone number 01360 770256.

No Scouts next week due to the school holiday. Scouts resume on Friday the 4th June.

14th May

A reminder that tonight we will be down the beach flying the kites that we made last week , ending up with a bonfire and hot dogs. Meet at the car park at Kidz  Play at 6:45 p.m. and arrange to be picked up at the caravan site beside the Pow Burn at 9:15 p.m. No uniform required, only neckies.

Next week is the camp at Auchengillan. Google it for postcode G63 9BA. As the leaders will be setting up the camp early, we need to rely on parents to provide all the transport. Please try and arrange amongst yourselves to minimise the number of cars that are used and to make sure that no-one has to do two trips. If you are struggling to find a lift, phone me on 01292  477738, as early as possible. Similarly if you have spare spaces in your car phone me and I'll put you in touch with others that are in need of a lift. You should aim to arrive at camp by 7:00 p.m. on Friday and arrange to be picked up at 3:00 p.m. on the Sunday.

There will be no Scouts on Friday the 21st of May due to the Auchengillan camp and on Friday the 28th May due to the schools holiday. Scouts will resume on Friday the 4th June. 

7th May

Next Friday (14th May) we will be down the beach flying the kites that we make tonight, ending up with a bonfire and possibly a BBQ. Meet at the car park at Kidz play at 6:45 p.m. and arrange to be picked up at the caravan site beside the Pow Burn at 9:15 p.m. No uniform required, only neckies.

Our next outing will be the camp at the Auchengillan Outdoor Centre just north of Glasgow from Friday the 21st to Sunday the 23rd May. If you would like to attend complete the attached form and return with your payment of £25 by Friday the 7th May. This camp will qualify for the Outdoor Challenge and Outdoor Plus Challenge. We will need help with transport to and from the camp and will meet at the campsite rather than assemble at the church hall first.

There has been a date change for our venture across the seas to Millport .This will now take place on Saturday the 19th June. This will be open to family members to come and join us for a cycle round Millport, stopping for lunch and playing some games before returning late afternoon. Preliminary cost is £10. 

There will be no Scouts on Friday the 28th May due to the schools holiday. 

30th April

Scouts are on tonight as usual.

Our next outing will be the camp at the Auchengillan Outdoor Centre just north of Glasgow. If you would like to attend complete the attached form and return with your payment of £25 by Friday the 7th May. This camp will qualify for the Outdoor Challenge and Outdoor Plus Challenge. We will need help with transport to and from the camp and will meet at the campsite rather than assemble at the church hall first.

We also hope to get across the seas to Millport on Saturday the 12th June. This will be open to family members to come and join us for a cycle round Millport, stopping for lunch and playing some games before returning late afternoon. Preliminary cost is £10.

12th April

The Rotary club are organising their annual Prestwick Beach Clean on Saturday the 17th April at 9:30 a.m. While everyone is invited to attend, final year Scouts should make every effort to take part in this as it qualifies for the community service portion of the Community Challenge. Final arrangements are to meet at Kidz Play car park at 9:15 a.m. Dress for the weather and bring a pair of gardening gloves. Last year the beach was reasonably litter free and the cleanup finished around 11:30 a.m. 

 Scouts will resume on Friday the 23rd April.

26th March

Hopefully everyone's legs have recovered from the hostelling weekend at Loch Lomond last week. Yet again the weather thwarted our attempts to climb Ben Lomond but the start of the walk probably gave a taste of what Ben Lomond would have been like and arguably had better views of the loch. We'll maybe try again during one of the summer weekends. The hostelling weekend qualified as a Night Away and a Hike Away so we have some more badges to give out: Well done to Kerrie, for getting her Hikes Away stage 1, Calum S for getting his Hikes Away stage 5 and to Jessica for getting her Hikes Away stage 10. Congratulations also to Kerrie, Aiden, Craig, Calum S and Ross for getting their Nights Away Stage 1 and to Jessica for getting her Nights Away stage 10.

Scouts are on tonight (26th March) but No Scouts for the next three weeks due to the Easter holidays. Scouts will resume on Friday the 23rd April.

The Rotary club are organising their annual Prestwick Beach clean on Saturday the 17th April. While everyone is invited to attend, final year Scouts should make every effort to take part in this as it qualifies for the community service portion of the Community Challenge. Provisional arrangements would be to meet at Kidz Play car park at 9:00 a.m. Dress for the weather and bring a pair of gardening gloves. Last year the beach was reasonably litter free and the cleanup finished around 11:30 a.m. Check with me nearer the time for final details.

The next date in the calendar is the camp at Culzean on the weekend of May the 21st. This will be a joint camp with the final year Cubs and will be run as an Outdoor Challenge weekend for both groups. If you have not got your Outdoor Challenge yet please make every effort to attend.

19th March

Well done to everyone who attended the swimming night last week and attained their stage 2, 3 or 4 swimmers badge. As there is no Scouts on tonight due to the Guides holding a centenery celebration, we will present the badges when Scouts resume on Friday the 26th March. In spite of being such a large group our impact on the other swimmers was minimal. Thanks to everyone for being on their best behaviour.

The Hostelling weekend at Loch Lomond will take place tomorrow and Sunday. If you have already filled in a form to say you are going please complete the attached permission form and return with your payment of £20. All bedding and cutlery and crockery is supplied by the hostel. There is no requirement for uniform, however you should wear your neckie. You will need a packed lunch for  Saturday.  Remember waterproofs and hiking boots / strong shoes for the walk on Saturday. Weather permitting we will be playing wide games so don't forget your torch (and batteries!)  Thanks to everyone that has offered help with transport. See you at the church hall at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. 

12th March

SWIMMING TONIGHT IS AT 6:30 P.M.

We should finish around 8:15 p.m. Bring shorts and T-shirt or pyjamas if you are planning to try for the swimming badge. Remember to bring your £1 subs and your completed permission form.

There will be no Scouts on Friday the 19th as the Guides are holding a centenery celebration. Scouts resume as normal on Friday the 26th March.

The Hostelling weekend at Loch Lomond will take place on Saturday / Sunday the 20th / 21st March. If you have already filled in a form to say you are going please complete the attached permission form and return with your payment of £20 by tonight. If you have not returned a form please call me as soon as possible to see if we can arrange extra space at the hostel. All bedding and cutlery and crockery is supplied by the hostel. There is no requirement for uniform, however you should wear your neckie. You will need a packed lunch for Saturday. Weather permitting we will be playing wide games so don't forget your torch (and batteries!) We do not have enough space in the leaders cars to transport everyone so we will need parents help. We will be walking on the Saturday so anyone that wants to join the walk and can provide transport is welcome. We will also need to arrange pick up from the hostel around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. If anyone would like to overnight at the hostel then that could also be arranged. So far I have had one offer for transport we need more to ensure that everyone can attend.

Tonight the hall is in use by the Kingcase Players so we will be holding a Swimming Badge night at Troon Pool. There will be three groups of swimmers: Scouts without no swimming badge going for their stage 2 badge, those with their stage 2 going for their stage 3 badge and those that already have stage 3. Please note that you need to be able to swim to attend this evening and that the kids pool is out of bounds. We try to cause as little disruption to the normal pool users so you need to be on your best behaviour. If you plan to go along then fill in the slip below and bring along on the night.

There will be no Scouts on Friday the 19th as the Guides are holding a centenery celebration. Scouts resume as normal on Friday the 26th March.

5th March

The Hostelling weekend at Loch Lomond has now been booked for Saturday / Sunday the 20th / 21st March. If you have already filled in a form to say you are going please complete the attached permission form and return with your payment of £20 by Friday the 12th March. If you have not returned a form please call me as soon as possible to see if we can arrange extra space at the hostel. All bedding and cutlery and crockery is supplied by the hostel. There is no requirement for uniform, however you should wear your neckie. Weather permitting we will be playing wide games so don't forget your torch (and batteries!) We do not have enough space in the leaders cars to transport everyone so we will need parents help. We will be walking on the Saturday so anyone that wants to join the walk and can provide transport is welcome. We will also need to arrange pick up from the hostel around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. If anyone would like to overnight at the hostel then that could also be arranged. Please let me know as soon as possible if you can help out.

Next Friday the hall is in use by the Kingcase Players so we will be holding a Swimming Badge night at Troon Pool. There will be three groups of swimmers: Scouts without no swimming badge going for their stage 2 badge, those with their stage 2 going for their stage 3 badge and those that already have stage 3. Please note that you need to be able to swim to attend this evening and that the kids pool is out of bounds. We try to cause as little disruption to the normal pool users so you need to be on your best behaviour. If you plan to go along then fill in the slip below and bring along on the night. MEET AT TROON POOL AT 6.30 P.M.

There will be no Scouts on Friday the 19th as the Guides are holding a centenery celebration. Scouts resume as normal on Friday the 26th March.

18th February

It was good to see such a large turnout for the walk at Stinchar Bridge a couple of weeks ago. Congratulations to Stewart A, Matthew, Zoë and Craig on breaking their Hikes Away duck and to John, Connor and Josh on getting their Hikes Away Stage 5.

The Thinking Day service will be at Kingcase Church on Sunday the 21st February. We have always had a respectable turn out at previous services and I hope that everyone makes a special effort to ensure this one is no different. Attending this service will meet one of the requirements for the Promise Challenge. Meet at the church hall at 11:00 a.m. The service should finish around 12:00 p.m.

We are currently planning a walk in the Loch Lomond region (hopefully Ben Lomond) with an overnight stay at Auchendennan Youth Hostel. To verify availability at the Hostel we need to get an indication of the numbers planning to go. The event will take place on the Saturday the 20th and Sunday 21st March and will cost £20. If you plan to go, please fill in the form and return by tomorrow night. Once again, depending on numbers we may require help with transport.

There is a District canoeing day planned for Sunday the 13th of June at Castle Semple. The cost will be £25 and places are limited. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to go, by returning the tear off strip. If there are not enough places to meet demand, then names will be drawn out of a hat to decide who will go. (You need to be able to swim 25m fully clothed and tread water for 5 minutes.)

5th February

Congratulations to Jason, Kerry, Jack, Hanna, Ross and Arran on completing their Creative Challenge and to Stuart on completing his Global Challenge. Tonight you will have a list of challenges you should be looking to complete by June and a list of the outstanding tasks you need to do. If you can get eight Challenges completed you will qualify for your Gold Chief Scout Award. While we cover most of the Challenges during Scout nights you still need to put in a bit of extra effort to get the others.

Well done to Jack on gaining his Physical Recreation badge. A listing of activity badge requirements is at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/badges/scout-activity-index.htm You should look over this and pick out badges that you think you can achieve, and discuss with a leader.

Everyone going on the walk tomorrow should meet at Kingcase Church at 9:00 a.m. You will be dropped off at home some time after 3:00 p.m. We may need help with transport, so any parents that provide transport are welcome to come along on the walk. Remember to dress for the weather (hat, gloves, layers of clothing and waterproofs) and bring water and a packed lunch. If you have not already done so, fill in the attached form and return to Ian.

We are currently planning a walk in the Loch Lomond region (hopefully Ben Lomond) with an overnight stay at Auchendennan Youth Hostel. To verify availability at the Hostel we need to get an indication of the numbers planning to go. The event will take place on the Saturday the 20th and Sunday 21st March and will cost £20. If you plan to go, please fill in the tear off strip below and return by February 20th. Once again, depending on numbers we may require help with transport.

No Scouts next week due to the school holidays. Early reminder that the Thinking Day service will be at Kingcase Church on Sunday the 21st February. We have always had a respectable turn out at previous service and I hope that everyone makes a special effort to ensure this one is no different. Attending this service will meet one of the requirements for the Promise Challenge.

29th January

The walk on Saturday 6th February is now confirmed and will be in the area around Stinchar Bridge.. Meet at Kingcase Church at 9:00 a.m. You will be dropped off at home some time after 3:00 p.m. We may need help with transport, so any parents that provide transport are welcome to come along on the walk. It will be cold and there will possibly be some snow lying so remember to dress for the weather (hat, gloves, layers of clothing and waterproofs) and bring water and a packed lunch. If you are wish to come along on the walk, fill in the attached form and return no later than Friday the 5th February.

22nd January

The walk planned in the Glentrool area will take place on Saturday 6th February. Details will be supplied next week, however start time will be around 8:30 a.m. with a drop off at home around 4:00 p.m. We may need help with transport, so any parents that provide transport are welcome to come along on the walk. Remember to dress for the weather and bring water and a packed lunch. Please be prepared to indicate next Friday whether you are coming or not.

Final reminder to anyone that has not paid capitation fees to do so as soon as possible. Payment to the Scout Association will be made shortly.

8th January

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that you got all you wanted for Christmas and had a good break.

Here is a list of our planned activities up till the summer break:

• Saturday, 6th February - Hike in Glen Trool area
• Friday, 12th February - Holiday
• Sunday, 21st February - Thinking Day Service
• Sat / Sun, 20th/21st March - Hostelling Weekend at Loch Lomond (Could switch to following weekend)
• Friday, 2nd April - Holiday
• Friday, 9th April - Holiday
• Friday, 16th April - Holiday
• Fri - Sun 23-25th April - District PL Training Camp (2nd and 3rd year Scouts)
• Friday, 30th April - Swimming night at Troon Pool
• Fri - Sun, 21st - 23rd May - Camp, Culzean
• Friday 28th May - Holiday
• Saturday 12th June - Cycle round Millport
• Sunday, 13th June - District Canoeing Taster Day, Castle Semple Loch
• Friday, 25th June - Climbing Wall at Govan

These dates are provisional and will be uploaded to the website calendar shortly.

As always we will probably require help with transport to and from events and, where appropriate, parents providing transport will be welcome to take part in the event. Thanks to all the parents who have already provided transport in the past.

The Loch Lomond Hostelling weekend will include the obligatory attempt to walk up Ben Lomond and an overnight stay at Auchendennan Youth Hostel. In the likely event of adverse weather conditions an alternative walk will be organised in the Loch Lomond area.

The trip to the Climbing Wall and the Loch Lomond Hostelling need advance numbers to plan and cost accurately. It is important that you decide well in advance if you are going or not and forms asking for deposits will be issued 4 to 8 weeks prior to the data. Estimated costs would be £17.50 for the climbing wall, £20 for the Loch Lomond hostelling and £25 for the Culzean camp.

Thanks to everyone who has already paid their annual £25 capitation fees. Anyone who has not done so should bring their payment along to the next meeting inside an envelope marked with their name and "Capitation Fees". If paying by cheque please make them payable to 12th Ayrshire Scout Troop.