Brownies 90 th Birthday

2004 sees the 90 th anniversary of Brownies and we are also celebrating the launch of a new programme. This has brought us new resources, books and badges. It has given us all an opportunity to look at the way we run our meetings and gives the girls a bigger say in what they do.

Two units in Sidcup East District decided to join the region celebration in January. So 20 Brownies and four leaders from 9 th Sidcup and 1 st North Cray joined a coach on a Friday night and set off for Butlins at Bognor Regis for 'Funtasia'.

We all had a good time. The girls were all able to use the Butlins facilities including the lovely Waterworld. There were extra activities such as line dancing, disco and crafts and a Redcoats pantomime. At the end there was a stage show telling the 90 year history of Brownie Uniforms. All the girls had a marvelous time and were so happy that the leaders enjoyed it too. Freda Morris - Guider

2nd Erith Cubs Nathoo.

Just a line to let you know that we attended a district rally camp on 1st May, bank holiday, for 4 days.  It was a camp under canvas and was very wet. The theme was the Olympics and all the children really enjoyed it.  Everyone joined in and the children found potential which they did not know they had.  It was headed by Marie Thomas and her team and was run very well. We will definately be attending the next one. Our main pack holiday this year co-insides with the Guiness book of records giant sleep over attempt and the Nathoo cub pack will be entering in for this. This will be taking place in June and there are a lot sponsors backing this event so we look forward to a fun packed camp. We are also teaming up with our sister pack Mowgli for a science night on June 12th which will get the children through their science badge - can't wait. There is loads of help and idea's out there its just a matter of tapping them. Thank you, Lyn Beeson, Akela, 2nd Erith Nathoo (thanks Lyn, TWO articles!)

Malvern Challenge

During the weekend of 25 th / 27 th June 2004 the 18 th Erith ( St Andrews ) Scouts travelled to Cleeve Hill, Near Cheltenham to take part in the 20 th Malvern Challenge. Despite wind and driving rain two teams of 5 scouts negotiated the 8-mile course and eight bases which included abseiling, rifle shooting, laser clay shooting and a first aid scenario. There were 420 teams entered.

The event included nightly entertainment and also a Fayre on Sunday where they could choose 10 activities from a list of approx 30; e.g. bouncy boxing, driving a car, rodeo bull, karaoke.

It was a tremendous success and all boys have asked to be entered again next year.

Ann Anderson, Scout Leader 18th Erith Scouts