North Oxfordshire District Night Hike

1st Bartons entered a team in the North Oxfordshire District night hike which started from the 1st Heyford Park Scouts HQ on Upper Heyford Air Base.  They had to plan their route after being given  8 figure grid references!. Before they set off their kit was checked: sleeping bag, survival bag, first aid kit per team and working torches, hi viz jackets per peson.  They set off at 20.10 and checked back into base at 02.10, having walked approx 10miles along unknown footpaths and roads. The route took them to Somerton, Middle and Steeple Aston and Lower Heyford.  Then it was soup back at the Scout HQ and a sleepover on the hut floor.  Not much sleep was had but everyone got back safely. It was a sucessful event and although we didn't win the large new trophy, we  came a very crediable 5th and Josh, Jim, Sam H, Tom L all earned their 35 Nights Away badge and Sarah got her 20!'

  




Community Challenge.

This term the Scouts are concentrating on their Communty Challenge and this has meant getting to know their communty.  
They delivered leaflets for the re-opening of the garage in Middle Barton and then on the Saturday morning they did a car wash. It didn't matter whether it was big or small, a bit dirty, very dirty or extremely dirty; they tackled all the vehicles with enthusism , fun and a lot of water. . . not all of which went on the cars!   One Patrol  Leader very nearly got busted back to the ranks after I suddenly got very wet! It was a brilliant day and we are very grafeful to 'Ernigrip' for letting us do it and they have very kindly said that we can do another. . . so watch this space!


 








Kidlington Airport.
As part of the Commuinty Challenge we had to visit a local amenity and we were lucky to be able to have a tour of Kidlington Airport a place many of us drive past every day to work but don't really understand what goes on behind the tall hedge. We had a tour of one of the aircraft hangers where many very expensive aircraft are repaired and serviced.  We also had a tour of the very new and shiny fire engine which has hoses on the roof and at the front that we all had a play with.  We squirted 25,000 litres of water over the runway plus a bit over ourselves! Fortunately we didn't get too wet and were allowed into the departure lounge and it was incredible seeing all the same things that you see at Birmingham or Gatwick Airport but on a smaller scale and I can't imagine the queues would be as long!





  



Eagles Patrol Camp - July 2011.

Eagles had a succesful Partol Camp at Youlbury and all gained their Outdoor Challenge Badge.  
Sarah  was promoted to PL for her efforts at planning and organising the camp.  On the Saturday night they slept out under the stars around the campfire.








11th - 13th Mar 2011 Kestrels' Patrol Camp

Kestrels have just got back from their very own patrol camp. They won this during the Autumn 2010 points competition.
They went to Youlbury Scout Activity Centre on Boars Hill, Oxford. During the camp Sam H, Luke, Josh and Sam J all gained the Outdoor Challenge badge. Also Sam H was promoted to Patrol Leader (PL)after his fine efforts in organising the camp and leading his patrol througout the weekend. His first decision as a full PL, was to confirm that Luke should be Kestrels' Assistant Patrol Leader (APL), after his excellent work as the patrols' caterer for the camp. Well done boys!





6th March- Incident hike
Our first incident hike was won by Kestrel patrol by a slim margin of three points!
Also Sarah, James, Miles, Sam H and Sam J gained their Creative Challenge badge.
Here's some pics.










This term (Spring 2011) the scouts will be concentrating on the following Challenge Badges;

Fitness & Outdoor

Last term's Creative Challenge will be finished off during the planned Incident hike in March.

Kestrels have won their very own 'Patrol Camp' in the patrol points competition. This will also be in March.

The Troop will be attempting a Challenge Hike from Middle Barton to Youlbury Scout Actvity Centre (18 miles!)at the end of March to raise money for Shelterbox.

Watch this space to see how they get on. :)

 



This term (Autumn 2010) the scouts will be concentrating on the following Challenge Badges;

Promise,
Global,
Creative

Watch this space to see how they get on. :)

Scouts attend their first JOTA/JOTI event !

11 scouts joined others from Oxfordshire to take part in Jamboree on the Air/Jamboree on the Internet 2010.
This event allows scouts to communicate with others around the world, all from a tent on a hill outside Banbury!

The scouts chatted to scouts from many countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Norway,Afghanistan and Wales!

All 11 have now received their Global Challenge Badges...an added bonus.

 


Check out this link to see what countries we contacted;

http://joti.springyweb.com/teams/1st-bartons

 6 Scouts Gain The Promise Challenge Badge

Well done to the two Sams, Luke, Sarah, Myles and Tom!
To gain this badge, the scouts had to deliver a presentation on the Scout Promise and Law, find out about World Issues, take an active part in regular 'Duty Patrol' duties and take part in a debate regarding the proposal that Facebook and Twitter are boring ! Those that had to 'agree' to the proposal found this task the hardest!!