The Woggle

GSL's Update

Chess Champions from Saturn Pack

Congratulations to Luke Wells and Matthew Roberts of Saturn Pack who won their respective age group tournaments at the District Chess Championships held recently. Luke and Matthew will now represent Havant District at the County Finals in March.

80th Birthday Camp

Thank you to those of you who have returned your forms, or registered online for our Birthday Camp in June.

Although in a moment of madness, I put a "reply by date" of end January, it is not too late to register.

We hope every Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer will take part and that many parents and families will join in as well.

Additional forms are available in the reception area of the HQ, or go to our website and select the picture of the tent for online registration.

More information on our activities can be found on the reverse side of this newsletter.

Shark Troop Opens

Our third Scout Troop, Shark Troop, will hold their first meeting on Monday 23rd February. The opening of this troop is the next stage in our expansion project to be able to reduce our waiting lists and offer the fun of Scouting to more young people on Hayling Island.

The troop will be led by Aaron Pycroft, assisted by Jordan Reed who originally joined the Group as a Beaver over 12 years ago. Aaron is transferring from Jupiter Cub Pack which will continue to be run by Andrea Heath and Simon Rigden.

Good Luck, Sharks.

Aquatic Duck Marathon

Thank you to those of you who have found sponsors for ducks for this event. I was hoping that we would sell a few more and it is not too late. All I ask you to do is to find 10 people each willing to sponsor a duck for £1, write their name and telephone number on the sponsor sheet and make sure the forms and money are returned to me by Friday 27th February.

Sponsor forms and details on this event can be found on our website (select the duck) or in the reception area of the HQ.

Remember - all profits will be used to subsidise the cost of activities for our Birthday Camp - so everyone will benefit.

Annual Census

Each year, at the end of January, we have to complete a census of membership. We have seen a growth of over 10% since last year with more Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, and the same number of Beavers. As a result of being able to open Mars Pack in September the Cub sections have shown the greatest increase.

This is a direct result of the effort put in each week by our Leaders.

Lego / Duplo Bricks

Our collection is underway - thank you!

For our Birthday Camp and for general use, we are looking to create a stock of Lego and Duplo bricks. In fact we are looking for as many as possible and will use a combination of donation and purchase to complete our collection.

If you come across any bricks for example at car boot sales, could I please ask you to purchase these and we will refund the money.

If anyone has any ideas of other sources then please let us know.

100 Club 2009
Our 100 Club will start in April 2009. Details and application forms will be sent out in the next few days. It will cost £24 to join for the year and there are 41 prizes throughout the year. Each month there will be 3 prizes of £25, a prize of £50 each quarter and one annual prize of £100. The profits from the 100 Club support Group funds.

Our Birthday Badge

Our Birthday badge is now available and all members of the Group should have received one. If not then please speak to your leader.

Lions go to Camp
By the time you receive this newsletter, Lion Troop will have held the first camp of 2009.

Nearly 20 Scouts and leaders spent the weekend learning some basic Scouting skills.

Young Leader Training
Five of our Explorers recently attended a Young Leader training weekend. Young Leaders is the name given to anyone aged between 14 and 18 who regularly helps at one of the other sections. They may also be active members of an Explorer Unit (as these 5 were) or they can be just Young Leaders.

The training gave them a practical insight into being a Leader in Scouting, learning some classic leadership techniques as well as some programme ideas.

At the moment a total of 10 of our Explorers also act as Young Leaders in the Group and they provide a valuable service to the section.

Did you gain a top award with Hayling Scouts?
Since 1992 we have recorded every top award presented to members of Hayling Scouts. We also have the names of some recipients from 1980, but it would be great if we could complete the history of top award holders in the Group. If you gained the top award as a Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer, Senior, Rover or Venture Scout then please let us know. You can complete a form on our website or call me on 02392462786 with details. If you know of anyone who achieved this please pass on the contact information.

You can see our current Roll of Honour on our website under badges and awards.

Subscriptions
Just a reminder that our subscriptions will increase to £24 per term from April 2009. You should have all received a leaflet explaining what happens to subs and also a standing order form to be sent to your bank for those of you paying (or wanting to pay) by this method.

Want to know what your child's section is doing?
Then take a look at the "Section News" on our website.

Can you give us 20 hours a year?
In addition to our sections a key element of our Group is the Group Development Team (GDT). This team is the management team of the Group and is responsible for the provision of facilities and equipment required by the Leaders.

With the recent expansion of the Group we would now like to increase the GDT by a minimum of 2 Parent Reps. There are 7 meetings a year. To find out more contact Ian Hawke or Phil Blosse.

80th Birthday Family Camp
Our list of activities is growing. Whilst we do not want to give away all of our secrets, we will have a Climbing Tower, a number of inflatable games, castles and assault courses suitable for all ages and the team are working on a series of challenges and initiative tests as well as some more traditional Scouting activities such as whittling, cooking, and fire lighting.

What Happens Next?
In a few weeks time, probably after Easter, we will provide an information pack to every family which will provide more information on the activities, the menu and camping arrangements. This will also include a statement of account for fees. The final cost will be dependent on how many take part and how much we raise at our Duck Race at the beginning of March.

In the meantime if you have any questions please contact your Leader or myself.

Dates for your Diary are Friday 26th-28th June 2009