On the 9th of September, the Scouts unveiled our brand new section for 4 and 5 year olds. The introduction of Squirrels follows on from the hugely successful Early Years pilot. Just like our other sections, they are guided through a programme of activities to help them gain those vital skills needed for the rest of their lives. They will have the opportunity to make friends, have fun outdoors, and learn new things.
Each group of Squirrels are known as Dreys. There are already groups across Hampshire with Squirrel Dreys up and running and many more are opening across the country.
Squirrels in uniform playing outside
Squirrels uniform with badges
Squirrels have a diverse programme with the ability to earn:
12 Activity Badges
4 Challenge Awards
a Top Award
a Membership Award
a Joining In Award
a Moving On Award
Existing Staged Activity Badges
At the moment, Basingstoke West does not have any Squirrel Dreys. We are investigating how we can bring this exciting new section to our groups. We will update our website with the latest information as we begin the rollout. For more information about this section, please visit the Scout website.
Launching our new website
As you may have noticed, we have unveiled our brand new website providing us with a platform to share the amazing work we do within the local community. This will allow us to attract both new members and volunteers, as well as letting our existing members see the upcoming events and recent news from the district. Read on to learn more about this exciting launch.
With the scale of our existing site, we are still working on getting all our content moved over. Please bear with us as we do so, you'll notice that pages will get updated frequently. You can still access our previous website by using the menu at the top or going to archive.bwds.org.uk.
Please do explore our new website and see what you can learn about the Scouts. If you find something out-of-place, we encourage you to use our feedback system by clicking the button on the right of your screen.
Experience the best selling variety show around
With a production of classic to contemporary performances brought alive by more than 70 people in this highly entertaining show, the audience can expect to be delighted by magnificent live music and the very best comedy.
Basingstoke Gang Show is recognised as the best-selling and longest running ‘family variety show’ in our region showcasing an extremely talented cast.
The 11 performances, many over February half term week, will entertain audiences as you laugh out loud, tap your toes and sing along to the songs that you love.
This best-selling amateur production is not to be missed, as showcases the very best of local talent in the Scouts and Girlguiding Movements.
Intrigued? Book your tickets early for your family and friends to experience this feel good family show at The Haymarket.
Dates are Thursday 13th to Saturday 22nd February 2020, excluding Sunday 16th.
Matinee performances are also on Saturday 15th and 22nd February.
Adults £20.00
Children £14.00
Last night (Saturday 22nd) all seats £21
Early booking discount (book by 31st December 2019) to save £2.00 off each ticket by quoting code ‘BGS2020’ for performances on Thursday 13th, Monday 17th, Tuesday 18th February 2020
Group booking discount of £1.00 off each ticket for every 10 purchased before 31st January 2020. No discounts online
This article was written by Hampshire Scouts, to view this article click here.
Hampshire Scout on a mission to inspire
I'm on a mission to inspire millions of young people - that's the message of Hampshire Scouts ambassador James Ketchell.
The world-record holder, who covered 24,000 nautical miles over the last 175 days, says the Scouts has instilled the confidence and belief he needed to complete his mission.
James said: "I've met a lot of amazing people around the world. My flight has really confirmed that 99 per cent of people are kind and generous. I will be paying forward favours for the rest of my life, I really will."
Thank you to the 8th Bramshill, Four Marks, and James' local Scout Group, Hatch Warren, for being there to welcome our role model home.
James added: "The whole mission wasn't really about me, it's all about trying to get young people to believe that they too can do cool things or anything they want to set their mind on.
"Scouting has really instilled the confidence in me and given me the belief that I can go out there and do things I desire. I spent a lot of time in the scouts when I was young and I would say it has really shaped who I am today."
This article was written by Hampshire Scouts, to view this article click here.
Hundreds of Beavers gather in the New Forest
A sunny July weekend saw nearly 400 Beavers from 14 districts come together for the second Hampshire Beaver's County Camp.
With it being 50 years since Scouts first stepped on the moon we took that as our theme and had our Space Camp at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre in the New Forest. Months of planning came together with huge support from Hampshire Scout Archery Club,
Pro-Badge, Tanzania 2020, Top Awards Team, Young Leaders and my extended team to offer a programme including cooking, climbing, archery, exploring, games and more.
This camp was a chance for Beavers across the county to come together and see some of the adventures open to them in Scouting, it was great to see over half of our districts represented and get the support of other teams in Hampshire Scouts to create this great opportunity for our youngest members.
The camp was one of the biggest most of us will get to join in with involving nearly 600 people and so big we had to split the camp fire into 2 sessions.
We were honoured to have visits from Chip the Beaver and Peter Marcus, the new County Youth Commissioner who even got a go on the Go-Karts!
Pro-Badge joined in the fun with crafts including opportunities to make your own badge and rope and the hugely popular water rockets, I hope none landed on your tent!
This article was written by Hampshire Scouts, to view this article click here.
