County Beaver Scouts Sleepover Challenge 2004

Beaver Scouts from all over Kent took part in a huge Sleepover at Buckmore Park Scout centre Chatham at the beginning of March.

Youngsters from nine different Districts slept indoors over night on two consecutive nights and enjoyed a series of outdoor activities, to enable them to complete there Outdoor and Discovery Challenge badges.

The event started on Friday night when seven and eight year old boys and girls started to arrive at the park at Blue Bell Hill. The Beaver Scouts and there Leaders braved the element and started the event with Singing around a traditional campfire.

For some children it was the first opportunity for them to sleep away from home with out a family member. The volunteer Leaders did a wonderful job providing supper and quiet games to settle the young people for the night.

After a healthy breakfast the Beaver Scout took part in a variety of out door activities including archery, tent pitching, cooking twists. Mapping. A bug hunt, tracking, an assault course as well as having fun on a rope bridge. The bases were run by volunteers from other sections and District such as Medway, Gillingham, Maidstone, Malling, Dartford, Canterbury, Strood, Weald, Folkestone, Deal and Tenterden.

Kelvin Holford the County Commissioner for Kent visited the event and joined in the Fun!

Towards the end of the event an awards ceremony was held where District Commissioners presented the Beaver Scouts with the outdoor and discovery Challenge badges as well as the nights away badge.

The aim of this event was to give Beaver Scouts and there Leaders the opportunity to experience a Sleepover using activities for all abilities in a safe environment . To encourage independence and confidence preparing them for a smooth transition into the Cub Scout section at the age of 8years old.

The Beavers had a great time and want to know when the next one will be held!

Kathy Smith