1st Birmingham

Hot on the heels of our successful summer camp at Dilston, Bedford and Gateshead Scouts reunited in September for our first Autumn Camp at Powburn in Northumberland. Nestled in the beautiful Cheviot Hills, Powburn provided the perfect setting for a weekend of adventure, teamwork, and traditional Scouting spirit.

Building on the friendships and experience gained over the summer, patrols worked together on a range of activities that tested their skills, initiative, and leadership — from wide games and outdoor cooking to campfire singing and stargazing. The mix of challenge, camaraderie, and fun made for a memorable few days under canvas.

On the Saturday afternoon, the Scouts took part in a special raid, which began at Bulby’s Wood in Northumberland. After enjoying lunch together, everyone spent time exploring the area before turning their attention to creating topographical sketches of the landscape. A friendly competition was held to judge the best sketch, showcasing the Scouts’ observation skills and attention to detail. Later in the day, they practiced their woodcraft techniques, honing traditional Scouting skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and patience.

As evening fell, the Troop gathered for Promise Eve — a torchlit ceremony that embodied the spirit of reflection and preparation before the making of a Scout Promise. The flicker of the torches, the stillness of the night, and the shared sense of purpose created a truly moving atmosphere.

The following Sunday afternoon brought the highlight of the weekend: the Promise Ceremony itself. Leon and Tom, escorted by their Patrol Leaders, stood before the assembled Troop to make their Scout Promises. Both had worked hard to reach this moment, progressing from Novices to Aspirants, and finally achieving the rank of Scout after demonstrating their knowledge, skill, and commitment.

For Tom, the moment carried special significance. Having moved up from the Wolf Cubs less than three months earlier, he showed remarkable dedication in completing all the requirements to become a Scout in such a short time, though, of course, none of us expected anything less from him! His achievement was met with heartfelt applause and pride from leaders and fellow Scouts alike.

The Powburn camp was a wonderful blend of adventure, reflection, and discovery, a fitting close to the summer and a strong start to the new Scouting year. As the fires burned low and the stars filled the night sky, Scouts and leaders alike left with new skills, stronger friendships, and memories that will last long after the tents were packed away.

July marked an exciting milestone with our very first international camp, a week filled with adventure, teamwork, and new friendships. The main focus of the camp was the Scouts, we were joined by patrols from Bedford, Gateshead, and Knightsbridge, along with three patrols from Paris. Together, they gathered at the beautiful Dilston Scout Campsite in Northumberland, set in the rolling countryside around 20 miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The week was packed with activities that challenged both body and mind. Scouts took part in an energetic Olympiad, tested their creativity in a cooking competition, and joined forces for the Big Game, a spectacular re-enactment that saw the Romans and Caledonians face off in an epic battle to decide the fate of the empire! The enthusiasm and teamwork shown throughout made it a highlight of the camp.

Meanwhile, Gateshead’s Wolf Cubs and, for the very first time, their Beavers branch held their own camps at Dilston. Their weekends were filled with games, outdoor adventures, and plenty of fun around the campfire. For many, it was their first taste of the magic of camping, and they loved every moment.

The week at Dilston was more than just a camp; it was a celebration of Scouting spirit, bringing together young people from different places and backgrounds to share laughter, challenges, and lasting memories. We can’t wait to build on this success and look forward to many more adventures ahead!

This Saturday, leaders from the Bedford, Gateshead, and Kensington groups were joined by leaders from the new Southwark group for a training session in Bedfordshire.  Jean-Luc Angelis, the Federation President came over from France to lead the training.  The training primarily concentrated on ‘green branch’ which is Scouts and Guides and follows up from our training camp in the Summer that concentrated on ‘yellow branch’ which is Wolf Cubs and Wolvets.     We were also delighted to meet potential leaders from other parts of the country who are looking to establish groups elsewhere.  Watch this space. 

If you are interested in starting a Catholic scouting group, please get in touch.  We would also be delighted to hear from anybody who can assist in leading an existing group.  Further training is planned for later this year for both yellow and green branches.

We currently cater for three different groups in the UK, Beavers (blue branch) for 6–8-year-old boys and girls, Wolf Cubs and Wolvets (yellow branch) for boys and girls aged 8-12, and Scouts and Guides (green branch) for boys and girls aged 12-17.  We don’t currently have any Rovers (red branch) for those aged 17 or over.

The weekend coincided with the annual Significance Festival at the same location, which was attended by everyone involved, the leaders and our guests were accompanied by a number of Wolf Cubs and Scouts from the 1^st Gateshead group, the festival concluded with an excellent barbecue which was enjoyed by all.

We are pleased to announce that Jean-Luc Angelis, the President of UIGSE-FSE, will be in the UK from 15 to 19 December 2021 to meet with prospective parents and provide initial training to the leaders. Please contact us if you would like to know more.