adventure
Inspiration in a box
Warhammer has partnered with the Scouts in the UK, proudly sponsoring the Model Maker Activity Badge. By sponsoring this Badge they have very created Games Workshop to provide young people with new and creative ways to learn skills for life.
In November 2021 the 14th Ayrshire Scouts (Prestwick) attending the fantastic Games Workshops in the Warhammer shop in Ayr. All the young people left feeling inspired. They were immersed in new, fantastical worlds which stoked their imaginations.
Warhammer is the world’s greatest miniatures game. It is also an immensely creative hobby that help a young person’s inner artist flourish, whilst also encouraging social activities and group interaction – something Scouts from the 14th Ayrshire really enjoyed. They also left with a fantastic goodie bag to continue with the model making.
Scout Eric said ‘I had a great time. When I got home from the workshop I got straight into building my second model. Thanks’
All the models the young people built were made from recyclable plastic, which was another topic they covered in the workshop. They found out they they could play different games with the figures. A war game … or a game with dice, almost like chess. Playing theses games can help to learn about strategies, decision making and numeracy.
Scout Leader Joanne King from the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group said ‘seeing how the young people worked together, helping each other (once again) was great. They all seemed interested in what they were doing, and seeing all the finished figures around the shop inspired them! Huge thank you to Austen at Warhammer, Ayr. Great workshop.’
Scout Finlay wasted no time spending his birthday money on his new hobby.
The 14th Ayrshire Scout Group would like to thank Austen and his team at Warhammer, Ayr for all the time and work they put into making these workshops a roaring success. The Scouts had the best time EVER!
If you are interested in helping out with Beavers (boys and girls aged 6 to 8), Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10), Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14), or Explorers (boys and girls aged 14 to 17) or helping in the background with things such as building maintenance, finances etc, please contact Kyle and Carrick Scouts using the link below.
If you would like to join Scouts Association in South Ayrshire we have groups across the Kyle and Carrick District. Find more information on Kyle and Carrick Scout District
Beaver & Cub Spooky Sleepover
It has been over 18 months since the Beavers and Cubs of 18th Ayrshire (St Columba) last enjoyed a sleepover, however over the Halloween weekend they ventured forth once more. The sleepover took place at Nether Auchendrane Girl Guide centre, just outside of Ayr.
Beavers stayed from the Friday night to the Saturday with Cubs from Saturday through to Sunday. There were lots of Halloween activities and treats as well as games, a scavenger hunt, mini pioneering, spooky exercises, campfires, a blind trail and the much lovedmovie night complete with hot chocolate and popcorn.
The young people had a great time, with plenty of laughter and high jinx! A few super excited little souls found sleep difficult to come by, keeping their poor Leaders up till the wee small hours! Nevertheless we can’t wait to do it all again.
And plans are already in place. Next March Beavers and Cubs are heading off to Dumfries House outdoor activity centre to continue their nights away adventures.
If you are interested in helping out with Beavers (boys and girls aged 6 to 8), Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10), Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14), or Explorers (boys and girls aged 14 to 17) or helping in the background with things such as building maintenance, finances etc, please contact Kyle and Carrick Scouts using the link below.
If you would like to join Scouts Association in South Ayrshire we have groups across the Kyle and Carrick District. Find more information on Kyle and Carrick Scout District
Open young people’s eyes…
I want the public to know how Scouting continues to open young people’s eyes to a world of extraordinary promise and possibilities.’
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout
If you are interested in helping out with Beavers (boys and girls aged 6 to 8), Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10), Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14), or Explorers (boys and girls aged 14 to 17) or helping in the background with things such as building maintenance, finances etc, please contact Kyle and Carrick Scouts using the link below.
If you would like to join Scouts Association in South Ayrshire we have groups across the Kyle and Carrick District. Find more information on Kyle and Carrick Scout District
All Aboard….
My week at Summer School with Prestwick Sailing Club. By Sandy Maitland, 14th Ayrshire Cubs Scouts (Prestwick)
After our taster sailing session with the Cubs a few weeks ago, I loved it so much I wanted to do it again! So I signed up for the summer sailing school to do a whole week of sailing.
It was a really busy and tiring week but I had so much fun. It was from 9:30am – 4:30pm every day for 5 days! And it was super sunny every single day!!!
On the Monday we were asked to choose a seat at a table, and while we met our other students, our instructor taped our names onto each place. This is the same seat where we did our lectures and ate our lunches.
Each morning we had a lecture about information we’d need to know – like parts of the boat, or how to understand how the wind affects your sailing.
We sailed each morning until lunch, had some games, then sailed again in the afternoon. Normally we’d sail on the Bahias in the morning (it’s a bigger sailing boat, with 4 or 5 people and has 2 sails), then into Toppers in the afternoon (smaller boats with one sail, for 1-2 people, and can topple easier than Bahias!)
Over the week, I sailed in the Bahias, Toppers, Speedboat and a Laser. We also had fun on a big paddleboard on the Friday to finish.
I learned so many things – like tacking (steering into/against the wind), reach (the side wind), hiking (leaning out the boat backwards), using the tiller / extension (which steers the rudder), and how to capsize and right the boats.
After sailing, we got the boats back onto a trolley, rolled up the sails and took them back ashore. We all helped each other get all the boats up to the compound to be washed down before we got changed to go home.
I loved meeting and making new friends. We didn’t know each other before, but by the end of the week, we were all playing together and working as a team.
On the last day, we were presented with a RYA Log Book and our RYA Stage 1 Certificates.
I’m also excited to have earned my Cubs Stage 2 Sailing Activity badge, and Stage 1 Time on the Water Activity badges!
“I just want to say a big thank you to all the instructors. They were really kind and helpful, taught us so much and gave us lots of fun” Sandy
It was a busy, tiring week, but I really loved it! I learned so much and had fun doing it. I’m looking forward to being able to do it again!
Scout Leader Fiona for the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick) said ‘as a Leader it’s great to hear that one of the activity sessions have inspired a young person to grow their skills. Being a Cub opens up a new world of fun and adventure for young people through access to a massive range of exciting activities including camping, adventurous activities, such as climbing and sailing, plus creative and cultural pursuits. Cubs are encouraged to challenge themselves to try new things and are rewarded for effort, teamwork and leadership. Well done Sandy you definitely had an adventure on the sea.’
If you want to get involved or join the Scouts Association in Ayrshire we have groups across the Kyle and Carrick district. Find more information on Kyle and Carrick Scout District
A Lifetime of Memories
Dougie Nairn from the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick) was presented with his 30 year Long Service Award outside of St Nicholas Church, with all the Groups leaders present. I asked Dougie if he was happy to share what made him become a Scout Leader 30 years ago.
Dougie joined the Phoenix Venture Scout Unit when he was 17, encouraged by several friends who were already members. Dougie didn’t go through Cubs and Scouts but really enjoyed the activities he took part in as a Venture Scout, and the many new friends he made from across Ayrshire. At the age of 18 best friend Nigel started helping out at the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick) as he had been a Cub and Scout with the group, and eventually persuaded him to become an Assistant Scout Leader.
Dougie said‘There have been many great times at camps, particularly when there used to be District camps involving a couple of hundred Scouts from all over Ayrshire. I can remember many such camps at places like Stair, Mauchline, Culzean and Galston to name a few. The Scouts always had a great time taking part in activities like kayaking, climbing and abseiling, zip slides, orienteering, archery, bivouac building and many more activities I have forgotten I’m sure.
Residential weekends at centres like Lochgoilhead also provided opportunities to take part in activities we as a group couldn’t provide, such as sailing, raft building, burn runs, mountain biking, abseiling and hire rope activities. I even got sunburnt feet on one occasion from the amount of time I spent getting kayaks and rafts in and out of the water.
Skiing has for many years been a favourite pastime of mine, so it was great to be able to take Scouts to the snow at Cairngorm for a weekend of skiing. I don’t know how many times we made the trip over the years, but the enjoyment Nigel and I had for the sport seems to have rubbed off on one former Scout who is hoping to become a ski instructor. There are I’m sure many other activities I have forgotten, when we had authorisation there were numerous day trips to hill walk and mountain bike in the Galloway hills or take part in District challenge hikes.’
But sadly after 30 years of Scout Leadership with the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick) Dougie has decided to hang up his neckie.
Adam, Pete, Daniela, Craig, Mark and Fiona (leaders for them 14th Ayrshire Scout Group) said ‘ Dougie, you can be so proud of all that you and Nigel have done with 14th Ayrshire…you have made a tremendous difference to the lives of so many young people. Now you can appreciate those well-earned Friday evenings. 30 years, Dougie…you are an absolute star! 🌟😇🍻
Finally from all the young people, parents and leaders of the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group- new and old, we would like to thank Dougie for all he has done throughout his 30 years. Dougie will be greatly missed, but fingers crossed he will come and see us all soon.
Thank you Dougie!
If you want to get involved or join the Scouts Association in Ayrshire we have groups across the Kyle and Carrick district. Find more information on Kyle and Carrick Scout District
#LifetimeOfMemories #30years #volunteering #Scouts #Prestwick #SkillsForLife
Take A Hike
Well done to the 18th Ayrshire Beavers, Cubs and Scout on completing the Virtual Kilt Walk in aid of Lapwing Lodge.
The sun was shining, the sunscreen was slapped on – what awesome day for a hike for a great cause!
The Beavers and Cubs walked from Blackburn car park to Greenan Castle where they built fires and toasted marshmallows before heading back to Blackburn car park!
The Scouts had a wonderful day hiking starting off at Stinchar Bridge up Shalloch On Minnoch with views over to Loch Doon and The Merrick. Sandwiches always taste better when you have worked for them! 11 Scouts and Molly the dog completed Shalloch On Minnoch. The climb at the end was a bit steep but everyone managed it.
A big thank you to all the leaders, parent helpers, sponsors and of course the wonderfully active young people, it would not be possible without you all.
The 18th Ayrshire Scout Group have enjoyed many happy days enjoying the facilities at Lapwing Lodge and it would be awful if it wasn’t there next year when visit are allowed again.
It’s not to late to donate to this wonderful Scouting facility https://virtual.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/ScotlandsVirtualKiltwalk2021-18thAyrshireScouts
Remember every pound that is raised The Hunter Foundation will give a further 50% to our total.
You give £10 lapwing gets £15.
The 18th Ayrshire Beavers, Cubs and Scours have raised over £500 with still some more to come in.
If you want to get involved or join the Scouts Association in Ayrshire we have groups across the Kyle and Carrick district. Find more information on http://www.kcscouts.scot
#skillsforlife #18th Ayrshire Scout Group #kyleandcarrickscouts
I Love to go a Wandering…
Hello, my name is Harry Bevan and I am 6 years old. I have been in the 14th Ayrshire Beaver Scouts (Prestwick) since last August and I have enjoyed it because I have been able to do lots of activities. When Fiona (my Beaver leader) told us about the Hikes Away activity badge I was excited because I like hiking. I like to walk because I love climbing trees and when I have been hiking, I have come across a lot of big trees to climb
I really like climbing trees at Culzean and down by the River Ayr.
Hiking is good fun because I also get to collect sticks and if I find really big ones, my dad and I have ninja fights! Through Lockdown, my Mum, Dad and I went on a lot of hikes and I really liked spending time with them. My favourite was the last hike we did from Dundonald Castle through the woods and to Collennan Reservoir. I thought walking through the woods was exciting because there were lots of rocks to climb and when we got to the reservoir I spent ages rolling down the big hill.
I can’t wait to take some of my friends there when we are allowed to go out in groups again.
There isn’t anything I don’t like about hiking if the weather is good. If there are snacks in the bag, I am good to go! I don’t like hiking in the pouring rain because I get absolutely soaked. I remember one walk we did last Lockdown around the Fairy Knowe Trail at Barr. It wasn’t a long walk but felt like it.
We tried to eat lunch under the trees but our food got soggy!
I liked the stepping stones at the end though and want to go back when it’s dry.
Everybody should hike because they will get exercise and exercise is important to be healthy. They should also hike because they will have fun, they will see lots of different places and different types of nature. I have seen a lot of different plants including an orange mushroom at Rozelle (Mum says it’s an Orange Peel Fungus).
I am very proud getting my Hikes Away badge for 10 walks and even more proud because Fiona said no-one in the group has ever given out a stage 10 badge before. I am happy that something I like earned me a badge.
A massive well done to Harry for being the first Member of the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick ) to reach stage 10 Hikes Away Activity Badge. To earn each stage a Beaver Scout’s hike, must involve at least two hours of activity and a purpose. These walks can be anything from: exploring a country park or nature reserve on foot or going on a family ramble. All I ask is that the Beavers take some photos and tell me where they went and what wildlife they saw. I’ve loved seeing all of Harry’s walking adventures, he’s walked for more than 20 hours in all weathers to get to stage 10. He’s been a true inspiration to his fellow Beavers during Lockdown and I can’t wait to see where his adventures will take him next. (Fiona Hainey Beaver Scout Leader 14th Ayrshire Scout Group).
If you want to get involved or join the Scouts Association in Ayrshire we have groups across the Kyle and Carrick district. Find more information on http://www.kcscouts.scot
#skillsforlife
#kyleandcarrickscouts
#hikes
#adventures
Can You Help Us
FROM the back gardens to the backcountry, Kyle and Carrick District Scouts has a long history of getting many generations of young people into the outdoors.
Scouting provides life-changing experiences. But lack of funds could keep Scouts from making the most of their program. Kyle and Carrick District Scouts’s ranges from Troon to Tarbolton to Ballantrae and has 13 Scout groups at the moment.
With rising storage costs for the Scout districts activity equipment. They are urgently appealing for help in finding a new storage location. If you think that you can assist this community group then please get in touch. Please email dc@kcscouts.scot
Picture Purrrrfect
THE 14th Ayrshire Beaver Scout Group (Prestwick ) were lucky enough to have Chris from The Blue Cross Animal Charity, to speak to them over zoom on Friday 5th January.
The Blue Cross find homes for unwanted cats, dogs, small pets and horses across the UK.
The young people learnt all about how to look after a pet, as part of their Animal Friend Activity Badge. Chris from the Blue Cross was fantastic and so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about all animals. The young people even got to meet her therapy dog Alfie, who was a wee sweetheart.
Cohen and Chester loved the talk. Learning new information about animals and caring for animals. And finding out about the work the Blue Cross does. Thank you Blue Cross🐱🐶🐰🐹
Otis and Barney really enjoyed the Blue Cross session. “It was really good fun and it was good to learn more about other animals like hamsters and rabbits.”
Gregor loved the Blue Cross call tonight, he even came straight off zoom and fed Lily the cat stating “you need to look after your pets”.
Max really enjoyed the talk and learning about looking after pets.
Izaak said “that was really interesting. It would be good to raise money for pets that don’t have homes.”
Campbell said “I really really really enjoyed that because I love animals!’
Archie said ‘it was interesting to hear about what different animals need to be happy’
Even Beaver Toms cat was keen to get involved!
Adam Assistant Beaver Leader said ‘ I’ve had dogs all my life and the tips I picked up were fantastic, thanks Chris!’
Chris from the Blue Cross said ‘I really hope the Beaver group got something out of the session and enjoyed it as much as I did! They were such a lovely group with some great questions!’
‘During lockdown the Scouts Association has had to find new and creative ways to engage young people over Zoom. And the Blue Cross didn’t disappoint. The talk got all the young people involved and educated us how to look after and care for our Pets, the very best way. From hamster to dogs to horses, we learnt about them all. It was great to hear the Beavers telling stories about their animals and they also asked some great questions. No question was too much for Chris.’ Said Fiona Beaver Leader from 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick)
Thank you Blue Cross for all you do. It’s great to know 20 young people have gone away from this zoom session thinking about what their pets really need. And be better equipped if they decide to ever own a pet in the future.
If you would like to donate to the Blue Cross please follow the link https://www.bluecross.org.uk/donate
#skillsforlife
#bluecross
Kyle & Carrick District Scouts 