Beavers have a very “Merry” time

The end of term saw the Beavers enjoy a Christmas party, full of games and fun. The Beavers all brought food with them to make a massive Buffett, but started off the evening by playing the games.

After rounds of musical statues, the North pole game and even Limbo the fun had really started. The Beavers then challenged the Leaders to a snow ball fight, with paper snowballs.

After thrashing the leaders at the snowball fight (but only just!!), the hungry Beavers all descended on to the top floor to tuck in to the feast that had been set up.

Once the food had all gone, there remained time left for a few more games before the Beavers were all given a card and present from the Leaders.

Beavers learn to cook at Nando’s

The Beaver section was treated to a wonderful evening out at Nando’s restaurant Kettering. The restaurant had kindly offered to show the group around the restaurant and then gave them all the opportunity to make their own supper.

Upon arrival we were joined by Barcy the mascot of the restaurant and much to the delight of the Beavers he turned out to be a 7 ft chicken!!

We were given our own area in the restaurant with enough place settings for the whole group. A tour of the restaurant followed with the Beavers looking inside the kitchen, prep area and best of all, the walk in fridge.

Unfortunately the manager would not allow Rabbit to lock all the Beavers in. We returned to our seats for a quiz on the restaurant with the winners getting a free dessert voucher.

Once we had seen the back area of the restaurant, the Beavers were shown how to make their own Chicken roll by putting in fresh salad, chicken breast and mayonnaise. Most of the Beavers decided to add their own magic ingredient and covered the roll in Ketchup!!

The Beavers were able to help themselves to drinks from the soda machine, and then the restaurant fell silent as the Beavers ate.

Once they had finished the Beavers were treated to ice lollies and as they were picked up they were given gift bags containing Balloons, games and a voucher for a meal as well.

Everyone had a wonderful time and left the restaurant full, with exception of the 2 Cubs that tried to sneak in with us and were caught and left to do the washing up.

A huge Thank you goes to Hazel and her team for having us for the evening, we had a wonderful time.

Halloween comes early for Beavers and Cubs

Saturday 17th October 2009 Halloween celebrations came early this year for the Group’s Beavers and Cubs, as the two sections held their joint Halloween Party at the Working Men’s club. Ticket sales went through the roof and just over 250 (it would have been more but for the strict fire regulations) people came to join in the fun. The room was bursting at the seams with Beavers, Cubs, Parents and Friends all dressed in various costumes and masks (not that you could tell with some of the leaders as they look like that all the time!!) The Hall was decorated from top to bottom with scary skeletons and monsters (though that was just the guests!) Plenty of food had been provided and the stage was littered with prizes that had been donated for the evening. Add to all that a DJ and the party was well and truly set.

The scary cakes brought by the parents were very realistic, so much so that Fox had trouble sleeping that night because she was so scared by them.

The evening kicked off with some games provided by Squirrel, Ladybird and Butterfly (for the older ones amongst you, the witches of Eastwick) with prizes for everyone that took part.

Shere Khan and Kaa helped to judge the Fancy Dress Competition, which included the parents having to perform a scary dance (and boy was it scary...but for all the wrong reasons!!). Mole was the overall winner (wearing his special weekend-only outfit!!) Bumble Bee and Baloo were kept out of trouble selling Glowsticks, chocolate apples and raffle tickets and the partygoers were having the time of their lives. A Buffet followed with the queue around the block as everyone tucked into the delightful spread that had been provided by lots of helpers and parents. Once everyone had taken their fill, it was time to sit back and be entertained by Rabbit who announced the winners of the Raffle prizes, Dance Competition and Cake Competition.

In time-honoured tradition, Rabbit also conducted the auction where people battled for the top selection of prizes including an I-pod, Nintendo Wii and tickets to see Robbie Williams. Rabbit literally paid with the shirt off his back as he auctioned his Beaveree shirt that had been signed by David Seaman.

A Special Presentation was made in the form of a Thanks Badge to Richard Wilson for his outstanding efforts in helping with various projects at the Headquarters. With all the prizes gone, the lights were turned out and the music cranked up to really get the party going.

After dancing the night away, tired Beavers and Cubs were taken home to recover ready for the next one.

Over £1,300.00 was raised to help the Sections arrange trips away and fun programmes for the future.

The Group would like to send a massive ‘Thank you’ to everyone for coming and supporting the event, and to everyone who prepared food, brought food, set up the hall, cleared the hall, gathered prizes, donated prizes and helped on the night. Phew! Thank-you all!

Also a huge ‘Thank you’ to the Leaders who helped organise the event because without you it would not have been possible..........

Rabbit

1^st Irthlingborough prove that they can LE “GO all the way”.

Saturday 12th September 2009 On Saturday 12th September 73 members of the group took part in a trip to LEGO land Windsor. Setting off a dawn a coach took a massive 50 Beavers and Cubs to LEGO land with a minibus full of leaders following closely behind. We stopped off along the way to allow the children a break (...this also allowed Rabbit and the leaders to catch them up in the minibus as this had been limited to 20mph!!) Eventually we arrived at LEGO land, the coach bursting at the seams with excited children; we got our tickets and went into the park for a day of fun. We went on many different rides, with some of us getting wet in the process. The Leaders challenged the Beavers and Cubs to a race in the LEGO car simulator, with most of us losing!!!!!

We rode a Dragon rollercoaster, spider spinners, a runaway Unicorn, Viking rowing boat and much more.

Some of the children gained their driving license at the driving school. With them all offering to drive the mini bus home (it was probably safe to let them bearing, in mind how fast it went!!).

We all had a packed lunch in the park and refilled our energy tanks, ready for more fun in the afternoon.

Many of the children battled the Laser raiders. This involved sitting in cars shooting a laser gun at targets, some of them very scary indeed, (the children that is not the monsters they were shooting).

The Beavers got to train as Fire fighters and many beat Rabbit to putting the fire out. This proved once again that they were the best (as always), and that Rabbit needs to keep on practising (luckily his job allows plenty of that!!).

Some of the Beavers were lucky enough to bump into a super star, in the form of ex England goalkeeper David Seaman who took time to have his picture with the Beavers and also signed Rabbits shirt, ready for auction at the Halloween party.

Next the Beavers went to miniland to see the models that were on display and could not believe the size of them. We managed to go around London, France, Holland and even Kennedy space centre in just one day.

A visit to the gift shop rounded off the visit to the park, which despite all of the fun had to come to an end. All of the children took home a piece of LEGO or other treats to remind them of the fun they had.

The day concluded with a trip to McDonalds where all of the children were fed like clock work thanks to the staff there. We then set off on the coach for the return journey home.

Rabbit lead the way and demonstrated why he did not go on the driving school ride, by taking the coach across half the country trying to find a way back after a road was closed. Still we made up on the time by cruising at 30mph down the motorway, eventually arriving back in Irthlingborough with some very tired but totally satisfied children.

Beaver hike

The Beavers took part in a hike around irthlingborough lakes as part of their hikes away badge.

As the Beavers wandered around they played animal bingo where they had to find animals starting with various letters to spell Beavers hike. Everyone did very well with some spotting a robin and heron at the lakes!!

The gang stopped for a quick biscuit and drink on the way around and they finished in the play area for a final play. Badges will be awarded to those that took part.

Rabbit

Beavers and Cubs are Carnival Champs (Again & Again). Saturday 4^th September 2009

During the summer holidays (well, holidays for some people anyway) the Scout Hut took on the looks of a builder’s yard as the Sections put in a wonderful effort in building this year’s carnival float. Somewhere amongst the paint and mountains of wood and cardboard, little Beavers and Cubs could be found making items to place on our ‘Hogwarts’ float.

With the help from Leaders and parents alike the float slowly but surely emerged....and what a float it was. Hogwarts was brought to life with many items from the films being put on during the late Friday night build.

The float was all but finished by the Saturday morning and only the final touches (including a sound system to boom out the Harry Potter theme tune) needed to be added.

With baited breath, the leaders awaited the arrival of the Beavers and Cubs, all of whom were supposed to be dressed as Wizards, members of the quidditch team and other various characters.

Beavers and Cubs did not disappoint!!

A mass of children dressed as characters from the film arrived and this really lit the float up. With this much effort having been put in by everyone, Beavers, Cubs and Leaders alike could almost smell victory.

Just to put the icing on the cake, several Leaders dressed up as well.

The Beavers and Cubs mounted the float and Hogwarts came to life. With the film soundtrack basting out, the float set off. All the Beavers, Cubs and leaders on the float waved to the crowds as the people of the town admired their masterpiece. At end of the day the group was awarded two 1^st places, bettering last year’s achievement.

A BIG thank you to everyone who helped with the organisation, building and painting of the float, and not forgetting all the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts (who dressed up superbly) and to their parents for making the costumes.

Life Skills taught to the Beavers (but have they put them to use yet??). 8^th and 10^th July 2009

Parents, prepare to be impressed at home over the next few weeks!! Why I hear you cry?? Well the Beavers have all learnt some new life skills for the days ahead!! (Shame they’re not teenagers as they’d know it all already just like the Scouts!!). The Beavers embarked on learning new life skills and were taught many new things by their Leaders. They now know how to polish their own shoes and make sure that they can tie them properly. Hopefully they are now doing this when they return home from school!!

The Beavers were also taught how to wash their hands properly and given tips on hygiene in general.

They should also now be able to show their Mums and Dads how to roll their kneckers properly and be able to tie a friendship knot in this as well (which is impressive as most leaders in the group can’t grasp this simple knot).

The Beavers were also shown how to set a table properly and fold napkins to create a fan effect; hopefully they will be given the chance to set your table at Christmas!!

Our very own Mole also helped to celebrate his Birthday on Wednesday evening; using the posh table to serve his cake (I hope they cleaned the polish off first).

Beavers take to Stanwick lakes....Twice!! - June 2009

The Beavers section took full advantage of the fine weather and visited Stanwick lakes as part of a Bike ride and a treasure hunt. With Beavers on a variety of bikes and scooters, they decided to explore the area of Stanwick and unsurprisingly they even had the energy to stop at the assault course as well!! After challenging the Leaders to a race they then continued their ride before returning to their parents. Not satisfied with this trip they then embarked on a treasure hunt.  The Beavers were challenged to search the lakes for a list of items with special attention given to finding the most unusual.

One group had to combine the two events as they had been unable to complete the bike ride due to the weather; but they had an indoor camp fire instead.

Given the success of the visits to the lakes, the leaders are busy planning more trips there and another family bike ride in the near future.

Beavering away at the Beaveree - 20^th June 2009

The Cubs awoke on the morning of the 20th June at their county cub camp and found themselves being descended upon by 38 Beavers and their Leaders, who had come to attend the Beaveree

After taking part in the biggest “Welcome” ever the Beavers went on to join in all of the fun activities that were on offer.

Many started with the inflatable obstacle course, with one leader “Badger” trying his luck against the younger Beavers. After finding himself at the back and ripping a huge hole in his trousers, he accepted defeated gracefully.

A quick change later and the Beavers were ready to move on. Surfing was the next activity to be attempted, with many of the Beavers demonstrating exactly why we don’t live near the sea!!

The Beavers then tried the huge inflatable slide, with some leaders having a go as well (but yet again the leaders were left struggling to keep up with the younger ones). After “Mole” had tumble down the rest decided it was a little too high for them.

Next the Beavers tried the Go carts, with the Leaders not having their Licenses, the Beavers hit the track and showed us all how to drive (shame they don’t have inflatable kerbs on all roads!!).

Some Beavers even tried their luck at the Bucking Bronco, showing all the leaders how to tame the bull. “Mole” lasted at least two seconds and then “Rabbit” tried his luck, riding to victory until the operator decided to actually start the ride.

Clay Pigeon shooting and it was time for the Beavers to demonstrate their shooting skills. Once they had lined up their gun sites, the Pigeons (and other wildlife) didn’t stand a chance (nor did the clay pigeons they were supposed to be shooting at!!!!).

		"Were is that wascally wabbitt??"

After the shooting, the Beavers moved on to the assault course and the climbing wall, scaling to new heights. Given the weight limit on the wall none of the leaders qualified for a go, good job too as it looked really high.

There were many other activities that the Beavers had a go at, including the craft hut were many of them made lots of souvenirs to take home and be proud of. Other activities included Drum playing, circus skills and much, much more. Some of the Beavers even had time for a quick snack or two!!!

After being treated to a barbecue back at the base camp, they went to hear a scary story being read and then had a camp fire (though this could well have been a barbecue judging by the size of it - I guess Rabbit, who's a fireman wasn't, impressed!!). After this they sang Happy Birthday to Squirrel and then were collected for the trip home, leaving the Cubs to sort out the camp and recover from the Beaver invasion.

A big Thank You goes to everyone who helped on the day

Beavers solve the crime of the Century

As part of their Explorers badge the beavers found themselves in the middle of a crime scene, when they arrived at the hut. The hut had been burgled and Twiggy the Beaver Mascot had been stolen and a ransom note left.

With the help of a Super Cop in the form of our own Andy Hunt, the Beavers were shown various techniques in helping to solve a crime.

They took finger prints and Foot prints, learnt how to write secret messages and even had their mug shots taken as part of the evidence.

Eventually the crime was solved and the mascot returned to it rightful place, and everyone was acquitted for the crime by the Beavers.

A Big thank you goes to Andy for his help on the nights.

Beaver Las Vegas

To celebrate the end of the term, the Beaver section held two Casino evening’s packed with lots of fun.

Due to the credit crunch, the Beavers all played for points rather than pounds!!. They took part in 4 games all aimed at giving them a chance to experience a casino and learn from the games.

The Beaver’s had the chance to bet on a Roulette Table, with a few even managing to guess the exact number spun. Next came a game of Black jack, with the Beavers having to get as close to 21 as they could.

A game of Dice followed, which could only be won by throwing an odd score. Lastly a game of higher or lower which was run in the style of old Bruice , “good game, good game”.

The Beavers were fed party food to keep up their high energy as they played late into the night. At the end prizes were awarded to the winners of the games, and also to everyone that played, ensuring that everyone went home happy.

The night was a major success and given the natural talents of some of the Beavers we are planning on taking them all to a real casino to make a fortune for the group. Only one problem is going to be to try and make them all look 18, anyone got 40 fake moustaches??

Beavers and Popcorn really do mix

The Beaver section embarked on a journey to the pictures as part of their Fun day activities part of their programme.

The Beavers met at Kettering’s Odeon Cinema and joined other families in the Kids club viewing of “Inkheart”.

Once Ladybird and Squirrel had purchased Popcorn and drinks, the rest of the group created a distraction so we could all sneak in our feasts brought from home!

Being the mighty Beaver section we took our place in the “Premium seating” with seats so large that half of the Beavers fell through them and the others could not touch the floor with their feet!!

Once all were settled in the 3 rows we were allocated, the lights turned down and the film started to play. Several Beavers and rows were neede to separate Butterfly and Rabbit and to stop them from sharing each others Popcorn on the back row!!

The film was great and told the story of a man who could bring things to life by reading the books and the adventures that followed.

After watching the film, the Beavers were collected from the cinema both full of popcorn and tales to tell about the film.