News and Blogs

Another Explorer Scout Unit who were busy over the Easter break were the Altitude Explorers who took part in a weekend activity camp at Fordell Firs.  They tried new and exciting activities like the 3G swing shown in the picture.  The youngsters are attached to two cables which allow them to swing.  They are then pulled up and released, first a drop and then a massive swing – enough to scare most taking part!  They also took part in (slightly less scary but just as thrilling), a climbing wall, a Zipline and a vertical ladder.  After a busy day, they slept in the new purpose-built, heated, eight-bed pods.  

Over the Easter break, six Explorer scouts from Carron Valley Explorer unit used their free time to practice their Silver DofE expedition on Loch Lomond. As part of the expedition, they have to plan their route, what equipment and food they need and navigate throughout.  Most expeditions are completed on foot, but they chose to travel by canoe and camped on the islands.  They had a great time with two days of beautiful, flat calm weather and one day of wind, waves and hailstones - all on the same weekend!  They now have to plan their qualifying expedition, in canoes again, but on a different loch. 

Members of the Antonine Explorer Scout Unit visited Orkney for an early Easter adventure at the beginning of April. The explorers enjoyed a trip to the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae.  A dip in the icy water was quickly followed by a sauna experience thanks to the kindness of the local community. They finished off their trip with the long journey back, stopping at Forsinard Flows to understand Scotland’s unique landscape. Another amazing adventure enjoyed by all.  Explorer Scours are aged 14 – 17 years.  For more information about the many Explorer Scout Units in the District go to www.falkirkscouts.org.uk

Before the Easter break, Beaver scouts from the 27^th Bonnybridge Scout Group enjoyed an exciting visit to Larbert Fire Station.  They had the opportunity to explore the fire station and learn all about the vital role firefighters play in keeping our communities safe. The firefighters gave an engaging tour, answering plenty of questions from the curious Beavers, who were eager to learn more about fire safety and rescue operations.  They were given a close-up look at the fire engines and the many different appliances used during emergencies.  The visit was both educational and inspiring and everyone left with big smiles and possibly dreams of becoming future firefighters themselves!

The 5^th Mount Gerald Cubs worked together recently to create their very own ‘bug’ hotels. They collected lots of empty toilet and kitchen rolls which were then recycled to create the "hotel rooms". They gathered a variety of sticks, grasses and bark to decorate them and have since taken them home to put in their gardens.  Hopefully lots of insects will come to visit and even take up residence.  This counts as part of their naturalist and gardener activity badges. Any enquiries about joining the Group for any of the sections – Beavers, Cubs or Scouts can be made to 5thmountgerald@gmail.com.