Scouts

The 93^rd Braes Scouts have been spending a few weeks working on their DIY badge.

The challenge was to design a model car.  They were then given a block of wood and using hand tools turn their design into a model.  They then painted it.   Although they are getting to use some power tools, they are all starting with hand tools, so that they can be taught safely some skills that will hopefully help them later on in life.  The photograph above shows some of the troop, supervised by leaders and some volunteers, in the car park of their meeting place.

Scouts at the 27^th Bonnybridge were emulating Steven Spielberg when they decided to make their own films.  In groups of their own choosing the young people challenged themselves to devise a plot, write a script, create cut out shapes, before finally filming their shadow puppet stories on their phones.  They also had to edit their films and add music, if required.  All their work will culminate in a show to the troop from each of the groups.  The task ticked lots of boxes for badges and allowed them the freedom to be creative using their own ideas.

North Star Explorers hosted a youth-led Science Night showcasing initiative and independence.

From constructing slingshots to testing structural integrity, participants engaged in lively physics challenges. They also discovered non-Newtonian properties by creating oobleck, all while ensuring every aspect of the event was organised by young leaders. A station dedicated to static electricity offered hands-on experiments with balloons, sparking both curiosity and delight. By planning and facilitating the programme themselves, the Explorers learned the value of responsibility, problem-solving, and real leadership. Adult leaders provided guidance but let the youth lead, highlighting the power of active learning in cultivating confidence and stronger teamwork.

This week the members of the Stirling Gang Show, one of only six gang shows in Scotland, are taking to the stage at the MacRobert Centre.  Seventy members of the Scout Association are taking part in the main gang show and thirty youth members in the junior gang.  Although mainly consisting of Stirling District members, four members from Falkirk District join them with some members from Clackmannanshire and Perth & Kinross Districts.  John and Freya Wilson from the 3^rd Bo’ness group, Sophie Olivera from the 27^th Bonnybridge and Kirsten Harrower from Carron Valley Explorer Unit are all treading the boards for four nights.  Dare we say, ‘break a leg’, folks!        

On Sunday, 24^th November, Falkirk District Scouts attended an exclusive performance by Larbert Musical Theatre of their Pantomime Sleeping Beauty, at the Dobbie Hall in Larbert. 315 people attended from the 1st Falkirk, 2nd Torwood, 3rd Bo’ness, 5th Mount Gerald, 9th Dunipace, 27th Bonnybridge, 41st Falkirk, 51st Dennyloanhead and 62nd Larbert Scout Groups.

The cast had the audience singing along to a vast array of songs and the audience were engaged throughout. A fantastic performance to get you dancing and singing from start to finish. Well done Larbert Musical Theatre and a big thank you from all in attendance.