Horsham Scout Districts' Beaver Colony Capers 2013

On Saturday 28th September 2013 more that 200 Beaver Scouts from Horsham Weald and West Scout Districts joined together Beacon Hill campsite for an afternoon of competition at the 25th Colony Capers. 


 After events including relay races, puzzles, fly fishing, slimey slug and bug hunts and a tug of war the runners up and winners were 1st St Leonards Forest - Willow Colony and 1st Cowfold Scout Group.

Well done to all the Beavers.

The event was supported by parents, members of the Horsham Scout Districts Support Unit and Explorers and Young Leaders from both Districts.

Amidst the mayhem - some remain calm!

Runners Up 2013 - 1st St Leonards Forest Scout Group (Willow Colony)

In presenting the trophies the District Commissioners Tony Finch - Horsham West and Peter Scofield - Horsham Weald thanked everyone for their contribution to another successful event.

Winners 2013 - 1st Cowfold Scout Group Beavers

Nijmegan 2013

In July 2013 a Group of Explorer Scouts took part in the International Four Day Marches at Nijmegen, Holland.This an annual event which started in the early 20th Century comprises four days of walking distances between 30 and 50 km a day draws so many participants (40,000 from 30 countries) that it has become the worlds largest walking event.
The Marches are gruelling and present a real challenge to the participants many of whom take part to raise funds for charity. 
Here is the account of Hannah Skipper - Europa ESU.

Nijmegen was one of the most unique and amazing trips I have ever experienced and I’m so grateful that I was able to take part. The trip wasn’t just the challenge of walking 100 miles but seeing so many people wanting to support you on the streets and the commitment they put in is unbelievable. Also the fact that the event brings so many people together from all around the world, we were able to become friends with other Scouts in Europe from the campsite where we stayed but we also spoke to some American GI’s and people from England too. In addition it’s an amazing way to raise money for charity as I managed to raise over £400 for the Springboard Project in Horsham

Every day we would start walking at 5 am with thousands of others, but as well as us being awake all the locals were too! They were up cheering and supporting everyone which was very dedicated, as well as the walkers it gave them a chance to party. By the third day it was becoming more of a struggle, especially after losing two members of the team, so the support from them and other walkers was much appreciated. As well as general public the Scouting medical team were amazing and I don’t think I could have got through it without them as there were times when I was experiencing quite a bit of pain but they managed to sort me out and keep me going.

 As well as the walking we were able to go and visit some of the war graves at Groesbeek, this was so nice as we were able to place some gladioli on some of the graves however it was quite emotional seeing the unknown graves but it did add to the experience of Nijmegen.

I can’t completely describe the atmosphere of the Nijmegen Marches until you go but it is incredible. I hope to go back many times in the years to come as it was an experience I don’t think I could forget.