A quick update

We now have 19 confirmed scouts coming to Switzerland next year and a few more who I think will become a "yes", although some of the payments have yet to be forthcoming!

This is always the first hurdle, and one not to be underestimated. We believe it'll be one of the best things a scout will do but it is always a relief when a trip becomes viable due to having enough headcount. We took 17 last time and also the time before, so this is great!

So what is next?

Well, money is the immediate priority - getting it from Scouts and also organising some fund raising. We have at least 1 bag packing session the weekend of 13th & 14th December, with maybe a second session to add. But new ideas are also welcome.

After that, it'll be flight booking and arranging travel insurance then, early in 2009, sorting the programme and getting everything into full swing.

Dave

Kandersteg approaches...

There's no point me pretending to do this blogging regularly, it is all date and time stamped - to paraphrase, forgive me oh Baden-Powell, it has been nearly 5 months since my last posting.

But I am genuinely excited...

The reason is that we have just had a successful Summer Camp and that was great fun - check out the photos on our website. This, then, is usually a quieter time in the Scout Troop but one quick look at this half term's calendar proves that to be a lie! There's the Pioneer's and Forester's Activity Badges, the Mountain Bike Challenge, the first meeting of the 1st Parkwood and the Group family get together, all within a month of each other.

But the biggest reason I am excited is that we are again looking ahead less than a year to our trip to Switzerland. This trip is the reason why this blog was created in the first place, back in 2006 - look back to those postings and you might get a flavour for what it is all about. Not one to miss at all!

Dave

Back to the Blog

How late in the year does it become too late to say Happy New Year? I suspect May is probably in that category. Where has the year gone?

So, what is going on in the life of a Scout Leader? Well, this is the busiest (and my favourite) term of the year. It is great to put shorts on and be out in the warm(er) air! The things I am currently working on are:

1. May fayre
   This is next week! I need volunteers to help with an activity on the day. I also need to deck out the committee room with a past and present display.
   
2. Spring Camp
   I am collecting back in all the health declaration forms and the money. Next steps are to work out the patrols, the menu, the programme and then check the kit over. That is under control!
   
3. Baker's Dozen
   I was hoping to enter a team or 2 in this year's challenge hike but, as with the Overland, we seem to not have much interest. This is a shame (but gives me some precious time off!).
   
4. Summer Camp
   Lots to do! I have reserved the site but need to send the forms in. Then book transport, activities, menus, budgets...
   
5. Kandersteg 2009
   I am so looking forward to this already! I just hope we can retain as many of our over 14's as possible; some continuity makes it more fun for everyone (and the more the merrier!).

So, not much at all - if this was a full time, paid job. Good job I have a patient employer, really!

Dave