Friday, December 12, 2008

Photo gallery refurbishment

We are making a few changes to the management of our photo gallery. Please bear with us whilst these changes are taking place and check back frequently to see new pictures!

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Christmas is really coming

From Christingle 2008


Dear Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Parents

Well, what a lovely way to truly feel that Christmas is coming. The attendance at todays Christingle was lovely to see. So many of our group, smartly presented and in fine singing voice. Thank you to Crofton Church for making us feel so welcome again.
A big thank you to the scouts who even managed to attend after having walked into the early hours of the morning during the district night hike. I know many of you had managed only a few hours sleep. Well done for being first group home!!

We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas party on Thursday. Get ready for some festive fun and games.

Ho ho hopefully will be having a special visitor!!!

Squirrel

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Be the first to know


Do you want to keep up with the latest News from Crofton Scouts without having to visit the site every day? Now you can! How? By becoming a "Follower".

Click on the "FOLLOW THIS BLOG" link (you'll find it over on the right hand side of this page, about half way down) to find out more.

Cubs have Xscaped!

Crofton Cubs recently enjoyed an exhilarating trip to Xscape at Castleford where they enjoyed tobogganing and a game of laser quest. The trip was subsidised by the donation from the Crofton Children's Play Area Association which we were delighted to receive earlier this year.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Christmas Party

Dear Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
Christmas is coming and we're all getting very excited.
Otter is arranging the groups Christmas Party for Thursday 11th December.

After the success of last years beach party theme, this year we thought we would have a pyjama party, so come kitted out in your best bedtime gear, teddies allowed!

We hope to have a fun night of games and festivity, someone special may also make an appearance.

HoHoHoHope to see you there!
Squirrel

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Ladies Night

Dear mums, nans, aunts and friends

Otter has very kindly organised another evening for our girls night out.
She has booked a body shop party to be held in the Royal Oak, Crofton on Tuesday 25th November from 7.30.
Everyone welcome.
What a great excuse for some super Christmas shopping and all monies raised will go into the groups funds.
We hope to see you there and feel free to bring a friend.
Squirrel.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Remembrance Sunday

To all our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Leaders and Parents.
A big thank you to each of you for attending the service at Crofton Church and Memorial this morning.
We have had some lovely comments about the well behaved, smartly presented youngsters representing the Scout Group in marking such an important day.
As life becomes increasingly busy, a moment of reflection and remembrance for the sacrifices made for our futures seems even more relevant.
Thank you again
Squirrel.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Beavers Visit Build a Bear Workshop

Well what an exciting half term adventure for our beavers!
16 Beavers, leaders and some willing parent volunteers (thank you by the way!!) ventured into South Yorkshire to visit the Build a Bear Workshop.
What a night with a difference, we got to choose our bear, fill a heart with love and stuff to go inside our bear.....stuff him with soft fluffy stuff making him soft and cuddly or big and strong, and dress him our her in a fantastic outfit. We also named each of our bears and were given a birth certificate.....and best of all we got to bring our new best friend home, squirrels new friend is Florence Fudge the cuddly nurse bear. I hope you all have fun with your new friend.
Thank you to all the beavers who were brilliantly behaved and so polite....a credit to the group.
A big thank you to Kit and Badger for organising such a fun night out.....can we go again?

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Subs payment arrangements

We are delighted to welcome our new Assistant Treasurer, Hilary, who will be looking after the collection of subs from now on. Hilary will aim to attend Beaver, Cub and Scout pack meetings in the early part of each half term to collect subs directly from parents, thus giving the Leaders more time to get started with the evening's activities.

It would be helpful if parents could remember to send subs in with their child to the first meeting of each half term. Just a reminder that the preferred method of payment is by cheque made payable to "2ND WAKEFIELD CROFTON SCOUT GROUP" with your child's / children's name on the back. Alternatively cash in a SEALED ENVELOPE, again CLEARLY MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME.

Camp fees will continue to be paid via the Section Leaders.

In the new year we shall be looking to introduce an electronic payment option, possibly spreading the annual subs across twelve equal monthly payments (of £6.50). Details to follow.

Holland Camp photos and more

From 2008 August Holland Camp


Skip has sent me a large number of photos which can now be seen in the following Albums in our Gallery:


  • 2007 Night Hike

  • 2008 Narrowboat

  • 2008 August Holland Camp

  • 2008 September - Aldwark

  • 2008 September - Climbing

  • 2008 October - Survival camp

  • 2008 06 District Camp (new photos added)

What's been happening this term?

Its been a busy and fun start to the Autumn term and we now look forward to Winter term.
The Beavers had a creative time at the District craft event making lots of sticky mess and are soon off to Meadowhall to visit the Build a Bear Factory with each Beaver hoping to come home with a new furry pal.
Three of our Cubs who took part in the Live 07 event at the O2 arena last year enjoyed a fun day out & BBQ organised by the County team to thank them for all their hard work and commitment last year.
The Cubs have also been busy with the wardens from Anglers Country Park building bird houses.
Thanks to the team at Wakefield fire station for showing our Beavers and Cubs around this term. Fun night had by all.
The Scouts have been learning essential Emergency Aid skills and will complete their learning with the final session concentrating on CPR, completing their Emergency Aid Badge. Thanks to Helen from the St Johns Ambulance. A few of the older scouts braved the autumnal nights on the district survival camp. Well done Guys!! Rather you than Squirrel who likes her warm cosy bed!!!
New members, young or old, are always welcome to join the group. Please direct enquiries via our section leaders or Group Scout Leader who can be contacted using the information from our ‘contact us’ page.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

GiftAid generates £800 for scout funds

We received confirmation today that our most recent GiftAid claim, relating to subs payments made in the year ending 31st March 2008, has been accepted by HM Revenue & Customs. This has resulted in a payment direct to Group funds of a massive £800.27.

This highlights just how important it is that the Group maintains an up to date register of Gift Aid Declarations. If eligible, a parent will normally need only complete a declaration form once, as it may remain valid for six years.

If you are a parent of one of our beavers, cubs or scouts and can't remember whether you have filled in a Gift Aid form, please get in touch with David Brown, our treasurer, who will be able to check for you.

Monday, September 22, 2008

AGM - Thursday 25th September 7:30pm

You are cordially invited to Crofton Scout Group's Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 25th September at 7:30 p.m. - Venue: Shay Lane school.

A full account of the financial year's income and expenditure will be presented, along with reports of the activities of each of the Sections.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Leeds Half Marathon feedback

We have received a letter from Sean Kachmarski, Event Coordinator for the 2008 Gaz de France Leeds Half Marathon, thanking us for our support at this event. He says he has received a number of positive letters and emails from runners commenting on the quality of marshalls and drinks stations as well as the support and encouragement they received from the volunteers.

Crofton provided a team of 21 willing volunteers, including young people, parents and leaders, for which the Group will be rewarded with a payment of £150 for Group Funds.

Many thanks to all those who gave up their Sunday morning to help at this event.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Play Area Association

We are sorry to learn that Crofton Children's Play Area Association has dissolved through lack of support. However we are grateful for their kind donations of £75 to Crofton Beavers and an equal amount for our Cubs section. A condition of these donations is that they be used to directly benefit these two sections of our Group.

The Beaver Leaders are planning to use their money to provide a trip for our Beaver colony during the half-term break in October.

The Cub Leaders have yet to decide how best to use their donation.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Help wanted this Sunday morning

Message from Chris, our Group Scout Leader (GSL):

I have volunteered the group to run 2 feed stations and a few marshall points on the Leeds marathon this Sunday the 7th September, the group will be paid between £110 and £150 for doing this so it is a good fund raiser.

I have done this for many years and have had a lot of fun as well as raising money.

The feed stations are near Lawnswood school and in Horsforth they need to be manned from 8 45 am until midday so I think we will meet at the Weavers Green pub car park between 8am and 8.10am

If you could send a reply if you are able to help to gsl AT croftonscouts.org.uk (e-mail address on Contact page) that would be great.

We need about 20 people for this and it is a good opportunity to help the group fundraise as well as have some fun
.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

easyfundraising Quarter 2 2008

We have recently banked a cheque for £22.65 from easyfundraising for Quarter 2 2008. This total has been built up from commission on webshop purchases including £12.50 from mobile phones bought from e2save, £4.22 from P&O ferries [Holland camp], £2.00 from Purple Parking at Leeds Bradford airport, and web searches made via easysearch.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Holland Update

HOLLAND UPDATE - DAY 7

What are the three most popular scouting activities ?????????????














1) Exploring the local area

2) Cooking & Eating with friends.

3) How many Scouts you can fit in a Smart Car.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Crofton Scouts Land in Holland


This message just in from Skip:

Our scouts have arrived safely in Holland. Thought I would share this first picture from Holland with you all. The report back so far is it rained heavily yesterday, although the sun has started to shine this afternoon (in preparation for me joining them!).

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Even more camps, even more photos!


New photos are now available in our gallery from the Nostell District Camp and also from the Cubs Narrowboat experience.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Camps and photos update

 

New pictures are available to view in our Photo Gallery from the Drum Hill Camp which took place over the Spring bank holiday weekend. Also Crofton Cubs recently spent an evening pond dipping.

 

Active Kids. This Sainsbury's promotion has now finished for this year. Thank you for all your vouchers. We have enough for two three-man tents and will be placing our order this week.

 

Many of our youngsters are on camp at Nostell this weekend which means that unfortunately we cannot attend the Crofton Carnival.
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Friday, June 06, 2008

Active Kids 08 - get 'em in!

Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers have now finished, as of Wednedsay 4th June. May I on behalf of the Group thank all those people who have donated their vouchers, the current total stands at over 2700 vouchers. Last year's goodies can be seen here and this year we are hoping to have enough vouchers for a 5-man tent, so if you have any vouchers hiding in your wallets/purses that you wish to donate please get them in via the Leaders as soon as you can.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

buy.at webshop pays out £29.31

We have just received a cheque for £29.31 as commission from 12 purchases made through our buy.at webshop over the past few months.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Cubs: Tracking Signs & NCM photos


Two new albums of photos are now available in our Photo Gallery of recent Cubs events: the Tracking Signs pack night and the day trip to the National Coal Mining Museum.

Monday, May 12, 2008

easyfundraising - cheque received

We are now in receipt of our fourth cheque, for £26.60, from our EasyFundraising webshop. As some of you will remember, this shop pays commission quarterly, posting a cheque a month or so after the end of each quarter. This payment results from purchases and EasySearch web searches made between January and March 2008.

Some interesting statistics, we now have 16 Registered Members in our EasyFundraising shop, and there have been 1,299 Completed Searches, generating £9.51 for Crofton Scout Group funds, through use of EasySearch.

Friday, May 09, 2008

CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA - final total

All monies are now in following the recent charity events in which our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts took part. Many thanks to Kaa, who not only had the idea but has also handled the administration and collection of sponsor money. The Beavers raised £174 and beween them the Cubs and Scouts collected £483.65, making a magnificent total of £657.65.

Resulting from this we are delighted to pass on cheques to the CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA charity for £335, with the remaining £322.65 being retained for Group Funds.

Some of this money has been used to purchase a new events shelter, which all sections will benefit from.

The young people who took part in these events are looking forward to receiving their key rings, baseball caps and other goodies which are being given as rewards by the charity organisers.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA fundraising


Crofton Beavers recently took part in a sponsored A-to-Z word game where they had to think of as many words as possible to do with scouting. Our Cubs and Scouts also completed a sponsored walk. Over £525 has been collected so far, the proceeds of which are to be shared between the Crofton Scout Group funds and the CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA charity.

Many thanks to all the generous sponsors.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Archery



On Sunday 10th February the Wakefield District ran an archery session at the 23rd Scout HQ. This was an indoor session over a reasonably short range, suitable for Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders.

The County Activities Team are going to be holding a County Archery Competition in June, so this was a good chance to get some practice in.

See the pictures in our Gallery.

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Virgin Vie success




Squirrel reports that the recent Virgin Vie night made £73 for group funds, so many thanks to all who attended and also to the Slipper pub for hosting the event.

Events Calendar 2008



As more and more events are being added to the scouting calendar we have incorporated a Google Calendar into our Events page. By default this will display the current month but there are several different ways to navigate to different dates. Some events have further details which can be seen by clicking on the particular Event. If you wish you can even print selected pages from the calendar using the inbuilt print option.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Cubs' Christmas Party



These pictures were taken at the Cubs' Christmas Party.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

the easy way to earn £79

We are now in receipt of our third cheque, for £79.92, from our EasyFundraising webshop. As some of you will remember, this shop pays commission quarterly, posting a cheque a month or so after the end of each quarter. This payment results from purchases made between October and December 2007. Many thanks to all who have contributed towards this by using the shop in the run up to Christmas.

Monday, February 18, 2008

AK08


Sainsbury's Active Kids vouchers are back!

From 14 February 2008 to 4 June 2008, every £10 you spend with Sainsbury’s will earn 1 AK08 voucher. In Sainsbury’s Local stores you’ll get 1 voucher for every £5 spent instore. You can earn vouchers at Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Locals, Centrals and petrol stations and when you shop online at Sainsbury's.

Once again Crofton Scout Group shall be pleased to collect Sainsburys Active Kids vouchers should you wish to donate them to us - please pass your vouchers onto a Leader.

Last year we exchanged your vouchers for play and sports equipment mostly for use by the Beavers and Cubs. This year's catalogue has some interesting looking tents which could be a useful addition to our inventory!


Read more on Sainsbury's website here.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Webb Ivory nets group over £200

Our 2007 Webb Ivory campaign raised a total of £209.86 for Group Funds, so many thanks to you if you ordered something from the catalogue.

A special thank you also to Squirrel for all her hard work processing the orders and distributing the goods.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Easysearch tally almost £5



Here are the results of the first 19 weeks of use of the EasySearch web search engine by Crofton Scout Group supporters. So far the total monies raised for the Group in this way has reached £4.93.



Come on, help us make it to £5.00 !!



If you're not already with us, check out Easysearch here.

For further information, see the post announcing the launch here.

Cubs news



This term's Cubs Newsletter has been published with a few dates for your diaries and an update on what the cubs are up to this term.

You can read the new Cubs Newsletter here or follow the link from the top of the Cubs page.

If you are new to the area and want to see what you missed last year, our 2007 Cubs Calendar has now been moved into the Newsletter Archive.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Scouts take 1st & 2nd Place

Crofton Scouts take 1st & 2nd Place in MetroRun

On Saturday 19th January Crofton Scouts entered two teams in the Scout MetroRun held by Pontefract & Castleford Scout District. The Metro Run is a simple idea, visit and pass as many train stations within the Metroline area (West Yorkshire). A total of 11 Scout teams took part and 4 Explorer Scout teams.

Scouts - Metro Run January 2008


With a total of 38 stations visited by one team and 37 stations by the other, Crofton Scouts took victory in 1st and 2nd place. A lot of planning went into the event by our scouts, they had to study the timetable to allow them to call at as many station as possible between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm. Their planning and hard work paid off as they had a great day out, jumping on and off trains, and they had the added bonus of a great victory.

Well done Scouts.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

BuyAt webshop pays out

We have received a cheque for £39.28 as commission on purchases made in our BuyAt webshop.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Girls' Night Out!



VIRGIN VIE PARTY


PLEASE COME AND JOIN US ON:


WEDNESDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2008


THE SLIPPER, CROFTON


8PM ONWARDS.


All money raised donating to 2nd Wakefield (Crofton) Scout Group.