Troop Nights
Throughout the summer we have been out and about doing what we do best, canoeing and sailing at Kings Mill, shooting at HQ, camping and backwoods skills at Robin Hood campsite and climbing at Pleasley Vale. Thankfully the horrendous summer rain didn’t put off many evenings.
Since summer camp we have been orienteering and learning navigation skills until the evenings have drawn in. For the last few weeks we have been working towards our Basic Nautical Badge, practicing for the shooting competition and county flag preparation.

The Troop
We have just said farewell to six of the older Scouts to Explorers and have welcomed eight new Scouts from the Cub pack. They joined during the summer so were able to experience the outdoor Programme. The Troop is now down to a manageable size, so that all can enjoy their scouting.
We wish you all well and hope you settle down and do well with your new sections.

Summer Activities
Slalom canoeing – following some training at Holmepierrpont with Richard Ramsdale, a group of scouts entered a BCU Slalom competition at Stone. They did fantastic, with Jonathan Weldon winning the Under 16 class with two nearly perfect runs. A very well done to all. Thanks to Tony, Paul and Steph for their help on the day.
Youngsters Training Camp - most of the younger scouts had a great weekend learning the ropes at Robin Hood campsite. Over the weekend we went rock climbing, hiking and earned the Outdoors Award Badge. Well done.
Mansfield Half Marathon – we had a brilliant turnout to man the water station on Nottingham road. The organizers thank you all very much. The scouts performed their duties professionally amongst some foul weather and were rewarded with a ‘T’ shirt. Thanks to Matt and Simon for their help on the day. 

Summer Camp
What a fantastic week. The weather was nearly perfect, just one or two thunderstorms and a wet packing up session, as usual.
We went to the Norfolk Broads near Wroxam on a scout Campsite called Decoy Broad. Following a dip in the lake every morning and after breakfast we canoed, sailed, swam and cycled, went to a theme park, abseiled down a wind mill, had shooting competitions, played on the beach, built a ballista, climbed a crate tower, cooked on open fires and had loads of fun.
A week is a long time from home for the Scouts but each and everyone did there best.
We can’t put a summer camp on without loads of help. We must thank everyone who helped with the transport, those who provided provisions, did endless shopping and cooking, everyone who sent cakes, everyone whose skills provided the activities we were all able to enjoy and those who organized an extensive Programme. Thank you all very, very much. 

Swimming Baths
As we have all seen during the Olympics, the brilliant achievements of Mansfield swimmers. We have been swimming at Sherwood baths, on Friday evenings since 1936, so let’s keep it up. We might be training the next Olympian. Get your swimming badges completed before it closes for refurbishment in March 2009.  

Shooting Club
Simon is running the Shooting club [please contact to request details] as we practice for the up and coming National competition at Bisley near London. Your chance to get that extra practice to continue 5^th Mansfield’s excellent record in this competition.

Trev.