WOW, what a fantastic weekend, around 400 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers joined by Network, Fellowship and Leaders/Helpers joined in the Celebrations & fun, with the weather staying kind throughout.


96 Scouts from 9 Troops met in Grenoside Woods for a hike back to the 82nd HQ with Fun Bases manned by Don District Explorers, SY Network and The Fellowship along the way. 1st Base of Karaoke had the Scouts making up and singing their own song to any well known tune (well that was the theory), then on to "Find Wally's Car", Emergency Shelter Building, String Trail, Minefield, "Put on as much clothing as possible" (one tried to put slippers on ears) and a Mensa (as if) Quiz! The back for Hot Dogs, Soup and an early bed (but not sleep), up for a beakfast of cereal and a brisk walk to Hesley for the Outdoor Cooking Competition;
Results;
1st      82ndC     65pts (3 Max Scores)
2nd    105thA    65pts (2 Max Scores)
3rd     14thA      65pts (1 Max Score)
4th     33rdC      64pts
5th     25th         61pts
6th=   82ndA     64pts
6th=   231stA     60pts
8th     231stC     55pts
9th     33rdB      53pts
10th= 14thB      51pts
10th= 32ndA     51pts
10th= 32ndC     51pts
10th= 231stB     51pts
14th    61st         50pts
15th= 32ndB      48pts
15th= 76thB      48pts
15th= 82ndB     48pts
18th= 33rdA      45pts
18th= 105thB    45pts
20th   76thA      41pts


What is a brunch ? That was the question that I think a lot of scouts and leaders were asking themselves during the past few weeks as they prepared for the District Outdoor Cooking Competition. Some opted for the old favourite of the English Fry-up. Others tried something different from Steak Baguettes through Kebabs via pancakes, Salmon fishcakes and Wraps. One ingenious group even went part backwoods with pizzas (very nice pepperoni).

This year we had a record 20 teams competing in the competition. This pushed the ability of Hesley Wood to provide enough altar fires and grids and was a major issue early one in the competition. However when fires had been allocated the cooking started. Most needed no encouragement and help as fire sprung up all over the sites.

Soon the smell of bacon (the most beautiful smell in the world ?), sausage, steak were permeating the whole area. The judges were wandering around noting what was being cooked, monitoring how well the teams were working together and having a crafty taste.

The judging was a massive endeavour with 20 meals to taste. However somehow the judges managed to taste yet another plateful served up by the expectant scouts. Then it was on to the washing up, the task likely to send a scout running away in fear!

The well deserved winners were the team from the 61st Wincobank. 105B were second and 105A were third. (Full results and scores to be added later) Many congratulations to all the patrols and scouts who took part. All the food tasted this year was to a high standard and more importantly tasty! More photo's & video on the 32nd Stocksbridge website



Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers were mixed together from different Groups to form a Team to make new friends and work their way around fun bases of Welly Wanging, Penalty Shoot Out, Sedan Chair Building ,Jousting, String Trail, Grass Skiing, Fishing, Water Pipe, Tow The Van, Frisbee, Make a Cuppa, Croc Swamp, F1 Pit Stop, Crisp Tasting, Bush Tucker Trial, Transfer of Water (what was that tea spoon for?) and many more to fill a sunny April afternoon. Teams worked well together and most teams entered into the spirit of completing these fun tasks without adult help making new friends of all ages along the way. And the winners;
Team Leader: Alex Marsden Don Explorers
14th Scout      Oliver Clark
105th Scout    Thomas Cone
14th Cub         Matthew Barrow
82nd Cub        Jenson Barber
105th Cub      Alex Cone
82nd Beaver  Toby Brammer
82nd Beaver  William Lunn



The service was opened by Vicar Ian Smith who talked about people who inspire us, then on to District Commissioner Jim Carroll who for his last time as DC led the renewal of Promise for all sections aided by ADC's Sylvia West for Beavers and Andrew Papka for Cubs, having slightly different Promises.



County Commissioner Andy Moore presented ACC/ADC Sylvia West with The Silver Acorn once of the highest awards in Scouting only to be presented for "distinguished and outstanding service" and Sylvia has provided Scouting in the Don District and beyond with exactly that, serving as ADC for Beavers from the sections inception into Scouting for over 20 years. Sylvia's organisational skills are legendary, her devotion and dedication to her roles within Scouting would mean there was never a more deserving recipient of such a prestigous award.

A picture paints a thousand words;


ACC Mike Frost awarded 'Paddy' Farr Assistant Scout Leader from the 105th High Green his Medal of Merit for "outstanding service", Paddy remains one of the most popular leaders in Don District Scouting and his love of Mars Bars is known amongst all of the Districts Scouts. Paddy's picture says it all!


Back to DC Jim Carroll to present 30 Years Service Awards to 32nd Stocksbridge Cub Leader Christine Tazzyman, 32nd Stocksbridge GSL Keith Tazzyman and 105th High Green Scout Leader Mick Pears. All where heard to declare it seemed like yesterday!

Jim then presented Wood Badges for the completion of their Training in their respective sections to Bob Thurlby SY County Network Leader, 'Kit' Levesley Don District Explorer Commissioner and Steve Clayton Scout Leader at the 82nd Chapeltown.



To close this fantastic weekend Dave (GSL from Royston) led over 400 keen people in Scouting to a medley of fun songs and merriment, traditional and unique to Scouting throughout the World finishing with all humming 'Camp Fires Burning' whilst Dave recited The Scout Promise to close.


A HUGE thank you to anyone who made this 24 hours of Celebrations possible, The District Teams who put the events together, The Leaders from all sections who provided the bases with help from the Fellowship, Network and Explorers. Thanks to all the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers who entered into the spirit of the events and finally a special thanks to The Explorers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend and delivered at all 4 events and still catered for over 150 people on Saturday evening.

Don District Doing & Achieving it's BEST!

This information is mainly for Scout Leaders for information for their Troops so that they know the times to meet and can plan the route from 6 figure map references, the location of the bases will along the route given. The 6 figure references are given to the nearest point on the map, 8 figure reference may be supplied on the night. (It's not a difficult route, I'm sure you'll get the gist)!

More detailed information for Explorers, Fellowship or anyone else helping to man bases, checkpoints etc will be issued later.

The map used is OS Sheffield & Barnsley 278

Hiking Scout Leaders are to meet at 82nd HQ before 6.45pm where they will be transported by Minibus to the start point of Grenoside Woods Top Car Park. Anyone needing a lift later needs to do so by contacting me please.

High Green Scouts & Leaders are to be picked up from Hesley at 7.30pm. Anyone else needing picking up from Hesley, please inform me in advance to see if it's possible.

Start Times

All Scouts MUST arrive at least 10 minutes before their Start Time. Scouts not there 10 minutes before may have points deducted from their final score. Any Team not ready to go at their Start Time will go last!

7.10pm     82ndA (Nick 32nd/Leon)    76thA (Gary 33rd)        76thB (Linw 33rd) NB Leaders are in Brackets

7,20pm    33rdA (76th Leader)        32ndA (76th Leader)        61st (Dave 82nd)

7.30pm    33rdB (231st Leader)        32ndB (231st Leader)        82ndB (32nd Leader)

7.40pm    33rdC (32nd Leader)        32ndC (231st Leader)    231stA (14th Leader)

7.50pm    82ndC (105th Leader)    14thA (105th Leader)        231stB (14th Leader)

8.00pm    105thA (25th Leader)        231st C (Jamie 82nd)        25th (Matt 33rd)

8.10pm    105thB (Joe 61st)         14thB (Meat 82nd)

If you think we've missed anyone off yell now please!

6 Fig Grid References

325 949
324 951
326 948
331 952
332 955
336 957
338 955
340 957
343 958
344 958
347 954
350 953
353 958
352 962

If you spot any deliberate mistakes please let Steve know.

Check back for any further clarifications and anything else during the week,

May 9th  Modules 1,3 & 4. 10-4pm at Hesley Wood - Basic Training required for all new Leaders before gaining their Warrants.
May 9th/10th Validation Day with Stewart Butler at Hesley Wood - For anyone requiring Module 2 or validation of Modules completed.
May 17th Modules 5-9. 9.30-4pm at Hesley Wood - Values in Scouting, Changes in Scouting, Valuing Diversity, Leadership Skills, Working with Adults
May 29th-31st Module 16 at Hesley Wood - For any Leader wanting to complete their Nights Away

July 4th Modules 1,3 & 4. 10-4pm at Hesley Wood - Basic Training required for all new Leaders before gaining their Warrants.
July 5th First Response 1st Aid at Hesley Wood (Course Full) - For Leaders without a 1st Aid Certificate or Leaders renewing their Certificate
July 11th Modules 5-9. 9.30-4pm at Hesley Wood - Values in Scouting, Changes in Scouting, Valuing Diversity, Leadership Skills, Working with Adults

Sept 11th-13th All Modules (except 1,3,4,10 & 16) at Hesley Wood - This will allow you to attend any Modules you need to complete
Sept 20th First Response 1st Aid at Hesley Wood - For Leaders without a 1st Aid Certificate or Leaders renewing their Certificate
Sept 18th-20th Module 16 at Hesley Wood - For any Leader wanting to complete their Nights Away

Oct 25th Modules 1,3 & 4. 10-4pm at Hesley Wood - Basic Training required for all new Leaders before gaining their Warrants.

Nov 1st First Response 1st Aid at Hesley Wood (4 places left) - For Leaders without a 1st Aid Certificate or Leaders renewing their Certificate

To download Training Application Document Click here:

To Book a Course ring Hesley Wood County Office on 2467912 or email; training@syscouts.org.uk

The aim of these courses;


For Anyone wishing to take their Scouts climbing regularly Single Pitch Awards;