## _3[rd] Hayling Scouts Annual Report 2024 – 2025 Celebrating 95 Years_ www.HaylingScouts.org.uk ## Dr Philip Blosse (1943 – 2025) Phil joined the Hayling Scouts as a Cub and continued in the Scouts and Senior Scouts achieving the "Queen's Scout Award". He continued with his Scouting as an Assistant Leader until moving away from Hayling for his work. He returned to the Island with his family in 1979 and soon found himself back in the Group as a member of the Group Executive Committee. In 1984 he became the Group Chair, a position he held until 2017. He was also the Deputy Chair of Havant District Scouts from 1985 to 1993. Phil's leadership as group chair was always founded on:- "The role of the Executive Committee is to ensure that the Leaders have the facilities and equipment they need to provide fun and adventurous Scouting in the safest possible way". Phil was instrumental in many changes, that developed Scouting on Hayling Island. These included HQ facilities projects, evolving fund raising to maximise the opportunities (e.g. Book Sales, Xmas Fayre), seeking alternatives for financial support for big projects (e.g. Lottery applications, Grants and donations), and helping the Leaders to become more self sufficient (e.g. with transport, Photocopying, activity and camping equipment). Phil also enjoyed watching young people having fun and achieving, so would be found taking part in Group camps and fun days, joining in enthusiastically with many of the activities on offer. His exceptional contribution was recognised with the award of the **Bar to the Silver Acorn** , one of the highest awards presented to adults in Scouting. Phil's enthusiasm, professionalism and sense of humour will be sadly missed by all who knew him over his many years in Scouting. ## **Chairmans Re ort p** Now in our 96[th] year, we continue to celebrate so many aspects of Scouting on Hayling – the dozens of young people who come every week to learn, explore and have fun, alongside our adult volunteers who give so many hours of their time to provide these experiences. I have the privilege of chairing our Trustee Board – overseeing the safe operation of Scouting and our money, and I’m pleased to say we are very secure on both fronts. I would like to start this year by paying tribute to our previous Chairman, Dr Philip Blosse. Phil was an inspiration to so many of us – not just supporting Scouting throughout his life, but always looking forward to the next opportunity and challenging us to do the same. He was recognised by the Chief Scout in 2014 with the Bar to the Silver Acorn, for especially distinguished service to Scouting. We have a talented and dedicated band of volunteers looking after our building, equipment, money, administration, trailers, communications and fundraising events, but we always need more. It’s fun for the adults as well, and I’d encourage anyone to find a role that suits their time and talents – whether that be working directly with young people, using their skills behind the scenes or sitting on a committee. Much of the training is available online, and can be done at a time that suits you. As I said at last year’s AGM, the structure of governance in Scouting has changed, ensuring that we adopt best practice from the Charity Commission and learn from problems that have occurred in other places and organisations. We have completed the move to having a Board of Trustees who ensure our group is meeting its legal and Scouting obligations, and is effectively managing our resources for the good of the charity. There is a separate meeting that deal with the operational matters that are the responsibility of the Group Lead Volunteers – our Group Leadership Team. This separation is still bedding in, but I’m confident we will make it work and deliver Scouting that is safe for young people and adult volunteers who are appropriately vetted, trained and supported. We now have one eye on our centenary year in 2029, and our wish to see Scouting on Hayling for another 100 years. To enable every young person to participate, we will be setting up a centenary fund that will act as an endowment – the interest from this fund will be used where families are struggling to cover the costs of participating, and to enable our group to continue to have a building and set of equipment that meets the needs of modern Scouting. If you would like more information, perhaps to set up a legacy into the fund, please get in touch. I would like to finish by paying tribute to our Lead Volunteers, James and Sarah, who put in so many hours to ensure our Group is running smoothly, and to my fellow Trustees and volunteers who make my role a pleasure. Our group goes from strength to strength and long may it continue. ## Tim Pike ## Group Chair of Trustees ## **Grou Scout Leaders Review p** Welcome back to another review of a fantastic Scouting year—and what a year it’s been! We kicked off our year by celebrating 95 years of Hayling Scouts with a Family Camp at Lyons Copse Scout Campsite in June. After months of planning—and a bit of last-minute re-planning thanks to the weather forecast—we all arrived on Friday night. Once everyone had settled in, enjoyed some supper, and got some sleep, the real fun began after breakfast on Saturday. We hosted an incredible range of activities, including a climbing wall, rafting, a drumming workshop, pizza making, cooking, branding, fires, tomahawk throwing, and many more classic Scouting experiences. Every section took part, with Squirrels and Beavers camping alongside their parents. The camp concluded on Sunday with a big party. From the youngest Squirrels to the oldest adults, everyone got involved in games and celebrations. These are the moments we love most—watching parents and leaders let their inner child run free, swapping their daily routines for something more magical, like singing songs around the campfire and embracing the joy of Scouting. Everyone went home happy—albeit a little tired! ## **Book Sales** Our ever-popular book sales continued throughout the year, offering over 12,000 books at each event. Thanks to growing demand, we trialled extended Saturday hours from 12 pm to 4 pm. Huge thanks to our incredible “Bookie Team” for making this possible. However, we still need more help—parents and grandparents, please consider lending a hand to keep this valuable fundraiser running smoothly each half term. ## **Christmas Post** Once again, Hayling Scouts successfully sorted and delivered over 4,000 cards to addresses across Hayling. One particularly enthusiastic Scout even completed his round on horseback! A big thank you goes to the local businesses and Scouts who supported the initiative by advertising and selling stamps. ## **Community Engagement** Our Scouts were proud to support several community events this year, including: - Businessmen’s BBQ at Northney Farm – where we helped with car parking and food preparation. - Beach Dubbin’ on Southsea Common – where we directed over 1,000 cars into spaces. - Hayling Horticultural Show – where we supported entry control and car parking. ## **Growth and Leadership** We were delighted to welcome six new volunteer leaders to the group this year, also three new young leaders. 3rd Hayling continues to grow in popularity, thanks to our dedicated and enthusiastic leadership team. Just reading each section’s report shows the variety of exciting and enriching opportunities we offer. The commitment to additional training from headquarters has also been remarkable. Our leaders have demonstrated their dedication to keeping our young people safe by completing all required courses in record time. ## **Looking Ahead** Our top priority remains delivering safe, exciting Scouting that balances fun and achievement for our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers. Looking ahead, we’re planning a group trip to Brownsea Island—the birthplace of Scouting—as well as many new adventures in the run-up to our 100th Anniversary in 2029. ## **To all our GDT, leaders and supporters—thank you for everything you do to make 3rd Hayling Scouts such a success.** Sarah and James Group Lead Volunteers ## **Treasurer’s Re ort p** The 2024–2025 year proved to be another eventful period for the group, with a steady flow of funds passing through the accounts to support a wide range of activities. These included camps, trips and section nights, all of which form an essential part of the experience we aim to provide for young people. Alongside this, we continued to invest in both equipment and improvements to our HQ ensuring we maintain a high standard of facilities for our members. On the income side, we enjoyed another successful year of fundraising. Our regular book sales once again generated valuable funds, and we were fortunate to receive several generous donations. Among these was a particularly notable bequest, kindly left to the group, which provided a significant boost to our financial position and will help support our work in the coming years. From an expenditure perspective, there were several key areas of outlay. We incurred a substantial cost to resolve a drainage issue - a necessary project to preserve the integrity of our HQ. We also allocated funds to subsidise the Group camp, making it more accessible to our young people, and continued to invest in new equipment to support our camping and activity programmes. Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Nigel Valette for his ongoing support and careful scrutiny of the accounts. Matt Pike, Treasurer Inde the 3° Ha endent Examiner's Re ort to the Trustees of Scout Grou Chari No: 308136 for the ril 2024 to 31° March 2025 eriod st I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounls of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 31$1 March 2025. ResponsTbilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {-the Act") I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiners, statement I have completed my examinalion. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attenlion in conneclion with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect= the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records- or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Nigel N Valette ACIB Harting, Manor Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire P011 OQR Date: /ItIL Z S 3° HAYLING SCOUT GROUP (Charity No 308136) Accounts for the period 1$1 April 2024 to 31It March 2025 2023J2024 Balance Forward: L82 Bank Accounts £56.921.86 Income: 17460.00 Subscrlptions 51Lg.6fj Donatlons 626.67 Bank Inte￿$t 220B.79 Glft Aid- Sèe Nots I 59Ls.00 Grants 952Q.Bg Fundraising- See Note 2 138.00 World JaMb0￿e L755.00 HQ Rent IExploreFsI 34167 EXplo￿r$ Refund of Expenses B996.69 Camps. Activities etc S278137 £17.220.00 f28.203.84 £1.879.04 £0.00 £8S.00 £9.583.07 £0.00 £64B.20 £0.00 £13.502.50 £71,121.65 £71.121.65 Expenditure: 8195.00 Membership Fee 6&0B Section Allowances I617.￿ Badges 500.26 Leader Unifom) and Training 2173.22 Photocopier 2120.$9 InsLbfdnce 94484 General Expenses 3960.33 HQ: Services 318161 HQ.. Maintenance 6539.22 Equipment 43.73 Fundraising Costs 6456.55 Camps, Activities etc 54L78 World Jamboree 3W3.33 £B.3S7.00 £1,709.77 £1,622.45 £352.20 £1.926.37 £1,918.72 £1.599.40 £3.585.70 £4.440.84 £5,446.13 £535.34 £19.686.63 £0.00 £51,180.55 £S1.180.55 Balance represented by: 56921.86 Bank Accounts- see Notes 3 and 4 £76,862.96 E76.862.96 £128,043.S1 £128,043.51 I confirni that I have examined the accounts of the 3rf Hayling Scout Group and found them to be ¢0 ct against the evidence provided. Nigel N V ACIB Date: IitL 2025 NOTES Gift Aid claims have yet to be submitted to HMRC for the following estimated amounts.. Year ended 31.03.2022 £167.50 Year ended 31.03.2023 £222.50 Year ended 31.03.2024 £1.607.50 Year ended 31.03.2025 £2.900.00 £4.897.50 Fund Raising Breakdown: Christrnas Post Book Fair Miscellaneous Income £1,227.71 £7.366.96 £1,215.60 £9,810.27 The sum of £227.20 is still to be received in respect of the Christmas Post and this reflected in the Fund Raising figure shown under'lncome.. Designated Funds included in Bank Balances- Suisse Adventure Camp and Section Funds £306.19 £1,030.86 £1,337.05 Bank Account Balances". COIF Deposit A¢¢ount Charity Bank Savings Account TSB Current Account TSB Deposit Account £14,175.62 £17.760.40 £1,151.41 £43.775.53 £76,862.96 ## **S uirrels q** This year has been a brilliant year for the Squirrels. We have a basic rhythm to the evening which works for us. Starting with a welcome game/activity, hoops, bean bags or the squirrels favourite the tummy boards. We then do register, news and our squirrel song. Main conversation points include, tractors, dinosaurs and cats. We then do a quick running around game to get everyone’s wiggles out before dividing up into smaller groups for the main activity. We’ve found the parents love it most when the children leave with a very large still wet creation. We do another game before handing out squirrel Nutkin and saying goodbye. The squirrels have taken part in a variety of different activities, both inside and out of the hut. They love a trip to the beach or walking round to the holiday park. We have done lots of badge work this year including attempting to grown things from seeds, construction badge and community impact. One of the years highlights is always world book day where we work through a story together ending in a big surprise this year it was Pam dressed as a dinosaur jumping out the store and chasing them round the hall. The squirrels love a food based activity (and so do the leaders), we’ve decorated lots of biscuits, made cakes, pizzas and even attempted tempered chocolate, it was yummy and messy in equal measure. The huge duplo boxes are also a fan favourite, with the squirrel able to create whole words to talk us through. We had Squirrels come along to the family camp in the summer they loved seeing all the older sections and joining in with the campfire. We also joined the rest of the island in Remembrance Sunday parade we were very proud of how well they marched. As leaders we couldn’t be prouder of how well they have all done this year ## YIS ## Rosemary, Lucy, Pam ## **As en Beavers p** Our year started with volunteer leaders Dom, Jessica, Jacqui, Pam and young leader Daniel. Spring 24 we had a whole heap of activities planned: - board games, balloon art, wide games, potting up sunflowers, dinosaur modelling, tent pitching and most significantly the Group Camp at Lyons Copse to celebrate 3[rd] Hayling Groups 95[th] Birthday. We had a Billy trail adventure with some parents and well-behaved dogs. We became spies Code breaking. We had mini-Olympics and built towers with newspaper spaghetti and marshmallows, and we finished the summer term with a bike ride in pouring rain finishing with fish and chips under cover. Chief Scout’s Bronze awards were awarded to Laurie, Fred and George. Well done to them for earning such a top award. Later in the month an exciting Beaver Fun Day at Ferny Croft. It was a bit soggy but that never stops play when you are part of scouting! Halloween was an opportunity to dress as scarily as we dare and share an evening of games and eating donuts on a string! A surprise visitor made the evening extra scary! George and Laurie swam up to cubs. Good luck to them both. Remembrance Day 2024 the Aspen Beavers joined Redwood Beavers and the rest of the scouting groups to pay their respect, and the Beavers were amazing and attentive. They all marched down to the cenotaph and behaved impeccably. There was a good turn out generally and the local people of Hayling and visiting officials were able to see how well-behaved and respectful 3[rd] Hayling group are. Christmas craft making baubles with melted wax brought happy faces and a cake making session with Fiona returning to help lead us all was a real hit. The cakes were so tasty, a number of parents asked for the recipe. Our Christmas party was awesome and a lovely end to the fun packed year where Fred, Ashton and William swam up to cubs. Aspen Sleepover Feb 2025 brought a new experience for some of our new joiners. It was very chilly, but a lot of fun and they all slept pretty well too! Breakfast was lush with delicious pancakes and fruit. Yum. Disability awareness was a learning experience where Beavers tried seeing with one eye, spreading jam and butter on bread blind fold and walking using crutches and learning to sign the Beaver promise. Easter ended in a bike ride down the Billy trail and saw 3 Beavers swim up to Cubs – Alexander, Mikey and Rupert who also deserve massive congratulations for each earning their Chief Scout’s Bronze. A fantastic achievement. Well done all! With time comes change and Dom moved away having looked after Aspen for 18 months and Pam moved to focus her volunteering with Squirrels. Fiona continues to support Aspen massively at meetings and in the background and for that we are very grateful. Thanks to them all. We ended the year with Jacqui, Jess, Liz, Jaz, Daniel as a young leader, Denise and Lucy and We’re looking forward to an exciting 2025/6. ## **Redwood Beavers** During the last year we have been through a lot of changes with new leaders and lots of new beavers being invested. At the start of the year we joined other beavers in the area to attend a beaver fun day where we all had a lot of fun learning new skills and avoiding getting too wet. We also went out to do some crabbing and caught lots of 1 claw crabs that we then had a race to see whose crab could make it back into the sea quickest. We were lucky to get the opportunity to visit our local fire service where we were able to learn about the job they can do as well as what we can do to reduce the risk of fires starting. We also had a beaver’s sleepover where we had some fun easter activities, very little sleep and lots of easter eggs We have had a lovely year working towards our badges and learning new skills and look forward to all our upcoming plans over the next year. ## **Ju iter Cub Pack p** ~~Pd~~ ## ****Written by the Cubs of Jupiter Pack**** ## Our Year in Review What an amazing year we’ve had at Jupiter Pack! We’ve tried new things, made new friends, and earned loads of badges. Here’s what we got up to—straight from the Cubs themselves! What We Loved This Year - Owen: "I love doing all of it! My favourite was group camp—raft building and axe throwing were awesome. I love archery too!" - Joshy: "EVERYTHING!!" (Yes, he really does mean everything!) - Ethan: "I love when new people come to Cubs and I get to meet them." - Isaac: "Sports day was so much fun!" - Teddy: "I’d only just started Cubs at group camp. I was nervous but happy and excited. My best bit was raft building!" ## **Highlights of the Year** **Summer Term – Adventure Time!** We were out and about, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Some of our best moments were: - Bike riding up the Billy Line – Wheels, wind, and lots of laughs! - Crabbing – Even if we didn’t catch anything, it was still fun trying! - Group Camp – The best way to spend a weekend! We built rafts, threw axes, and grew in confidence. **Autumn Term – Learning & Celebrating** We worked hard (and played hard too!): - Skills Challenge Badge – We learned new skills, tried - healthy eating, and tested out different sports. - Halloween Party – Spooky games and lots of sweets! - Christmas Decorations – Getting crafty for the festive season. **Spring Term – Cooking, Performing & Burns Night** - Burns Night – We made kilts out of newspaper—very stylish! - Chef’s Badge – Cooked a two-course meal (and ate it too!). - Talent Show – We put on a show for the grown-ups and showed off our amazing skills! ## **Our Amazing Achievements** This year, we earned: - 2 Chief Scout Silver Awards – Well done, Jacob and Jack! - 36 Challenge Badges – We love a challenge! - 33 Activity Badges – So many new skills learned. - 14 Staged Badges – And lots of us had our first nights away from home! ## **A HUGE Thank You!** Jupiter Pack wouldn’t be the best Pack in the universe without our fantastic leaders: - Ian & Jan – You’re the best! - Tolly – Now 18 and already an amazing leader. - Lisa & Carolynn – Welcome to the team—we’re so glad you’re here! ## **Looking Ahead** We can’t wait for another year of fun, friendship, and adventure. Bring it on! The Cubs of Jupiter Pack ## **Saturn Cub Pack** Each year when I write Saturn’s annual report, I’m always amazed at how quickly the time has flown by. Leading Saturn Pack and being part of 3rd Hayling makes me proud to be involved with such a fantastic group of people. I’d like to start by saying a massive thank you to my leadership team: Rebecca, Pippa, Seb, and my Young Leaders – Freddie, Izzy, and Amelie. Saturn Pack wouldn’t be what it is without your support. We’ve had a fantastic year of Scouting and managed to squeeze in so many adventures! Here’s a snippet of some of the highlights: During our section evenings, we love taking part in traditional Scouting activities such as pioneering, fire lighting, communication skills, cooking, making camp gadgets, Taskmaster challenge evenings, archery, shooting, and backwoods cooking. This year, we also created some awesome Christmas reindeers and homemade clocks for the Cubs DIY badge. We organised a group collection for our local food bank, which was gratefully received. We’ve also enjoyed some less traditional evenings, including Nerf gun battles and massive fort building for St George’s Day – one of the Cubs’ favourite activities. We love getting outside and making the most of our beautiful island. Saturn Cubs went on several navigation hikes, the most memorable being a walk from the bridge to Emsworth. Each Cub was given a tiny matchbox and challenged to collect as many different items as possible. Other hikes included litter picks and the infamous Chip Shop Challenge, where we taste-tested our local chip shops! In the summer term, we gave our Cubs the opportunity to get out on the water as they worked toward their Paddle Sports badge. We completed lots of fun challenges and, as expected, everyone got very wet! We also had a swimming party and BBQ at The Oven campsite, where we played team games and completed challenges – a great way to cool off and end the summer term. In September, the Cubs visited the Maize Maze at Sam’s Sunflowers. They got lost a few times but had lots of fun practicing their navigation skills. Thank you, Sam (Sunflowers), for making this possible again! At Halloween, we returned to Ferny Crofts for Fright Night – a full day of activities including traditional fairground games, climbing, archery, backwoods cooking, tomahawk throwing, and pumpkin carving. The Cubs also held snakes and saw creepy spiders and insects in the Scary Creature Zone. The day concluded with a spooky woodland trail, complete with jump scares, themed scenes, and a campfire. It was a fantastic day shared with hundreds of other Cubs from across Hampshire. On a cold winter evening, we had a brilliant opportunity to explore the tunnels at Fort Purbrook. The Cubs took part in initiative tests and developed their climbing skills in the underground bouldering rooms. At Christmas 2024, both Saturn and Jupiter Cubs enjoyed a special treat – a visit to the Kings Theatre to see the pantomime Dick Whittington. 3rd Hayling even got a shout-out from the cast! It was a fun and laughter-filled evening. Our Burns Night celebration was extra special this year, with a special visitor who recited Burns Night poems and played the bagpipes. We ended the evening with traditional games including tossing the caber, wellie wanging, and jumping the haggis! In March, Saturn Pack had an incredible, action-packed sleepover at Rowlands Castle. We began with an exciting train ride to Chichester, followed by laser quest, bowling, and the return journey to the Hut. After a delicious roast dinner, the Cubs gathered around the campfire for a singalong, then settled down for a movie in their sleeping bags. The next morning, we had a hearty fry-up before heading home – very tired but very happy! In Spring 2025, we visited Marwell Zoo for a brilliant day trip alongside hundreds of Scouts from across Hampshire. We saw a huge variety of animals and walked what felt like miles. Marwell organised lots of extra activities, and we had an amazing time. I’d like to finish by saying a huge thank you to all the parents for your continued support throughout the year. And most of all, thank you to the Cubs in Saturn Pack for being awesome and making every week so much fun. I’m looking forward to another fun-filled year with lots to look forward to. Sarah Bailey – Akela, Saturn Pack ## **Ea le Troo Re ort g p p** Scouting has a knack of creating challenges where there weren’t any. Take an empty Tuesday evening, a dull weekend or an unassuming week in the summer – get a group of people together and decide to do something awesome. Scouting is about working together to make those awesome things work. Last year’s report finished with our summer camp expedition to France on the horizon. The summer term was aptly filled with preparations. We were joined by members of Cycle Hayling to help maintain our bikes and learn valuable repair techniques. This was quickly followed by an evening mountain biking at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. The rest of the term had a good mix of standard evenings. We got our fix of fire lighting and cooking on fires on a ‘forest day’. A camp without the camping bit – added because we knew that this year’s summer camp would not include the forest side of scouting. We had a great time building war machines for group camp (see elsewhere in the report). This year’s summer camp saw Eagle Troop return to Normandy, France to cycle along the D-Day landing beaches. This was our fourth time running this expedition (2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024). The expedition concept was a created by a retired leader called Dave Eacott – this was the first time he wouldn’t be joining us. He was on hand to help with the planning and Ed Mill took on this responsibility. Our adventure started at the Hayling Ferry, which we took across to Portsmouth. After hiking across the city, we collected our bikes (thanks James) and took the night ferry to Ouistreham. 11 Scouts, 3 explorers, 8 cycling leaders and 3 support crew then crossed the north of France, staying at 7 different campsites. They were divided into 4 cycling groups, who each day navigated their way between points of interest (and cake shops), making their way to the next campsite. The support crew had everything we needed in 1 car and trailer – ensuring a hot meal each night to keep the expedition going. Each day was filled with historical locations to explore to bring what happened on D-Day to life. This included seeing the fortifications, abandoned tanks and memorials. We visited several museums, finishing with the Memorial de Caen. Exploring these locations by bike meant that the scouts’ understanding was built up gradually and they got to experience the scale of the area involved in D-Day. During the expedition we visited the American, English and German cemeteries – an important chance for us to pay our respects and truly understand the cost of it all. This wasn’t a history trip; it was an expedition (with a good dose of history). Each day the scouts got a map of the next portion of France, and they took on the terrain in front of them. The route took us through beautiful scenery. When the cycling got too much, we took breaks and explored small French villages or a new stretch of beach. In the evenings we enjoyed the facilities that each campsite had to offer and sometimes ventured into the surrounding area. Evening highlights included playing ultimate frisbee as the sun set, playing football with the French locals and cooling off in 2 very different swimming pools. Our journey took us as far west as Isigny-Sur-Mer. From here we took trains back east to Bayeux. After an explore of the city we did the longest (and hottest) stretch of our journey to our final ‘campsite’. For the final 2 nights we camped in the grounds of the Chateau de Fontaine Henry. The owner, Lord Pierre, allows us to camp and use the facilities free of charge. An incredible backdrop to the final few days of our adventure. On the final day we made our way back to the coast, to the ferry and home. A huge thanks to Mike, Colin, Leigh, Fiona, Andrew and Lisa who joined the Eagle troop team for this camp. What made this camp a real success was the way the scouts embraced the challenge of the week. It is a tough week, that requires physical and mental endurance. The scouts acknowledged when things were hard but knew they were up for it and pressed on. Well done to all involved! The autumn term had a good mix of indoor and ‘ge | outdoor evenings. We got to use the maise maze in a Northney, played wide games behind the Esso and took on an island wide mission. Indoors, we cooked, built a pioneering assault course and tried x our hand at woodwork. Our weekend camp for the term was J.O.T.A. We camped the Friday night and joined the district for activities on the Saturday. It rained all night but was sunny for the Saturday… unfortunately where we camped had turned into a lake. Highlights from the spring term include building a pioneered climbing frame for the cubs to use the following night, indoor light game and the chaos that was ‘Viral Fools’ – challenging the scouts to make a viral video. We ran our usual Spring Hut Maintenance Sleepover that resulted in a huge about of work being completed on the building. At the end of the Autumn term Ed Mill relocated up north. He was a scout with Eagle troop and returned to put in 9 years as a leader. He combined a wicked sense of humour with endless patience to help bring order to the most chaotic patrols. I’m sure he will join a group up north soon. Our thanks for all his hard work with Eagle troop. For taking on the crazy challenge of scouting, my thanks goes to all the scouts in Eagle troop. For making it actually happen, my thanks to Pete, Mitch, Paul, Barnabas, Dom and Ed Mill. Edd Harrison – Section Leader of Eagle Troop Eagle Troop Summer Camp Overlord 2024- France Cycling Expedition Brittony Ferri 11 ## **Lion Troo p** ## Another year has passed. Where has the time gone? This last year with Lion troop has been fun and fast moving we started by joining in with the Group family camp at Lyons Copse in June for the celebrations of Hayling Scouts 95[th] Birthday. The Scouts joined in all of the activities taking place from Rafting, Pizza making, Drumming, Climbing, Tomahawks, Archery & lots of traditional party games on Sunday over 100 people doing the conga all followed by a water fight. It was a great weekend enjoyed by all. Lion Troop summer camp was at Lyons Copse where we joined in with other Scouts from around Hampshire for a weeklong camp. The scouts were responsible for cooking their own food & clearing up after themselves. Activities included a day trip to the Romsey rapids for some swimming, Various team building challenges, Fire lighting, Hiking/Navigation skills & more. August bank holiday saw Lions join with Scouts from 2[nd] Portchester to undertake their Chief Scouts expedition challenge. They had to plan the route, meals, transport & budget for the weekend, they started off at Hayling Sea Front and walked via the Hayling billy trail up to Havant train station then caught the train to Porchester where they ad to set up their hammocks for sleeping, cook their own evening meal and of course tidy up! The expedition went really well and enjoyed by all that took part, although the second day was extremely hot everyone completed the challenge. September saw us join 2[nd] Portchester again this time for a 24hr survival camp at Everetts coppice in Fareham where the scouts camped in hammocks and had to hunt for their food that was hidden in the forest. They then had to build their fires & purify water to enable them to cook their food. Some first aid training also took place with stretcher building forming part of this. Knife axe & saw training also took place during the camp enabling scouts to use these items in a safe & responsible manner. 2025 saw us having a sleepover at the Hayling HQ but with a difference, the Scouts build dens and slept in them. They also had to plan their evening meal & breakfast to a budget. They then went shopping for all the ingredients & made the meals clearing up afterwards. Our evenings have consisted of Knot practise, Pioneering, Fire safety & using fire extinguishers, cooking, Archery, Air rifles, Woodwork, Tent pitching, and much more, Josh completed his Chief Scouts Gold award, congratulations. Thank you to all my Scout leaders Merv, Kate, Gary, Chris, all of this would not be possible without your help. James Perfett Lion Troop Leader ## **Nexus Ex lorers p** 2024–2025 has been another memorable and action-packed year for the Nexus Explorer Scout Unit. Our youth-led approach continued to thrive, giving Explorers the opportunity to shape and enjoy a rich variety of activities. With a mix of tradition, creativity, and adventure, we’ve strengthened our unit’s sense of community and had a great time along the way. Here’s a look back at our past year: ## **Summer Term 2024 (April to August)** Summer 2024 was filled with energy, skill-building, and celebration. We began with a mix of practical sessions, including pioneering, fire’s, knife sharpening, and rich/poor cooking, which gave Explorers hands-on experience with essential outdoor skills. The term also featured a variety of games and social events. A standout night was our Pizza Investiture and Awards evening, where we welcomed new members and recognised the achievements of existing ones. The term concluded on a high with a cheerful end-of-term barbecue. ## **Autumn Term 2024 (September to December)** Autumn saw a rich mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Seasonal themes brought the group together for a Halloween night full of creativity and fun, as well as a lively Burns Evening celebrating Scottish culture. One of the most enriching experiences was participating in the District JOTA (Jamboree on the Air), where Explorers engaged in global communication and got a taste of international Scouting. ## **Spring Term 2025 (January to March)** This term turned up the intensity with physical challenges and large-scale events. A major event of the term was IOW Revolution, a five-day adventure packed camp with diverse activities to suit every interest. Explorers came back buzzing with stories and experiences, having made memories that will last for years. Back at base, we held a Target Sports evening, giving Explorers the chance to show their skills in shooting and archery. ## **Summer Term 2025 (April to Present)** This summer has already kicked off with variety and creativity. We’ve run a film-making night, where Explorers got to script, direct, and star in their own short videos. Cooking evenings returned, mixing fun with practical life skills. Instead of our usual beach BBQ, this year we’re looking forward to something a bit different: a BBQ and camp at Northwood Farm on the island. Nexus Explorers continues to be proudly youth-led. Our program is planned and put together with the Explorer’s input, with support from Leigh, Terry, Colin, and myself. This year, we were pleased to welcome Ciaran to our leadership team. He quickly became a valued member of the group, bringing fresh ideas and energy to our sessions. Unfortunately, Ciaran stepped down in the spring term, but we remain grateful for his contributions and the positive impact he had during his time with us. A huge thank you to all of our Explorers for their consistent enthusiasm and participation—it truly makes leading this group a joy. To the parents, thank you for your ongoing support, and to all those who help behind the scenes—your efforts are deeply appreciated. A special thank-you goes to Leigh, Terry, and Colin for their unwavering commitment, support, and good humour. Their time, experience, and passion for Scouting are what keep the Nexus ESU running smoothly and successfully week after week. Tom ## ~~OO~~ ## **Roll of Honour 2024/2025** **Squirrel – Chief Scout’s Acorn Award** Theodore Ariary **WILLOW DREY** ## ~~ee~~ **Beaver - Chief Scout’s Bronze Award** Alexander Carter Charlie Cann George Cornish Henry Dunstone Laurie King **ASPEN** Harley Jones **REDWOOD** Michael Newell **COLONY** Lee Hooker **COLONY** Rupert Stanton Dmytro Kulik Fred Windridge Edward Wilson **Cub - Chief Scout’s Silver Award** Rebecca Buchanan Maximus Buchanan Jack Clarke **JUPITER** Christian Davis **SATURN** Jacob Van Beers **PACK** Harry Fenlon **PACK** Michael King Imogen Pike Stella Pilkington Sebastian Tucker ## ~~eT~~ **Scout – Chief Scout’s Gold Award** Joshua Paul **LION TROOP** **King’s Scout Award** ~~Te~~ Dominic Allgood ~~Oo~~ **Explorer - Young Leader Award** James Burroughs **NEXUS** Freddie Bostock **UNIT** **Leader – Award of Merit** Sarah Bailey **Leader – Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service** Dom Allgood Paul Bryant Edward Mil Barnabus Pycroft **Leader – Length of Service Award** Sarah Bailey 10 Years Paul Bryant 10 Years Fiona Jordan Harrison 20 Years Edward Harrison 20 Years James Perfett 25 Years Youth Membership at 31st March 2025 2￿} 2( 50 Squi rrels Beavers w Cubs w Sc(xJts w Explorers ## _3[rd] Hayling Scouts Scouting whatever the weather_ Thank you to all our supporters. www.HaylingScouts.org.uk