Scouts (and some beavers) enjoyed a visit on Friday night from Julie, a volunteer from Ballymoney food bank. They took part in an interactive discussion about why there is a need for food banks in the community today. We learned that food banks need donations of food and also other items such as toiletries. We had a great start to donations by all who attended the meeting. Lets keep making positive impact on our local community for June.
Category: Explorers
May EXPLORER EXPEDITION
We will be hiking, bushcrafting and camping in the vicinity of Binevenagh Mountain and Forest.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
EXPEDITION LEADER: David Hoy – 07516590708
OUTBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Saturday 27th May at 11:00 am.
INBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Sunday 28th November at 11:00 am.
The total cost is £7 (This includes all meals, activities and transport)
PLEASE PAY AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
KIT LIST
Socks x 4
Trousers x 2
Underwear x 2
Shirt / T-Shirt x 2
Warm Jumper / Hoody
Outdoor Coat
Waterproof Trousers
Light Towel
Hiking Boots
Head Torch
Hand Torch (Please charge / replace batteries for both of these.)
Trousers x 2
Underwear x 2
Shirt / T-Shirt x 2
Warm Jumper / Hoody
Outdoor Coat
Waterproof Trousers
Light Towel
Hiking Boots
Head Torch
Hand Torch (Please charge / replace batteries for both of these.)
Anti Midge Spray / (Head Net if you’re feeling fancy)
Sandwich / Freezer Bag Containing ¼ packet of wipes
Packet of Hankies / Freezer Bag with several lengths of Toilet Roll
Small Bottle of Antibacterial Gel (super cheap at the checkout in Lidl 😉
Personal Medications (Must be discussed on accompanying medical consent form)
Sleeping bag + Liner if needed (It’ll be needed if you are using a 2 season bag or are a cold sleeper)
Travel Pillow (or just bring an empty pillowcase – stuff your spare jumper into it to make a pillow 😉
Roll Mat or Self Inflating Mattress (Let me know if you need one, I know where we can borrow some if needed.)
Plate, Knife, Fork, Spoon. (Maybe even a Spork? Whatever floats your boat.)
Sandwich / Freezer Bag Containing ¼ packet of wipes
Packet of Hankies / Freezer Bag with several lengths of Toilet Roll
Small Bottle of Antibacterial Gel (super cheap at the checkout in Lidl 😉
Personal Medications (Must be discussed on accompanying medical consent form)
Sleeping bag + Liner if needed (It’ll be needed if you are using a 2 season bag or are a cold sleeper)
Travel Pillow (or just bring an empty pillowcase – stuff your spare jumper into it to make a pillow 😉
Roll Mat or Self Inflating Mattress (Let me know if you need one, I know where we can borrow some if needed.)
Plate, Knife, Fork, Spoon. (Maybe even a Spork? Whatever floats your boat.)
KIT NOTES
Get all of the above washed, waterproofed and lashed into a rucksack, we’re not camping far from the minibus so no probs if you want to pack your sleeping bag separately for handyness.
If bringing a mobile phone, fully charge it, ensure it is in a suitable case and make sure that a ‘find my phone’ app is installed, active and the phone owner understands how to operate the app. (I’d rather they were left at home, but that’s against the grain of modern scouting. Note the emphasis on the case – if it’s not cased it’s getting broke where we’re going.)
ITINERARY
We will head out to the Mountain in the group Minibus, decide which campsite we should use based on local conditions, explore the area for resources and when happy make lunch.
Following Lunch we’ll take in one of Binevenagh’s fine walking routes. If we’re lucky and have a dry day we’ll go for this epic adventure. Failing that we’ll take in some of the more sheltered routes through the forest. This will of course be judged at the time taking into account everyone’s fitness / preparedness / willingness.
On return to base we’ll build a simple tent & hammock camp and then proceed to have a Braai on the Hill. (Wood fire + Meat, Marinades and Salads 🙂
In the morning we’ll have a healthy(ish) breakfast, break camp and return to base.
MENU
Lunch
Fresh Bakers Baguettes stuffed with: Cheese / Ham / Salad / Tuna
Dinner
Butchers Sausages / Skips Ballymoney Beef Burgers / Nut & Bean Burger Served with Mexican Rice, Pitta Pockets and Dips.
Breakfast
Skips Tropical Porridge / Raw Toast (Bread) / Bacon
Water / Tea / Coffee / Fruit Juice will be available throughout.
(Please ensure leaders are up to date on any specific dietary requirements)
PAYMENT
We use Paypal to process our payments to ensure your security. You DO NOT NEED a paypal account to make a payment.
It is essential that when making this payment you make sure you note the members name and “MAYEXP”.
Use the button below to make payment, if you have any problems please contact the treasurer: treasurer@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
Questions? Don’t delay
Call Skip Now:- 07516590708
skipper@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
Mountain: Slievanorra | Range: Antrim Plateau | Height: 499m | Patrol Length: 4km / 2.4 mi
Pushed for time the unit headed for a quick and easy patrol high in the Glens of Antrim. Ballymoney to Magherahoney, up the winding road for Altarichard, then on to the first layby after the bridge to rest the van and take to Shank’s Pony for the rest of the climb.
An easy trek this; Over the gate a track firmly gravelled by vehicles servicing the twin radio masts at the summit winds to to the top. The first section is in plantation forest and is quite steep. Soon the trees give way to blanket bog interspresed with sheughs and wildflowers.
After a few switchbacks the unit settled into the heather to regroup and soak in the view so I took the chance to settle my hammering heart (seriously unfit!!!) and tell the tale of the Battle of Aura very badly*.
Another few switch backs and we found the memorial to the men who lost their lives during WW2.
Timeline of Aircraft 124451:
We headed onward to the summit to annihilate a Carrot Cake and punnet of Red Grapes 🙂
The summit of Slievanorra normally reveals 90% of the province of Ulster and a fair lump of Western Scotland, but with the heat haze the unit had to imagineer the summits of the distant mountains Skipper was describing as far away targets for another day.
MMM CARROT CAKE! (too hot for tea)
Back down the hill at a gentle place, with a spectacular sunset beaming at us.
CONDTIONS: Firm gravel road, steep in places but accessible to most.
WEATHER: Superb hiking weather: Warmish with lashings of sunshine and a gentle cool breeze as we approached the summit.
SCENIC VALUE: Awesome. You can see the Mournes, Sperrins, Derryveagh and Cuillin Ranges, provided the air is clear enough. No litter or dog poop.
(People complain about the radio masts on the summit and then complain about not being able to stream the footy…)
Categories
Explorers meet Binevenagh
Over the past two weeks Ballymoney Explorer Scout Unit have been trekking over Binevenagh, one of our most striking mountains.
This has been in preparation for an upcoming camp on the mountain.
More info to follow 🙂
Summer Camp!
This Year Cubs and Explorers are teaming up to go to the Wild Atlantic Adventure Centre in Co. Donegal for our Summer camp under canvas weekend.
DATES: Friday 23rd June until Sunday 25th June – Tullagh Bay, Inishowen.
There will be a range of activities throughout the weekend with the Explorers going off and doing Explorer things in the mountains and Cubs doing programmes in the centre. Evening entertainment will be joint on the beach with our communal camp kitchen, campfire and music!
As its Co. Donegal this will count as an International Camp and All participants will get their international badges (amongst others…)
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
LEADERS: Akela – 07542808014 Skipper: 07516590708
OUTBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Friday 23rd June at 6.00pm.
INBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Sunday 25rd Juneat 3pm.
The total cost is £75 (This includes all meals, activities and transport)
PLEASE PAY AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
KIT LIST
Socks x 4
Trousers (not Jeans) x 3
Underwear x 4
Shirt / T-Shirt x 4
Warm Jumper / Hoody x 2
Outdoor Coat
Hat
Waterproof Trousers
Light Towel
Boots or old shoes
2nd pair of shoes
Head Torch or Hand Torch (Please charge / replace batteries for both of these.)
Trousers (not Jeans) x 3
Underwear x 4
Shirt / T-Shirt x 4
Warm Jumper / Hoody x 2
Outdoor Coat
Hat
Waterproof Trousers
Light Towel
Boots or old shoes
2nd pair of shoes
Head Torch or Hand Torch (Please charge / replace batteries for both of these.)
Personal Medications (Must be discussed on accompanying medical consent form)
Sleeping bag
Camp Mat
JimmyJams or onesie
Travel Pillow (or just bring an empty pillowcase – stuff your spare jumper into it to make a pillow 😉
Several plastic bags (for wet clothes and rubbish)
Cutlery, crockery etc (knife, fork, spoon, plate, bowl and mug)
Rucksack for all the above
Sleeping bag
Camp Mat
JimmyJams or onesie
Travel Pillow (or just bring an empty pillowcase – stuff your spare jumper into it to make a pillow 😉
Several plastic bags (for wet clothes and rubbish)
Cutlery, crockery etc (knife, fork, spoon, plate, bowl and mug)
Rucksack for all the above
KIT NOTES
Get all of the above washed, waterproofed and lashed into a rucksack, we’re not camping far from the minibus so no probs if you want to pack your sleeping bag separately for handyness.
Please – SEND NO GADGETS OR ELECTRONICS. No phones or games or similar, they will get broken, damaged or confiscated.
PAYMENT
We use Paypal to process our payments to ensure your security. You DO NOT NEED a paypal account to make a payment.
It is essential that when making this payment you make sure you note the members name and “summercamp”.
Use the button below to make payment, if you have any problems please contact the treasurer: treasurer@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO PAY THE £30 DEPOSIT NOW
AND MAKE FOLLOW ON PAYMENTS:
Questions?
Call Akela Now:- 07542808014
GSL@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
Young Shots Activity Day
BASC Northern Ireland will be holding a Young Shots Activity Day on Saturday 22nd April at North Antrim Rifle and Pistol Club, near Dervock.
The Unit will given one on one instruction in a variety of firearms by fully trained and experienced instructors from the BASC. This is a full day event and lunch will be provided.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
EXPEDITION LEADERS: David Hoy – 07516590708 Rudi Paul – 07754767650
OUTBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Saturday 22nd April at 09:00 am.
INBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Saturday 22nd April at 17:00 am.
The total cost is £30 (This includes all meals, activities and transport)
Payment is required by the 9th of March – PLEASE PAY AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
KIT LIST
Outdoor Coat, Boots or Wellies, Hat, Sunscreen.
Scout Necker
(all safety gear will be provided)
KIT NOTES
If bringing a mobile phone, fully charge it, ensure it is in a suitable case and make sure that a ‘find my phone’ app is installed, active and the phone owner understands how to operate the app. (I’d rather they were left at home, but that’s against the grain of modern scouting)
ITINERARY
We’ll assemble and make our way to Dervock. We’ll spend the day there and the return to Ballymoney Scout Hall for pickup.
PAYMENT
We use Paypal to process our payments to ensure your security. You DO NOT NEED a paypal account to make a payment.
It is essential that when making this payment you make sure you note the members name and “YOUNGSHOTS”.
Use the button below to make payment, if you have any problems please contact the treasurer: treasurer@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
Questions? Don’t delay
Call Skip Now:- 07516590708
skipper@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
NOVEMBER EXPLORER EXPEDITION
We will be hiking, bushcrafting and camping in the vicinity of Binevenagh Mountain and Forest.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
EXPEDITION LEADERS: David Hoy – 07516590708 Scott Moore: 07821411843
OUTBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Saturday 5th November at 10:00 am.
INBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Sunday 6th November at 11:00 am.
The total cost is £15 (This includes all meals, activities and transport)
PLEASE PAY AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
KIT LIST
Socks x 4
Trousers x 2
Underwear x 2
Shirt / T-Shirt x 2
Warm Jumper / Hoody
Outdoor Coat
Waterproof Trousers
Light Towel
Hiking Boots
Head Torch
Hand Torch (Please charge / replace batteries for both of these.)
Trousers x 2
Underwear x 2
Shirt / T-Shirt x 2
Warm Jumper / Hoody
Outdoor Coat
Waterproof Trousers
Light Towel
Hiking Boots
Head Torch
Hand Torch (Please charge / replace batteries for both of these.)
Anti Midge Spray / (Head Net if you’re feeling fancy)
Sandwich / Freezer Bag Containing ¼ packet of wipes
Packet of Hankies / Freezer Bag with several lengths of Toilet Roll
Small Bottle of Antibacterial Gel (super cheap at the checkout in Lidl 😉
Personal Medications (Must be discussed on accompanying medical consent form)
Sleeping bag + Liner if needed (It’ll be needed if you are using a 2 season bag or are a cold sleeper)
Travel Pillow (or just bring an empty pillowcase – stuff your spare jumper into it to make a pillow 😉
Roll Mat or Self Inflating Mattress (Let me know if you need one, I know where we can borrow some if needed.)
Plate, Knife, Fork, Spoon. (Maybe even a Spork? Whatever floats your boat.)
Sandwich / Freezer Bag Containing ¼ packet of wipes
Packet of Hankies / Freezer Bag with several lengths of Toilet Roll
Small Bottle of Antibacterial Gel (super cheap at the checkout in Lidl 😉
Personal Medications (Must be discussed on accompanying medical consent form)
Sleeping bag + Liner if needed (It’ll be needed if you are using a 2 season bag or are a cold sleeper)
Travel Pillow (or just bring an empty pillowcase – stuff your spare jumper into it to make a pillow 😉
Roll Mat or Self Inflating Mattress (Let me know if you need one, I know where we can borrow some if needed.)
Plate, Knife, Fork, Spoon. (Maybe even a Spork? Whatever floats your boat.)
KIT NOTES
Get all of the above washed, waterproofed and lashed into a rucksack, we’re not camping far from the minibus so no probs if you want to pack your sleeping bag separately for handyness.
If bringing a mobile phone, fully charge it, ensure it is in a suitable case and make sure that a ‘find my phone’ app is installed, active and the phone owner understands how to operate the app. (I’d rather they were left at home, but that’s against the grain of modern scouting. Note the emphasis on the case – if it’s not cased it’s getting broke where we’re going.)
ITINERARY
We will head out to the Mountain in the group Minibus, decide which campsite we should use based on local conditions, explore the area for resources and when happy make lunch.
Following Lunch we’ll take in one of Binevenagh’s fine walking routes. I scouted the High Teeth Pass on Sunday past in anticipation of fine weather, if we’re lucky and have a dry day we’ll go for this epic adventure. Failing that we’ll take in some of the more sheltered routes through the forest. This will of course be judged at the time taking into account everyone’s fitness / preparedness / willingness.
On return to base we’ll build a simple tent camp and then proceed to have a Braai on the Hill. (Wood fire + Meat, Marinades and Salads 🙂
Ballymoney GSL, Akela and County Londonderry Commissioner Paul will joining us so the craic around the fire will be top class, expect Scottish Scouting Songs, Cuban Drumming, Cajun Guitar and of course buckets of the dry (read: arid) humour we’re known for.
In the morning we’ll have a healthy(ish) breakfast, break camp and return to base.
MENU
Lunch
Fresh Bakers Baguettes stuffed with: Cheese / Ham / Salad / Tuna
Dinner
Butchers Sausages / Skips Ballymoney Beef Burgers / Nut & Bean Burger Served with Mexican Rice, Pitta Pockets and Dips.
Breakfast
Skips Tropical Porridge / Raw Toast (Bread) / Bacon
Water / Tea / Coffee / Fruit Juice will be available throughout.
(Please ensure leaders are up to date on any specific dietary requirements)
PAYMENT
We use Paypal to process our payments to ensure your security. You DO NOT NEED a paypal account to make a payment.
It is essential that when making this payment you make sure you note the members name and “NOVEXP”.
Use the button below to make payment, if you have any problems please contact the treasurer: treasurer@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
Questions? Don’t delay
Call Skip Now:- 07516590708
skipper@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk
On Tuesday night in front of enthusiastic Beavers and their families and friend our latest leaders and Young Leader took their promise and law and became fully invested members of the Group and worldwide scouting family.
Congrats to Scott and David (Skipper) from Explorers, Roma (Willow) from Beavers and Nathan – Young Leader (Anti-scout / Dustbin Beaver) who successfully completed hi Young Leader Modules at the recent residential.
Welcome to the Team!
(We still have plenty of volunteering opportunities both uniformed and non uniformed!)
Heres an opportunity to help shape our Online image and gain some skills….
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aafMNS1iJd0RciTuKi2Tkwvq1azeSzWSftcGt_T-7xE/viewform