Category Archives: General Information

Cubs, General Information

Hunter and Coastal Region Cuboree..the circus is in town!!

18 Cubs, 2 Cub Leaders and our Group Leader attended the Region Cuboree in Morisset on the weekend of 14-16 September.  This was our major event for 2018 and all the Cubs were looking forward to a fun time.  There were 750 Cubs, Leaders, Parent helpers, Scout helpers and Venturer helpers that attended from the Hunter & Coastal region.

The theme was CIRCUS!  Over the two nights and two days, our Cubs got to do an amazing amount of activities.  These included:  the flying fox, climbing wall, hamster wheels, rope bridge, bump balls, slip’n’slide, obstacle course, sponge war, slippery pole and the dunking machine,

They made balloon animals, juggling balls, colour wheel spinners, painted pet rocks, played giant quoits and arcade games like clowns, shooting gallery and the basketball shootout.  Then there was the popular photobooth, iced biscuits and face painting. One night we even had Gang Show perform for us.

Back in camp there were opportunities to socialise with Cubs and Leaders from other groups.  All of Gosford District camped together – a total of 120 Cubs and Leaders.  Imagine cooking for that many people!  We had a great team of cooks made up of leaders and parent helpers who were kept busy feeding us, even trolleying our morning and afternoon teas to the bases we were on.

Region Cuboree was really successful and everyone had a great time.  The Cubs were very tired at the end of it – one was so tired she couldn’t even tell her parents about it until the next day!  Our next major event will be State Cuboree which is being held at Cataract Scout Camp in January 2019. We can’t wait!

Akela

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General Information, Scouts

Davistown Putt Putt Regatta and Wooden Boat Festival

Davistown Regatta

Several Scout Troops participated in the Regatta on Sunday, 22 October, which was a fun filled day with perfect weather.

Davistown Regatta

Each participating troop constructed their raft before Regatta Day. There was a morning race (10.45-11.00 am) and an afternoon race (1.30-2.00 pm). During the morning race, the Broken Bay raft team, along with all but two troops, were carried backwards in a current, despite strenuous paddling. The afternoon race saw them cross the finish line in Fourth place.

A great team effort. Well done Scouts (Nicholas, Arabella, Oliver, Jackson, Damien, Max H, and William).

A big ‘thank you’ to all our wonderful leaders and all they do to help us.

General Information, Venturers

Well done Luke! Queen’s Scouts Award Recipient

Luke and Kotick Queen's Scout Award Plaque

It was truly wonderful to witness Luke’s presentation of Queen’s Scouts Award on Wednesday 2 August at the Ettalong Scout Hall. All sections of the Broken Bay Scout Group (BBSG) were invited to attend the presentation and celebration of Luke’s achievement (followed by a lovely supper) ahead of a further presentation which took place at Government House in Sydney.

The BBSG presentation was very entertaining. Thank you Zack for your shared insight of experiences with Luke and those that arranged the evening! The Leaders of the BBSG must also be thanked for assisting Luke attain this award.

It has been many years since another BBSG member received this award – 28 years if my maths serves me correctly! From 1989 to 2017.

In honour of Luke’s achievement another plaque was arranged (below).

Luke and Kotick Presentation New Queen's Scout Award Plaque
Luke and Kotick Presentation New Queen’s Scout Award Plaque

For those wishing to know more of what the requirements are to be a worthy recipient of the award – the awardee needs to complete the Venturing Skills Award, personal interviews, and requirements in four award areas:

  1. Adventurous Activities – demonstrates that the Venturer Scout is challenged in initiative, expeditions an outdoor adventures.
  2. Community Involvement – activities centred on citizenship, community service and caring for the environment.
  3. Leadership Development – involvement in Unit management and leadership courses and studying different vocations.
  4. Personal Growth – self development through expressions, ideals, mental pursuits and personal lifestyle.

That’s a lot of work! Well done Luke – I think your smile says it all!

Luke at Government House Queen's Scout Award
Luke at Government House Queen’s Scout Award
Luke Queen's Scout Award Government House Grounds
Luke Queen’s Scout Award Government House Grounds
Luke Ettalong Scout Hall Presentation
Presentation of Queen’s Scout Award Badge
General Information, Scouts

Off to Mongolia!

Greta and Joel off to Mongolia!
Greta and Joel off to Mongolia!

After much fund raising and loads of effort on their part – Greta and Joel were part of the NSW /ACT group that flew out of Sydney to join the rest of the Australian Contingent in Beijing. Greta and Joel will be able to explore that Beijing has to offer before moving onto the 31st Asia Pacific Region Scout Jamboree in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Try pronouncing that name!

The Jamboree is from 21 July to 7 August 2017 and the theme is “Go Nomad”.

Well done guys and to all that supported you!

Some activities that Greta and Joel will participate include:

  • craft
  • hiking
  • orienteering
  • traditional games, songs and dances
  • riding horses and camels
  • archery and
  • putting up a ger (traditional tent).

We look forward to hearing more about your adventures with other like-minded Scouts and learning more about the unique Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and culture.

 

Cubs, General Information, Joeys, Scouts

ANZAC Day Woy Woy

Joeys ANZAC Day Wreath

Beautiful ANZAC Day Wreath by Joeys

As mentioned in my earlier post Broken Bay Scouts were engaged in a number of activities to mark ANZAC Day to mark our acknowledgement of those that have served and continue to serve our nation.

This year our wonderful Broken Bay Scout Group members again participated in the Woy Woy ANZAC Day March followed by a Ceremony at Woy Woy Cenotaph.

I will let the images speak for themselves. All that participated should give themselves a big pat on the back for being such a wonderful part of our community and values!

BBSG ANZAC Day March

BBSG ANZAC Ceremony Woy Woy

BBSG ANZAC Ceremony Woy Woy 2

 

Cubs, General Information, Joeys, Scouts

Camp Fort Scratchley

Fort Scratchley Scouts

This year the Broken Bay Scout Group were fortunate to participate in a number of activities to mark ANZAC Day and to remember those that have served and continue to serve Australia both here and overseas.

Camp Fort Scratchley, Newcastle

Setting out a little earlier three of our Scouts were able to join 49 other red cord Scouts from the Hunter District at an inaugural four day camp at Fort Scratchley sleeping under the sky in swags on the parade ground. For those of you that aren’t aware Fort Scratchley is situated on the headland of Newcastle overlooking Nobby’s Beach. Completed in 1882, Fort Scratchley was built as a coastal defence installation but is now an interactive museum with paid tours capturing the maze of underground tunnels. It was built to defend Newcastle against a possible Russian attack however the guns were only fired in anger on 8 June 1942 during the shelling of Newcastle by a Japanese submarine.

To mark ANZAC our Scouts were engaged in a number of related activities with highlights including:

  • a visit to the frigate HMAS Newcastle (thanks Joh for the picture);

HMAS Newcastle

  • witnessing the crew of the HMAS Newcastle marching from the mall to Civic Park to mark the ship’s honour;
  • observing the ANZAC Day dawn service at Nobby’s Beach from the vantage of For Scratchley;
  • participating in the Newcastle ANZAC Day march;

Scouts following ANZAC Day March

  • observing the lighting of the Eternal Flame;
  • participating in the Newcastle Memorial Walk Sunset Ceremony;
  • visiting the sea wall at Nobby’s light house;
  • the firing of the guns from Fort Scratchley and HMAS Newcastle;
  • visiting Fighter World at Williamstown; and
  • enjoying an extensive tunnel tour of Fort Scratchley.

We understand that our three Scouts represented the group proudly and feedback from the HMAS Newcastle and members of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society was very positive praising the behaviour and manners of the Scouts and Venturers that attended.

A huge thanks must be extended to the Hunter & Coastal Branch of Scouts, HMAS Newcastle for being so welcoming, members of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society for opening its doors to this wonderful experience, the sponsors of the camp, and of course our Scout leaders. Our Scouts came back with so many stories to share that it was hard to get a word in. What an amazing experience for them!

We recommend when you visit Newcastle to be sure to view the city from its best vantage point at Fort Scratchley.

Here are a few pictures to entice you…!

Fort Scratchley-No 2 Gun

Fort Scratchley-Barracks

Outside Fort Scratchley Newcastle1

Cubs, General Information

Bonanza of Activities at Cubs

Bowling Fun 2

It’s been a bonanza of activities at Cubs! I’ve been a bit remiss in my blog posting of late and in the blink of an eye so much has happened that I’m hard pressed relating them all.

So perhaps it’s just best that I relate a few of them…and let the pictures do the talking!

  • Going up into Scouts for two Cubs;
  • 10 Pin Bowling Fun;
  • ANZAC Day wreath making;
  • Cub Scout Leadership course; and
  • Cub Art Camp.

Look how creative and industrious they are! Our leaders should give themselves a big pat on the back!

ANZAC Day Wreath

Cub Art Camp

Cub Leadership Course

Bowling Fun 2

General Information, Joeys, Uncategorized

Joeys Out and About

Joeys Big Day Out Fun 1

One of the fabulous things about being part of the Broken Bay Scout Group is that no matter what age you are there are just so many activities you can do. As you can see from this picture everyone can share the fun!

Joeys have been tremendously busy with their activities which included Joey Scout Big Day Out in Newcastle and Clean Up Australia Day here in our own locality.

The Joey Scout Big Day Out included a visit to Newcastle Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Honeysuckle area. The Museum hosted a show science show which included… wait for it…da, da, daaaaa the “Science of Slime”.

So wonderful to see the Joeys helping out, such as they did cleaning up McEvoy Oval, and learning about the culture and history of Newcastle our neighbouring city.

Joeys Clean Up Australia Day

General Information, Scouts

Australian Scout Medallion (ASM) for Greta

Greta Australian Scout Medallion Award

We’re sure Greta’s heard this many, many times – but a big B-R-A-V-O-O-O to her just the same! Greta was presented with her Australian Scout Medallion (ASM) Certificate in early April by Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins OAM JP.

Greta was just one of 39 NSW recipients and she was awarded her medallion at the Broken Bay Scout Group 2016 Christmas celebrations.

For those who are wondering exactly what the ASM represents it is “the highest award in the Scout Section” and is considered “the pinnacle” of Scouting at this stage.

Australian Scout Medallion