Aaron's Blog

Archive for the ‘Beavers’ Category

Last Friday was the last Beavers of the term and for the final session, they organised a beach clean at Wembury, followed by a BBQ. Nearly all of the Beavers went and Kelly helped with the food.  The weather was nice and dry and warm, which was a relief.  We took our own little BBQ for us whilst Aaron ate from the main Beaver BBQ. All of the Beavers split up into groups with bin bags and went all over the beach to pick up any rubbish they found. Aaron enjoyed it but I am not sure how much rubbish he found and picked up! He then ate a lot of the BBQ and other snacks that had been contributed.

Once the session was over, Aaron changed into his wetsuit and went into the sea for a bit, though it was cold and he didn’t really go in for very long! He then went and played with his friends in the rock pools for a bit and then went exploring with me, further out into the rock pools. We found a crab, a large shrimp and a big feather from a seagull, so Aaron was happy. By the time we had got back to the beach, all the other Beavers had gone and the weather was turning, so we packed up and went home, just as it was starting to spit with rain.

Aaron had a great time at the beach clean and enjoyed the BBQ as well. He had a great term at Beavers and loved every minute of it!

On Monday evening, Aaron had a watersports evening with the Beavers on the River Tamar (just below and to the side of the bridge) at the proper Scout watersports building. He was a little apprehensive to begin with (and tired as it was after school and a weekend away camping) but once he get into it, he said he enjoyed it, even though he couldn’t tell me what his best and worst bits were!

We got there early, at about 5pm, and ate some food that Kelly had brought with us, before meeting the rest of the Beavers at 17:30. We had never been to the area before but it was lovely, with a nice pub right next to the watersports building that also had a seating area next to the water. Aaron had to go in, with the other beavers, and get his life jacket etc on and then help push a large speed boat out onto the water. The Beavers then took in turns going in the speed boat for a trip around the Tamar and kayaking. We were worried about the kayaking but each boat was attached to a rope that an instructor had hold of, so that was a relief! We had visions of Aaron floating off down the Tamar!! hahaha 

Before they were allowed out on the kayaks, they were all taught how to paddle and sit correctly in the boat. They were all a bit awkward doing this, as they are only 6 and 7 years old, but got the general hang of it. They were then allowed to go in a kayak and paddle out several metres on their own before being pulled back in and paddling out again. As mentioned, they all took turns doing this and riding in the speed boat. Aaron seemed to enjoy it all and did very well with his paddling, though I think his favourite bit was in the speed boat, as he does like his vehicles!

The event lasted 2 1/4 hours, so we didn’t leave until nearly 20:15. We were sat on a table outside the pub and managed to have some drinks and some crisps from the pub. The food there looked lovely as well! Coby was being a bit naughty though and needed to go for a wee in the pub several times, but it was a long time sat around though.

It was a great event for the Beavers and we think Aaron would jump at the change of doing it again. We didn’t even have to pay any extra money for this, which is amazing really. Being part of the Beavers is well worth it!

During Beavers 2 weeks ago, they did a bike ride from Clearbrook down to Bickleigh Viaduct and back. Initially, they were only going to ride to the tunnel and back but they made it so quick there that we were allowed to carry on to Bickleigh Viaduct, which was another 10 minutes along the trail. I was one of the helpers and had a Beaver group that consisted of Aaron and Archie, and Ben, who was allowed to tag along as well, as long as he behaved himself.  Aaron really enjoyed the bike ride (and so did I!) and did very well cycling, until he got to the final uphill stretch where he ended up pushing his bike along as he said his legs were too tired.  It didn’t help that Ben’s pedal fell off at about the same point as well!  We were group 1, so we led the way, until the final stretch! We were so far ahead at one point, we were waiting at the break point for about 5 minutes before group 2 arrived.  The best part for Aaron (and me) was going through the tunnel as it is quite dark in there. All the Beavers loved that and were making noises as they were cycling through it. It was great fun!

When we got back to Clearbrook, we had a Beavers picnic that was organised by Kelly and Faye, with the help of Coby and Charlie. There was a good spread of picnic food so all the Beavers scoffed a lot although Aaron was a little full up apparently and wanted to climb trees instead with his friends!

The weather was perfect as well, so we couldn’t have asked for a better 1st bike ride with the Beavers. Hopefully they will organise another one as the Beavers all said they wanted to do it again at the end! 😉

Last Friday at Beavers, Aaron received 2 more badges. One was a 1st Aid badge and the second was an adventure type badge. He was very pleased!

For their session, they had to go for a ‘midnight’ adventure walk, which he thought was great and then they went back to the Scout Hut and watched a film with popcorn, sweets and hot chocolate. The children also had the option to stay the night in the hut (with a parent) but Aaron didn’t want to do this, and we weren’t very keen either. So Kelly went up to watch the film with him and then brought him home after. He was tired out anyway and wanted his own bed to sleep in! 😉

Badges

In the final session before Christmas, the Beavers group had a Christmas Party. Father Christmas popped in as well and gave them all a small present each and parents made goodies to leave with the children for the party. Aaron really enjoyed it and ate lots including pizza, buns and other yummy stuff. He really enjoyed his first full term at Beavers and it is great what they are getting up to and teaching him.