March 2023:

Cricket! 

Scouts visited Downlands sports hall, where they took part in sessions, and were lucky to be taught by the coaches from Hassocks and Keymer Cricket club. A popular game was diamond cricket, where players have to keep moving. It develops fielding, batting, bowling and teamwork skills. Teamwork skills also being a key scout skill to have.  

Taste Testing

On March 9th, Scouts took part in a fun blind taste testing challenge where they tested the same foods from 3 different supermarkets: Asda, Lidl and Tesco, plus branded foods. Scouts scored each food/ drink to decide which brand was the best. Foods and drinks included: Coca-cola, orange juice, cake, biscuits, and cereal. They scored each food on features like taste, texture and how it looked. Asda was the winner which came out on top! 

British Science Week

On the 15th and 16th March, which is part of British Science Week, scouts had to do 2 STEM challenges: Challenge 1 was to build a lander for an emergency helicopter drop. They made it out of junk modelling. Challenge 2 was to create a parachute. The Scout's “Precious” cargo was 2 boiled eggs. Lots of tape was used, lots of fun was had and fortunately, most eggs survived! The badges scouts were developing were the teamwork and science badges.   

Scouts Cooking

A short time ago, Scouts developed their cooking skills by cooking bread in 3 different ways. Oven rolls, Greek flat bread using a pan and microwaved mug bread.  

Dungeons and Dragons

Scouts got the opportunity to watch the new fantasy movie: Dungeons and Dragons as a part of the partnership they have with Odeon. Due to events like the Overlander's hike happening that weekend, Scouts had the cinema to themselves to enjoy the movie whilst eating popcorn and sweets. They even could sit at the back in the premium seats! 

Egg Roll 

To end the term, Scouts took part in the annual egg roll. This involved decorating hard boiled eggs and rolling them down the Parklands Park slide. Many eggs survived the sheer drop and to add to the joy, scouts were also given Easter chocolate and took part in an Easter quiz.

Lord Armory

Recently a large group of 1st Hassocks Scouts and Cubs went to London and spent the night on the Lord Armory. They joined in on fun activities like KidZania for cubs and Bowling for scouts. And scouts even got to see the historical Tower of London. The group used a vast range of transport on the trip from trains, tubes, and coaches to river taxis! Overall, a fun trip for everyone.

Monopoly Run 2023:

On March 4th, 6 teams of Hassocks Scouts had an early start, 07:25, in order to take part in the monopoly run. Team names were Beastie Boys, Cobra, Ghostbusters, Odd Bods, Unbreakables and Lemons. The monopoly run is a highlight in the scout calendar, and it is a real-life version of the iconic board game, where scouts join over 5500 other scouts and guides across the nation to run around London, hoping to buy properties and avoid paying rent. Just like the board game, the aim is to gather as much money as possible. 

During the all-day-game, Scouts not only have to try and buy properties but also, have to complete quizzes and time trial challenges to gain extra money. They also have to watch out, as if they miss a property, they get penalised double the usual rent! Out of all 6 teams, Lemons came out on top gaining £1299 and coming 524th out of the 1386 teams playing, which is fantastic! 

Overall, scouts had lots of fun taking part in the exhausting but rewarding day. 

Feb 2023:

Pancake Day!

To celebrate shrove tuesday, scouts completed different pancake-based challenges in patrols.  These included having to make a flippable pancake and a valentine-themed pancake. Some of the more notable pancakes were a shrek-themed pancake and lots of red hearts.

First Aid  

On the 27th of February beavers worked on their first aid skills. They used bandages to make slings and even got to practise life-saving chest compressions on “Little Anne” -the resus model.  They were working towards their emergency first aid badge. The skills they learnt are essential skills to save lives in an emergency. 

Jan 2023:

Lifeboats!

Coming back from winter break, 1st Hassocks Scouts headed to Shoreham Lifeboat Station to learn about Shoreham Harbour Lifeboats’ history and the important work the volunteers do. In fact, volunteers make up 85% of this great institution.  

Overlanders Hike

Since 1968 Scouts and Explorers of East and West Sussex have come together to take part in the Overlanders Hike, which takes place over the South Downs. It involves an overnight hike where you do around 15 miles on the Saturday and 10 on the Sunday. When a group arrives at each of 14 checkpoints along the way, they will be greeted with activities such as crisp tasting, knot tying or first aid. Along the hike, groups will use skills such as map reading and compass reading to help them navigate the way. These skills help towards your DofE and other scouting awards. On Jan 6th, Hassocks Scouts took part in a practise hike to prepare for the real thing.  

Fitness! 

Coming back from the winter break, beavers did some fun fitness. It included squats, push-ups, sit-ups and a shuttle run. 

Chinese New Year

On the 23rd  Beavers celebrated the New Year, the year of the rabbit. Beavers made crafts and imitated rabbits by hopping up and down the hall. 

Burns Night 

Celebrating Burns Night, Beavers indulged in all things Scottish. On the 30th they began with a game of “Scot or Not” where they had to guess if a word was Scottish or fictitious. Then they had fun playing sheaf toss, hopscotch and highland steps. Highland steps is a take on the dance “the highland fling” and is a game which involves skills such as Rhythm and speed to do it successfully. Finally, they did some paper weaving- imitating the iconic Scottish tartan pattern. Sláinte!

Dec 2022:

Light Up Hassocks

Explorers ran a store at LUH where you had to use your map reading skills and choose a square on the grid reference, in with a chance of gaining a prize. In total, they raised £140 for the group.

Christmas cookies!

On the 8th of December, scouts had a festive themed circuit evening for the holidays. Activities included creating a scented candle out of an orange, Christmas themed cookies with icing for gifts. And also, some brilliant Christmas themed decorations such as snowflakes using scissors and paper.  

Ice Skating

On the 15th of December, Scouts went ice skating at Brighton pavilion to finish the year with a bang as well as it counting towards their Physical recreation badge.  Similarly, Hassocks Explorers also went ice skating but on the 5th and were joined by a fellow mid Sussex explorer group - Trident.