Second Wardle Beaver Colony to start after successful ‘sleepover trial’

‘Beavers in Training’ and their parents plus Beavers and Cubs and their parents

A second Beaver Colony in Wardle is set to open on Wednesday 26 April following a successful sleepover trial on Saturday.

The Wardle Scout Group held the sleepover for those on the waiting list, with the aim of the parents assessing the commitment needed to start a second colony. As a result, the new colony will provide spaces for all the beavers on the waiting list.

Eight ‘Beavers in Training’ and their parents took part and were supplemented by existing Beavers and Cubs and their parents.

They participated in lots of games and activities including completing their ‘Beaver Cooks’ badge, camp ice hockey, archery and even had a traditional scout campfire singalong toasting marshmallows on sticks.

The seven parents were also treated to the scouting experience, learning how to light fires without matches and ‘angel’ throwing (a type of axe head throwing).

Leader Norma Brandon said: “The weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by all and as result of the weekend, the new Beaver Colony will open at the end of April with seven new beaver leaders who are keen, enthusiastic and committed to making it a success. All of them are keen and very enthusiastic: their enthusiasm is motivating some of my current team and we look like we are going to have a very successful year.

“The Beavers in Training enjoyed themselves so much that they want to join Beavers immediately; some have persuaded their parents to buy their uniforms already and they are all looking forward to the first meeting.

“The parents all signed up to be leaders - we are calling them ‘Beaver Leaders in Training’. Four of them have already completed their online initial training and some have purchased their uniforms already too. They have had a meeting with the current Beaver leader team to help them plan their programme for the term and everything is ready to go.

“I am so very pleased and amazed at how successful we have been. It has really opened my eyes to how infectious a weekend of Scouting can be with people who have no experience of it. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better result.”

The group have some initial costs of setting up the new Beaver Colony, and will be hosting a ‘tea and cake afternoon’ to officially declare the newly-decorated scout hall at Wardle Scout HQ. officially open on 14 May. All funds raised from the day will go towards the start-up costs of the new colony.