1st Daviot Oldmeldrum Scout Group

The second Beaver Sleepover has just finished…could it match the success of the first? You bet your life, it could!!!!

We all gathered at Fyvie Castle car park to begin our ‘Flying Frenzy’ adventure to celebrate the 80 year anniversary, almost to the day, of Amelia Earhart’s solo flight across the Atlantic.  Setting ourselves up at the picnic area, and after a warm up game of Corners, we found out if we could signal messages to each other, from afar using semaphore. Armed with colourful racquets, our ‘flags’; the groups, aptly named the ‘Starfighter Beavers’, ‘The Eagles’, ‘ Beavers Flight Crew’ and the ‘Concordes’ ; ably managed the task, after a fashion, once the idea of mirror image was sussed!  The next game of ‘The Host with the Most’, saw our group members turn into cabin crew and try and transfer items, upright (!), across the field on trays in the quickest time; a mix of speed and steadiness, ensured all items reached their destination, in the end. Finally, before a snack, we attempted to fly mini frisbees into hoops, with varying degrees of success.

For the next part of the day, we began our hike, back up to the Bunkhouse. As we walked alongside the loch, the challenge was to see as many different species of birds as possible. We were in luck, as not only were their various ducks, moorhens, coots, swans, and a goose; we were also fortunate enough to see ducklings with their mother, and the Beavers even managed to stay nice and quiet, so they weren’t scared off!  Before long, we were back up at the bunkhouse, and after a much needed drink of juice, we all settled in, sorted out our bunks and found all teddies ready for later.

After discussing our thoughts of the sleepover so far, we busily set about creating some very colourful boomerangs, attaching straws to the underside to add stability, and began our supersonic jets. Soon tea was upon us and after a very big feed, devoured in speedy fashion, we continued with our ‘flight plans’ as we all embarked upon paper aeroplane-making.  It was quite a feat, for the Beavers, to fold the paper so well, but they all managed the task admirably, which was then proved by the triumphant test flights!

As with all nights away experiences, we rounded it off with a good old campfire singsong.  Led by Mike, the Beavers were soon enthusiastically joining in with the various songs and actions, filling the room and the bunkhouse with the typical uproar, necessary at any scouting event. Before long it was time for hot chocolate and quiet time in bed.

Quiet time…or on this occasion…still excitable Beavers time…finally settled to sleep time and then silence finally reigned.

With the arrival of morning, we continued with our jets, adding the much needed elastic band for propulsion, before we consumed a huge breakfast, with eggy bread coming out the favourite.  Following our flag ceremony, we went inside to learn all about Amelia Earhart and her flying achievements. We then considered our own future dream jobs and how we hope to achieve them – coming to the conclusion we need to work hard at school to realise our aspirations of being a policeman or a scientist or farmer, to name a few.  We also thought about Amelia’s feelings embarking on her many adventures and how we felt before and after the sleepover, ranging from being scared to very excited! But also the greatest realisation, that having now taken part, we have the best feeling of achievement ever.

Having packed up our gear, successfully tested our jets and boomerangs, we raced outside for a final activity with an array of parachute games, which were as always, great fun. Soon it was time for the closing flag ceremony and the end of the sleepover.

All the Beavers had a great time and the still smiling faces as they left was testament to their continuous enthusiasm throughout the sleepover.  We are very proud, as always and to be told, “it was brilliant” and that “it was the best time ever” is all we need to hear to know we’ve done our best for them.

A big thank you needs to go to everyone who helped make the sleepover such a big success - Mike B, with his singing talents and Douglas, who was our main chef! Sara, in absentia, especially for her sponge and jellies, both going down a treat; Martin, our Young Leader, who despite being in the middle of his exams, came along on Saturday to help with the games and hike; and also Stuart, the Cub, who was key in understanding semaphore, as well as helping Douglas start our campfire. In addition, the parent helpers -Tracy, Mairi, Petr, Jenny, Sarah and Catherine, who assisted at different times throughout the sleepover, guaranteed the Beavers had a wonderful experience and the support is, as always, greatly appreciated!

And finally...

No tears…no homesickness…

Just a dozen tired and happy Beavers…

Perfect!

Linda - BSL