2020 has been a challenge for everyone. Our Beaver colony has done a fantastic job of keeping going with fun activities, using Zoom when necessary. They’ve taken every opportunity to meet in person, in a very carefully managed and safe way, and get out and about while they could. We think all our sections (Beavers, Cubs and Scouts) have set a fantastic example of how the Scout movement can keep going and bring some variety and fun to a difficult time. The Beaver colony is no exception and the whole group is proud of them.
In the easier days before lockdown, the Beavers took part in Challenge Day where all colonies from Winchester come together to compete in activities like geo-compassing, wall climbing, caving, and building a bridge. We also had a trip to Pets at Home with games on how to look after pets and even had guinea pigs and hamsters for the Beavers to hold.
We had a trip to our local fire station where they showed us around the fire engine and even let the Beavers climb inside. We also had a tour of the station and our Scout helper was able to put on all the fire gear they had to wear, to show the Beavers how much they have to put on when attending fires.
2020 started with Space Camp, when we met at the Winchester Science Centre for a sleepover. We were allowed to use all the equipment and had some great presentations in the planetarium – a talk about space and some science experiments, and finally a showing of Wallace and Gromit before bed! In the morning, after breakfast the children had another chance to explore and play.
Our last big event before lock down was in evening of indoor archery run by the the activities team from Pinsent (our local outdoor Scouting centre).
Lockdown was a big challenge for all group activities but at the 12th we were determined to keep going. We hope we set a great example for other groups, too, inventing ways to do scouting remotely with lots of amazing activities.
We had zoom meeting every week with lots of games. We also took part in the world record-breaking Big Camp at Home. The beavers could pitch a tent or build a den in their own homes, sharing the experience over Zoom. We played games, did quizzes, had a singing competition and a virtual campfire.
We also did a Teddy Bear’s Picnic on zoom, with every Beaver bringing a teddy bear to the virtual picnic.
It was great to come out of lockdown and get some safe but exciting outside activities. We played lots of wide games (active outdoor games): obstacle course, egg and spoon races (with a few hurdles for extra fun), pirate map game and river/road. The Beavers also did a hike at St. Catherine’s hill and did some map reading.
Also when back in HQ (our Scout hut) we played games: Hot Potato, Simon Says, Follow the Leader, Pin the Legs on the Spider and Bash Ball. Finally, at the end the winter term we had a Christmas disco, with Christmas lights, our tree, and lots of fun games too: relay races and the Waddling Duck game.