Another busy weekend!
Well done to those out this weekend on Bronze expeditions. We had no major disasters and I hope everyone learned a lot - which is what it's all about.
We had a bit of a tricky situation when one group was late back on the Sunday, at the same time as the shooting club was supposed to be starting, so we had to send Butch and Ollie back to run this until me and Ad were able to take over.
Last night we were in Cox Wood to sort out the field gun competition that we plan to challenge the Army Cadets with. No, that's not us above, that's some people who know what they're doing!
Saying that though K2 members did an excellent job planning a really good challenge, and we ended the night with two great DofE Silver presentations.
Posted at 9:01, 27/04/2010
Another busy weekend!
Well done to those out this weekend on Bronze expeditions. We had no major disasters and I hope everyone learned a lot - which is what it's all about.
We had a bit of a tricky situation when one group was late back on the Sunday, at the same time as the shooting club was supposed to be starting, so we had to send Butch and Ollie back to run this until me and Ad were able to take over.
Last night we were in Cox Wood to sort out the field gun competition that we plan to challenge the Army Cadets with. No, that's not us above, that's some people who know what they're doing!
Saying that though K2 members did an excellent job planning a really good challenge, and we ended the night with two great DofE Silver presentations.
Posted at 9:01, 27/04/2010
Candidates get a grilling
Well done to Danny, Ellen and Ben who ran last night's Question Time. Candidates from the Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and UKIP all took a full part in the debate. The BNP, who are also standing in the election, were not invited as they are a proscribed group and their aims are considered contrary to those of Scouting.
We got through questions about the environment, university fees, voting age and Afghanistan, amongst others.
At the end of the evening the Explorers cast their votes with the following result: Conservatives 5 votes, Labour 5 votes, Lib Dems 13 votes, Plaid Cymru 1 vote and UKIP 1 vote.
Posted at 17:33, 20/04/2010
Candidates get a grilling
Well done to Danny, Ellen and Ben who ran last night's Question Time. Candidates from the Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and UKIP all took a full part in the debate. The BNP, who are also standing in the election, were not invited as they are a proscribed group and their aims are considered contrary to those of Scouting.
We got through questions about the environment, university fees, voting age and Afghanistan, amongst others.
At the end of the evening the Explorers cast their votes with the following result: Conservatives 5 votes, Labour 5 votes, Lib Dems 13 votes, Plaid Cymru 1 vote and UKIP 1 vote.
Posted at 17:33, 20/04/2010
Hiking, camping, shooting, skiing...
...your average K2 weekend.
First of all we had 9 Explorers out on Silver DofE expeditions around Shropshire in scorching weather. Both final teams and Joe, who was walking with Atlas on his practice, did really well with none of the drama of the last set of Silver expeditions!
Me and Adam then had to rush back from Craven Arms to Cox Wood where we were running the 2nd session of the shooting club.
On Monday night we returned to Runcorn dry ski slope for another night of snowploughs. This seems to be one of our most popular activities and I'm pretty sure we'll be back.
Here's me showing an alternative way to use the button lift...
Posted at 19:08, 13/04/2010
Hiking, camping, shooting, skiing...
...your average K2 weekend.
First of all we had 9 Explorers out on Silver DofE expeditions around Shropshire in scorching weather. Both final teams and Joe, who was walking with Atlas on his practice, did really well with none of the drama of the last set of Silver expeditions!
Me and Adam then had to rush back from Craven Arms to Cox Wood where we were running the 2nd session of the shooting club.
On Monday night we returned to Runcorn dry ski slope for another night of snowploughs. This seems to be one of our most popular activities and I'm pretty sure we'll be back.
Here's me showing an alternative way to use the button lift...
Posted at 19:08, 13/04/2010
DofE updates on Twitter
Follow our Silver Groups' progress as they on expedition
Posted at 15:14, 09/04/2010
DofE updates on Twitter
Follow our Silver Groups' progress as they on expedition
Posted at 15:14, 09/04/2010
Bit of a contrast from last week!
From face packs, manicures and aromatherapy last week, to shooting guns, lighting fires and politics this week.
Posted at 17:42, 30/03/2010
Bit of a contrast from last week!
From face packs, manicures and aromatherapy last week, to shooting guns, lighting fires and politics this week.
Posted at 17:42, 30/03/2010
In touch with our feminine sides
It was a bit of a girly night last night in K2. At the programme planning session earlier in the year, two things that came up were aromatherapy and manicures - so we lumped them together and came up with tonight.
Deano's girlfriend Emma came in to show us the art of manicure. It was a bit scary seeing lads who spend most weekends at the bottom of a scrum getting their nails painted!
Danny's mum Carole did an excellent two sessions on aromatherapy. I had a go at guessing some of the smells but did really badly thinking coconut was almonds, but I still helped make tea tree balm.
Butcher's base was making homemade facial packs. Funnily enough there weren't many willing volunteers to get them applied!
Posted at 8:59, 23/03/2010
In touch with our feminine sides
It was a bit of a girly night last night in K2. At the programme planning session earlier in the year, two things that came up were aromatherapy and manicures - so we lumped them together and came up with tonight.
Deano's girlfriend Emma came in to show us the art of manicure. It was a bit scary seeing lads who spend most weekends at the bottom of a scrum getting their nails painted!
Danny's mum Carole did an excellent two sessions on aromatherapy. I had a go at guessing some of the smells but did really badly thinking coconut was almonds, but I still helped make tea tree balm.
Butcher's base was making homemade facial packs. Funnily enough there weren't many willing volunteers to get them applied!
Posted at 8:59, 23/03/2010
Blarney, Guinness & Siege of Ennis
We celebrated this week's St Patrick night with a trio of Irishness.
First we challenged some of the more adventurous of the Explorers to kiss our very own K2 Blarney Stone.
Then we set about cooking a nice plate of Colcannon, washed down with our home made Guinness (well, Coke topped with squirty cream).
Finally, we ended with a few goes at some Irish dancing. More fun than successful!
And tonight, history was made. The first ever K2 Challenge badges were awarded to Ollie, Kris, Jake, Eddie and Andy - as well as to the Leaders who deserve them too!
Posted at 0:07, 16/03/2010
Blarney, Guinness & Siege of Ennis
We celebrated this week's St Patrick night with a trio of Irishness.
First we challenged some of the more adventurous of the Explorers to kiss our very own K2 Blarney Stone.
Then we set about cooking a nice plate of Colcannon, washed down with our home made Guinness (well, Coke topped with squirty cream).
Finally, we ended with a few goes at some Irish dancing. More fun than successful!
And tonight, history was made. The first ever K2 Challenge badges were awarded to Ollie, Kris, Jake, Eddie and Andy - as well as to the Leaders who deserve them too!
Posted at 0:07, 16/03/2010
Not the winning but taking part?
Not sure about that. We were wanting to win the Area Escape and Evasion overnight challenge, but our teams came an embarrassing 12th, 14th, 16th and 19th.
On the positive side, we probably had more Explorers there than any other Unit there, and everyone really enjoyed it, despite getting next to no sleep.
Fingers crossed for the next challenge!
Posted at 15:46, 14/03/2010
Not the winning but taking part?
Not sure about that. We were wanting to win the Area Escape and Evasion overnight challenge, but our teams came an embarrassing 12th, 14th, 16th and 19th.
On the positive side, we probably had more Explorers there than any other Unit there, and everyone really enjoyed it, despite getting next to no sleep.
Fingers crossed for the next challenge!
Posted at 15:46, 14/03/2010
K2 Challenge badges are here!
We'll award them on Monday, and hopefully have zone certificates done by then too.
Posted at 9:43, 11/03/2010
K2 Challenge badges are here!
We'll award them on Monday, and hopefully have zone certificates done by then too.
Posted at 9:43, 11/03/2010
And the Oscar goes to...
...Alice in Wonderland? What do you think? We want to hear what you thought of tonight's film offering. You can email them to moz@k2esu.org.uk, text me your review, catch me on MSN, or message me via Facebook.
Personally I thought it was very good. Would have preferred it being a bit darker, but what do you expect from Disney. Excellent performances from Depp and Bonham-Carter, and a surprise appearance from the amazing Stephen Fry!
Posted at 23:01, 08/03/2010
And the Oscar goes to...
...Alice in Wonderland? What do you think? We want to hear what you thought of tonight's film offering. You can email them to moz@k2esu.org.uk, text me your review, catch me on MSN, or message me via Facebook.
Personally I thought it was very good. Would have preferred it being a bit darker, but what do you expect from Disney. Excellent performances from Depp and Bonham-Carter, and a surprise appearance from the amazing Stephen Fry!
Posted at 23:01, 08/03/2010
What to do, what to do!
Still not able to get hold of the police to arrange a visit to their station. Wondering whether we should commit a crime en mass as a Unit and get a visit sorted that way.
So, we've been left needing to plan something to do. We'd usually swap stuff around but next week's St Patrick's Day pretty much needs to happen on or around the 17th March, and the next two weeks are booked so can't be swapped.
Inspiration has come from last night's Oscars ceremony, and we're having a trip to the cinema. We're even paying, provided everyone promises to write a film review. Hopefully we'll all get in to see Alice in Wonderland which looks pretty good.
See you at 6.45, Eagles Meadow.
Posted at 13:30, 08/03/2010
What to do, what to do!
Still not able to get hold of the police to arrange a visit to their station. Wondering whether we should commit a crime en mass as a Unit and get a visit sorted that way.
So, we've been left needing to plan something to do. We'd usually swap stuff around but next week's St Patrick's Day pretty much needs to happen on or around the 17th March, and the next two weeks are booked so can't be swapped.
Inspiration has come from last night's Oscars ceremony, and we're having a trip to the cinema. We're even paying, provided everyone promises to write a film review. Hopefully we'll all get in to see Alice in Wonderland which looks pretty good.
See you at 6.45, Eagles Meadow.
Posted at 13:30, 08/03/2010
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant
In a Welsh themed St David's Day celebration, we debated whether Wales should have full independence (unfortunately the Unit voted overwhelmingly yes), had a presentation on photography by Danny (some of his photos were of Wales), and held an Eisteddfod that put Llangollen's lame effort to shame. Deano even managed to almost burn down the kitchen cooking Welsh cakes.
Da Iawn!
Posted at 23:58, 01/03/2010
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant
In a Welsh themed St David's Day celebration, we debated whether Wales should have full independence (unfortunately the Unit voted overwhelmingly yes), had a presentation on photography by Danny (some of his photos were of Wales), and held an Eisteddfod that put Llangollen's lame effort to shame. Deano even managed to almost burn down the kitchen cooking Welsh cakes.
Da Iawn!
Posted at 23:58, 01/03/2010
K2 Challenge badge approved
This from Gordon, the District Explorer Scout Commissioner...
''K2's proposal for the Challenge Badge has been accepted. Thank you for the work you do in supporting/running the Unit and please pass on my thanks to the Unit for being proactive in wanting to improve Explorer Scouting.''
From Malcolm, the District Secretary...
''This matter was discussed at yesterday's Exec meeting and the request you made on behalf of K2 was approved and very much supported. The Exec Committee also wish to commend the K2 team for developing this proposal, and you for championing it. This promotion of challenges and its recognition is wholeheartedly supported and we would like to be kept informed about your taking of the proposal to Wales and through Gilwell.
Well done.''
Posted at 23:47, 25/02/2010
K2 Challenge badge approved
This from Gordon, the District Explorer Scout Commissioner...
''K2's proposal for the Challenge Badge has been accepted. Thank you for the work you do in supporting/running the Unit and please pass on my thanks to the Unit for being proactive in wanting to improve Explorer Scouting.''
From Malcolm, the District Secretary...
''This matter was discussed at yesterday's Exec meeting and the request you made on behalf of K2 was approved and very much supported. The Exec Committee also wish to commend the K2 team for developing this proposal, and you for championing it. This promotion of challenges and its recognition is wholeheartedly supported and we would like to be kept informed about your taking of the proposal to Wales and through Gilwell.
Well done.''
Posted at 23:47, 25/02/2010
We did it ourselves!
A packed night as usual at K2 with bases on wallpapering, bricklaying, plug wiring, tap washer changing and woodworking.
Thanks very much to the parents who came and helped out!
Posted at 9:47, 23/02/2010
We did it ourselves!
A packed night as usual at K2 with bases on wallpapering, bricklaying, plug wiring, tap washer changing and woodworking.
Thanks very much to the parents who came and helped out!
Posted at 9:47, 23/02/2010
Great place for an investiture
I'm back - well almost! My computer died when I got back from my holiday so I'm struggling to get stuff online. Feel a bit in the dark...
...which is just how K2 Explorers felt last night (sorry) when they were escorted blindfolded into a dark, damp, urine-smelling tunnel at the start of last night's wide game!
After running about for a bit on the Hafod sticking plasters onto a glowing red bin, we invested Rob, Fraser and Jordan into K2, and also invested Dean as Assistant Explorer Scout Leader, now he's finished the first bit of his training.
Thanks to Butcher, Dean and Baggie for running last week - especially when the police pulled out at the last minute. Hopefully the cable car making and pancakes went well.
Posted at 11:53, 16/02/2010
Great place for an investiture
I'm back - well almost! My computer died when I got back from my holiday so I'm struggling to get stuff online. Feel a bit in the dark...
...which is just how K2 Explorers felt last night (sorry) when they were escorted blindfolded into a dark, damp, urine-smelling tunnel at the start of last night's wide game!
After running about for a bit on the Hafod sticking plasters onto a glowing red bin, we invested Rob, Fraser and Jordan into K2, and also invested Dean as Assistant Explorer Scout Leader, now he's finished the first bit of his training.
Thanks to Butcher, Dean and Baggie for running last week - especially when the police pulled out at the last minute. Hopefully the cable car making and pancakes went well.
Posted at 11:53, 16/02/2010
May be a bit quiet for a week
I'm off skiing for a week, so apologies that the site won't be updated for a bit!
Have fun with the car boot sale (I'll be thinking of you) and at the police station on Monday.
Posted at 11:58, 06/02/2010
May be a bit quiet for a week
I'm off skiing for a week, so apologies that the site won't be updated for a bit!
Have fun with the car boot sale (I'll be thinking of you) and at the police station on Monday.
Posted at 11:58, 06/02/2010
Sorry we keep running over!
Can I please say sorry to all your parents who used to wait outside the hut every week at 9pm when we usually ran over by 15 to 20 minutes, and now that we've moved the finish to 9.30, stand outside the hut 30 minutes later still waiting.
Problem is that now we have 2 hours, I am now planning the programme to fit that, and so we're still failing to finish on time. From now on I'll try to plan for an hour and a half and see how that goes!
Despite only 6 Explorers attending our Over 2 U camp in Nottingham, it sounded like a really good weekend. Thanks very much to Danny for organising it (to be fair - as he'd say - he did most of the work), and to Butcher for taking them. Click on the pic above to see the gallery - and what most of us sadly missed.
As I said in my earlier blog post, this time last night we were struggling to come up with something for tonight, but I think we managed in the end, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and get stuck in.
Posted at 23:17, 01/02/2010
Sorry we keep running over!
Can I please say sorry to all your parents who used to wait outside the hut every week at 9pm when we usually ran over by 15 to 20 minutes, and now that we've moved the finish to 9.30, stand outside the hut 30 minutes later still waiting.
Problem is that now we have 2 hours, I am now planning the programme to fit that, and so we're still failing to finish on time. From now on I'll try to plan for an hour and a half and see how that goes!
Despite only 6 Explorers attending our Over 2 U camp in Nottingham, it sounded like a really good weekend. Thanks very much to Danny for organising it (to be fair - as he'd say - he did most of the work), and to Butcher for taking them. Click on the pic above to see the gallery - and what most of us sadly missed.
As I said in my earlier blog post, this time last night we were struggling to come up with something for tonight, but I think we managed in the end, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and get stuck in.
Posted at 23:17, 01/02/2010
How to entertain 30 Explorers
Last night we were sat in a local hostelry wondering what to do tonight.
The programme said we were visiting the Police Station, but realistically that was never going to happen as I'd only contacted them last Tuesday.
So, what to do instead.
We've scoured the programme to see what to swap with. Something that we could plan in a few hours. We think we've sorted it out, and tonight we've got all sorts of science going on, some dangerous, some not.
See you at 7.30.
Posted at 12:42, 01/02/2010
How to entertain 30 Explorers
Last night we were sat in a local hostelry wondering what to do tonight.
The programme said we were visiting the Police Station, but realistically that was never going to happen as I'd only contacted them last Tuesday.
So, what to do instead.
We've scoured the programme to see what to swap with. Something that we could plan in a few hours. We think we've sorted it out, and tonight we've got all sorts of science going on, some dangerous, some not.
See you at 7.30.
Posted at 12:42, 01/02/2010
Crouching Andy hidden Paddy
Good night at Plas Power Adventure tonight. An hour of climbing then an hour of orienteering. Andy did some crouching, Paddy did some hiding in the dark pretending to do orienteering.
Posted at 0:32, 26/01/2010
Crouching Andy hidden Paddy
Good night at Plas Power Adventure tonight. An hour of climbing then an hour of orienteering. Andy did some crouching, Paddy did some hiding in the dark pretending to do orienteering.
Posted at 0:32, 26/01/2010
Making Monday nights count
Last night we introduced the K2 Challenge. Every week, we keep a record of who comes to K2, and which activities we did. Anyone who takes an active part in the Monday night K2 programme, and K2 camps, for an extended period of time, will achieve the K2 Challenge. The Forum decided last night that this would be a gold edged version of the K2 necker badge.
Posted at 9:29, 19/01/2010
Making Monday nights count
Last night we introduced the K2 Challenge. Every week, we keep a record of who comes to K2, and which activities we did. Anyone who takes an active part in the Monday night K2 programme, and K2 camps, for an extended period of time, will achieve the K2 Challenge. The Forum decided last night that this would be a gold edged version of the K2 necker badge.
Posted at 9:29, 19/01/2010