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14 Dec 2023
News from the November weekend and January course details
We have just completed the second weekend of this Pro-Badge season. We had three badges running, two for Scouts and one for Cubs. I had to leave halfway through the Saturday due to work commitments so left the rest of the team running the weekend.
The first weekend of the Expedition Challenge course took place which involved a lot of training involving map work, route planning, first aid and cooking. The Saturday was spent completing an 18-kilometre hike where the group was accompanied by some Leaders to check their navigation skills. The Scouts found the route challenging due to the weather and some overgrown footpaths. The second weekend of this course is on the 23-24th March 2024 where they will be navigating on their own as part of the challenge.
The other badge for Scouts was the Chef badge. The Scouts learnt all about cooking, menu planning, hygiene and washing up. From their own menus they cooked lunch on the Saturday over an open fire, dinner on the Saturday and breakfast on the Sunday on gas.
We ran the Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included walks, orienteering around the site, 4 figure grid references, making their own maps, learning all about map symbols and making their own edible ones. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Stage 2 course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Navigator Stage 3 badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts can get the leaders temporarily misplaced (lost).
Next Course
In January we are running the Pioneer badge for the Cub Scouts, which will see the Cubs' learning knots, lashings, making rope, a knotting board and taking part in some fun projects.
For the Scouts, we are running the Forester badge where the Scouts will spend time in the woods learning about planting trees, felling, coppicing and hedge laying, as well as how to identify the many different trees we have about.
We currently have spaces available on both courses.
Also, we currently have spaces on our February and April weekends. For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
LOST & FOUND
Did your Cub / Scout / Leader bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything or have any "extra" kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe.
At the end of the season any lost property left at Pro-Badge is disposed of.
Staff Vacancies
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about this or any volunteer opportunities, please email myself and we can arrange to meet up.
It Just leaves me to wish you all a good winter break and a Happy New Year.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
31 Oct 2023
News from the October weekend and course dates
Hi All
It was very good to see so many parents and leaders at our Annual Review. Congratulations go to all the Cubs and Scouts who received awards and prizes. Our Annual Report was presented, and a copy is available here.
Over the October weekend we ran two courses. For Cub Scouts it was the Our Adventure Challenge badge which saw the cub completing many activities including, archery, rafting, low ropes, bouldering, lighting fires and going on a 6km hike with me on the Sunday morning.
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge, they learnt all about knots and lashings along with skills using pulleys and derricks. They built a bridge over the assault course wall, which they finished on the Sunday morning due to the rain on Saturday afternoon. The leaders running the badge were enhanced this year by a leader who travelled from Wales for the weekend. He was originally a Scout on our first pioneering course 34 years ago.
We are now planning our November weekend where we will be running Navigator Stage 2 for Cubs and the Chef Badge for Scouts, as well as the Expedition Challenge for Scouts.
The table below shows what we are running when. Bookings are now open; we have spaces on all courses however Expedition Challenge is now full. To book please email me clive.clark@hampshirescouts.org.uk.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
November 17-19
Navigator Stage 2
Chef OR Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend Course FULL
January 19-21
Pioneer
Forester
February 16-18
Scientist (NEW BADGE) OR Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend Course FULL
April 26-28
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper OR Survival Skills
LOST & FOUND
Did your cub/scout bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything or have any "extra" kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe at andy.ratcliffe@hampshirescouts.org.uk.
We have these items left from last weekend:
Black Peter Storm waterproof trousers;
Black F&F School trousers;
Blueish 32° Heat jacket.
One Scout came home without her walking trousers so please check to see if you have gained any. They do have her name in them.
Help Needed
We rely on volunteers to enable the badge to run, you do not need to commit to a whole weekend - a few hours or a day can help us immensely. You do not need any skills as we can train you. We are just looking for keen enthusiastic individuals. If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any volunteer opportunities, please email the team at pro-badge@hampshirescouts.org.uk then we can arrange to meet up and discuss what you would like to do.
We are about to start our 34th season of Pro-Badge, our seasons run from October to April.
We are starting the season with our Annual Review on Thursday 19th October at 7pm in Lyons Lodge. This will be the first review we have run since 2019 due to the pandemic. We will be awarding our prizes and certificates and adding at least one name to the board on the wall in Lyons Lodge.
The first weekend of the season starts on the weekend of 20-22nd October 2023. We will be running Our Adventure Challenge for Cub Scouts, Pioneer for Scouts, and Pioneer for Explorer Scouts. We currently have Cubs and Scouts booked on so will be running these courses. We do not have any Explorers at the moment, please pass this on to any of your Explorer leaders. We also have spaces on all our other courses.
The table below shows what we are running when. Bookings are now open. To book please email Scissors.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 20-22
Our Adventure Challenge
Pioneer
Pioneer
November 17-19
Navigator Stage 2
Chef OR Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
January 19-21
Pioneer
Forester
February 16-18
Scientist (NEW BADGE) OR Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 26-28
Chef AND Backwoods Cooking
Camper OR Survival Skills
This season we are keeping our fees the same as the last. The cost for Cub Scout courses is £50.00 per weekend. This will be reduced to £45.00 if paid in full to Pro-Badge at least two weeks before the start of the course. The cost for Scout courses is £45.00 per weekend. This will be reduced to £40.00 if paid in full to Pro-Badge at least two weeks before the start of the course. The price includes all training, food, and accommodation for the weekend.
Help Needed
We rely on volunteers to enable the badge to run, you do not need to commit to a whole weekend - a few hours or a day can help us immensely. You do not need any skills as we can train you. We are just looking for keen enthusiastic individuals. If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any volunteer opportunities, please email the team at pro-badge@hampshirescouts.org.uk then we can arrange to meet up and discuss what you would like to do.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk or email Scissors.
Copies of our Cub and Scout leaflets are available on our Cub and Scout pages. Please print off and share with others who may be interested in attending.
The February Pro-Badge weekend has just finished. The Environmental Conservation course saw the Cubs having some visitors on the Friday evening from British Divers Marine Life Rescue learning about Seals, Dolphins, Porpoises and even Whales around the British Isles and how the environment and plastic pollution has affected their habitat, the Cubs were shown how to catch a seal, and they had a go on a toy seal. Saturday was learning about water conservation, and recycling. They also spent time clearing out ditches and building Solar powered model houses.
Navigator Stage 3 also took place over the weekend with all the Cubs and Scouts going on a hike on the Saturday afternoon, having previously planned the route and leant about six figure references, contours, and map symbols. The hike also qualifies as a hike away. The young people navigated the Leaders round the route giving them the opportunity to get the Leaders temporarily misplaced (we are never lost). The course involved learning about contours using the small mound at the back of Lyons Lodge, as well as lots of practise of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
Next Course
In April we are running both the Backwoods Cooking and Chef Badges for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running the Camper and Survival Skills badges. We have some spaces on all the courses.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
LOST & FOUND
Did your Cub Scout / Scout / Explorer Scout or Leader bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything or have any extra kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe.
We regret that at the end of the season any lost property left at Pro-Badge is disposed of; we recycle where possible.
Current lost property held:
Red woggle;
Apunol head torch;
Red/burgundy Mountain Warehouse pillow bag;
Blue Nike zip up hoodie, age 8-10 years.
We have been advised of one item of missing kit that didn't make it home. If you have an extra head torch, Petzl brand with S Redmill stitched on a nametape on the headband please contact Rats by email.
Staff Vacancies
Deputy Camp Leader Scouts
We are looking for a leader to take charge of the Scouts during the day and evenings when they are not being instructed. The tasks include looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the young people ensuring they have all they need and supervising the Scouts during non-training time. This also involves making sure they are in the correct place at the correct time. Talking to badge instructors making sure they have the correct equipment and then liaising with the store team. Helping at mealtimes and first thing in the morning when they get up and in the evenings before bed.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about this or any volunteer opportunities, please email the team at probadge@hampshirescouts.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
We have just completed the January weekend of this season's Pro-Badge. Unfortunately, due the state of the ground at Lyons Copse before our arrival we were limited in where we could go this weekend as the fields and some of the woods were waterlogged and unable to be used.
The Scouts took part in the Forester badge where they learnt about forest management, safety, and tree identification. The Scouts then spent all day Saturday in a local wood helping to maintain the site. They used axes, saws and loppers to maintain the existing trees, learning about coppicing and how to manage the trees. They also had a demonstration of tree felling using a chainsaw. They kept warm by building a big fire from all the dead wood they were clearing out. They also planted some hazel trees. I know they were tired as two of the four Scouts in my car fell asleep on the way back. On the Sunday they completed the tree identification work had their assessments and produced some posters.
The Cubs on the Pioneer Course managed to build several projects including a ladder, a bean bag firing balister and a stretcher which they used to carry a casualty (cuddly toy) around the site perimeter track. This gave them a good chance to put into practice the knots and lashings they had learnt. They also all made a piece of rope and a knot board.
I also enjoyed the Saturday evening entertainment with the Highland Games and of course the piping in of the Haggis followed by the blessing for Burns night. Special thanks must go to the two Pipers Graeme and Rachel, plus Steve of course for putting his Chef whites on and parading the Haggis round the room.
Next Courses
Next month we are running Environmental Conservation for Cubs and Navigator Stage 3 for both Cubs and Scouts. We have spaces on all courses now so please advertise to your groups.
In April we are running Chef and Backwoods Cooking for Cubs and Camper and Survival Skills for Scouts, we have plenty of spaces on these courses as well at present. Unfortunately Mike told me last night that he would be unable to run the Camper badge this year due to possible work commitments, I am therefore looking for someone to run and coordinate this badge. If you are prepared to do so or know someone who may please let me know as soon as possible else I may have to cancel the course. I have a couple of months to decide but would like this resolved sooner rather than later.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
LOST & FOUND
Did your Cub Scout / Scout / Explorer Scout or Leader bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything or have any extra kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe.
We have been advised of one item of missing kit that didn't make it home. If you have an extra head torch, Petzl brand with S Redmill stitched on a nametape on the headband please contact Rats by email.
We regret that at the end of the season any lost property left at Pro-Badge is disposed of; we recycle where possible.
Staff Vacancies
Deputy Camp Leader Scouts
We are looking for a leader to take charge of the Scouts during the day and evenings when they are not being instructed. The tasks include looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the young people ensuring they have all they need and supervising the Scouts during non-training time. This also involves making sure they are in the correct place at the correct time. Talking to badge instructors making sure they have the correct equipment and then liaising with the store team. Helping at mealtimes and first thing in the morning when they get up and in the evenings before bed.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about this or any volunteer opportunities, please email the team at probadge@hampshirescouts.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
Spaces available on the Cub Scouts Pioneer and Scouts Forester badge courses
Next weekend, 20 - 22 January, we are running the Cub Scouts Pioneer and Scouts Forester badge courses. There are currently some spaces available on both; if you would like your young person to take one of these courses please email Scissors as soon as possible.
14 Apr 2022
News from the April weekend
April saw last weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme current season; we ran the Chef and Backwoods Cooking badges for Cub Scouts along with the Survival Skills and Camper badge for Scouts.
The Survival Skills course consisted of the Scouts having some First Aid and Survival training on the Friday evening. They were woken very early on the Saturday morning and then had to hike to the Survival Skills site. Once on site the four teams decided on where to build their bivouacs. Having built them they then -found- and cooked the evening meal before sleeping in the bivouacs overnight. In the morning they cooked fish for breakfast over their fires before striking camp and returning to the main site at Lyons Copse.
The Camper course had two patrols camping and the Scouts spent Friday evening putting up tents and arranging their sites. On Saturday they learnt about site layouts, how to look after their kit and equipment, followed by making gadgets. They then cooked their dinner over an open fire and breakfast on gas stoves, these were both from a menu they had planned. This was followed by striking camp and returning all the equipment clean and tidy.
The Chef and Backwoods Cooking courses for the cubs saw the cubs achieve two badges. The cubs were divided into two groups, one successfully cooked on a trench fire for lunch and then for the Chef Badge cooking a chicken dinner on Gas. The other group also successfully cooked a meal on gas and over the fire but the other way round. They of course also had instruction on hygiene as well as preparing the food (cutting and peeling) and clearing up afterwards. On the Sunday morning they lit a fire to demonstrate what they had learnt about on the previous day.
Next Season 2022-2023
We have set the dates for our next season starting in October 2022. The dates for next season are:
21-23 October 2022
18-20 November 2022
20-22 January 2023
17-19 February 2023
14-16 April 2023
A decision will be made on which badge is on which weekend at the end of this month / early May and then the courses will be put on the website.
LOST & FOUND
Did your Cub Scout / Scout / Explorer Scout or Leader bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything or have any -extra- kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe.
Help Needed
We rely on volunteers to enable the badge to run, you do not need to commit to a whole weekend a few hours or a day can help us immensely. You do not need any skills as we can train you. We are just looking for keen enthusiastic individuals. If you would like to volunteer or know more information about these or any volunteer opportunities, please email the team at pro-badge@hampshirescouts.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk or email Scissors.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
21 Feb 2022
News from the February weekend
Well, that was an interesting weekend just gone. We lost all power to the site at 3pm on the Friday afternoon which resulting in us delaying the start of the courses until the Saturday morning. Some of the leaders did stay on the Friday night and ended up having dinner by gas light. The power did come back on just after midnight.
If you can't see the picture please click here to download it.
We had to rearrange our programmes to enable us to fit all the badge requirements into the weekend.
Navigator Stage 3 took place over the weekend with all the cubs and scouts getting muddy during the rescheduled hike on the Sunday morning. The hike also qualifies as a hike away. The young people navigated the leaders round the route giving them the opportunity to get the leaders temporarily misplaced (we are never lost). The course also involved learning about contours using the small mound at the back of Lyons Lodge, as well as lots of practise of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
The Environmental Conservation course saw the Cubs learning about water conservation, and recycling. We have one of our awards for this course as the Cubs must complete a project before the weekend as part of the badge requirements. We take this and how well the Cubs have learnt and improved their knowledge over the weekend to decide on two nominees. This year they were Niamh and Spencer. The actual winner will be announced along with the other awards at our annual review.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
Staff Vacancies
Deputy Camp Leader Scouts
We are looking for a leader to take charge of the Scouts during the day and evenings when they are not being instructed. The tasks include looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the young people ensuring they have all they need and supervising the Scouts during non-training time. This also involves making sure they are in the correct place at the correct time. Talking to badge instructors making sure they have the correct equipment and then liaising with the store team. Helping at mealtimes and first thing in the morning when they get up and in the evenings before bed.
Financial assistant on weekends
We are looking for someone to help with the finances over the weekends. This will involve collecting moneys on the Friday evening, working out the amount owed in camp fees for the weekend, helping to sell tuck and other items over the weekend and at the end of the weekend. This role can easily be fitted in with others over the weekend or could be ideal for someone only available for part of the weekend, the primary time being the Friday evening or Saturday.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about these or any volunteer opportunities, please click here to email the team and we can arrange to meet up.
Lost and Found
Did your Cub Scout / Scout / Explorer Scout / Leader bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them, or without something they should have had?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything, recognise the items below or have any -extra- kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe.
We currently have the following items looking for owners:
From February
Named items
Un-named items
Black wool gloves (Primark)
From January
Named items
Un-named items
Hat - Grayson Harper
Grey/blue hat (Next) Black wool hat (Hype) Black wool hat Short wellie boots, size 2
From November
Named items
Un-named items
Hat - William Youngs Hat - Denis M Hat - Leo Gruchy Trousers - James Bigwood
Pack of tent pegs Black JCB bag Green shopping bag Mini frisbee (picture of ice cream cone)
From October a pillow
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
23 Nov 2021
News from the November weekend plus course dates
We have just completed the second weekend of Pro-Badge since returning from the COVID-19 lockdowns. We were unfortunately a bit short of Leader-s due to a number being ill with the bug that is going around (not COVID-19).
The first weekend of the Expedition Challenge course took place which involved a lot of training involving map work, route planning, first aid and cooking. The Saturday was spent completing a 15.2 kilometre hike where each group was accompanied by some Leaders to check their navigation skills. Both groups only went seriously wrong once and both at the same point. To be fair the ground was "not as map" due to recent new works having taken place. The second weekend of this course is on the 19-20 March 2022 where they will be navigating on their own as part of the challenge.
We ran the Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included walks, orienteering around the site, 4 figure grid references, making their own maps, learning all about map symbols and making their own edible ones. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Stage 2 course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Navigator Stage 3 badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts can get the Leaders temporarily misplaced (lost).
Next Course
In January we are running the Pioneer badge for the Cub Scouts, which will see the Cubs- learning knots, lashings, making rope, a knotting board and taking part in some fun projects.
For the Scouts we are running the Forester badge, and this badge is proving popular with only a few spaces left.
Also, we currently have spaces on our February and April weekends. For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit our website.
Staff Vacancies
Deputy Camp Leader Scouts
We are looking for a leader to take charge of the Scouts during the day and evenings when they are not being instructed. The tasks include looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the young people ensuring they have all they need and supervising the Scouts during non-training time. This also involves making sure they are in the correct place at the correct time. Talking to badge instructors making sure they have the correct equipment and then liaising with the store team. Helping at mealtimes and first thing in the morning when they get up and in the evenings before bed.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about these or any volunteer opportunities, please email myself at probadge@hampshirescouts.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
Lost and Found
Did your Cub Scout / Scout / Explorer Scout / Leader bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them, or without something they should have had?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything, recognise the items below or have any -extra- kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe.
We currently have the following items.
Named items
Hat - William Youngs
Hat - Denis M
Hat - Leo Gruchy
Hat - Ben Taylor
Trousers - James Bigwood
Jacket - Riley Robertson
Other items
Pillow in white pillowcase (from the October weekend)
Pack of tent pegs
Black wool hat & gloves (Next)
Grey/blue wool gloves
Black JCB bag
Green shopping bag
Mini frisbee (picture of ice cream cone)
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
23 Nov 2021
News from the January weekend
We have just completed the third weekend of Pro-Badge since returning from the COVID lockdowns. We had to cancel the Scout Forester course because our lead instructor contracted COVID quite badly over Christmas and was unable to support us this year.
The Cubs on the Pioneer Course managed to build several projects including a ladder and a stretcher which they used to carry a casualty (a cuddly toy) around a course. This gave them a good chance to put into practice the knots and lashings they had learnt. They also all made a piece of rope and a knot board. We were also pleased to welcome out the ADC Cubs from Portsmouth who joined us for a few hours on the Saturday afternoon and joined in with the cubs on the badge.
Next Course
On our next weekend in February, we are running the Navigator Stage 3 badge course for both the Cubs and Scouts; both courses are FULL. We are also running the Cub Scout Environmental Conservation badge, we have spaces left on this Cub course.
In April we are running both the Backwoods Cooking and Chef Badge courses for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running the Camper and Survival Skills badge courses. The Survival Skills badge course is FULL however we have spaces on the Cub courses and a few spaces on the Scout Camper course.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
23 Nov 2021
News from the November weekend plus course dates
We have just completed the second weekend of Pro-Badge since returning from the COVID-19 lockdowns. We were unfortunately a bit short of Leader-s due to a number being ill with the bug that is going around (not COVID-19).
The first weekend of the Expedition Challenge course took place which involved a lot of training involving map work, route planning, first aid and cooking. The Saturday was spent completing a 15.2 kilometre hike where each group was accompanied by some Leaders to check their navigation skills. Both groups only went seriously wrong once and both at the same point. To be fair the ground was "not as map" due to recent new works having taken place. The second weekend of this course is on the 19-20 March 2022 where they will be navigating on their own as part of the challenge.
We ran the Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included walks, orienteering around the site, 4 figure grid references, making their own maps, learning all about map symbols and making their own edible ones. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Stage 2 course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Navigator Stage 3 badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts can get the Leaders temporarily misplaced (lost).
Next Course
In January we are running the Pioneer badge for the Cub Scouts, which will see the Cubs- learning knots, lashings, making rope, a knotting board and taking part in some fun projects.
For the Scouts we are running the Forester badge, and this badge is proving popular with only a few spaces left.
Also, we currently have spaces on our February and April weekends. For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit our website.
Staff Vacancies
Deputy Camp Leader Scouts
We are looking for a leader to take charge of the Scouts during the day and evenings when they are not being instructed. The tasks include looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the young people ensuring they have all they need and supervising the Scouts during non-training time. This also involves making sure they are in the correct place at the correct time. Talking to badge instructors making sure they have the correct equipment and then liaising with the store team. Helping at mealtimes and first thing in the morning when they get up and in the evenings before bed.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about these or any volunteer opportunities, please email myself at probadge@hampshirescouts.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
26 Oct 2021
News from the October weekend plus course dates
Hi All
I hope you are all well.
I am very pleased to report that we had a successful weekend this month. This was of course the first Pro-Badge weekend for 18 months. We were even lucky with the weather as it was just starting to rain as I drove away from site late yesterday afternoon having been dry all weekend. The structure of the weekend was a bit different due to the Coronavirus restrictions we had to put in place, these included all the arrivals queuing outside socially distanced and only one family group booking in at a time. The windows and doors were open most of the time and the closing presentation was done outside in the fresh air.
We ran three courses over the weekend, for Cubs it was the Our Adventure Challenge badge which saw the Cubs completing many activities including archery, low ropes, bouldering, lighting fires and going on a 6 km hike with me on the Sunday morning.
The Scouts and Explorer Scouts took part in their relevant Pioneer badge which saw some good projects being made including bridges and an intricate derrick using pulleys, not forgetting the water cannons. Although these were different courses, they joined together for several of the building projects as part of the Explorer requirements is to take a lead role in pioneering projects and how better to lead than by working with a Patrol of Scouts demonstrating the progressive nature of Scouting and building Skills for life.
We are now planning our November weekend where we will be running Navigator Stage 2 for Cubs and the Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend for Scouts, as for the weekend just gone we are planning these weekends as a residential but may need to change this at short notice if the COVID-19 situation changes.
The weekends will be dependent on numbers, leader ratios and the COVID-19 situation at that time. We may need to cancel to cancel at short notice. We also need to be aware of any local lock downs preventing Scouts from an area from attending. We must operate within the Scout Association guidelines which can be found on the website www.Scouts.org.uk as well as following any additional rules Lyons Copse introduces.
The table below shows what we are running when. Bookings are now open. To book please email Scissors.
November 19-21
Navigator Stage 2
Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
January 21-23
Pioneer
Forester
February 18-20
Environmental Conservation OR Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 8-10
Chef AND Backwoods Cooking
Camper OR Survival Skills
Stay Safe Scissors/Clive Clark Camp Leader
3 Sep 2021
2021 - 2022 Season Courses and Dates
Dates and courses for the forthcoming season are below, please see our What's On When page for more information and booking details.
Dates
Cub Scouts
Scouts
Explorer Scouts
October 22-24
Our Adventure Challenge
Pioneer
Pioneer
November 19-21
Navigator Stage 2
Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
January 21-23
Pioneer
Forester
February 18-20
Environmental Conservation OR Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 8-10
Chef AND Backwoods Cooking
Camper OR Survival Skills
29 Aug 2021
2021 - 2022 Season Course Dates
Dates for next season are as below, the course schedules will be published shortly. Please register for news updates to hear about courses as they are announced.
22 - 24 October 2021
19 - 21 November 2021
21 - 23 January 2022
18 - 20 February 2022
8 - 10 April 2022
7 Mar 2021
April courses cancelled due to Covid-19
I hope that you are all well. We had a zoom meeting earlier this week when it was decided to cancel the April 2021 Pro-Badge weekend. This is because we feel that the young people will not be able to commit to a weekend so soon after restarting face to face scouting and returning to School from the Easter Holidays. We have already planned two weekends which we have had to cancel, and I do not want us to organise another given the doubt about actual confirmed dates from the government. This means we can plan a full season from October and make sure that the young people can experience a full residential Pro-Badge weekend.
We have had a few leaders resign over the last year, so I am also looking for anyone prepared to help run any of the badges. Please let any leaders you know who may be interested and ask them to contact me.
The dates for next season are:
22-24 October 2021
19-21 November 2021
21-23 January 2022
18-20 February 2022
8-10 April 2022
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website or email me.
Stay Safe
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
4 Jan 2021
Covid-19 and course cancellations
Happy New Year. I hope that you are all well. For the first time in 24 years, I was in England for New Year I can only say it was incredibly quiet. Unfortunately, I have decided to cancel the January weekend as Hampshire is now in Tier 4 and all scouting has gone back to Red status which means no face-to-face scouting. Lyons Copse is also currently closed and does not have a reopening date as we need to wait until we go back to Amber. With the current situation and lots of unknowns in mind I have also decided to cancel the February weekend. This is because the situation with COVID seems to be getting worse at present, and I have learnt how demoralizing it is to plan weekends and then cancel. Not to mention the hours that go into that process.
I am still hopeful of running a weekend in April when hopefully more will have been vaccinated and the numbers reduced. This is the weekend of 24-25th April 2021 and the courses currently planned are Our Adventure Challenge for Cubs and Pioneer for Scouts and Explorers.
As per Scout Association guidelines all Scouts will have to wear face coverings when inside.
We have changed our finance model for the weekend as we will no longer have to pay camping fees and are not providing lunches. We still need to cover our costs which are the hire fee for the buildings or parts of buildings we are using, badges, and consumables such as pens, paper and cleaning materials. The structure we have agreed on is £10.00 a day and £5.00 where we are providing an evening meal.
The courses will be subject to cancellation at short notice if the COVID-19 situation or leader availability changes again.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website or email me.
Stay Safe
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
5 Nov 2020
Covid-19 lockdown, November weekend cancelled
Today we received the news that the Scout Association was going back to Red status, which means no face to face Scouting for the duration of the new lockdown. I am sorry to say that this means that we will have to cancel the November weekend. We are still planning on a January weekend, but this will depend on how long the lockdown lasts.
I would like to thank all the Adult Volunteers who did a lot of planning to ensure we could run the November courses under the COVID-19 restrictions we had at the time. Unfortunately, circumstances were against us this time.
Stay Safe
Clive
26 Oct 2020
Wow, what a year it has been so far. We had to cancel our April and October weekends due to the COVID-19 situation. We have however been doing a lot of planning, so we are able to run some courses over the weekend 21st and 22nd November 2020. They are Navigator Stage 2 for Cubs, Pioneer for Scouts and Pioneer for Explorers. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions these will be non-residential, so we have rearranged our programmes to suit.
The Cub Navigator stage 2 badge will be run over one day Saturday 21st November, the Cubs will learn and practice the skills required to pass the badge. The skills they learn will include how to use a compass, use a map and what to take on a hike. This badge will mainly be outside whatever the weather. The Cubs will also have to bring a packed lunch with them.
The Scout and Explorer Pioneer badge will take two days to complete Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November this means that the Scouts and Explorers must go home on the Saturday evening returning on the Sunday morning. The Scouts will also have to bring a packed lunch with them each day. On the Pioneer badge for Scouts they learn new knots and lashings and then put them into practise by building a large pioneer structure. Then they can make good use of them by climbing all over. The Pioneer Badge for Explorers will involve, building a scale pioneering model, and taking a lead role in building an outside pioneering project. Whilst demonstrating, 10 knots, bends or hitches, four lashings, the use of simple blocks and tackle, anchorages for firm and soft ground, understanding the need for supervision in pioneering projects. Due to the current COVID-19 situation we have decided to limit the Scout badge to the over 12's only. As per Scout Association guideline all Scouts and Explorers will have to wear face coverings when inside.
We are also limited in numbers as per the Scout Association COVID-19 Rules. We follow the National Youth Agency procedures. These are changing regularly and the current processes can be found here.
We have changed our finance model for the weekend as we will no longer have to pay camping fees and are not providing lunches. We still need to cover our costs which are the hire fee for the buildings or parts of buildings we are using, badges, and consumables such as pens, paper and cleaning materials. The structure we have agreed on is £10.00 a day and £5.00 where we are providing an evening meal. This means for the Scouts and Explorers on each Pioneer badge the fee will be £25.00 and for the Cubs on Navigator Stage 2 £10.00.
The courses will be subject to cancellation at short notice if the COVID-19 situation changes.
We are also in the early stages of planning courses for the rest of the season again these are currently subject to change and possibly cancellation if the COVID situation or leader availability changes, however we are accepting bookings onto the weekends.
23-24th January 2021 Pioneer for Cubs and Forester for Scouts.
20-21st February 2021 Navigator Stage 3 for Cubs and Scouts, Environmental Conservation for Cubs.
24-25th April 2021 Our Adventure Challenge for Cubs and TBA for Scouts.
We have decided to cancel our Expedition Challenge course for Scouts due the current no camping rules and the restrictions about unnecessary travel to different areas of the country. We have also not yet decided what we are going top offer Scouts in April as the usual Camper and Survival Skills courses cannot be run under the current COVID restrictions. We hope to be able to offer all these courses in future when the restrictions are lifted.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website or email me.
Stay Safe
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
5 Sep 2020
Hi All
I hope you are well. It has been an interesting few months with the current COVID 19 situation and not knowing what if anything we will be able to offer this season.
We had a meeting on Tuesday night where it was decided that reluctantly we will be cancelling the October weekend. This is for several reasons. The schools are going back this week and the parents will be quite rightly concentrating on this. The next stage will be getting young people back to Packs and Troops; Pro-Badge will come after this. We therefore feel we do not have enough time to organise and advertise a weekend and get the numbers we will need.
November and January weekends will go ahead but with significant changes. They will both be Saturday and Sunday only with no overnight stay. The course programmes will have to be rewritten. It has been suggested we get the young people to bring a packed lunch and a water bottle with them which will be more COVID-19 friendly. I would like the parents to let me know what they think of these proposals. We will then be able to deep clean between the days as well as cleaning toilets and other high touch areas throughout the day. The cost will of course be reduced as we will not be buying food and will not have to pay the same level of camp fees. We will of course have to pay for the use of the building and for normal consumable equipment and additions such as extra cleaning materials, First Aid Materials and sanitizer etc. We plan on running the current courses if the programmes can be adapted. The weekends will be dependant on numbers, Adult Volunteer ratios and the COVID-19 situation at that time. We may need to cancel to cancel at short notice. We also need to be aware of any local lock downs preventing members from an area from attending. We have to operate within the Scout Association guidelines which can be found on the website www.Scouts.org.uk, as well as following any additional rules Lyons Copse introduces.
February and April are currently planned to go ahead as normal weekends, but we will revise this as we get closer to the dates.
The table below shows what we are running when. Bookings are now open via our "Whats' on When?" page.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 23-25
Cancelled
Cancelled
November 20-22
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 22-24
Pioneer
Forester Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 19-21
Environmental Conservation Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 23-25
Our Adventure Challenge
Camper Survival Skills
Annual Review
As we have cancelled the October weekend this also means that our Annual Review will not be going ahead this year. I realise that will be a big disappointment to those who had been invited to attend for an award or certificate. We hope to do something at some time in the future.
Please let me know if you would be happy to send your Cub or Scout along to these weekends as they will have to be transported to Lyons Copse and back again each day and it will not be the same experience. We are not experts in COVID-19 and I welcome any other suggestions you may have.
Stay Safe
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
27 Apr 2020
The 30th season comes to an end, looking forward to the 31st
The 30th season of Pro-Badge Scout Training Scheme closed last weekend, not as we had originally planned by running our popular Chef and Backwoods Cooking courses for Cub Scouts, and Camper and Survival Skills for Scouts, but with cancellations because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless we are looking forward to and planning our thirty-first season, details of which are now available on our website, and we are currently accepting bookings in anticipation of normality returning before September. All of our courses are advertised on our What's on When page, and details of individual courses plus links to the Scout Association page for each badge on our Cub Scout, Scout and Explorer Scout pages.
Volunteer Opportunities
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please email myself at scissors@hampshirescouts.org.uk.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
3 Apr 2020
Dee Edwards - Gone Home
It is with sadness that I have to tell you that Dee Edwards has passed away. Our prayers and thoughts go to Mick and family at this time. Mick and Dee helped out on Pro-Badge for many years on the Camp Cook badge and the Camper badge, as well as being Wardens and running the Tuck Shop at Lyons Copse.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
18 Mar 2020
March weekend - Expedition Challenge
Congratulations to the five Scouts who successfully completed the Expedition Challenge badge on the March weekend. We did have some drop out due to the Corona virus and were also a Leader short as he did not feel well and rightly decided not to attend. This badge is run in countryside which is unfamiliar to the Scouts and is therefore run away from Lyons Copse in West Sussex. On arrival this year we were presented with the main footpath to the campsite being closed due to the recent weather and Ash dieback. We therefore had to do a reroute of part of the journey. This took them in a different direction entering the campsite though the distance was about the same. This year we were also lucky with the weather with just a small shower on the Saturday and on the Sunday.
The Scouts also gave their presentations on what they had learned or researched for their projects. The project and work done over the weekends all contributes to the Percy Pig award which is presented at our annual review in October.
April weekend cancelled
Unfortunately we have had to cancel the April weekend this season. This is due to the Coronavirus and the instructions from the Scout Association to cease all face to face activities.
Next Season 2020-2021
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2020. We are keeping the badges and costs the same for next season.
The table below shows the course calendar, bookings are now open so please see our "What's on When" page to book.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 23-25
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 20-22
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 22-24
Pioneer
Forester
Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 19-21
Environmental Conservation
Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 23-25
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please email myself at scissors@hampshirescouts.org.uk.
Annual Review
This year the Annual Review will take place on the 22nd October. It will be held in Lyons Lodge at Lyons Copse at 7pm. This is where we present our prizes and awards as well as enabling you to ask us any questions about what we do and why we do it. You are all invited.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
25 Feb 2020
February weekend - Navigator Stage 3 and Environmental Conservation
On the Pro-Badge February weekend we ran the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both Cub Scouts and Scouts. We also ran the Environmental Conservation badge for Cub Scouts. This month we were low on numbers but that gave the Cubs and Scouts participating the chance to do some extra things and cover others in more depth.
Navigator Stage 3 took place over a weekend with all the Cubs and Scouts getting muddy during the hike on the Saturday afternoon, although the rain did hold off for most of the time. The hike also qualifies as a hike away. The young people navigated the Leaders round the route giving them the opportunity to get the Leaders temporarily misplaced (we are never lost). The course also involved making contour models of hills using potatoes, as well as lots of practice of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
The Environmental Conservation course saw the Cubs learning about water conservation, and recycling. They also made models of houses with solar panels and LED lights. We have reintroduced one of our awards for this course as the Cubs have to complete a project before the weekend as part of the badge requirements. We take this and how well the Cubs have learnt and improved their knowledge over the weekend to decide on three nominees. This year they were Fynn, Oliver and Azaria. The actual winner will be announced along with the other awards at our annual review on the 22nd October.
In April, we are running the Backwoods Cooking badge and the Chef badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts, we are running Camper and Survival Skills badges.
We have spaces left on all badges. If you are interested in any of the courses, please contact me by email.
Next Season 2020-2021
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2020. We are keeping the badges and costs the same for next season.
The table below shows the course calendar, bookings are now open so please see our "What's on When" page to book.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 23-25
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 20-22
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 22-24
Pioneer
Forester
Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 19-21
Environmental Conservation
Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 23-25
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
Annual Review
This year the annual review will take place on the 22nd October. It will be held in Lyons Lodge at Lyons Copse at 7pm. This is where we present our prizes and awards as well as enabling you to ask us any questions about what we do and why we do it. You are all invited.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
28 Jan 2020
January weekend - Pioneer badge for Cub Scouts, Scout Expedition Challenge and Forester Badges
The 3rd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2019/2020 season has just finished. We ran the Pioneer badge for Cub Scouts along with the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge course. We also ran the Forester Badge for Scouts.
The Scouts on the Expedition Challenge badge course had their training weekend. The two patrols this year were both from the same group which was slightly different for us but had the advantage of them all knowing each other. The Friday evening consisted of planning the hike on Saturday as well as going through equipment and menu planning for the second weekend. On the Saturday they participated in an all-day training hike. When they returned, they got to practise using their stoves and then it was onto planning the second weekend in March. The Sunday was spent putting up tents further planning for the second weekend and learning about safety and emergency procedures. They have their final weekend in March in unfamiliar country. This is the only weekend we run that is not based at Lyons Copse.
The Saturday was dry, so the Forester badge Scouts enjoyed themselves learning how to coppice, fell trees, plant new ones and a bit on how to do hedging. They also learnt about wood management and the safety of the activities they took part in. This was very successful, and the Scouts got a lot out of the weekend.
The Cubs on the Pioneer Course managed to build several projects including a ladder and a den of their own design with a platform above using knots and lashings. They also all made a piece of rope and a knot board. We were also pleased to welcome out the ADC Cubs from Portsmouth who joined us for a few hours on the Saturday afternoon and joined in with the cubs on the badge.
On our next weekend in February we are running the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both the Cubs and Scouts. We are also running the Cub Scout Environmental Conservation badge. We have spaces left on both the Cub and Scout courses.
In April we are running both the Backwoods Cooking and Chef Badges for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running the camper and survival skills badges. We have spaces on both courses at present.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
Staff Vacancies
Deputy Camp Leader Scouts
We are looking for a leader to take charge of the Scouts during the day and evenings when they are not being instructed. The tasks include looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the young people ensuring they have all they need and supervising the Scouts during non-training time. This also involves making sure they are in the correct place at the correct time. Talking to badge instructors making sure they have the correct equipment and then liaising with the store team. Helping at mealtimes and first thing in the morning when they get up and in the evenings before bed. Also ensuring that Pines Cabin gets cleaned and inspected at the end of the weekend.
Financial assistant on weekends
We are looking for someone to help with the finances over the weekends. This will involve collecting moneys on the Friday evening, working out the amount owed in camp fees for the weekend, helping to sell tuck and other items over the weekend and at the end of the weekend. This role can easily be fitted in with others over the weekend or could be ideal for someone only available for part of the weekend, the primary time being the Friday evening or Saturday.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about these or any volunteer opportunities, please email myself at scissors@hampshirescouts.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
18 Dec 2019
Steve Huber - Gone Home
We are sorry to report that Steve Huber died on 23rd November. He was a member of Pro-Badge during the 1990�s and early 2000�s helping on the Naturalist badges and the Survival Skills badge.
His funeral service is at Portchester Crematorium on Thursday 19th December 2019 at 1:45 pm.
Portchester Crematorium
Upper Cornaway Lane
Portchester
Fareham
Hampshire
PO16 8NE
4 Dec 2019
News from the November weekend
The 2nd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2018/2019 season took place on the weekend of 22nd-24th November 2019.
On the Saturday morning I was very pleased to present Kevin with his Award for Merit which was very well deserved after many years of Scouting.
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge. The weekend involved creating both large and small pioneering projects. The projects this year included a cannon firing plastic bottles, as well as a large indoor project, and lots of practice of knots and lashings. The large project this year was indoors due to the ground conditions at Lyons Copse. A lot of this badge however took place outside in between the heavy rain showers on the Saturday though they did get a little wet in the afternoon.
We also ran the Explorer Pioneer badge in parallel with the Scout Pioneer badge, this course is an extension of what is learnt on the pioneer badge with an emphasis on larger projects as well as things such as models, blocks and tackle, risk assessments and the amount of supervision required whilst taking part in pioneering. This year we had five explorers which was a good number to assist and instruct the Scouts we had.
We ran the Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included walks, orienteering around the site, 4 figure grid references, making their own maps and learning all about map symbols. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Stage 2 course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Navigator Stage 3 badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts can get the leaders temporarily misplaced (lost).
Next Course
In January we are running the Pioneer badge for the Cub Scouts, which will see the cubs learning knots, lashings, making rope, a knotting board and taking part in some fun projects.
For the Scouts, we are running the Forester badge this is the fourth year we have run this badge and like last year this badge is proving popular with only a few spaces left. We are also running the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge. This is a badge open to all Scouts over 12 years of age. This course takes two weekends to complete with the second taking place in March.
Also, we currently have spaces on our February and April weekends. For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
Staff Vacancies
Deputy Camp Leader Scouts
We are looking for a leader to take charge of the Scouts during the day and evenings when they are not being instructed. The tasks include looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the young people ensuring they have all they need and supervising the Scouts during non-training time. This also involves making sure they are in the correct place at the correct time. Talking to badge instructors making sure they have the correct equipment and then liaising with the store team. Helping at mealtimes and first thing in the morning when they get up and in the evenings before bed. Also ensuring that Pines Cabin gets cleaned and inspected at the end of the weekend.
Financial assistant on weekends
We are looking for someone to help with the finances over the weekends. This will involve collecting moneys on the Friday evening, working out the amount owed in camp fees for the weekend, helping to sell tuck and other items over the weekend and at the end of the weekend. This role can easily be fitted in with others over the weekend or could be ideal for someone only available for part of the weekend, the primary time being the Friday evening or Saturday.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about these or any volunteer opportunities, please email myself at scissors@hampshirescouts.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
2018/2019 Annual Review and photos from 30th Birthday
Click here for photos from our 30th Birthday Party and Annual Review.
The 2018/2019 Annual Report is available to download here.
30 Oct 2019
News from the October weekend
Wow, what a month it has been so far. We started with our 30th anniversary party on the 5th of October. It was good to see so many attending be it old Pro-Badgers, present attendees or representatives from around the county. As part of the celebrations I was able to ask the County Commissioner to present awards to some of our Leaders. They were the Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service which went to Steve Crowe, Sharon Hargreaves and Colin Potter. He also presented the Award for Merit to Elaine Crowe, Larry Dutton, Nigel French, David Jenkins, Steve Lee and Andy Ratcliffe.
We also awarded our trophies and prizes to those who have achieved them over the previous season. We presented Junior Pro-Badge Awards Certificates for completing all Cub courses to Jack, Oscar, Edward, William and Chloe. The new Taz award for the cub who showed the most improvement over the pioneer weekend was won by Toby. The Percy Pig award for the Expedition Challenge badge was won by Max.
Three Scouts had completed all of the scout Pro-Badge courses and their names have gone on the board at Lyons Copse. They are Mathieu from 1st Swanmore, Ashley from 61st Portsmouth and Ryan from 9th Winchester. Ryan was also presented with his 100 nights away badge by his Scout Leader.
The Pro-Badge Special Award is awarded to the individual or team of leaders who had done that little bit extra this year or over several years went to Clive and Hilary Nash.
We also presented a thank you trophy to Lyons Copse as they have supported us throughout our 30 years.
Congratulations to them all.
This season of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme started on Friday the 25th October 2019. We ran courses for both Cub Scouts and Scouts.
We ran the Our Adventure Challenge badge for the Cubs, and it was good to welcome back some familiar faces and lots of Cubs who had not been on Pro-Badge before. Activities included archery, water rockets and slacklining. The Cubs and Sscouts sang very loudly at the campfire which was followed up with marshmallows over the fire. The Cubs went out on a hike on the Sunday morning. This was the only dry day of the weekend and the both the Cubs and Leaders including me enjoyed themselves.
The Scouts took part in the Chef badge which saw the six patrols cooking lunch and dinner over open fires on Saturday they all coped extremely well especially as we were very unlucky with the weather, every time they started cooking on open fires the rain got very heavy. They also cooked their breakfast on the Sunday morning in the kitchen, as well as learning about menu planning, fire lighting and camp hygiene. This badge was full and required a lot of leaders to run it so I would like to thank them for all their efforts over the weekend.
My thanks to the parents who came out to help clean at the end of the weekend.
Next month we are currently short of leaders so if anyone would like to come out and help for a few hours over the weekend please let Scissors know and we can arrange what we need done and what you would like to do.
Next Course
In November, we are running the Navigator Stage 2 badge for Cub Scouts which we have several places left on. On this badge the Cubs learn how to not get lost. We are also running the Pioneer badge for Scouts which has only a couple of spaces left. The Scouts learn new knots and lashings and then put them into practice by building a large pioneer structure. Then they can make good use of them by climbing all over. The other course is the Pioneer Badge for Explorers which also only has a couple of spaces left. This badge will involve building a scale pioneering model. Taking a lead role in building an outside pioneering project. Whilst demonstrating, 10 knots, bends or hitches, four lashings, the use of simple blocks and tackle, anchorages for firm and soft ground, understanding the need for supervision in pioneering projects.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
Staff Vacancies
Deputy Camp Leader Scouts
We are looking for a Leader to take charge of the Scouts during the day and evenings when they are not being instructed. The tasks include looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the young people ensuring they have all they need and supervising the Scouts during non-training time. This also involves making sure they are in the correct place at the correct time. Talking to badge instructors making sure they have the correct equipment and then liaising with the store team. Helping at mealtimes and first thing in the morning when they get up and in the evenings before bed. Also ensuring that Pines Cabin gets cleaned and inspected at the end of the weekend.
Financial Assistant on weekends
We are looking for someone to help with the finances over the weekends. This will involve collecting moneys on the Friday evening, working out the amount owed in camp fees for the weekend, helping to sell tuck and other items over the weekend and at the end of the weekend. This role can easily be fitted in with others over the weekend or could be ideal for someone only available for part of the weekend, the primary time being the Friday evening or Saturday.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about these or any volunteer opportunities, please email myself at scissors@hampshirescouts.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
2018/2019 Annual Review and photos from 30th Birthday
Click here for photos from our 30th Birthday Party and Annual Review.
The 2018/2019 Annual Report is available to download here.
21 Aug 2019
Latest News
The new Pro-Badge season will be starting soon. I hope you have all had a good summer.
This season will be our thirtieth and we are starting on the 5th October with a celebration of the previous thirty seasons. This will take place between 2 and 7pm at Lyons Lodge, Lyons Copse. This is also our annual review and we will be presenting our annual awards. Please let me know if you are planning on attending and have not yet responded.
I have attached a clothing order list to the bottom of this email. Please return to either Midge or Scissors by the 1st September to ensure that the items arrive by the 5th October.
This season as always we have some leader changes which has affected some badges. We welcome all our new leaders and thank those who have moved onto other things for the contribution they have made over the years.
Places available
The dates for the forthcoming courses are below, we are taking bookings now and have places on all courses.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 25-27
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 22-24
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 24-26
Pioneer
Forester Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 21-23
Environmental Conservation Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 24-26
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
Please see the website or our Cubs and Scouts leaflets for further information.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
Pro-Badge Clothing
The following items are available for purchase - if you would like anything delivered for 5th October we need to receive your order by 1 September. Please contact Midge with orders or any questions. Photos of the items offered are on our Clothing page.
The last weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme current season took place last weekend. We ran the Chef and Backwoods Cooking badges for Cub Scouts and the Camper badge for Scouts.
The Camper course had two patrols camping and the Scouts spent Friday evening putting up tents and arranging their sites. On Saturday they learnt about site layouts, how to look after their kit and equipment followed by making gadgets. They then cooked their dinner over an open fire and breakfast on gas stoves. This was followed by striking camp and returning all of the equipment clean and tidy.
Unfortunately this year we had to cancel the Survival Skills course due to low Scout numbers with several cancelling in the week before the camp. However, the two Scouts left booked on to this were able to transfer to the Camper badge course.
The Chef and Backwoods Cooking courses for the Cubs also had low numbers this year. However, the Cubs successfully cooked on a trench fire for lunch and then for the Chef Badge cooking a chicken dinner on Gas. They of course also had instruction on hygiene as well as preparing the food (cutting and peeling) and clearing up afterwards. On the Sunday morning they cooked popcorn over the fire to demonstrate what they had learnt about on the previous day.
Next Season 2019-2020
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2019. We are keeping the badges and costs the same for next season.
The table below shows what we are running when. Bookings are now open.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 25-27
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 22-24
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 24-26
Pioneer
Forester Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 21-23
Environmental Conservation Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 24-26
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
30th Anniversary and Annual Review
The next Pro-Badge Season starting in October will be our thirtieth. To celebrate we will be having an afternoon to get together and reminisce as well as having some fun activities going on. We will also be incorporating this year�s annual review into the afternoon.
The Facts
When
5th October
Where
Lyons Lodge at Lyons Copse
Time
2pm - 7pm
A rough programme is below
2pm
Arrive, Tea, Coffee, some fun activities as well as memorabilia around the hall and slide show.
4pm
Presentation Annual review and some extra bits.
All the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition, any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
5pm
Cut Cake followed by food. Fun activities continue.
7pm
Depart
We will be sending out invitations nearer the time.
Can you help we are looking for people to help run this event. We need a subcommittee to organise it along with:
People to help run and organise the activities;
Organise the cake;
Organise, and help prepare and serve the food;
Help with any contact details you may have for past pro-badgers. We have some but by no means all.
We would also invite you to bring any old photos or memorabilia you have with you on the day.
Congratulations to the nine Scouts who successfully completed the Expedition Challenge badge on the March weekend. This badge is run in countryside which is unfamiliar to the scouts and is therefore run away from Lyons Copse. Special mention has to go to Sian who flew over from her home in the Netherlands to complete this second weekend and the badge. This year we were very lucky with the weather as it was mainly dry with just a small shower on the Saturday. This did mean that we woke up with ice on our tents on the Sunday morning though!
The Scouts also gave their presentations on what they had learned or researched for their projects. The project and work done over the weekends all contributes to the Percy Pig award which is presented at our annual review.
Congratulations must also go to one of the leaders on the weekend Richard Smith who has just returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa for a significant birthday treat to himself.
On the 12-14th April, we are running the Cub Scout Chef and Cub Scout Backwoods Cooking badges. For the Scouts, we are running Survival Skills and Camper badges. We have spaces on all badges.
If you are interested in any of the courses please contact me by email.
Next Season 2019-2020
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2019. We are keeping the badges and costs the same for next season.
The table below shows what we are running when. Bookings are now open.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 25-27
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 22-24
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 24-26
Pioneer
Forester Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 21-23
Environmental Conservation Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 24-26
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
The next Pro-Badge Season starting in October will be our thirtieth. To celebrate we will be having an afternoon to get together and reminisce as well as having some fun activities going on. We will also be incorporating this year�s annual review into the afternoon.
The Facts
When
5th October
Where
Lyons Lodge at Lyons Copse
Time
2pm - 7pm
A rough programme is below
2pm
Arrive, Tea, Coffee, some fun activities as well as memorabilia around the hall and slide show.
4pm
Presentation Annual review and some extra bits.
All the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition, any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
5pm
Cut Cake followed by food. Fun activities continue.
7pm
Depart
We will be sending out invitations nearer the time.
Can you help we are looking for people to help run this event. We need a subcommittee to organise it along with:
People to help run and organise the activities;
Organise the cake;
Organise, and help prepare and serve the food;
Help with any contact details you may have for past pro-badgers. We have some but by no means all.
We would also invite you to bring any old photos or memorabilia you have with you on the day.
3 Mar 2019
News from the February weekend and 2019-20 programme
On the Pro-Badge February weekend, we ran the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both Cub Scouts and Scouts. We also ran the environmental conservation badge for Cub Scouts.
Navigator Stage 3 took place over a nice dry weekend with all the Cubs and scouts still getting muddy during the hike on the Saturday afternoon. The course involved lots of map and compass work including a hike on the Saturday afternoon which also qualifies as a Hikes Away. The young people navigated the leaders round the route giving them the opportunity to get the leaders temporarily misplaced (we are never lost). The course also involved making contour models of hills using potatoes, as well as lots of practise of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
The environmental conservation course saw the Cubs learning about water conservation, and recycling. They also made models of houses with solar panels and LED lights.
In April, we are running the Backwoods Cooking badge and the Chef badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts, we are running Camper and Survival Skills badges.
We have spaces left on all of the badges. If you are interested in any of the courses, please contact me by email.
Next Season 2019-2020
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2019. We are keeping the badges and costs the same for next season.
The table below shows what we are running when. Bookings are now open.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 25-27
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 22-24
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 24-26
Pioneer
Forester Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 21-23
Environmental Conservation Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 24-26
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
The 3rd weekend of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2018/2019 season has just finished. We ran the Pioneer badge for Cub Scouts along with the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge course. We also ran the Forester Badge for Scouts.
It was great to welcome back to Pro-Badge a Scout who travelled all the way from their new home in the Netherlands to attend the Expedition Challenge course over the weekend. Not many Scouts have to catch an aeroplane to attend a Pro-Badge course.
The Scouts on the Expedition Challenge badge course had their training weekend. The group was a doing very well on the Saturday until lunchtime when unfortunately, the weather changed, and it got wet and slowed them down a bit. The leaders with them allowed them to get misplaced, a lesson well learnt. They all arrived back safely at Lyons Copse all be it a bit muddy and tired. The Sunday was spent planning for the second weekend and learning about safety and emergency procedures. They have their final weekend in March in unfamiliar country. This is the only weekend we run that is not based at Lyons Copse.
It was a cold and wet weekend however the Scouts on the Forester badge enjoyed themselves learning how to coppice, fell trees, plant new ones and a bit on how to do fencing. They also learnt about wood management and the safety of the activities they took part in. This was very successful, and the scouts got a lot out of the weekend.
The Cubs on the Pioneer Course managed to build several projects including a mini tower, ladder and a ballista using knots and lashings. They also all made a piece of rope and a knot board. We had a new team of leaders running the course this year and they did extremely well and have some good ideas for the future.
On our next weekend in February we are running the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both the Cubs and Scouts. We have a few spaces left on both the Cub and Scout courses. We are also running the Cub Scout Environmental Conservation badge. We still have spaces available on this badge.
In April we are running both the Backwoods Cooking and Chef Badges for Cub Scouts, this course also has spaces. For Scouts we are running the Camper and Survival Skills badges. We have spaces on both of these courses at present.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
Lost & Found
Did your Cub / Scout / Explorer / Leader bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything or have any �extra� kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe at rats@pro-badge.org.uk.
At the end of the season any lost property left at Pro-Badge is disposed of.
Situations Vacant
30th Birthday Celebration
In October we will be starting the 30th season of pro-badge and we are having a celebration this year to celebrate. We are looking for some volunteers to help run and organise this event.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about this or any other volunteer opportunities, please email myself at scissors@pro-badge.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
29 Nov 2018
News from the November weekend
The 2nd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2018/2019 season took place on the weekend of 23rd-25th November 2018.
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge. The weekend involved creating both large and small pioneering projects. The projects this year included a large Swing Boat, as well as an indoor project, making ballistas and lots of practice of knots and lashings. A lot of this took place outside in between the heavy rain showers on the Saturday though they did get a little wet from the drizzle.
We also ran the Explorer Pioneer badge in parallel with the Scout Pioneer badge, this course is an extension of what is learnt on the pioneer badge with an emphasis on larger projects as well as things such as models, blocks and tackle, risk assessments and the amount of supervision required whilst taking part in pioneering. This year we only had eight explorers which was a good number to assist and instruct the Scouts we had.
We ran the Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included walks, 4 figure grid references, making their own maps and learning all about map symbols. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Stage 2 course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Navigator Stage 3 badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts can get the leaders temporarily misplaced (lost).
On our next weekend in January we are running the Pioneer badge for the Cub Scouts, which will see the Cubs learning knots, lashings, making rope, a knotting board and taking part in some fun projects.
For the Scouts, we are running the Forester badge, this is the third year we have run this course and like last year this is proving popular with only a few spaces left.
We are also running the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge. This is a badge open to all Scouts over 12 years of age. This course takes two weekends to complete with the second taking place in March.
Wow, what a start to the new season. This year we started off slightly differently with our Annual Review on the Thursday evening before the weekend. This is where we award our trophies and prizes to those who have achieved them over the previous season. It was good to see so many young people, parents and leaders there. We presented Junior Pro-Badge Awards Certificates for completing all Cub courses to Jack, James, Ewan, Lilibeth, Kara and Callum. The new Taz award for the cub who showed the most improvement over the pioneer weekend went to Jack from 61st Portsmouth.
The Percy Pig award for the Expedition Challenge badge went to William from 2nd Fareham.
Two Scouts had completed all of the scout Pro-badge courses and their names have gone on the board at Lyons Copse. They are Jason from 2nd Fareham and William from Basingstoke Sea Scouts.
The Pro-Badge Special Award awarded to the individual or team of leaders who had done that little bit extra this year or over a number of years went to one of the cook house team Steve Morton.
Congratulations to them all.
This season of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme actually started on Friday the 19th October 2018. We ran courses for both Cub Scouts and Scouts.
We ran the Our Adventure Challenge badge for the Cubs and it was good to welcome back some familiar faces and lots of Cubs who had not been on Pro-Badge before. Activities included archery, water rockets and slacklining plus we brought back our old favourite dough twists. The Cubs and Scouts sang very loudly at the campfire � their voices could be heard all over the site.
Woozle, Piggy, Ashley, Lurch, Fox and I took the Cubs out on a hike on Sunday morning. This was the first time I had actually done this particular hike and the both the Cubs and Leaders enjoyed themselves.
My thanks to the parents who came out to help clean at the end of the weekend.
The Scouts took part in the Chef badge which saw the Patrols cooking lunch and dinner over open fires on Saturday they all coped extremely well and were very lucky with the weather. They also cooked their breakfast on the Sunday morning in the kitchen, as well as learning about menu planning, fire lighting and camp hygiene. This was the first time Larry had run this badge and also had some new team members. I would like to thank all of them for their efforts over the weekend.
Next Course
In November we are running the Navigator Stage 2 badge for Cub Scouts which we have several places left on. We are also running the Pioneer badge for Scouts. The other course is the Pioneer Badge for Explorers. This badge will involve, building a scale pioneering model. Taking a lead role in building an outside pioneering project, such as an aerial runway or an hourglass tower. Whilst demonstrating, 10 knots, bends or hitches, four lashings, the use of simple blocks and tackle, anchorages for firm and soft ground, understanding the need for supervision in pioneering projects. We still have spaces on both Pioneer courses.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
Staff Wanted
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any volunteer opportunities, please email myself at scissors@pro-badge.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
Pro-Badge is happy to promote the work of other Scout Association schemes and as such we�d like to introduce you to the Discovery Sailing Project (DSP). DSP is part of the UK Scout Association and a member of the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO). Their team of fantastic volunteers have been taking young people to sea since 1971; Sail Training is a challenging and fun way to develop self-confidence and change lives.
On their voyages DSP create a safe yet challenging environment where crews can build resilience, team work and persistence as they work to sail their physically and mentally demanding yachts. They do all this while tailoring the level of challenge to those on board and their ability, background and experience.
DSP create opportunities for leadership to emerge. By the end of a weekend, and certainly by the end of a week those with the interest and drive will be leading their own friends and crew members through sailing evolutions that they would not have experienced at the start of the cruise.
Bookings are open to individuals and Groups, no previous experience is required to sail with DSP, and most voyages start and finish from their Headquarters at Universal Marina, Sarisbury Green near Southampton.
For further information and to see how the Discovery Sailing Project can help your young people please contact them by email on office@dsp.uk.com or by telephone on 01489 580099. More information is available on http://www.dsp.uk.com.
20 Oct 2018
2017 - 2018 Season Annual Report
The 2017 - 2018 Season Annual Report has been published and is available here.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
1 Sept 2018
The 2018 - 2019 Season is nearly here!
Hi All
The new Pro-Badge season will be starting soon. I hope you have all had a good summer. I spent just over a week at H0018 at Buddens Camp Site in Dorset. This was Hampshire�s four yearly county camp, and it was good to see so many young people and leaders who have been on Pro-badge or are a part of the team attending. The highlight for me was visiting Brownsea Island as I had never been before.
This season as always we have some leader changes which has affected some badges. We welcome all our new leaders and thank those who have moved onto other things for the contribution they have made over the years.
2018 - 2019 Schedule
The dates for the forthcoming courses are below, we are taking bookings now and some of the Scout courses are nearly full.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 19-21
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 23-25
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 25-27
Pioneer
Forester Expedition Challenge 1st weekend
February 22-24
Environmental Conservation Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd weekend
April 12-14
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
Annual Review
This year we are changing how we run the annual review and it will take place on the 18th October in Lyons Lodge at 7pm. We will be presenting all of our prizes and awards.
Data Protection
You are receiving this newsletter as you have received them in the past. If you no longer wish to receive these please unsubscribe by clicking on the link at the bottom of this newsletter.
There is a full privacy statement on the website and the Data Protection Policy is available on request.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
21 Apr 2018
News from the April weekend
The last weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme current season took place last weekend. We ran the Chef and Backwoods Cooking badges for Cub Scouts and the Survival Skills badge for Scouts.
The Survival Skills course was full and the Scouts spent Friday evening learning about the skills they would need over the rest of the weekend. Early on the Saturday morning they got up and walked to the Survival Skills site. They then made their shelters, collected wood and lit fires before cooking their dinner. They slept in the shelters and cooked breakfast before clearing up and returning to the main site at Lyons Copse.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Camper course this year due to low Scout numbers booking on. However, the Scouts booked on were able to transfer to the Survival Skills course.
The Chef and Backwoods Cooking courses for the Cubs saw half of the participants cooking on a trench fire for lunch and then, for the Chef Badge cooking a chicken dinner on Gas. The other half did it the other way round cooking on Gas for lunch and the trench fire for dinner. They of course also had instruction on hygiene as well as preparing the food (cutting and peeling) and clearing up afterwards.
Next Season 2018-2019
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2018. The table below shows what we are running when. We are taking bookings soon.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 19-21
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 23-25
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 25-27
Pioneer
Forester Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 22-24
Environmental Conservation Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 12-14
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
Annual Review
This year we are changing how we run the annual review and it will take place on Thursday 18th October in Lyons Lodge. We will be presenting all of our prizes and those nominated will receive an invitation soon.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
25 Feb 2018
News from the March weekend
The March Pro-badge weekend was the second weekend of our Expedition Challenge course. This saw 9 Scouts successfully complete the badge in an area unfamiliar to them. This is the only weekend we run not at Lyons Copse. The weather was very wet and the ground was very muddy underfoot in places. The Sunday however stayed dry. The Scouts also gave their presentations on what they had learned or researched for their projects. The project and work done over the weekends all contributes to the Percy Pig award which is presented at our annual review.
In April, we are running the Cub Scout Chef and Cub Scout Backwoods cooking badges. This Course is FULL. For the Scouts, we are running Survival Skills and Camper badges. The Survival Skills Course is FULL, and we have spaces left on the camper course.
If you are interested in any of the courses, please contact Scissors by email.
Next Season 2018-2019
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2018. The table below shows what we are running when. We are taking bookings soon.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 19-21
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 23-25
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 25-27
Pioneer
Forester Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 22-24
Environmental Conservation Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 12-14
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper Survival Skills
Annual Review
This year our annual review is taking place on the 18th October. All the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition, any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
25 Feb 2018
News from the February weekend
On the Pro-Badge February weekend we ran the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both Cub Scouts and Scouts. We also ran the Environmental Conservation badge for Cub Scouts.
Navigator Stage 3 took place over a nice dry weekend with all the Cubs and Scouts still getting muddy during the hike on the Saturday afternoon. The course involved lots of map and compass work including a hike on the Saturday afternoon which also qualifies as a Hikes Away. The young people navigated the Leaders round the route giving them the opportunity to get the Leaders temporarily misplaced (we are never lost). The course also involved making contour models of hills using potatoes, as well as lots of practice of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
The Environmental Conservation course saw the Cubs learning about water conservation, and recycling. They also made models of houses with solar panels and LED lights. A number of Cubs failed to achieve this badge as they had not the prior work. This is a project and diary on water conservation for four weeks in their own home. It is a shame they failed to achieve but hopefully they will complete the badge in four weeks� time when they have done the project.
In April, we are running the Backwoods Cooking badge and the Chef badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts, we are running Camper and Survival Skills badges
We only have spaces left on the Camper badge, with waiting lists for the other badges. If you are interested in any of the courses, please contact me by email.
Next Season 2018-2019
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2018. We are keeping the badges and costs the same for next season.
The table below shows what we are running when. Bookings are now open, please contact me by email.
Dates
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
October 19-21
Our Adventure Challenge
Chef
November 23-25
Navigator Stage 2
Pioneer
Pioneer
January 25-27
Pioneer
Forester
Expedition Challenge 1st Weekend
February 22-24
Environmental Conservation
Navigator Stage 3
Navigator Stage 3 1st Weekend
March TBA
Expedition Challenge 2nd Weekend
April 12-14
Chef and Backwoods Cooking
Camper
Survival Skills
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
27 Jan 2018
News from the January weekend
The 3rd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2017/2018 season has just finished. We ran the Pioneer badge for Cub Scouts along with the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge course. We also ran the Forester Badge for Scouts.
It was a cold and wet weekend however the Scouts on the Forester badge enjoyed themselves learning how to coppice, fell trees, plant new ones and a bit on how to do fencing. They also learnt about wood management and the safety of the activities they took part in. This was very successful and the course was full.
The Scouts on the Expedition Challenge badge course had their training weekend. The group was a little late back on the Saturday evening after the leaders with them allowed them to get misplaced, a lesson well learnt. They all arrived back safely at Lyons Copse all be it a bit muddy and tired. The Sunday was spent planning for the second weekend and learning about safety and emergency procedures. They have their final weekend in March in unfamiliar country. This is the only weekend we run that is not based at Lyons Copse.
The Cubs on the Pioneer Course managed to build several projects including a mini tower, ladder and a ballista using knots and lashings. They also all made a piece of rope and a knot board. We had a new team of leaders running the course this year and they did extremely well and have some good ideas for the future.
On our next weekend in February we are running the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both the Cubs and Scouts. The Cub Navigator stage 3 course is full, and we only have a few spaces on the Scout one. We are also running the Cub Scout Environmental Conservation badge. We still have spaces available on this badge.
In April we are running both the Backwoods Cooking and Chef Badges for Cub Scouts, this course is also full. For Scouts we are running the camper and survival skills badges. We have spaces on both of these courses at present.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses; if you are interested in helping please contact me.
Congratulations
We would all like to congratulate Midge on being awarded her Award for Merit on Sunday morning in front of all of the participants. This is well deserved as Midge puts a lot of time and effort into ensuring the Cubs have a good weekend as well as all of the other Scouting she has done over the past 30+ years.
Situations Vacant
First Aid Team Leader
We are also looking for someone to volunteer to run the First Aid team. You need to be available for all the weekends held at Lyons Copse and have a Scouting recognised First Aid qualification. We have several assistants but would like someone to run this team and take charge of First Aid and Health and Safety over the weekends.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any volunteer opportunities, please email myself at scissors@pro-badge.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
23 Dec 2017
Merry Christmas from everyone at Pro-Badge
We hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We'll also look forward to seeing your Cub Scout, Scout, Explorer Scout or Adult Volunteer at our weekends in the New Year.
In January we are running the Pioneer Badge for the Cub Scouts, which will see the Cubs learning knots, lashings, making rope, a knotting board and taking part in some fun projects.
For the Scouts we are running the Forester badge; this is a badge this is the second year we have run this course and like last year this is already full, with a waiting list.
We are also running the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge. This is a badge open to all Scouts over 12 years of age. This course takes two weekends to complete with the second taking place on the 9th-11th March.
February sees Cubs Environmental Conservation, where the youngsters will learn all about alternative energy and water conservation. Discover how man has damaged our planet and what we can do to make things better. On Navigator Stage 3 Cubs will be able to improve on the skills learnt in Stage 2, learning all about maps (including edible ones) and take part in our hike challenge. This course has a minimum age 9 years or have completed the Navigator - Stage 2 badge (a pre-requisite).
In April we have a selection of courses. Cubs Chef teaches about healthy eating, how to be safe in the kitchen and cook and serve a 2 course meal inside. Cubs will be able to achieve this alongside Backwoods Cooking during the weekend, where they learn how to light a fire and cook your own lunch safely.
For Scouts there is the Camper course, involving pitching the tent, camping under canvas for 2 nights, cooking a meal and learn how to make various gadgets. 15 nights away under canvas as a Scout is required to achieve this badge, but it is not a pre-requisite to attending the course.
We also have Survival Skills, with Scouts spending a night in the shelter they have built. They will build a fire to keep yourself warm, learn what plants are safe to eat and how to skin and cook a rabbit. Minimum age twelve years old.
Full details are on our What's On page with links for requesting booking forms.
23 Nov 2017
News from the November weekend
The 2nd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2017/2018 season took place on the weekend of 17th-19th November 2017. This was noticeable to me as my birthday was over the weekend.
We ran the Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included walks, 4 figure grid references, making their own maps and learning all about map symbols. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Stage 2 course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Navigator Stage 3 badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts can get the leaders temporarily misplaced (lost).
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge which for the first time in many years was full. The weekend involved creating both large and small pioneering projects. The projects this year included a large bridge consisting of two towers and a link between them, as well as an indoor project, making ballistas and lots of practice of knots and lashings.
We also ran the Explorer Pioneer badge in parallel with the Scout Pioneer badge, this course is an extension of what is learnt on the pioneer badge with an emphasis on larger projects as well as things such as models, blocks and tackle, risk assessments and the amount of supervision required whilst taking part in pioneering. This year we only had two explorers which was a bit disappointing but hopefully we will get better numbers next year.
On our next weekend in January we are running the Pioneer Badge for the Cub Scouts, which will see the Cubs learning knots, lashings, making rope, a knotting board and taking part in some fun projects.
For the Scouts we are running the Forester badge; this is a badge this is the second year we have run this course and like last year this is already full, with a waiting list.
We are also running the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge. This is a badge open to all Scouts over 12 years of age. This course takes two weekends to complete with the second taking place on the 9th-11th March.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
We currently have spaces on all our other remaining courses.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
30 Oct 2017
News from the October weekend
The latest season of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme started on the weekend of 20th-22nd October 2017. We ran courses for both Cub Scouts and Scouts.
Midge would like to thank the Cubs and Leaders for a great weekend. It was good to welcome back some familiar faces and lots of Cubs who had not been on Pro-Badge before. Activities included glow stick hoopla and slacklining plus we brought back our old favourite dough twists. The Cubs and Scouts sang very loudly at the campfire � their voices could be heard all over the site.
Woozle, Piggy, Ashley, Lurch and Yaffle took the Cubs out on a hike on Sunday morning. We also had some Explorers helping as part of their Young Leader training. These young people are always welcome to come and help.
My thanks to the parents who came out to help clean at the end of the weekend.
The Scouts took part in the Chef badge which saw the Patrols cooking lunch and dinner over open fires on Saturday despite the wet and windy weather, they all coped very well. They also cooked their breakfast on the Sunday morning in the kitchen, as well as learning about menu planning, fire lighting and camp hygiene. I would like to thank Mike for helping with this course as it was his first time out with us.
Next Course
In November we are running the Navigator Stage 2 badge for Cub Scouts which we have several places left. We are also running the Pioneer badge for Scouts; this course is full. The other course is the Pioneer Badge for Explorer Scouts. This course will involve building a scale pioneering model. Taking a lead role in building an outside pioneering project, such as an aerial runway or an hourglass tower. Whilst demonstrating, 10 knots, bends or hitches, four lashings, the use of simple blocks and tackle, anchorages for firm and soft ground, understanding the need for supervision in pioneering projects. We still have spaces for Explorer Scouts.
For further info or to book a place on any course on any weekend please visit the website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
Annual Review
In a change to our normal timetable the October weekend also saw us hold our Annual Review for the 2016-2017 Season. The report is available here and photos from the event in The Gallery.
Staff Wanted
Scout Pioneer Badge
As the Scout course is full this year Jeremy is keen to expand his team so if there are any experienced or wannabe pioneer leaders who would like to join us please email me.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any volunteer opportunities, please email myself at scissors@pro-badge.org.uk and we can arrange to meet up.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
25 Sep 2017
28th Season of Pro-Badge
Hi Everyone
The start of the 28th season of Pro-Badge is rapidly approaching. I have been involved since the 3rd season which makes me feel old but some of the Adult Volunteers have been involved since the very beginning.
I hope you have all had a good summer break. Personally I ran an activity at Poacher 17 which was an international camp for 5000 young people held at Lincolnshire showground just outside Lincoln.
This season we have Adult Volunteer changes which has affected some badges as well as a new first aider, as Taz has retired from Scouting. We welcome all our new Adult Volunteers and thank those who have moved onto other things for the contribution they have made over the years.
Places available
The dates for the forthcoming courses are below, please note we are swapping some of the Cub Scout badge weekends around. We are taking bookings now and some of the Scout courses are nearly full.
This year we are changing how we run the annual review and it will take place on Friday 20th October in Lyons Lodge. We will be presenting all of our prizes and awards.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
25 Apr 2012
News from the April weekend
The last weekend of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme current season took place last weekend. We ran the Chef and Backwoods Cooking badges for Cub Scouts and the Survival Skills and Camper badges for Scouts.
The Survival Skills course was full and the Scouts spent Friday evening learning about the skills they would need over the rest of the weekend. Early on the Saturday morning they got up and walked to the Survival Skills site. They then made their shelters, collected wood and lit fires before cooking their dinner, sleeping in the shelters and cooking breakfast before clearing up and returning to the main site at Lyons Copse.
We had two patrols on the Camper course each setting up their own patrol camping area and cooking some of their meals whilst learning about the other requirements of the course. As some had not completed 15 nights under canvas prior to the weekend so will need to complete these before being awarded the badge at their troop.
The Chef and Backwoods Cooking courses for the Cubs saw them cooking on a trench fire for lunch and then for the Chef Badge cooking a chicken dinner on gas. They of course also had instruction on hygiene as well as preparing the food (cutting and peeling) and clearing up afterwards.
An Appeal
I am trying to collate our history to put on the website. To complete this I am missing some of our Annual Reviews. If you have copies of any of the following please let me know as I would like to take a copy.
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2017. We are swapping some of the Cub Badge weekends around, details are on our What's on When? page. We are taking bookings now, to request a booking form please click on the link next to the course.
Annual Review
This year we are changing how we run the Annual Review and it will take place on Friday 20th October in Lyons Lodge. We will be presenting all of our prizes and those nominated will receive an invitation soon.
Appeal for volunteers
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
Situations Vacant
Scout Chef Badge
Kevin our specialist on the Chef badge is taking a step back and we are looking for someone to run the badge in October. If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any of our volunteer opportunities please email Scissors to arrange to meet up.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
25 Mar 2012
2017-2018 Cub Scout and Scout Course Leaflets published
The 2017-2018 Cub Scout and Scout course leaflets have been published.
27 Mar 2017
News from the March weekend
The March Pro-badge weekend was the second weekend of our Expedition Challenge course. This saw 14 Scouts successfully complete the badge in an area unfamiliar to them. This is the only weekend we run not at Lyons Copse. The weather was unexpectedly good having looked at the forecast earlier in the week. The ground was muddy underfoot in places but otherwise everyone stayed dry. This year we were able to embrace technology and we placed GPS trackers on the groups of Scouts which helped us with their location between checkpoints and to estimate the actual walking times better. This also had the added advantage of being able to show them where they had walked given one group managed to walk in a large circle towards the end of the first day.
In April, we are running the Cub Scout Chef and Cub Scout Backwoods Cooking badges. We still have plenty of spaces on this course which will see the Cubs achieve both badges over the weekend. For the Scouts, we are running Survival Skills and Camper badges. The Survival Skills Course is FULL, and we have a few spaces left on the Camper course.
If you are interested in any of the courses, please contact Scissors by email.
2017 - 2018 Season
Courses and dates for the 2017 - 2018 season are on our What's on When? page.
Annual Review
This year our annual review is also changing slightly. We are going to do the presentations at the start of the October weekend during the evening of the 20th October. All the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition, any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses, if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
Situations Vacant
Scout Chef Badge
Kevin our specialist on the Chef badge is taking a step back and we are looking for someone to run the badge in October. If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any of our volunteer opportunities please email Scissors to arrange to meet up.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
25 Feb 2017
News from the February weekend
On the Pro-Badge February weekend, we ran the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both Cub Scouts and Scouts. We also ran the Pioneer badge for Cub Scouts.
Navigator Stage 3 took place over a nice dry weekend with all the Cubs and Scouts still getting muddy during the hike on the Saturday afternoon. The course involved lots of map and compass work including a hike on the Saturday afternoon which also qualifies as a Hikes Away. The young people navigated the leaders round the route giving them the opportunity to get the leaders temporarily misplaced (we are never lost). The course also involved making contour models of hills using potatoes, as well as lots of practise of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
The Pioneer course was run in Pines cabin and involved learning knots and lashings and making a ballista resulting in an accuracy and range competition. They also made their own piece of rope and a knotting board.
We currently have spaces left on all of the badges on the April weekend. If you are interested in any of the courses, please contact Scissors by email.
Next Season 2017-2018
We have set the dates and badges for our next season starting in October 2017, and are swapping some of the Cub Badge weekends around. Details are on our What's on When? page.
Leaders Rally
This is an event open to all Adult Volunteers taking place on the 12th March at Pavilion on the Park, 1 Kingfisher Road, Eastleigh SO50 9LH. This is an opportunity to learn new programme ideas, find out about the award systems, get H0018 updates and see what Link camp is all about, Pro-badge are also having a table along with the other activity clubs and outside agencies who can assist with your programmes e.g. the Hampshire wildlife trust.
Annual Review
This year our annual review is also changing slightly. We are going to do the presentations at the start of the October weekend during the evening of the 20th October. All the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition, any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
Volunteers
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
Situations Vacant
Scout Chef Badge
Kevin our specialist on the Chef badge is taking a step back and we are looking for someone to run the badge in October. If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any of our volunteer opportunities please email Scissors to arrange to meet up.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
28 Jan 2017
News from the January weekend
The 3rd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2016/2017 season has just finished. We ran the Environmental Conservation badge for Cub Scouts along with the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge course. We also ran the Forester Badge for Scouts for the first time in several years.
It was a cold weekend however the Scouts on the Forester badge enjoyed themselves learning how to coppice, fell trees, plant new ones and a bit on how to do fencing. They also learnt about wood management and the safety of the activities they took part in. This was very successful and the course was full.
The Environmental Conservation course went well though with low numbers this year. It taught the Cubs all about water management and recycling.
The Scouts on the Expedition Challenge badge course had their training weekend and this was also full for the first time in several years. One group was a little late back on the Saturday evening after the leaders with them allowed them to get misplaced, a lesson well learnt. They all arrived back safely at Lyons Copse all be it a bit muddy and tired. The Sunday was spent planning for the third weekend and learning about safety and emergency procedures. They have their final weekend in March in unfamiliar country. This is the only weekend we run that is not based at Lyons Copse.
On our next weekend in February (17 - 19 February) we are running the Navigation Stage 3 badge for both the Cubs and Scouts. We are also running the Cub Scout Pioneer badge. We still have spaces available on all our badges.
Over the weekend of 21 - 23 April 2017 we are running both the Backwoods Cooking and Chef Badges for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running the Camper and Survival Skills badges. We have spaces on all these courses at present.
Situations Vacant
Cub Pioneer Badge
Our specialist for the Cub Pioneer Badge is retiring from Scouting at the end of April. We are looking for someone to volunteer to run the course in February 2018. It would be very useful if a volunteer was available in February 2017 to enable them to shadow the course and learn what is involved.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any of these volunteer opportunities, please email Scissors to arrange a discussion.
30 Nov 2016
News from the November weekend
The second weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2016/2017 season took place on the weekend of 24th - 26th November 2016.
We ran the Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included walks, 4 figure grid references, making their own maps and learning all about map symbols. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Stage 2 course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Navigator Stage 3 badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts have the opportunity to get the leaders lost.
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge which saw the patrols creating both large and small pioneering projects over the weekend. This involved them building a tower as well as an indoor project and lots of practice of knots and lashings.
We also ran for the first time the Explorer Pioneer badge in parallel with the Scout Pioneer badge, this course is an extension of what is learnt on the pioneer badge with an emphasis on larger projects as well as things such as models, blocks and tackle, risk assessments and the amount of supervision required whilst taking part in pioneering. We had several Explorers attending from the City of Portsmouth and one from Llandrindod in Wales.
On our next weekend in January we are running the environmental conservation badge for the Cub Scouts, which will see the cubs learn about recycling, energy and water usage as well as taking part in a few conservation projects around the camp site.
For the Scouts, we are running the Forester badge; this is a badge we have not run for a few years but are now reintroducing. This course is now full.
We are also running the first weekend of the Scout Expedition challenge. This is a badge open to all Scouts over 12 years of age. This course takes two weekends to complete with the second taking place in March.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please email Scissors.
We currently have spaces on all of our remaining courses.
Situations Vacant
Cub Pioneer Badge
Our specialist for the Cub Pioneer Badge is retiring from Scouting at the end of April. We are looking for someone to volunteer to run the course in February 2018. It would be very useful if a volunteer was available in February 2017 to enable them to shadow the course and learn what is involved.
Scout Chef Badge
Kevin our specialist on the Chef badge is taking a step back and we are looking for someone to run the badge next October (2017).
First Aid Team Leader
We are also looking for someone to volunteer to run the First Aid team from October 2017. You need to be available for all five weekends and have a Scouting recognised First Aid qualification. We have had a volunteer to take on this role but would like to find a couple of more helpers to assist.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about any of these volunteer opportunities, please email Scissors to arrange a discussion.
29 Oct 2016
News from the October weekend
The 26th season of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme started on the weekend of 21st � 23rd October 2016, with courses for both Cub Scouts and Scouts.
Midge would like to thank the Cubs and Adult Volunteers for a great weekend. It was good to welcome back some familiar faces and lots of Cubs who had not been on Pro-Badge before.
New activities included glow stick hoopla and slacklining plus we brought back our old favourite mars bar dough twists.
In the evening cubs made some boats to take home to have boat races in half term with family and friends.
The Cubs and Scouts sang very loudly at the campfire � their voices could be heard all over the site.
Woozle, Lard, Fox, Lurch and Yaffle took the Cubs out on a hike on Sunday morning.
The good weather meant the Cubs were able to enjoy playing outside, and our thanks to the parents who came out to help clean at the end of the weekend.
The Scouts took part in the Chef badge which saw the Patrols cooking lunch and dinner over open fires on Saturday along with their breakfast on the Sunday morning in the kitchen, as well as learning about menu planning, fire lighting and camp hygiene.
New Course
In November we are introducing a new course for Explorers, the Pioneer Badge for Explorers. The badge will involve building a scale pioneering model. Taking a lead role in building an outside pioneering project, such as an aerial runway or an hourglass tower. Whilst demonstrating, 10 knots, bends or hitches, four lashings, the use of simple blocks and tackle, anchorages for firm and soft ground, understanding the need for supervision in pioneering projects.
Places available
On our next weekend in November, as well as the Pioneer Badge for Explorers, we are also running Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts and Pioneer badge for the Scouts. We have places left on all courses. For further information or to book a place please visit our website www.pro-badge.org.uk.
Staff Wanted
Cub Scout Pioneer Badge
Our specialist for the Cub Scout Pioneer Badge is retiring from Scouting at the end of April. We are looking for someone to volunteer to run the course in February 2018. It would be very useful if a volunteer was available in February 2017 to enable them to shadow the course and learn what is involved.
First Aid Team Leader
We are also looking for someone to volunteer to run the First Aid team from October 2017. You need to be available for all five weekends and have a Scouting recognised First Aid qualification.
If you would like to volunteer or know more information about either of these volunteer opportunities, please email Scissors.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
3 Oct 2016
Bookings now being taken for 2016 - 2017 Season
The Pro-Badge team are looking forward to the new season which starts on the weekend 21st to 23rd October.
In October we are running Our Adventure Challenge for Cub Scouts - planned activities include water rockets, archery and firelighting.
For Scouts we are running Chef - Scouts can complete this badge two ways - indoor and outdoor cooking.
New for Pro-Badge - in November we are running Explorer Pioneer - Explorer Scouts can take their knowledge to a new level on this exciting and challenging weekend.
We currently have spaces on all courses, please check the website for details www.pro-badge.org.uk.
James, an Explorer Scout with Viking Explorer Scout Unit in Gosport and Hannah, a member of 5th Gosport Sea Scout Troop (and both members of the Pro-Badge Collective), are raising money for Alzheimer's Society by doing the Brighton Memory Walk on 8 October 2016. If you would like to learn more and perhaps sponsor them in this good cause please do so by clicking here.
27 Jun 2016
Workshop - Introduction to leading campfires
Jerry Fox, one of our staff members, is running a workshop and introduction to leading campfires at Highslopes Scout & Community Centre, Carlton Road PO16 8JH on 16th July 2016 from 2:00pm until late. Cost is �10 per person and the event is aimed at Leaders or Scout Network members of any section considering leading campfires or introducing them to the section.
Contact Jeremy Fox for further details and to make a booking.
20 Jun 2016
2015/2016 Annual Review
The 2015/2016 Season Annual Review took place in the Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse on 14th June. Each Cub who completed five Cub courses received a certificate and one Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her had her name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
A very pleasant duty for Scissors at the start of the evening was to present a Long Service Award to Midge.
The Presenting Officer was James Potter of Viking Explorer Scout Unit in Gosport. Formerly of 5th Gosport Sea Scout Group, James not only had the pleasure of presenting certificates and awards but was also able to present a certificate to his younger sister Hannah on joining the Pro-Badge Collective (the group of Scouts who have completed all Pro-Badge Scout courses).
Addressing the audience James said that:
"the Pro-Badge staff do a fantastic job giving up your spare time to come and teach Scouts some amazing life skills; these are skills that I've used in many different scenarios in my life be it hiking, sailing, camping, you name it, I've used the skills that I've learned here. Scouting is a fantastic movement, I've been in Scouting all my life and I'm proud to be the third generation of Scouts in my family".
James congratulated all of the nominees and award winners saying:
"I know how much work goes in to it all, you've done a fantastic job and you should be very proud of what you've achieved. Congratulations again."
Photos from the event are in The Gallery and the Annual Report can be downloaded here.
20 Apr 2016
News from the April weekend
The last weekend of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme current season took place last weekend. We ran the Chef and Backwoods Cooking badges for Cub Scouts and the Survival Skills and Camper badges for Scouts. The weekend was wet at times but all had a good time.
This was the first time we had run the Chef and Backwoods Cooking badges for the Cub Scouts. Both courses ran very well though did need a lot of leaders to supervise whilst the cooking was taking place. The Cubs cooked on a trench fire (this is a ground fire so the Cubs did not need to lift boiling water and pots to high and will be how we do this again). The Chef badge was spread across two building with the food preparation (cutting and peeling) taking place in one building and the actual cooking in another.
The Scouts Survival Skills badge managed to survive at Lyons Copse in the rain, though the weather got better as the weekend progressed. Some of the shelters stayed drier and warmer than others and I heard a few tales about who had stayed dry and who had got wet. They all managed to light fires and cook their dinner and breakfast.
The Scouts Camper badge took place in Philamore field and the Scouts cooked two of their meals and learnt the skills needed to run a good camp covering the planning and risks as well as the practical parts.
Annual Review
You are all invited to our annual review which will take place on the 14th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse at 7pm. All of the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
New Season - New Badges
Following on from this season we have had a review of the badges we run and have decided to discontinue the Scout Environmental Conservation Badge. This will be replaced by the Forester Badge, this is a badge we ran several seasons ago and are pleased to be reintroducing it.
We are also pleased to announce that the programme for next Season has been announced, courses and dates are on our What's on When? page. We are now taking bookings for all of next season�s courses.
Course fees will remain the same as the last three seasons.
The badge information and permission to camp forms will be emailed out in September. Please see our What's on When? page for more information.
Can you help?
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
Lost & Found
Did your Cub, Scout, Explorer or Leader bring anything back from Pro-Badge which does not belong to them?
We are trying to match up missing kit with owners and so if you are missing anything or have any �extra� kit please e-mail our Stores Controller Andy Ratcliffe.
We regret that at the end of the season any lost property left at Pro-Badge is disposed of.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
21 Mar 2016
News from the March weekend
The Pro-Badge March weekend has just taken place with Scouts completing the Expedition Badge, which took place in an area unfamiliar to them. The walk started interestingly on the Saturday with a navigational error right at the start turning left rather than right out of the car park, having sorted this out the Scouts made good progress for the rest of the day. After arriving and setting up camp they were joined by another Scout who had had to pull out of the weekend due to doctors� advice following an accident at school, she did camp for the night though.
The Scouts cooked dinner and settled in for the night under canvas. They had a good start on the Sunday morning, but a navigational error saw them back a little later than planned arriving at 13:30.
April Courses
In April we are running Camper and Survival Skills for Scouts and we have some spaces available on both courses. We are running the Chef and Backwoods Cooking badges for Cub Scouts; both of these courses are full and have waiting lists.
If you are interested in any of the courses please contact Scissors by email.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
2015/2016 Season Annual Review
This season�s Annual Review which will take place on the 14th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse at 19:00; you are all invited. All of the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
Camp Leader
16 Feb 2016
News from the February weekend
On the Pro-Badge February weekend we ran the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both Cub Scouts and Scouts. We also ran the Pioneer badge for Cub Scouts.
Navigator Stage 3 took place over a wet and muddy weekend with all of the cubs and scouts getting muddy during the hike on the Saturday afternoon. The course involved lots of map and compass work including a hike on the Saturday afternoon which also qualifies as a Hikes Away. The young people navigated the leaders round the route giving them the opportunity to get the leaders temporarily misplaced (we are never lost). The course also involved making contour models of hills and completing the site orienteering course, as well as lots of practise of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
The Pioneer course was run in Pines cabin and involved learning knots and lashings and making a ballista resulting in an accuracy and range competition. They also made their own piece of rope.
We currently have spaces left on all of the badges on the April weekend; if you are interested in any of the courses please contact Scissors by email.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
2015/2016 Season Annual Review
This season�s Annual Review which will take place on the 14th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse at 19:00; you are all invited. All of the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
30 Jan 2016
News from the January weekend
The third weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2015/2016 season has just finished. We ran the Environmental Conservation badge for both Scouts and Cub Scouts along with the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge course.
The Environmental Conservation course went well with the two courses were run by Mortica, they ran separately but combined for a lot of the sessions and one of the requirements for the Scouts was to teach Cubs about some areas of conservation. This badge is also one of the Scout badges which get a prize at our annual review and two of the Scouts were nominated for that.
The Scouts on the Expedition Challenge badge course had their training weekend and arrived back safely at Lyons Copse all be it a bit muddy, the leaders apparently fell over more and were certainly muddier. They have their final weekend in March in unfamiliar country. This is the only weekend we run that is not based at Lyons Copse.
On our next weekend in February we are running the Navigator Stage 3 badge for both the Cubs and Scouts. The Cub badge is full but we have a few spaces on the Scout Badge.
We are also running the Cub Scout Pioneer badge; this was run for the first time last year and deemed a great success. We still have a few spaces available on this badge.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
We currently have spaces on all of our remaining courses.
For further information or to book a place please click here.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
30 Jan 2016
Kayak courses available in Gosport
Our friends in Gosport District have asked us to publish information on their Kayak courses, which run throughout the Summer each year. Further information is available on their website. Don't let the name put you off, courses are open to members of the Scout and Guide Associations wherever they may be.
The courses are run by Ken Greenwood, who has many awards recognising his service and commitment towards paddlesports.
Gosport Scout training courses have taught thousands of people from One Star to Four Star; some have taken their skills further competing in national events like the Devizes to Westminister race and international events such as the World Freestyle championships and World Whitewater Championships.
For further information please contact Ken Greenwood.
We are happy to accept bookings from parents, and please remember to tell Akela or Skip that your Cub or Scout is booked on to the course.
29 Nov 2015
Kit List for Expedition Challenge, and date of second weekend
The dates for the Expedition Challenge course have been confirmed as 22 - 24 January and 19 - 20th March 2016. The mandatory kit list (in addition to the items on the Permission to Camp form is available here.
29 Nov 2015
Environmental Conservation Badge courses in January
We are running both Cubs and Scouts Environmental Conservation courses on our next weekend in January.
The Cubs and Scouts will be learning about recycling and sorting, reducing waste and how to reuse every day items in order to achieve this. Both Scouts and Cubs will work together to investigate energy, how we use it and how we can reduce our energy consumption.
The Cubs will also look at habitats and how we can improve them, and the Scouts will look at how we can generate more sustainable energy.
The Cubs will create some light switch surrounds and posters about climate change.
The Scouts will be focusing on one point impacting on climate change and writing to the Government to elicit a response they can then work with next year. Last year we wrote about street lighting and our current scouts this year will work with the reply letter we received back from Parliament while looking at energy use and consumption.
The Scouts also need to complete a project as defined in their joining instructions, this will be assessed for the Oswald Owl award.
29 Nov 2015
News from the November weekend
The second weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2015/2016 season took place on the weekend of 20th -22nd November 2015.
We ran the Navigation Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts. The activities included walks, 4 figure grid references, making their own maps and learning all about map symbols. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Stage 2 course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Navigator Stage 3 badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts have the opportunity to get the leaders lost.
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge which saw the Patrols creating both large and small pioneering projects over the weekend. This involved building a bridge over the pond (only one fell in) and an indoor project. We also ran as an experiment the Explorer Pioneer badge following on from this we are looking to run this next season in parallel with the Scout pioneer badge.
We are also running the first weekend of the Scout Expedition Challenge. This is a new badge for us open to all Scouts over 12 years of age. This course takes two weekends to complete with the second taking place in March.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact href="mailto:Scissors@Pro-Badge.org.uk?subject=From the Pro-Badge website">ScissorsScissors.
We currently have spaces on all of our remaining courses.
For further information or to book a place please visit the our website.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
24 Nov 2015
Environmental Conservation badge courses - January weekend
The Cubs and Scouts will be learning about recycling and sorting, reducing waste and how to reuse everyday items in order to achieve this.
Both Scouts and Cubs will work together to investigate energy, how we use it and how we can reduce our energy consumption. The Cubs will also look at habitats and how we can improve them. Scouts will look at how we can generate more sustainable energy. The Cubs will create some light switch surrounds and posters about climate change. The Scouts will be focussing on one point impacting on climate change and writing to the government to elicit a response they can then work with next year.
Last year we wrote about street lighting and on this years' course the Scouts this year will work with the reply we received from Parliament while looking at energy use and consumption.
The Scouts also need to complete a project as defined in their joining instructions, this will be assessed for the Oswald Owl award.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
3 Nov 2015
News from the October/November weekend
The 25th season of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme started on the weekend of 30th October � 1st November 2015. We ran courses for both Cub Scouts and Scouts.
Our Adventure Challenge award course for the Cub Scouts had lots of activities included archery, bouldering, low ropes, lighting fires, rope making, and a hike on the Sunday morning.
The Scouts took part in the Chef badge which saw the patrols cooking lunch and dinner over open fires on Saturday along with their breakfast on the Sunday morning in the kitchen, as well as learning about menu planning, fire lighting and camp hygiene.
On our next weekend in November we are running Navigator Stage 2 badge for the Cub Scouts and Pioneer badge for the Scouts. We have places left both courses. For further information or to book a place please visit the website http://www.pro-badge.org.uk.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
2 May 2015
2014 - 2015 Season Annual Review
The 2014 - 2015 Season Annual Review was held on 16th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse, and a copy of the Annual Report is available here. As part of the Global Conservation course Scouts wrote to the Prime Minister, and we received replies back from 10 Downing Street and the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Click on the hyperlinks to download the letters.
Photos from the event are available in The Gallery.
2 May 2015
News from the April weekend
The last weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme current season took place last weekend. We ran the Naturalist badge for Cub Scouts and the Survival Skills and Naturalist badges for Scouts.
The weekend was wet at times but all had a good time.
The Naturalist badges combined for some sessions and had separate sessions at other times. We were lucky to have a talk from the local hedgehog rescue group who also brought out a hedgehog for the Cubs and Scouts to see. The Scout course involves teaching the cubs as well as a project and some presentations to be made. We therefore have one of our awards for this badge. Three Scouts have been nominated and the winner will be announced at the Annual review in June (see below).
The Survival Skills badge managed to survive at a site a few miles from Lyons Copse in the rain, some of the shelters stayed drier than others and I heard a few tales about who had stayed dry and who had got wet. They all managed to light fires and cook their dinner and breakfast.
Our next event is this season�s annual review which will take place on the 16th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse at 7:00pm. You are all invited. All of the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
New Season - New Badges
Following on from the publication of the new activity badges at the end of January we have been looking at how this will affect Pro-Badge and the courses on offer. We are pleased to announce that the following courses will be running as shown below. We are now taking bookings for all of next season�s courses.
Course fees will remain the same as the last two seasons.
30 October - 1 November 2015
Cubs Adventure Challenge This is our replacement for "Outdoor Challenge", it gives the Cubs the opportunity to try different adventurous activities e.g. rafting, archery or bouldering as well as old favourites such as dough twists and water rockets.
Scouts Chef The Camp Cook Badge has been replaced with the Chef badge. This can be achieved both outdoors and indoors. We are planning to run both options during the weekend so the Scouts can gain this badge twice during the weekend.
Scouts Naturalist This badge continues with some changes to requirements, including a project that needs to be completed prior to the weekend.
20-22 November 2014
Cubs Navigation Stage 2 Part of a staged Activity Badge, replacing Navigator badge, with several exciting new requirements.
Scouts Pioneer This badge continues with some requirement changes. Scouts will work as a team to build large structures such as a tower or bridge.
22 - 24 January 2016
Cubs Environmental Conservation Another new badge this season, replacing Global Conservation, Cubs will learn about alternative energy and water conservation. This badge requires data to be collected prior to the weekend.
Scouts Environmental Conservation This badge has replaced Global Conservation and scan be achieved during one weekend but a project needs to be completed prior to the course.
Scouts Expedition Challenge Hiker badge has been discontinued, replaced by Expedition Challenge. This first weekend is a planning and training weekend for the expedition to be undertaken on the March weekend.
12 - 14 February 2016
Cubs Pioneer We will be running this badge again following a successful pilot earlier in 2015. Cubs will build smaller scale projects using the same techniques as the Scouts do on a larger scale.
Cubs Navigation Stage 3 A this is a follow on from Navigation Stage 2, we will be limiting this course to only eight Cubs. It will be an ideal opportunity to work with Scouts. Cubs must have gained either Navigation Stage 2 or be nine years old.
Scouts Navigation Stage 3 This badge is aimed at younger Scouts. The Scouts will learn about contours and map references amongst other things, they will also take part in a hike.
TBA March 2016
Scouts Expedition Challenge The second weekend for this badge. Scouts will undertake a two day expedition which is held away from Lyons Copse, including a night away at a campsite. Minimum age twelve years old.
15 - 17 April
Cubs Backwoods Cooking A new Cub activity badge for us, Cubs will learn to light a fire and cook on it safely.
Cubs Chef Another new badge for us, Cubs will learn about healthy eating and cook a meal inside, they will be able to achieve this alongside Backwoods Cooking during the weekend.
Scouts Camper This badge continues with some changes to the requirements.
Scouts Survival Skills This badge has "survived", but with some differing requirements. Scouts will learn basic survival skills including building a shelter and fire lighting. Minimum age twelve years old.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
7 Apr 2015
News from the March weekend
The Pro-Badge March weekend has just taken place which saw Scouts completing the Hiker Badge and Explorer Scouts doing some expedition training. The weekend took place in West Sussex based at South Harting. The day started badly on the Saturday with a navigational error right at the start; having sorted this out and losing a bit of time the Scouts made good progress and to time for the rest of the day despite what the weather could throw at them. After arriving and setting up camp they cooked dinner and settled in for the night. Overnight it rained and it was of course an hour shorter due to the clocks changing. The Scouts were a little slow on the Sunday morning, they got up cooked breakfast and broke camp before starting on day two of the hike. This went well with all of the Scouts back at the Headquarters by 14:10.
In April we are running the Naturalist badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running three courses. They are Camper, Survival Skills and Naturalist. The two Naturalist badges will run separately and come together for a couple of sessions for example when we have our animal visitors.
We have a few spaces left on Cub Scout Naturalist and plenty of spaces on all of the Scout badges. If you are interested in any of the courses please contact me by email.
This season�s Annual Review will take place on the 16th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse at 7pm and you are all invited. All of the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
New Season, New Badges, New Programme.
Following on from the publication of the new activity badges at the end of January we are looking at how this will affect Pro-Badge and the courses we offer. We have already run a trial of the new cub pioneer course. We plan on confirming next seasons courses on our April weekend if not before.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
20 Feb 2015
News from the February weekend
On the Pro-Badge February weekend we ran the Map Reader badge for Cub Scouts and an experimental weekend for the new Cub Scout Pioneer badge.
Map Reader took place over a wet and muddy weekend with all of the cubs getting muddy during the hike on the Saturday afternoon. The course involved lots of map and compass work including a hike on the Saturday afternoon which also qualifies as a Hikes Away. The Cubs also made compass shapes on the ground using string and pegs being given verbal instructions by a leader. The course also involved making contour models of hills and completing the site orienteering course, as well as lots of practise of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
The Pioneer course was run in Pines cabin and involved learning knots and lashings and completing a number of projects as well as making their own piece of rope.
This season�s annual review will take place on the 16th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse at 7pm. You are all invited. All of the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
In April we are running the Naturalist badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running three courses. They are Camper, Survival Skills and Naturalist. The two Naturalist badges will run separately and come together for a couple of sessions for example when we have our animal visitors.
We have a few spaces left on Cub Scout Naturalist and plenty of spaces on all of the Scout badges. If you are interested in any of the courses please contact me by email.
New Season, New Badges, New Programme.
Following on from the publication of the new activity badges at the end of January we are looking at how this will affect Pro-Badge and the courses we offer. We have already run a trial of the new cub pioneer course (see Above). We plan on confirming next seasons courses on our April weekend if not before.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
28 Jan 2015
News from the January weekend
The 3rd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2014/2015 season has just finished. We ran the Global Conservation badge for both Scouts and Cub Scouts along with the second weekend of our Scout Hiker Course.
The Global Conservation courses went well with the Cub course being full, unfortunately we had a few drop out of the Scout course without letting us know. This is always disappointing as we have to buy food etc on the numbers we are expecting. The two courses were run by Mortica, they ran separately but combined for a lot of the sessions and one of the requirements for the Scouts was to teach Cubs about some areas of conservation. This badge is also one of the Scout badges which gets a prize at our Annual Review and two of the Scouts were nominated for that.
The Scouts on the Hiker course had their first overnight hike and arrived back safely at Lyons Copse on Sunday lunchtime. They have their final weekend in March in unfamiliar country. This is the only weekend we run that is not based at Lyons Copse.
On our next weekend in February we are running the Map Reader badge for the Cub Scouts. This is nearly full with only three spaces left.
We are also running a trial of the new Cub Scout Pioneer Badge, this course is already proving popular and is full.
In April we are running the Naturalist badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running three courses. They are Camper, Survival Skills and Naturalist. The two Naturalist badges run separately though will come together for a couple of sessions for example when we have our animal visitors.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
We currently have spaces on all of our April courses.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
28 Nov 2014
News from the November weekend
The 2nd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2014/2015 season took place on the weekend of 21st -23rd November 2014. We ran two courses for Scouts and one for Cub Scouts.
We ran the Navigator badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included star gazing, tracking, making their own maps and learning all about map symbols. On the Sunday morning the Cub Scouts enjoyed a treasure hunt. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Map Reader badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts have the opportunity to get the leaders lost.
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge which saw the patrols creating both large and small pioneering projects over the weekend.
The second Scout course was the Hiker badge, this was the first weekend of three weekends the others taking place in January and March. The Saturday was spent learning how to navigate along with some First Aid, and cooking skills. The Sunday was time for putting what they had leant into practise and completing the first of the three hikes. This took longer than planned due to the heavy rain which resulted in a lot of mud and localised flooding on the route.
On our next weekend in January we are running the global conservation badge for the Cub Scouts and the global conservation badge for Scouts. These will run separately though will come together for a couple of sessions.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
We currently have spaces on all of our remaining courses.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
30 Nov 2014
News from the October weekend
The 24th season of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme started on the weekend of 24th - 26th October 2014. We ran two courses for Cub Scouts and one for Scouts. I am pleased to say that both Cub courses were full and we had a good number on the Scout Camp Cook badge, however we were forced to cancel the Camp Site Services badge due to low numbers.
The Outdoor Challenge and the Outdoor Plus Challenge courses for the Cub Scouts had lots of activities included bouldering, low ropes, water rockets, cooking twists, and a blind trail set up by the Cubs on the Outdoor Plus Challenge Course. In addition the Cub Scouts on the Outdoor Plus Challenge course camped out over the weekend and went on a hike on the Sunday morning.
The Scouts took part in the Camp Cook badge which saw the patrols cooking lunch and dinner over open fires on Saturday along with their breakfast on the Sunday morning using gas stoves, as well as learning about menu planning, fire lighting and camp hygiene.
On our next weekend in November we are running Navigator badge for the Cub Scouts and Pioneer Badge for the Scouts along with the first weekend of three for our Hiker badge course.
Congratulations are also due to Nigel and Sarah French who recently got married and several members of Pro-Badge were privileged to attend the wedding. Nigel has been with us for many years working in the store and helping out on several badges. Sarah as well as being a Scout Leader helps us on the Cub Navigator and Map Reader courses. We wish them all the best for the future.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
19 Sep 2014
October weekend
The Cub Scouts Outdoor Challenge Plus is FULL and we only have a few spaces left on Outdoor Challenge.
We do still have spaces on Camp Cook and Campsite Services for the Scouts.
We are also looking for anyone who is prepared to come and help on either the Camp Cook course or the Hiker course, this is due to staff moving on and being unable to assist this season. If you are interested please contact us for further details.
Details of all of our courses are on our What's on When? page.
30 Aug 2014
Message from Scissors
Dear All
I hope you have all had a good summer break.
The Pro-Badge team have attending various summer camps and activities. We are now starting to get busy preparing for the forthcoming season. The first weekend takes place over the 24th -26th October and we are offering two courses for Cubs, the Outdoor Challenge badge and the Outdoor Challenge Plus badge. To take part in the Outdoor Challenge Plus you must have completed the Outdoor Challenge badge (not necessarily with Pro-Badge). For Scouts we are running the Camp Cook badge and the first weekend of the Campsite Services badge.
We currently have spaces on all courses on all weekends - please look at the website for dates for the other weekends of the season.
Due to the efforts of various members of the Pro-Badge team throughout the summer we have completed a lot of fundraising. This means that fees this season are staying the same as last season at £45.00 for Cubs and £40.00 for Scouts. We are also continuing our early payment scheme whereby if you pay at least two weeks before the event you only pay £40.00 for Cubs and £35.00 for Scouts. The Cub courses cost slightly more as Lyons Lodge costs more than Pines Cabin to hire for the weekend.
We now have our twitter account up and running so please follow us on @ProBadgeScouts.
Of course if you would like to help on Pro-Badge as part of one of the badge or support teams please get in touch - we would love to hear from you.
The last weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2013/2014 current season took place on the weekend of 25th -27th April 2014. We ran the Naturalist badge for Cub Scouts and the Camper, Survival Skills and Naturalist badges for Scouts.
The weekend was wet at times but all had a good time.
The Naturalist badges combined for some sessions and had separate sessions at other times. We were lucky to have a talk from the local hedgehog rescue group who also brought out a hedgehog for the Cubs and Scouts to see, this hedgehog was due to be released back into the wild very soon. The Scout course involves some pre work and some presentations to be made. We therefore have one of our awards for this badge. Three Scouts have been nominated and the winner will be announced at the Annual review in June (see below).
The Camper badge saw the patrols learning how to put up tents, cook meals and camp in a safe and dry manner despite the weather. The participants also ran the campfire on Saturday evening.
The Survival Skills badge managed to survive at a site a few miles from Lyons Copse in the rain, some of the shelters stayed drier than others and I heard a few tales about who had stayed dry and who had got wet. They all managed to light fires and cook their dinner and breakfast.
This season�s annual review will take place on the 17th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse at 7pm and all are invited. All of the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
Our next season starts in October and we are taking bookings now. The badge information and permission to camp forms will be emailed out in September. Please see the website or leaflet for dates and which course is when.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
30 Mar 2014
April courses
This weekend 15 members of the Pro-Badge staff spent the weekend renewing the roof on the Pole Store and the Gas store. We also took the opportunity to tidy out the Pro-Badge store and clear some space for new equipment.
In April we are running the Naturalist badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running three courses. They are Camper, Survival Skills and Naturalist. The two Naturalist badges will run separately and come together for a couple of sessions for example when we have our animal visitors.
The Scout Survival Skills is already FULL. We have a few spaces left on Scout Naturalist, Scout Camper and Cub Scout Naturalist at the moment. If you are interested in any of the courses please contact Scissors by email.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
30 Mar 2014
Theft of the 5th Gosport Sea Scout Group Rigid Inflatable Boat
On the night of March 9th between 01:00 and 06:00 hrs thieves stole the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) belonging to the 5th Gosport Sea Scout Group. It had been chained up at Hill Head Sailing Club where it was being used for training.
The RIB is an Orange Humber 5.2m long and has a new Mariner Bigfoot 60HP engine on the back. On the right hand side of the console it has Hampshire Scouts written on the side and a reference number of SSR 81212 also on this side of the console.
The Group have informed the Police and the theft has also been publicised via The News. If you see the boat or hear anything about it and/or her equipment please call Hampshire Constabulary on 101.
The Hampshire Constabulary reference number is 44140091333.
2 Mar 2014
News from the February weekend
The fourth weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2013/2014 season took place on the weekend of 21st � 23rd February 2014. We ran the Map Reader badge for Cub Scouts and the second weekend of the Campsite Services badge for Scouts.
Map Reader took place over a relatively dry weekend and we completed the mostly outdoor programme in the dry with just a little rain overnight. The course involved lots of map and compass work including a hike on the Saturday afternoon which also qualifies as a Hikes Away. The Cubs also made compass shapes on the ground using string and pegs being given verbal instructions by a leader. The course also involved making contour models of hills and completing the site orienteering course, as well as lots of practise of Grid References, symbols and setting a map.
Campsite Services badge had their second weekend, the activities were dictated by the recent weather and included doing a survey of the site noting fallen trees, damaged fences or hedges and any other damage around the site. As this is a two weekend course a project also had to be completed between the weekends and this was assessed. The Scouts on this course also have the opportunity to win the Humphrey Dormouse award for the work they do over the weekends and for their project. This award along with others will be awarded at the annual review.
This seasons Annual Review will take place on the 17th June in Pines Cabin, Lyons Copse at 7pm. You are all invited. All of the award winners will be announced and receive their awards. In addition any Cub who has completed five Cub courses will receive a certificate and any Scout who has completed all of the courses available to him or her will have their name put on the Pro-Badge board displayed in Lyons Lodge for all to see.
In April we are running the Naturalist badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running three courses. They are Camper, Survival Skills and Naturalist. The two Naturalist badges will run separately and come together for a couple of sessions for example when we have our animal visitors.
Survival Skills is already FULL, and we have started a waiting list. We have a few spaces left on Scout Naturalist and plenty of spaces on Scout Camper and Cub Scout Naturalist at the moment. If you are interested in any of the courses please contact Scissors by email.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
22 Jan 2014
Wanted - Cubs to do the Map Reader badge
We still have plenty of spaces available for our Map Reader Course on the 21st - 23rd February at Lyons Copse. If your cub is interested please contact Scissors for all the details and to book a place. The weekend involves lots of mostly outdoor map and compass activities along with a hike on the Saturday afternoon.
22 Jan 2014
January course news
The 3rd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2013/2014 season took place on the weekend of 17th - 19th January 2014. We ran the Global Conservation badge for both Scouts and Cub Scouts.
This season we were able to welcome back Suzi Hoskins to coordinate both courses. We were also able to use some resources provided by Southern Water which enabled us to do several water conservation activities. The courses were run separately but came together for some sessions.
On our next weekend in February we are running the Map Reader badge for the Cub Scouts and the second weekend for the Campsite Services badge for Scouts.
In April we are running the Naturalist badge for Cub Scouts. For Scouts we are running three courses, Camper, Survival Skills and Naturalist. The two Naturalist badges run separately though will come together for a couple of sessions for example when we have our animal visitors.
We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact Scissors.
We currently have spaces on our February and April courses, click here for details.
6 Jan 2014
January and February Courses
We have spaces on both Scout and Cub Global Conservation Courses running in January and on the Cub Map Reader Course running in February. If a Cub or Scout would like to attend please email Scissors for details or to book a place.
Full details of our courses this season and details on how to apply are on our what's on when? page.
Breaking News: Snowy has broken her arm (perhaps that should be her wing!) we all wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her out at Pro-Badge soon.
29 Nov 2013
Message from Scissors
"The 2nd weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2013/2014 season took place on the weekend of 22nd -24th November 2013. We ran two courses for Scouts and one for Cub Scouts.
We ran the Navigator badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included star gazing, tracking, making their own maps and learning all about map symbols. On the Sunday morning the Cub Scouts enjoyed a treasure hunt. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Map Reader badge course in February which expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts have the opportunity to get the leaders lost.
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge which saw the patrols creating both large and small pioneering projects over the weekend.
The second Scout course was the Campsite Services badge, this was the first weekend of two weekends the other taking place in February. The Saturday was spent learning how to use tools and practical work including some plumbing and maintenance work. They also learned about all the administrative things involved in running the site. The Sunday was time for doing further practical work around Lyons Copse.
On our next weekend in January we are running the Global Conservation badge for the Cub Scouts and the Global Conservation badge for Scouts. These will run separately though will come together for a couple of sessions.
In April we have added the Naturalist Course for Scouts to our programme as we have managed to find a specialist to run the badge. We rely on volunteers to help on all our courses if you are interested in helping please contact me.
"The 23rd season of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme started on the weekend of 25th - 27th October 2013. We ran two courses for Cub Scouts and one for Scouts.
We ran the Outdoor Challenge and the Outdoor Challenge Plus courses for the Cub Scouts the activities included bouldering, low ropes, water rockets, cooking twists, and a blind trail set up by the Cubs on the Outdoor Challenge Course. In addition the Cub Scouts on the Outdoor Challenge Plus course camped out over a wet weekend and went on a hike on the Sunday morning.
The Scouts took part in the Camp Cook badge which saw the patrols cooking lunch and dinner on Saturday and their breakfast on the Sunday morning, as well as learning about menu planning, fire lighting and camp hygiene.
The Saturday morning also saw a visit from Ray Noice who is the Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Communications, Media and Public Relations within Hampshire. Ray was able to see the Cubs and Scouts taking part in their morning activities and get a better understanding of Pro-Badge and how we fit into the county structure.
On our next weekend in November we are running Navigator badge for the Cub Scouts and Pioneer Badge for the Scouts along with the first weekend of three for our Hiker badge course. The November weekend will also be the first weekend of the Campsite Service badge for older Scouts. We currently have spaces on all badges that weekend."
2 Nov 2013
Scout Naturalist Badge back on the programme
We have found a specialist to run the Scout Naturalist Badge and so are pleased to announce that we will be running this course on the April weekend.
2 Nov 2013
New sizes for childrens' T-Shirts
We have new sizes for childrens' T-Shirts, click here for more information.
8 Oct 2013
Cubs Outdoor Challenge Plus full, some spaces on other courses
Outdoor Challenge Plus is FULL. We still have spaces on Outdoor Challenge and a few on Camp Cook. We have spaces on all other courses on the other weekends.
13 Sep 2013
Message from Scissors
"Welcome to the new Pro-Badge season. I hope you all had a good summer; I personally attended Poacher 2013 in Lincolnshire with the water rockets for my summer camp.
We are starting our season off on the weekend 25th-27th October 2013. We will be running the Scout Camp Cook course where the Scouts will get the opportunity to create a menu, light fires and cook several meals.
For the Cubs we will be running the Outdoor Challenge and the Outdoor Challenge Plus courses. The cubs will get the opportunity to learn two skills and trying three new outdoor activities on the Outdoor Challenge Course, and on the Outdoor Challenge Plus course (which is for those who already have the Outdoor Challenge) new skills, challenges plus two nights under canvas and opportunities to plan your own activities. Have you tried? � Water rockets, outdoor cooking, rope making, and a blind trail.
In November for the Scouts we will be running Pioneer, the first weekend of our Hiker course and the first weekend of our Camp Site Services course. For the Cubs will be running the Navigator activity badge.
We currently have spaces on all courses on all weekends though some courses are filling fast. For details of what is on which weekend please look at our What's on When page.
Due to a change in our banking procedures all cheques must now be made payable to Hampshire County Scout Council not the previous payee.
Looking Forward to seeing you all soon.
Scissors
Camp Leader"
11 Aug 2013
Clothing range updated
The range of Pro-Badge clothing available has been updated, details area available here.
19 Jun 2013
Pro-Badge Annual Review
The Annual Review was held on 18 June with presentations to Cubs and Scouts as well as the presentation of the Report. Photographs are available in The Gallery.
19 Jun 2013
Request for Volunteers
We are always looking for extra bodies to help on the weekends either working with the Cubs and Scouts or with one of the adult teams.
We are looking for a new Treasurer, if anyone is interested please speak to or email Scissors or another member of the Committee.
We are also looking for an Admin Assistant to help us out on the weekends, this will involve typing and printing forms, certificates and other documentation that we require. This is so that Snowy and I can spend more time out of the office integrating with the young people and allows us to see more of what is going on. This role may also involve making tea!
Please speak or email either Scissors, Snowy or Midge. You do not need to be a leader or have a lot of experience we can always find something for you to do.
19 Jun 2013
Booking Process
We had some confusion on some weekends over the booking process so this is outlined below:
Decide which course(s) you wish to attend;
Contact Scissors either by email or telephone to check on spaces and get your name added to the list. This guarantees you a place on the course;
Scissors will email or send you the badge details and permission to camp forms.
Send the forms and monies back to Scissors.
9 Jun 2013
Bar to the Silver Acorn
Les Farrington - or more simply "Yeti" - and a founder member of Pro-Badge was presented with the Bar to his Silver Acorn during the Fareham District AGM on 13 May 2013; photographs are available in The Gallery.
25 Apr 2013
Annual Review
The next event it is our Annual Review on the 18th June at 7pm in Pines Cabin at Lyons Lodge. All are welcome to attend.
25 Apr 2013
Launch of 2013 - 2014 Season
We will be starting our next season over the weekend 25th - 27th October when we will be running Camp Cook and Camp Site services for the Scouts and Outdoor Challenge and Outdoor Challenge Plus for the Cub Scouts. We are taking bookings now, please contact us via the Contact page.
25 Apr 2013
Annual Review and 2013/14 Season
The next event it is our Annual Review on the 18th June at 7pm in Pines Cabin at Lyons Lodge. All are welcome to attend. We will then be starting our next season over the weekend 25th - 27th October when we will be running Camp Cook and Camp Site services for the Scouts and Outdoor Challenge and Outdoor Challenge Plus for the Cub Scouts. We are taking bookings now.
25 Apr 2013
News from the April Weekend
The final weekend of the 2012/13 season is now over and a good weekend it was too. We had a full Scout Survival Skills course and a fully booked Cub Scout Naturalist Course. It was disappointing that 6 Cubs who had booked places did not turn up as we had a long waiting list and we were unable to fill the places on the Friday evening so some potential attendees missed out.
The highlight for the Cubs was the visit of some Hedgehogs one of whom was going to be released back into the wild that afternoon. They also took part in pond dipping, and a hedgerow survey over the weekend.
The Scouts on the Survival Skills course built their own shelters and survived by cooking rabbits, mackerel and edible plants found at their camp site; they were not at Lyons Copse. They all returned tired but happy at having survived.
7 Apr 2013
April Weekend
The Cub Naturalist Course is nearly full we only have spaces for two girl cubs. However we do have a waiting list in case any boy cubs drop out so please send an email to Scissors with your cubs name if you wish him to attend but do not send any forms or monies.
We only have three spaces left on the Scout Survival Skills Course, these can be taken by either boy or girl Scouts.
The Scout camper course has plenty of spaces remaining.
21 Mar 2013
News from Scissors
The 4th weekend of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2012/2013 season took place on the weekend of 22nd -24th February 2013. We ran the Map Reader Badge Course for Cub Scouts. I am very pleased to say that we had Cub Scouts from seven different Cub Packs on the course which gave them the opportunity to make friends with Cubs from different Packs and Districts.
The activities included making compass derived shapes on the grass, a hike where the Cubs were able to get the leaders lost as they did the navigating, orienteering, and making edible contour models. These were followed by an assessment on the Sunday morning.
Over the weekend of 16th -17th March 2013 we ran the third weekend of our Hiker badge course for Scouts. This weekend is based away from Lyons Copse as the Scouts have to hike in an unfamiliar area. This year we were based in South Harting near Petersfield which allowed the Scouts to hike all over the South Downs. The weather was unfortunately very wet especially on the Saturday though the Scouts all made good time and arrived at the overnight stop in good spirits. The Sunday was more of the same but it was not quite so wet.
On our next weekend 19th-21st April we are running the Naturalist badge for the Cub Scouts along with the Survival Skills badge and Camper badge for the Scouts. We currently have spaces on all of these courses.
The dates and courses for our next season starting in October 2013 are available here.
4 Mar 2013
Spaces on April courses
We have places on our Cubs Naturalist, Scouts Camper and Scouts Survival Skills courses which run on the weekend of 219 - 21 April 2013. Please contact Scissors for further details.
10 Feb 2013
Spaces on Cubs Map Reader course
We have places on our Cubs Map Reader course, which runs on the weekend of 22 - 24 February 2013. Please contact Scissors for further details.
10 Feb 2013
The Cub team are looking for animal visitors
Can you help? The Cub Scout team are looking for animal visitors on Naturalist weekend - 19th to 21st April. In the past we have owls, squirrels, snakes, fox cubs. If you have any contacts please e-mail Midge or ring her on 01980 677252.
24 Jan 2013
News from the January weekend
We had an excellent weekend with the added bonus of the snow.
The Cubs taking part in the Global Conservation badge had the additional activities of Snow Ball fights for those who wanted to and snowmen building added to the programme. The cubs also managed to ambush Scissors.
The Scouts doing the hiker badge had the experience of hiking and then camping in the snow at a campsite remote from Lyons Copse. They moaned they got a bit cold Saturday night but other than that enjoyed themselves.
Scout Leaders also have to undergo training and on the Saturday evening a Module 1 course was run for ten leaders as part of their getting started training.
Next month we are running the Map Reader Badge for the Cubs. They need to be either 9 years old or have already completed the Pro-Badge Navigator Badge.
10 Jan 2013
Campsite Service 1 CANCELLED
The site at Lyons Copse is currently very waterlogged so unfortunately we have had to cancel the Camp Site Services course, at the request of those running it and of the Site.
Scouts Hiker 2 and Cubs Global Conservation will run as planned.
27 Dec 2012
Spaces available on Cubs Global Conservation and Scouts Campsite Service 1
We have places available on our January courses as follows:
Cubs Global Conservation
Scouts Campsite Service 1
Course dates are 18 - 20 January 2013 at Lyons Copse. To book one or more places on these courses click here for Cub Scout courses and here for Scout courses.
29 Oct 2012
News from the Camp Leader
The second weekend of the Pro-Badge Training Scheme 2012/2013 season took place on the weekend of 23rd - 25th November 2012. We ran two courses for Scouts and one for Cub Scouts. The weather over the weekend was very wet with some of the site quite waterlogged but we did fare better than those who were flooded out of their homes in parts of the country.
We ran the Navigator badge for the Cub Scouts the activities included star gazing, tracking, making their own maps and learning all about map symbols. On the Sunday morning the Cub Scouts enjoyed a treasure hunt. Those Cub Scouts who have completed the Pro-Badge Navigator course or those who are over 9 years old can attend the Map Reader badge course in February. This course expands on the knowledge gained on this course with an emphasis on map work and a hike on the Saturday afternoon where the Cub Scouts have the opportunity to get the leaders lost.
The Scouts took part in the Pioneer badge which saw the patrols creating both large and small pioneering projects over the weekend.
The second Scout course was the Hiker badge, this was the first weekend of three weekends the others taking place in January and March. The Saturday was spent learning how to use cooking equipment, First Aid and also route planning using maps, compasses and route cards. The Sunday was the first Hike of the course consisting of a day hike in the local area. The Scouts were late getting back due to the horrible weather conditions making it quite slippery underfoot.
On our next weekend in January we are running the global conservation badge for the Cub Scouts and camp site services badge for the Scouts along with the second weekend of three for our Hiker course. We currently have spaces on all of our courses.
Scissors/Clive Clark
Camp Leader
11 Nov 2012
Spaces available on January Courses
We have places available on our January courses as follows:
We have places available on our November courses as follows:
Cub Scouts Navigator
2 male 1 female
Scouts Pioneer
2 male 1 female
Scouts Hiker 1
2 or 4
Course dates are November 23 - 25 2012 at Lyons Copse. To enquire about places on these courses click here for Cub Scout courses and here for Scout courses. Please click here for course dates.
The 22nd season of The Pro-Badge Training Scheme started on the weekend of 26th -28th October 2012. We ran two courses for Cub Scouts and one for Scouts. Several administrative changes took place over the summer break with Clive Clark taking over from Les Farrington and the staff forming a Scout Active Support unit.
We ran the outdoor challenge and the outdoor challenge plus courses for the Cub Scouts the activities included bouldering, low ropes, water rockets, cooking twists, and a blind trail set up by the Cubs on the Outdoor Challenge Course. In addition the Cub Scouts on the Outdoor Challenge Plus course camped out over a cold frosty weekend and went on a hike on the Sunday morning after cooking their own breakfast.
The Scouts took part in the Camp Cook badge which saw the patrols cooking lunch and dinner on Saturday and their breakfast on the Sunday morning.
On our next weekend in November we are running Navigator badge for the Cub Scouts and Pioneer Badge for the Scouts along with the first weekend of three for our Hiker course.
29 Oct 2012
Spaces available on November Course
We have places available on Cub Scouts Navigator badge and Scouts Pioneer badge as well as the first weekend of three for our Hiker course
Course dates are November 23 - 25 2012 at Lyons Copse. To enquire about places on these courses click here for Cub Scout courses and here for Scout courses. Please click here for course dates.
16 Sep 2012
Updated Cub Scout and Scout Leaflets published
Updated Cub Scout and Scout leaflets have been published.
27 Aug 2012
New Season - letter from the new Camp Leader
With bookings now being taken for the 2012-2013 season, please click here for an update from the new Camp Leader.
29 Jun 2012
Important Pro-Badge Meeting
Following Les Farrington�s resignation as Leader of Pro-Badge at the weekend, the Exec has decided to hold a meeting to discuss all aspects of Pro-Badge.
The meeting will be held at Pines Cabin at Lyons Copse on Tuesday 10th July at 7.00pm. We would very much like you to be there and if you can't attend can you please let us know the following:
are you able to help on Pro-Badge next season?
are you happy to continue in your existing role or would you like a change?
is there anything you would like change about Pro-Badge?
We hope that you can make the meeting; ff you wish to invite anyone else please feel free to do so.
25 Jun 2012
21st Anniversary Weekend
The 21st Anniversary Weekend was a great success, more details soon but photos are in The Gallery.
The 2012 - 2013 programme is available, both here and as leaflets for the Cub Scout and Scout schemes.
2 Nov 2011
Register for news updates
Pro-Badge are pleased to announce our news-by-email service. To receive news please register by visiting our registration page. You can also unsubscribe on the same page, but we hope that you won't!
29 Oct 2011
21st Anniversary celebration announced
This season 2011-2012 is the 21st Anniversary of the start of Pro-Badge.
To celebrate this achievement we would like all our friends and former participants to attend a weekend of celebration at Lyons Copse. The dates for this are the 23rd and 24th June 2012.
You are welcome to attend for all or a part of this weekend. Further details will appear on this page as they become known.
If you wish to attend or have receive further information please email Scissors to be added to the list.
Pro-Badge Scout Training Scheme have no control over third-party links, with the passage of time some third-party links on this page may not work, or may take the reader to an unexpected page. Pro-Badge Scout Training Scheme accepts no liability for any damage or inconvenience caused by following links on this page.
