Running, cycling and swimming were the three disciplines that tested all the Districts Scouts as part of the Iron Scout Competition. This year the event took place during a single day in Chapeltown. Once again it was a day more for taking in the sun, rather than exertion. However Adam, Matt, Ben A and Harry put their names forward to defend the troops honour against whatever the district could throw against them.

The morning was spent at Hesley Wood with the outdoor section of the competition. First was the run, in relays, which included a visit to the summit of Everest and back. Then there were the cycle races with more variety thrown in this time. Dispersed during the afternoon were other running and cycling hybrid races. The omens were good when on the first race our scouts were literally miles ahead of the competition. The theme continued throughout the morning when our team of 'Iron Scout' beat all before them racking up win after win, with no defeats. I think it was fair to say we aced the running and cycling.

The afternoon saw us hit the swimming baths in Chapeltown where as part of the Iron Scout the Fun Swimming Gala was to take place. Here we didn't have it all our own way and came third in the fun event.

With all the results in the results were announced. With winning the two events in the morning and coming third in the swimming we'd managed to draw the competition. Yep we were the joint winners. It was a fantastic performance by Adm. Matt, Harry and Ben A. Winners once again.

The scout section traditionally have a trip out somewhere during the year to explore a new place. This year however the Beavers and Cubs joined us for a trip to Filey. The object was to have fun!

At the crack of dawn, well 9am (but that's dawn on a Sunday for the Scouts), we set off in a 70 seater coach for the coast. Disappointingly it wasn't the double decker we'd been promised but hey. As we reached the M1 the first calls of 'Are we there yet' came from the Beavers. A relatively quick journey found us in a cool but sunny Filey well before midday. Whilst the beavers and cubs headed for the toilets the scouts headed for the front.

We all joined up for lunchtime where we enjoyed a chippie meal on the Coble Landing. The sun came out and during the afternoon the younger scouts and beavers headed for the rock pools whilst the laid back teenagers spent the time wandering and chilling on the prom. Visits to buy sweets and souvenirs as well as a chance to play the 2p slots came before, all too soon, we were back on the coach for home. As we left Filey the heavens opened, was Filey crying that we'd left ?

Yep the 1st's have got another trophy to add to the bulging trophy cabinet. This years District Night Hike Champions are ...drumroll please.... the 32nd Sheffield (1st Stocksbridge) Scout Troop! 

The event started on Friday night at Ecclesfield Scout Hut. We entered 2 patrols this year led by Matt and Adam. They had to hike from Ecclesfield to Chapeltown by a most diabolical route completing 7 bases on the way. The scouts then bedded down for the night at Chapeltown HQ, I'd say sleep but I'm not too sure much actually took place! After breakfast the scouts then did a few fun quizzes and chilled out under the sun before moving onto the Taybarns for lunch. 

The combinations of food tried were staggering, ice cream and Gammon being on one plate. The ice cream machine took a beating along with the years supply of Chocolate fudge cake that one member of our troop managed! However they had chance to walk this off with a stroll back to Hesley Wood.

Here we were joined by the Cubs and Beavers from all over the district for an afternoon of fun activities. The sun shone and everyone had a great time. In the evening we finished up with a short service and with an equally short (boo) campfire.

This years District Camp will take place at Hesley Wood on the weekend of the 9-11th July.

This years event promises to be a great camp with scouts being able to do any activities on the Saturday along with numerous bouncy castles, face painting etc. Should be great. Cost shuld be no more than £35 all in.

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