Bear in the Air!

In May the county are holding a huge activities day called Bear in the air to celebrate Scouting and a visit from the chief Scout himself bear Grylls . As part of the day our unit were asked to run some activities throughout the day to all of the participants from the Japan in a Box. This includes origami, the chopstick challenge and learning Japanese. Of course this sounded really fun so I put my name down and thought this was the end of the matter. However at my last training weekend (#8) Steve and Ali (my leaders) called me over and asked whether I would lead Bear Grylls around the site and talk to him. This was an opportunity not to be missed so I eagerly agreed! I will be posting the event in detail so keep an eye on this space!

Train Weekend #8!

Sadly i couldn't make the February camp as I was on holiday with my family however the March one was a little different again because this time we would be meeting another 40 Scouts going to the Jamboree with us!

This camp was held at Drum Hill Scout Camp in Derbyshire where we met up with Unit 36. After setting up our tents, we headed into the hut where we played a rapid game of bingo! However this was no ordinary game of bingo- this was people bingo! We had to find someone in the room that could do or fit the description in the box. ( For example in one box it said: 'Someone who has been water skiing' ) This brought us out of our shells and got us mingling learning names and making new friends. After a busy night meeting new people the Highflyers went to bed exhausted and ready for the next two days. 

The next morning everyone gathered for breakfast in the hut then split up into activity groups that contained a mix of Scouts and Guides from both units. We spent the day measuring  tents and setting a plan up of our camp for the Jamboree, discussing what we were going to take in our crate and coming up with designs for our gate and enjoying each others company. 

For tea we were given the instructions to collect fire wood start a fire and cook the recipe provided. However Archie- our patrols talented chef- decided recipes were stupid and decided to invent a new dish for our dinner so instead of a chicken casserole we enjoyed pan fried onions, carrots and chicken legs. After a peaceful night in front of the streamed 6Nations match and the campfire once again we were all ready for bedtime. 

The next morning saw a delicious breakfast kindly cooked for us by the Leaders followed by the finalisation of the gate design and what kind of things we are going to put in our crate. We also had a discussion on where we wanted our reunion and what we wanted to do. In the end the majority of votes went towards a mystery tour where the Leaders put together a trip and don't tell us anything. 

After tidying up camp, and saying our final goodbyes training weekend #8 was over as soon as it had begun. 

Training weekend #7- The countdown has begun!

Now less than seven months away from the ultimate Japanese experience, the Highflyers once again met up for a shorter break than usual in the Winter month of January. Unlike the usual structure of the weekends, this one was slightly more relaxed. After a catch up and sharing excited pieces of news of what we had all been getting up to in the past few months, we ate an interesting lunch which involved doughnuts and sushi on the same plate! 

The afternoon followed in suit with a food hygiene quiz with prizes and us making cards to help us explain to others about England and the Scouting movement. After a chilled afternoon the heat picked up as it was time to cook a Japanese Curry for tea. Turns out when you have an Archie in your patrol you will be sitting down to a feast every night! Archie is a talented cook who surprised us all when he led us in this activity- I'm sure this will certainly become handy in Japan! 

After a delicious dinner and quality time washing up together we headed out to start the campfire and perform the sketches and songs we had come up with during the day and just enjoyed each others company before heading to bed. 

The next morning after breakfast we sat down to a thoughtful Scout's own. We discussed the difference between two videos and their effect of social media on our lives. This led on to what kind of things should be posted on social media when we are out there and how much our lives revolve around social media and networks.

 After a quick lunch and a tidy up of the camp, it was time for a meeting explaining all of the interesting details that the leaders had discovered at their weekend in November. 

In Tokyo, we found out that we are:

• climbing the Sky Tree tower
• Spending an evening at a Japanese virtual theme park
• Spending our last night in Japan at a huge party with the rest of the UK contingent

In Tokyo, we will either be staying in a Youth Hostel or the Prince Hotel in the centre of the city. (Most of the unit want the Hotel though because it has free Wifi!)

We also found out that we are heading to the prefecture of Hakusan for Home Hospitality, an area known for it's natural hot springs and picturesque landscape. 

We also learnt a little more information about the Jamboree itself. While we are there we have 8 gas rings to cook on as well as 4 dining shelters. There are 3 main sections of the Jamboree Site: Northern, Eastern and Western Hubs which all have four sub camps in. 

However this information still doesn't make it seem real- we have know about this trip for over a year and yet it still hasn't sunk in!

After a relaxed weekend we are all looking forward to seeing each other again soon. 

Kyra