Scouts told to ‘dream big’ at jamboree
‘DREAM big and follow those dreams’ Scouts were told as this year’s first Channel Islands jamboree started on Friday evening.
The message from Bailiwick Scout Commissioner Andy Snell was one that he delivered again the following morning as he welcomed the very youngest members of the Guernsey organisation, the Squirrels and Beavers (aged four to six), to Castle Cornet for a special activities event.
‘The skills you learn in Squirrels and Beavers and later Scouts will help you fulfil your dreams,’ Mr Snell told the 110 or so youngsters.
Among the activities was a scavenger hunt in Town for the Beavers, a dragon hunt around the castle to spell a hidden word, and instructions on how to be a pirate.
Pirate captain Greybeard whipped the Squirrels into shape with lessons on how to raise the Jolly Roger, climb the rigging and swab the decks and even provided inflatable swords to teach his wannabe crew the finer points of sword fighting.
While Scouting used to be exclusively a boys’ club, for many years girls have been welcomed too and two of those at the castle were happy to be involved.
‘We do Nerf fencing, exploring and learning about stuff,’ said Aja Gudeliene, 6. ‘I’m learning about space. We’ve done quite a bit of stuff recently.’
Her friend Evelyn Thornton, 6, said they went to the same school as well as both being part of the 4th Guernsey Scouts Beaver group.
‘I like drawing things,’ she said. ‘I’m learning to draw cute stuff.’
