Monday, 30 September 2019
2019 Group Camp - "Brookfield Gold Rush"
Fantastic weather, fantastic location, fantastic scouts all came together to make a fantastic camp.
Tuesday, 17 September 2019
Zone Campfire 2019
This was a great event in perfect conditions. The fire was so big that when we turned the corner in to the road it was on, we could see the fire at the end of the road.
On the way up Rosie, Charlie, Xavier, Bronson and Calvin had a discussion about skits and songs to decide which they should do. It took very little time and very little disagreement. In fact they were all quite enthusiastic.
Barry and his team ran a very efficient Campfire with Graham, our Zone Leader, as Campfire chief. The directions were fantastic and they even had a gateway for us to enter through. A fire built of pallets (half pallets heaped onto it all evening) kept us warm and in the spirit.
Once we had, had a few skits, it came to our turn. Our scouts did us proud. Their skit was "The invisible bench", which they performed wonderfully and with big voices that could be heard all the way around the campfire.
Later on when the floor was opened to anyone else to do another skit, they again hesitated only long enough to decide which skit they would do and went up to present "The long journey".
The campfire finished soon afterwards about an hour and a half after it started. All in all a pretty good show.
Awesome work guys.
On the way up Rosie, Charlie, Xavier, Bronson and Calvin had a discussion about skits and songs to decide which they should do. It took very little time and very little disagreement. In fact they were all quite enthusiastic.
Barry and his team ran a very efficient Campfire with Graham, our Zone Leader, as Campfire chief. The directions were fantastic and they even had a gateway for us to enter through. A fire built of pallets (half pallets heaped onto it all evening) kept us warm and in the spirit.
Once we had, had a few skits, it came to our turn. Our scouts did us proud. Their skit was "The invisible bench", which they performed wonderfully and with big voices that could be heard all the way around the campfire.
Later on when the floor was opened to anyone else to do another skit, they again hesitated only long enough to decide which skit they would do and went up to present "The long journey".
The campfire finished soon afterwards about an hour and a half after it started. All in all a pretty good show.
Awesome work guys.
Saturday, 27 July 2019
Winter Camp 2019
Winter Camp and all that that implies was what was delivered last weekend when we went to Battle Hill. 13 scouts and 4 leaders took on the elements and came away satisfied that they had defied them all and had a fantastic camp. Effort and an ongoing smiling faces is what saw us through. From the first day when we set up our tents and kitchens, planned and cooked our first meals, we were all positive.
The meals were a highlight for some. The first day we cooked on gas for lunch and fire for dinner. The dinners were well prepared and set out according to the menu plan everyone had. Simple meals that tasted good.
The afternoon saw the scouts all preparing for their tramp. The intro was a little more than just a briefing with some instruction on separation and exposure, and search and rescue. These being a key part of the plan to get these scouts their "Hiking Badges". Then came the tramp.
from Derrick: "My watch did really well with even the youngest scout, Calvin, showing great determination to reach the top. There were no complaints, no mumblings, nothing but the stoic continuation of the tramp (sometimes backwards on the really steep bits, because "its easier"). Hot soup just beyond the summit (out of the cold) and then came the downhill piece. Completed really quickly obviously and everyone was back in camp around sunset having started at approx. 1pm. A good 4.5 hours walk."
from Robin: "Wow, where to begin? Rain. I remember there being quite a bit of rain. A LOT of rain in fact! And mud. An awful lot of mud! I'm fairly convinced more mud was snuck in and added to our existing mud each night as we slept. Through it all though the scouts were amazing. Mucking in (quite literally) and just getting on with all their jobs and helping each other out/working together. Great to see in action. I really was very impressed.
Thankfully I think I got a cruisey watch for the tramp - the BOIZZZ! (Boyz: Adam and Ohara.) They really did make light work of the 4.5 hour tramp. With their constant chatter of lively conversation and easygoing teamwork they marched through all the checkpoints without complaint. Adam even took a spectacular panoramic shot from the summit, capturing the many hues of grey from the fog, mist, cloud and rain. I can almost feel the bracing wind just thinking back.
The hot soup was a welcome treat before heading back down that epic hill, again with a lively chatter of conversation and a couple of songs thrown in for good measure. Their upbeat attitude was fantastic.
Throughout the camp it was really great to see how well all the scouts worked together: building fires, mixing ingredients, prepping their meals, clearing their workstations/areas and washing up. Honestly there were so many bits and bobs they had to do and they just got stuck into everything.
The campfire singalongs were very entertaining but I can see it'll take a few more camps before I start knowing most of the words. (I'm a big fan of "The quatermaster's store", that was a new one for me.)
Overall I was super impressed by how upbeat everyone was despite the weather. It made me really proud to be a newly invested Scout Leader. I'm looking forward to the next camp!"
from Vanessa: "The watch I hiked with were not bothered by the weather and time passed quickly with good company and a wide range of conversation. We set a good pace and kept catching up to the watch in front of us. “Get a move on, Kym!” We made our targets in the time we calculated using the map - “oh, about half an hour, just a few more corners." It was awesome when the cloud lifted enough to see the farm below. The hot soup was wonderful, particularly out of a pot. The girls had dinner planned and jobs were sorted before we even hit the stream."
Then on to dinner, again prepared on a fire. This time with a first attempt at "Pan Garlic Bread". This was 3 quarters successful with only one of the four watches burning their bread.
The occasional drizzle we had had up to that point was starting to get serious and the camp fire was delayed, eventually happening at about 8:30 that night, even then we got rained on. It turned into a bit of an informal affair with everyone suggesting songs and even a few skits in a bit of a random manner. It was fun though.
All did not end well on this day for some scouts. A mess of food left outside their tent and unwashed dishes and work surfaces, meant that said scouts were roused from their beds and made to complete their kitchen clean up after everyone else had gone to bed. When they finished this at 11:10pm they were allowed to return to their sleeping bags.
Then came the rain! The outstanding memory of Sunday. And Mud! A call was made early to ask parents to come in and help pack up. The programme was abandoned (except for the "Scouts Own", which we did during a lull in the rainfall)
Scouts Own was done with a Kaupapa theme - the scouts doing karakia and waiata. Then came the highlights:
- Robin was invested as a Leader - congratulations Robin; and
- Vanessa was awarded her Medal of Merit - Well deserved.
Then to packing up. Muddy tents, muddy gear and getting everything into packs and then into cars and trailers. A story of rain and wet and mud. Many thanks to the parents for responding to the the call for help and coming prepared to get wet and muddy to help us get everything packed away. It was so good, as leaders, to see the support that came out as soon as we asked for help.
All ended well, no injuries and plenty of good, lasting memories.
 |
| Left to Right: Zac, Matt, Daniel, Ohara, Emyr, Max, Derrick, Adam, Lauree, Kym (behind), Amelia, Rosie, Hamish, Ciara, Calvin, Vanessa & Robin |
Day 2
Day 2 was the big day, with the building and setting up of our first attempt at our Jamboree gateway. The plan went well and we even got the gateway standing upright for a while, although not unsupported. Team work played a large part with the work being divided up between the scouts and then coming together at the end. One comment I heard, which I have taken to heart, was "I think we need to practice this some more!" |
| The final gate - umm,,definitely some practice needed |
 |
| Ohara showing off his square lashing ability |
The afternoon saw the scouts all preparing for their tramp. The intro was a little more than just a briefing with some instruction on separation and exposure, and search and rescue. These being a key part of the plan to get these scouts their "Hiking Badges". Then came the tramp.
from Derrick: "My watch did really well with even the youngest scout, Calvin, showing great determination to reach the top. There were no complaints, no mumblings, nothing but the stoic continuation of the tramp (sometimes backwards on the really steep bits, because "its easier"). Hot soup just beyond the summit (out of the cold) and then came the downhill piece. Completed really quickly obviously and everyone was back in camp around sunset having started at approx. 1pm. A good 4.5 hours walk."
 |
| Derricks Watch - The Martians |
 |
| Kyms Watch - The Heros |
Thankfully I think I got a cruisey watch for the tramp - the BOIZZZ! (Boyz: Adam and Ohara.) They really did make light work of the 4.5 hour tramp. With their constant chatter of lively conversation and easygoing teamwork they marched through all the checkpoints without complaint. Adam even took a spectacular panoramic shot from the summit, capturing the many hues of grey from the fog, mist, cloud and rain. I can almost feel the bracing wind just thinking back.
The hot soup was a welcome treat before heading back down that epic hill, again with a lively chatter of conversation and a couple of songs thrown in for good measure. Their upbeat attitude was fantastic.
Throughout the camp it was really great to see how well all the scouts worked together: building fires, mixing ingredients, prepping their meals, clearing their workstations/areas and washing up. Honestly there were so many bits and bobs they had to do and they just got stuck into everything.
The campfire singalongs were very entertaining but I can see it'll take a few more camps before I start knowing most of the words. (I'm a big fan of "The quatermaster's store", that was a new one for me.)
Overall I was super impressed by how upbeat everyone was despite the weather. It made me really proud to be a newly invested Scout Leader. I'm looking forward to the next camp!"
 |
| Robyns Watch - The Boizz |
from Vanessa: "The watch I hiked with were not bothered by the weather and time passed quickly with good company and a wide range of conversation. We set a good pace and kept catching up to the watch in front of us. “Get a move on, Kym!” We made our targets in the time we calculated using the map - “oh, about half an hour, just a few more corners." It was awesome when the cloud lifted enough to see the farm below. The hot soup was wonderful, particularly out of a pot. The girls had dinner planned and jobs were sorted before we even hit the stream."
 |
| Vanessa Watch - The Goyrls |
 |
| The Summit in cloud |
 |
| Calvin at their dinner table |
 |
| Emyr and Zac frying breakfast bacon |
 |
| Hamish and Max preparing to boil water for washing |
All did not end well on this day for some scouts. A mess of food left outside their tent and unwashed dishes and work surfaces, meant that said scouts were roused from their beds and made to complete their kitchen clean up after everyone else had gone to bed. When they finished this at 11:10pm they were allowed to return to their sleeping bags.
Day 3
Sunday did start off promising with sun making a brief appearance and a beautiful rainbow.Then came the rain! The outstanding memory of Sunday. And Mud! A call was made early to ask parents to come in and help pack up. The programme was abandoned (except for the "Scouts Own", which we did during a lull in the rainfall)
Scouts Own was done with a Kaupapa theme - the scouts doing karakia and waiata. Then came the highlights:
- Robin was invested as a Leader - congratulations Robin; and
- Vanessa was awarded her Medal of Merit - Well deserved.
 |  |
| Vanessa with her ever present smile | Kym on Parade |
Then to packing up. Muddy tents, muddy gear and getting everything into packs and then into cars and trailers. A story of rain and wet and mud. Many thanks to the parents for responding to the the call for help and coming prepared to get wet and muddy to help us get everything packed away. It was so good, as leaders, to see the support that came out as soon as we asked for help.
All ended well, no injuries and plenty of good, lasting memories.
Saturday, 6 July 2019
2019 Term 2 round up and look ahead
|
Friday, 28 June 2019
My Kitchen Rules
My Kitchen Rules - the name brings connotations of frantic activity in the kitchen producing beautifully presented tasteful dishes. So it was with our Scouts last night as they prepared to entertain their guests to a three course meal.
Starting the week before the plan was made: the menu was selected, the ingredients list was prepared and communications were started to bring everyone to six houses, to prepare dinner in six kitchens and serve it at six tables. The budget and shopping was completed during the week and if my dinner was anything to go by, the meal was a great success, in part due to the large amount of preparation and communication that had gone on during the week.
from Neil
Out in the wilderness of Pauatahanui there was a little cottage (poetic licence) that was bursting at the seams last night as 6 of the nation’s best up and coming chefs toiled for several hours to prepare a magnificent feast for a variety of friends and family (well mostly family to be fair). As with all great artists, they didn’t worry too much about making a bit of a mess, or even a lot of a mess, but the results were well worth it.
Following a lovely cheese platter, enjoyed in front of the flickering flames of the log fire, we adjourned to the banquet table for the main course of cowerzoni. Despite its name, and Harry’s belief that chorizo was made out of beef, the calzone was a beautiful combination of porky products, pineapple, cheese and dreamy tomato paste all wrapped up in a handmade dough. Thankfully the Brown’s invested in a large oven some time ago so the Scouts were able to cook all 15 cowerzonis at once. Just.
After a delectable dessert of Ambrosia, everyone skipped home down the woodland path back to civilization with full bellies and a smile on their faces. Except Tony, Phillipa and Ethan of course as they live in the ‘cottage’. A huge thank you to them for hosting a memorable night and sacrificing their kitchen in the name of Scouting.
Also a huge BRAVO to Ethan, Emyr, Harry, Bronson, Charlie, Zac and Calvin. Your calmness and teamwork in the kitchen was exemplary, your food delicious and your company most enjoyable. Gordon Ramsey can only claim one of those 3 so a massive well done to you all.
from Robin
"Dinner at Ethan's house" was attended by nine adults and seven scouts.
Big thanks to our hosts, Tony and Phillipa, for opening their home to us and making everybody feel so welcome. (And the herald, Luka the dog, for announcing our arrival!)
With the wood burner blazing and some earnest preparation already underway in the open kitchen the evening was off to a good start. A cheese board for starters had already been laid out on a coffee table in the lounge and consisted of some flavorsome cheeses, crackers, pitta breads, superb salami and a delicious dip. Guests were invited to help themselves and savor the tasty morsels whilst having a chitchat. Liquid refreshments were offered by the scouts with a choice of the finest fruit juice or perfectly chilled aqua a la tap.
Mains were served at the immaculately laid out dinner table and I think it's safe to say no efforts were spared in the preparation of the main course. From the looks of it, one or two of the scouts must have been in a minor altercation with a rowdy bag of flour at some stage. I'd say they came out on top though as the generous portions of Calzone were delicious and had an immensely satisfying crunch!
Once the main meal was over the dinner plates were whisked away and replaced with dessert bowls. At last, the dessert, prepared the night before to allow the flavours to mingle:
Ambrosia (noun), from classical mythology, meaning "The food of the gods!"
Need I say more? What a finish lads!
On behalf of all the guests, WELL DONE and thank you for dinner!
from Derrick
Tackling the kitchen with flair and aplomb, Hamish lead his team of sous chefs in the creation of their master pieces of the culinary arts. We were served our drinks in the sitting room prior to dinner and then called through promptly at 7pm for our starter. Waiters came around and checked that all ingredients were satisfactory before serving with great style. The wedges were lightly spiced and served in a beautiful arc centred on a serving of sour cream.
The main course was served with more wedges if we so wished. Many opted for not but some could not resist. The burgers were perfectly formed and tasteful. The buns enclosed fresh crispy lettuce, tomato slices and a mayonasy sauce that topped the whole to perfection.
Desert was banana split, literally. The bananas were split in the middle and served with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Wonderful rounding off of a great meal shared in great company. Roy, Anne, Andrew, Lauree and myself all thoroughly enjoyed our meal to such a degree that the scouts got an impromptu round of applause.
from Kate
It was a dark and chilly night… but not at Penny’s place where warmth and laughter reigned. Penny, Lauree, Gabriella, Rosie and Ciara went to work in a sparkling clean kitchen while parents lounged next door and enjoyed great company and a number of lovely pets. There was no need to help or prompt - As Katy (venturer and sibling who also attended) said: “They’ve got this!”
Our entrée was an appetising garden salad and garlic bread. The salad was crisp, the garlic bread perfectly done.
The main was nachos with bean/mince mix, guacamole, and sour cream. Delicious!
Pudding was a rose-coloured white chocolate case filled with delicious creamy dessert. Decadent!
We were waited on for drinks in the living room, and served with panache (or at least enthusiasm) at the table.
Clean-up was comprehensive and only needed one prompting when we all suddenly realised it was getting late and there were a couple of things to finish off. Sparkling kitchen once more!
A big thank you to Kealey and Jesse for hosting. And a huge thanks and congratulations to the scouts – you did yourselves proud.
from Grant
I just had the most enjoyable dinner with Adam, Marcus, Grahame, Cherie, Adams sister Hannah and Bolt
We started with salad and garlic bread. Butter Chicken Pi Pie (it's Adam of course) - which tasted as good as it sounds. Crepes with ice cream & greek yougurt for desert. A truely inspired menu.
Adam and Marcus did a fantastic job and you could just see how proud they were of themselves. Really great to see and I wish that Will (who came down with the flu today) and Xavier could have been there as well.
They are already saying "next time we do this..."
I hope everyone else had as much fun as I did.
from Vanessa
A fantastic night! Alex, Magnus, Sean and Ohara did a great job.
Dinner preparation was in full motion when I arrived. Each of the boys busy on a task. The corn fritter batter was ready, the onions were cooking and the chocolate self-saucing pudding was in a bowl waiting for the brown sugar to be added later - opps!
Dinner was loud and very entertaining.
- Corn fritters with lemon, spring onion, sour cream and sweet chilli sauce.
- Mac and Cheese.
- Chocolate self-saucing pudding with berry compote and cream.
It looked like every bowl in the kitchen was used but the boys got stuck in and cleaned up. Wash, rinse, dry, just like on camp.
A huge thank you to Jane and Mark for hosting the dinner.
Starting the week before the plan was made: the menu was selected, the ingredients list was prepared and communications were started to bring everyone to six houses, to prepare dinner in six kitchens and serve it at six tables. The budget and shopping was completed during the week and if my dinner was anything to go by, the meal was a great success, in part due to the large amount of preparation and communication that had gone on during the week.
Forward Starboard
| Host(es) | Tony and Phillipa |
| Watch Members | Harry Ethan Emyr Charlie Calvin Bronson Zac |
| Leader | Neil |
| Starter | Cheese Board |
| Main Course | Cowazonie |
| Dessert | Ambrosia |
from Neil
Out in the wilderness of Pauatahanui there was a little cottage (poetic licence) that was bursting at the seams last night as 6 of the nation’s best up and coming chefs toiled for several hours to prepare a magnificent feast for a variety of friends and family (well mostly family to be fair). As with all great artists, they didn’t worry too much about making a bit of a mess, or even a lot of a mess, but the results were well worth it.
Following a lovely cheese platter, enjoyed in front of the flickering flames of the log fire, we adjourned to the banquet table for the main course of cowerzoni. Despite its name, and Harry’s belief that chorizo was made out of beef, the calzone was a beautiful combination of porky products, pineapple, cheese and dreamy tomato paste all wrapped up in a handmade dough. Thankfully the Brown’s invested in a large oven some time ago so the Scouts were able to cook all 15 cowerzonis at once. Just.
After a delectable dessert of Ambrosia, everyone skipped home down the woodland path back to civilization with full bellies and a smile on their faces. Except Tony, Phillipa and Ethan of course as they live in the ‘cottage’. A huge thank you to them for hosting a memorable night and sacrificing their kitchen in the name of Scouting.
Also a huge BRAVO to Ethan, Emyr, Harry, Bronson, Charlie, Zac and Calvin. Your calmness and teamwork in the kitchen was exemplary, your food delicious and your company most enjoyable. Gordon Ramsey can only claim one of those 3 so a massive well done to you all.
from Robin
"Dinner at Ethan's house" was attended by nine adults and seven scouts.
Big thanks to our hosts, Tony and Phillipa, for opening their home to us and making everybody feel so welcome. (And the herald, Luka the dog, for announcing our arrival!)
With the wood burner blazing and some earnest preparation already underway in the open kitchen the evening was off to a good start. A cheese board for starters had already been laid out on a coffee table in the lounge and consisted of some flavorsome cheeses, crackers, pitta breads, superb salami and a delicious dip. Guests were invited to help themselves and savor the tasty morsels whilst having a chitchat. Liquid refreshments were offered by the scouts with a choice of the finest fruit juice or perfectly chilled aqua a la tap.
Mains were served at the immaculately laid out dinner table and I think it's safe to say no efforts were spared in the preparation of the main course. From the looks of it, one or two of the scouts must have been in a minor altercation with a rowdy bag of flour at some stage. I'd say they came out on top though as the generous portions of Calzone were delicious and had an immensely satisfying crunch!
Once the main meal was over the dinner plates were whisked away and replaced with dessert bowls. At last, the dessert, prepared the night before to allow the flavours to mingle:
Ambrosia (noun), from classical mythology, meaning "The food of the gods!"
Need I say more? What a finish lads!
On behalf of all the guests, WELL DONE and thank you for dinner!
Mid Starboard
| Host(es) | Anne & Roy |
| Watch Members | Liam Hamish Daniel Jesse Seth |
| Leader | Derrick |
| Starter | Spicy wedges |
| Main Course | Burgers |
| Dessert | Banana Split |
from Derrick
Tackling the kitchen with flair and aplomb, Hamish lead his team of sous chefs in the creation of their master pieces of the culinary arts. We were served our drinks in the sitting room prior to dinner and then called through promptly at 7pm for our starter. Waiters came around and checked that all ingredients were satisfactory before serving with great style. The wedges were lightly spiced and served in a beautiful arc centred on a serving of sour cream.
The main course was served with more wedges if we so wished. Many opted for not but some could not resist. The burgers were perfectly formed and tasteful. The buns enclosed fresh crispy lettuce, tomato slices and a mayonasy sauce that topped the whole to perfection.
Desert was banana split, literally. The bananas were split in the middle and served with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Wonderful rounding off of a great meal shared in great company. Roy, Anne, Andrew, Lauree and myself all thoroughly enjoyed our meal to such a degree that the scouts got an impromptu round of applause.
Aft Starboard
| Host(es) | Kealey & Jesse |
| Watch Members | Gabriella Ciara Penny Lauree Rosie |
| Leader | Kate |
| Starter | Garlic Bread |
| Main Course | Loaded Nachos |
| Dessert | Ice Cream Domes |
from Kate
It was a dark and chilly night… but not at Penny’s place where warmth and laughter reigned. Penny, Lauree, Gabriella, Rosie and Ciara went to work in a sparkling clean kitchen while parents lounged next door and enjoyed great company and a number of lovely pets. There was no need to help or prompt - As Katy (venturer and sibling who also attended) said: “They’ve got this!”
Our entrée was an appetising garden salad and garlic bread. The salad was crisp, the garlic bread perfectly done.
The main was nachos with bean/mince mix, guacamole, and sour cream. Delicious!
Pudding was a rose-coloured white chocolate case filled with delicious creamy dessert. Decadent!
We were waited on for drinks in the living room, and served with panache (or at least enthusiasm) at the table.
Clean-up was comprehensive and only needed one prompting when we all suddenly realised it was getting late and there were a couple of things to finish off. Sparkling kitchen once more!
A big thank you to Kealey and Jesse for hosting. And a huge thanks and congratulations to the scouts – you did yourselves proud.
Forward Port
| Host(es) | Graeme |
| Watch Members | Adam Will Xavier Marcus |
| Leader | Grant |
| Starter | Garlic Bread & Salad |
| Main Course | Butter Chicken & Vegetable Pie |
| Dessert | Crepe Roti |
from Grant
I just had the most enjoyable dinner with Adam, Marcus, Grahame, Cherie, Adams sister Hannah and Bolt
We started with salad and garlic bread. Butter Chicken Pi Pie (it's Adam of course) - which tasted as good as it sounds. Crepes with ice cream & greek yougurt for desert. A truely inspired menu.
Adam and Marcus did a fantastic job and you could just see how proud they were of themselves. Really great to see and I wish that Will (who came down with the flu today) and Xavier could have been there as well.
They are already saying "next time we do this..."
I hope everyone else had as much fun as I did.
Mid Port
| Host(es) | Kate & Neil |
| Watch Members | Sol Alfie Max Dominic |
| Leader | Rachel |
| Starter | Dumplings |
| Main Course | Lasagne with salad |
| Dessert | Chocolate self-saucing pudding |
Aft Port
| Host(es) | Jane & Marc |
| Watch Members | Alex Magnus Sean Ohara |
| Leader | Vanessa |
| Starter | Corn Fritters |
| Main Course | Mac & Cheese |
| Dessert | Chocolate self-saucing pudding |
from Vanessa
A fantastic night! Alex, Magnus, Sean and Ohara did a great job.
Dinner preparation was in full motion when I arrived. Each of the boys busy on a task. The corn fritter batter was ready, the onions were cooking and the chocolate self-saucing pudding was in a bowl waiting for the brown sugar to be added later - opps!
Dinner was loud and very entertaining.
- Corn fritters with lemon, spring onion, sour cream and sweet chilli sauce.
- Mac and Cheese.
- Chocolate self-saucing pudding with berry compote and cream.
It looked like every bowl in the kitchen was used but the boys got stuck in and cleaned up. Wash, rinse, dry, just like on camp.
A huge thank you to Jane and Mark for hosting the dinner.
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