Kincumber Festival, BBQ and Fundraiser

Avoca scouts we are having our major fundraiser tomorrow (Saturday 18th) and supporting the local community at the Kincumber Spring Festival. We will have a stand and BBQ being setup from 8am and operating all day from 9am-3pm. Scouts and parents, please support us, so we can support you! Fundraisers buy needed equipment, provide training for the youth members and adults, promote scouting and engender community spirit in our youth members. So please come down, see the festival, visit us, get involved, help out, send your friends and family along and buy a sausage or two!

Please wear your uniform neatly and fully if you can, so we function and appear as both a cohesive scout and organised youth group. Your assistance during or at any part of the day would certainly be appreciated. Have fun and be proud!

Musca

Gosford District Mud Bash

Avoca Beach Surf Scouts it's the Billy Cart Mud Bash this Sunday (12th Sep) at Kariong! A tough activity for sure over rough terrain competing against other groups for the prize, but I am sure the Avoca legends will be victorious. Details and the A1 have already been emailed out and linked on the website on the calendar for this activity. See you there scouts!

Koolang Observatory visit

For the Koolang observatory night this Saturday evening, 4th September, here are some more details below.

The A1 form is on our website in the calendar section also, it has all the details you need.

I understand this night goes ahead rain, hail or (moon) shine!
They do have other activities (observatory tour etc.) for cloudy nights.

The weather is expecting rain, but clearing Saturday night into Sunday, don’t panic, let’s just hope it clears early for us!

Astronomically if it does clear for Saturday evening then that would be the best circumstance as the rain pulls the dust out of the sky and the best nights of transparency and the darkest skies are always immediately following rain.

Family and friends welcome, if any of you scouts wish to bring a mate along you are more than welcome!

If you have not paid already then pay on the Saturday night at the observatory.

The observatory is located at: RMB 266B George Downs Drive, Bucketty, NSW.

I presume you have arranged transport/car pooling, if not and you need transport then please let me know ASAP as our district scout leader John Bradley who is also attending will have some seats available.

The details from the A1 form are:
Prices to visit Koolang are
$10 for children up to year 12
$15 for Adults
Pre-school children pay $10 if they use the telescope
Everyone is welcome to visit including parents and siblings
Please be at Koolang by 7.45 PM so we are ready to enter the Observatory at 8.00PM
The show starts at 8.30 PM and will conclude at 10.30 PM

Please note that it will take about 1 hour and 15 mins to drive to Koolang Observatory from Avoca

All scout members to wear full uniform and bring warm clothing for any outside activities at night

Directions to Koolang Observatory:
From the Central Coast - take the Peats Ridge exit off the Sydney-Newcastle Expressway at the Somersby Interchange (between Kariong and Ourimbah).
Follow the old Pacific Highway for 10 kms to Peats Ridge. Turn right onto George Downes Drive. 32 kms later you will arrive at Koolang Observatory. By car, it will take about 45 minutes to get from the Interchange to the Observatory.

See you there,
Musca

Avoca scouts excel at the recent state rally!

For an absolutely mighty effort, for scouts who have never been to a state rally before and in fact Avoca has not been for years, overall out of 756 scouts and 150 patrols, you guys placed 17th in the state, sixth in the region and 1st in Gosford district. Absolutely remarkable guys! Salvatore, you were also the equal 17th patrol leader in the state, equal to one of those PLs from 1st Caringbah, who ultimately did take out 1st, 2nd and 3rd position.
So with experience and some hindsight, imagine what you younger guys could do next time!
I am incredibly proud of you all, you did so well.
For a complete list of the state results they can be found on the web here: http://www.patroltent.com/rallysite/patrols2010.html
You can click on the top of the columns to change the sort order and determine rankings etc.
Bask in your glory!
Musca.

Bike Hike, on, so far...

At this stage, weather is good, Kyle's bike hike is still on! Only if it's pouring rain would we not do it. See you at Kincumber Mountain scouts, 8am.

Open day at our scout hall, Sat 20th March

1st Avoca Beach Surf Scouts are having an open day tomorrow, Saturday 20th March, at their scout hall at 227 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach, to showcase scouting. See scouts in action! All welcome, particularly youth to find out what scouting may offer them and to have fun!
It's open from 1-4pm, come and walk along our rope bridge the scouts have constructed!

Musca.

Cubs are Back!

Cubs are back! This Wednesday 17th March, 7pm at the hall, don't miss it!
Just a reminder for any person you know who would be interested in this, existing cubs, perhaps younger siblings, friends or relatives, that our cub pack will be starting again under the guidance of Cara Taylor. If you know anyone who is interested in this excellent youth program for those between the ages of 7.5-11 years, then please invite them along.
See you then!

All the best,

Musca

Scouts this Thursday, not to be missed, it's fire!

Scouts are back at the hall this Thursday night the 25th Feb and this is definitely not a night to be missed, we will be making fire, Man vs. Wild style!

Yes, one for the pyros, making fire, but with a twist (really!), you will use no matches, lighters or accelerants of any kind, just natural materials which you will need to locate and bring with you beforehand.

If ever you are ever caught out in the bush with nothing, then this is a good survival technique that could get you warm, cook some tucker, keep the mozzies away and light a signal fire, knowledge worth knowing and could save your life!

Attached is a list of materials you will need to locate over the next few days to bring with you on Thursday evening. We will likely not have spares, so you will need to get these beforehand if you want to build the tool to light your own fire.

But in summary required is:
A small pocket knife, or knife capable of whittling off the end of a small stick.
Heavier, well dried sticks of about 300m long and 20mm thick which will be a source of ignition material, so, they need to be very dry and not green.
A less dried, greener and more flexible stick of about 400mm long and 15mm thick, which is capable of bending into a bow without snapping.
A length of braided cord about 1 metre long and 4mm thick, such as heavy boot lace or blind cord.
So you can apply pressure to a spinning stick with the palm of your hand, Dave suggests a strong sea shell (like a mussel shell) or perhaps even a steel bottle cap or soft drink cap may suffice.
Perhaps also bring a small amount of some dry tinder material such as dried long grass, coconut fiber or hessian that can easily ignite from a small spark.
That’s it, so get out collecting!

If you have some friends who might like to try out scouts, then invite them along as this will be a great activity for them to experience, but do let them know the list of materials to bring.

Lastly, not related to the fire making, but I would need to know who might be available and wishes to attend the overnight district camp at Kariong planned for the weekend of the 13/14th March.
So we can plan resources and equipment for this, I would need to have an idea of definite numbers of attendees this Thursday night, so if you could please discuss with your parents to determine availability if you wish to go and let your patrol leader know on Thursday, that would be great.

See you Thursday, oh, we will have some visitors too, so full uniform please (for those that are members).

Musca.

Founder's Day Sunday 21st Feb

This is our annual ceremony to celebrate our Founder, Baden-Powell.
There is a formal ceremony to start, flag raising etc. then activities will follow.
Most activities will suit the younger family members, cubs and younger scouts.
Swimming will be available later at the bush water hole, when supervision is made available.
There will be no swimming until leader supervision is present.

*** Due to the ceremonious nature of the occasion for all members attending please wear full uniform, properly please, no bright boardies or the like! ***

If swimming bring swimmers and towel. Full, enclosed footwear must be worn at all times (no thongs or bare feet!) I would recommend water shoes or old shoes for the swimming activity.

*** Slip, Slop, Slap, please bring a hat and wear sunscreen. ***

Bring a picnic lunch, all members of the family and friends, welcome and encouraged to attend!
Make a picnic of it, amongst the gum trees and have a wonderful day!
I do not believe there will be any food or drink available for purchase, so you will need to bring your own.
Have fun!

Scout Swimming Tonight Thursday 18th Feb

By PL request, we will be swimming this Thursday night at the Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy.
If you did not pick up the permission note at scouts last week (or lost it!) go to our website at http://www.avocascouts.com/calendar.html scroll down to the activity and click on the Permission Note link to open and print it.
Details of the activity are in this note, so please read it.
But please note the admission fees of:
Ages 5-16 $3.30 each.
Age >16 (adults) swimming $5.20 each.
All spectators, no swimming $2.40 each.
These are payable to the leisure centre on entry.
The time I have on the form is from 7-9pm, but we will have to be out of the pool by about 8.45pm as the centre closes at 9pm sharp.
All family and friends welcome and encouraged to attend, invite your mates along if they are at a loose end for a Thursday night!
You can of course swim earlier if you wish to, but you would need to be accompanied by parents as there will be no supervision from Avoca Beach scout leaders before 7pm.
There is also a small canteen there if you want to bring some spending money for a drink or whatever.

Avoca Beach Scouts make the front page news!

Wow guys, we're on the front page of the Community newspaper Coastal Tidings!

Scouts this Thursday - 26th November 2009

Avoca scouts,

In the past few weeks we have gone from hiking/camping overnight through the bush, to community service and now this week onto the environment! Whew that’s a lot in two weeks!

So this Thursday night to solve the question about what happens to all that stuff that goes into your yellow/green recycle bin, we are about to find out!

We have a special presentation at scouts on Thursday from the Thiess contractors about recycling on the Central Coast.

Now if possible, please, we need to be on time to start as close to 7pm as possible, as the presenters need to get started as soon as possible after that time. So, please be on time….

We also will have a scouts visiting from Bensville for the recycling, but once that finishes, it could make for a very interesting game of capture the flag (err, cats, Avoca style…).

For our visitors both from Thiess and Bensville, let’s please show them Avoca scouts are great hosts and that we really are scouts, so please wear your full uniform, including scarves, cords (show ‘em off!), sew on your badges and all other correct scout accoutrements…

Also we do have a presentation and special investiture (need that fire again…) to welcome another new scout to our troop, so again full uniform for that please, and it’s great to see we’re growing again, two new scouts in as many weeks, that’s fantastic! Please, let’s get more, invite your friends, scouting is only fun with lots of your mates!

Remember also toys for the Christmas boxes please and term fee payments are now due.

See you Thursday, another not to be missed night!

Musca.

Scouts Go Totally Wild!

Scouts from South Australia's Mt Lofty Scout Group will appear
nationally in each episode of Totally Wild next week from 24-27 November
at 7:30 am on Channel Ten.

Every story in each episode will be 'introduced' by Scouts in uniform
which is a total of 18 introductions over the course of the week.
Each link is about 50 seconds - even though the Totally Wild! stories
are on other topics, the Scout introductions are there to each give
each episode a real "SCOUT" flavour.

The TV audience for the week is estimated to be 2.8m persons all in our
target demographic. The shows are also shown throughout SE Asia, NZ,
India and the Pacific.

Each episode will refer to a 'fun day at camp', including stories on
camping, camp cooking including the infamous kick the can ice cream
making, 'billy carting', fishing, Challenge Hill and more. The Scouts,
Cubs, Leaders and Parents involved have worked very hard, and if you do
see an episode(s) (that early in the morning!) - we hope that you will
agree that they have represented 'Scouting' with great pride and
enthusiasm.

Scouts, don't forget to watch it!

Musca.

Scout Activities for Next Term and Anzac Day

Dear Scouts,

Here is a quick update before we all take off on our holidays, so we can "be prepared" for next term!

Firstly, there is no scouts on tonight, Thursday 9th April, we finished the term last week with the ice blocking and BBQ.

Scouts will resume the first full week of the school term, so that's Thursday evening the 7th May at the hall.

We will have a meeting if possible on the Thursday beforehand with the Patrol Leaders (Phil and Tom) to map out the term program, but PLs only please, if available...

Now coming up in next term is an important event, the Region Rally. This is a great overnight, challenging, competitive camp and bushwalk and one for those up to it I would like to see some Avoca Scouts attend if possible. We haven't been for a year and the last patrol we sent in 2007 came real close (they did have a lot of fun though...) and would like to see an Avoca patrol make the the top twenty and get invited to the State rally this year, I reckon some of you guys could do it, you're good!

I can send you an application form for the Region Rally if interested and would like to see if we could form a patrol (or two!) to send, maximum of eight in each patrol. Note that with the term break, we will also need to send in applications as soon as we come back (possibly earlier, I'll confirm that), same week on the Friday, so this is the advance notice. I have sent out separate invitation letters to the Patrol Leaders so they know what's on.

Scouts, for the Region Rally you and your Patrol will be spending the weekend of the 23rd – 24th May hiking in the Wallaroo State Forest (North of Raymond Terrace, Newcastle), you will be relying on yourselves to find the bases, camping out in hike tents, cooking your own food and carrying everything with you that you and your Patrol needs for the week-end. It's self sufficiency, a bit tough, but a lot of fun camping and working together with hundreds of scouts from across the Hunter and Coastal region, many of whom you would have met at the Corroboree. At $12 camp fee for the weekend plus food, it's not an expensive activity...

It would be really good, if you could let me know soon by return email whether or not you may be attend this activity, so I can advise the numbers and start putting the patrols together. At this stage I do plan to attend as the troop leader.

Other things...

** Very Important** during the term holiday break we do have the Anzac Day dawn service at Terrigal memorial (next to the surf club) to which we have been personally invited in writing by the Terrigal-Wamberal RSL sub-branch, this is always a big event and one Avoca Scouts have always attended, it is early at 5.15am but very rewarding. FULL uniform please! This is a very moving and worthwhile service, to which you should also invite your family and friends to participate. At the end, breakfast at Maccas at Erina for all!

Also we have also been invited to participate in a memorial ceremony/service at The Palmdale Group's Greenway Park, Avoca Drive, Greenpoint where they need some people to raise the flag, (scouts are ideally chosen for this as we know how and we are really good community citizens...) this is at 11am, whether we do it or not will depend numbers I can get, it's optional but would be a nice gesture to do for the retired RSL folk and their families. This would be important if we could, as we will conduct the flag raising, but I do know people are also busy on Anzac Day.

Lastly, after a long Anzac Day, you're welcome to join me on Copacabana Beach for the last surf patrol of the season for fun and surf, as I will be on! Whew, what a day!

To help me with planning for these activities if you could please email me back when you can and indicate:

"I will attend (scout's name) or not the following:"

1. Region Rally (yes/no)

2. Anzac Day dawn service Terrigal (yes/no)

3. Anzac Day Greenway Park (yes/no) "

That would be appreciated.

All the best, have a great holiday, have fun and keep safe!

Musca.

Sunday Flying Activity - Reminder

Here is some further information regarding the flying activities we are booked for this Sunday 7th December.

The final balance for payment is due on the day and must be collected before anyone can participate. Cubs are $53 (includes a model) and scouts, leaders, and other flyers are $49 in total. The amount payable on the Sunday is this less what you have already paid (deposit or full amount). Please bring the exact amount in cash for your balance payable on the Sunday as we will not have change.

The permission note previously provided, for all scout members who will be participating this MUST be completed, signed and brought along on the day. This is very important, if we have no signed parental consent form for all members under 18, you cannot fly, full stop. Parents please note if your cub or scout is car pooling with someone else then please make sure they have this note before they leave to avoid any disappointment.

For Security reasons full Scout uniform must be worn at all times as the course involves a lot of movement in and around the airport. If you do not wear this you will not be able to participate in some of the round the airport activiites. Non-members (parents/siblings/new-members) would need to accompany those groups in uniform only. For safety a high level of behaviour will be expected from all participants.

Please bring full packed lunch and morning/afternoon tea. Also bring all water and drinks. It can be quite hot out on the airport tarmac and you will dehydrate quickly, so please bring ample drinking water. There will only be limited/no facilities to purchase food or drinks, so best bring what you can. There are limited BBQ and picnic facilities available for those families that may wish to do that. Sunscreen and hats are essential, I would suggest bringing your scout hat/Avoca Beach cap as part of the uniform.

Cubs and scouts participating, please bring a notepad and pen.

Directions

Camden Airport may be reached by turning off expressway (M5) at the Narellan Rd Exit. Drive through Narellan, past golf course (on left) and turn right into Kirkham Lane (signposted to Airport), left into Macquarie Grove Rd, right into the airport. The Scout Centre buildings are last on the right before reaching the control tower. For us probably best go down the F3, take the M2 and then onto the M7. Allow about a 2 hour journey, although it may take a little less.

We must arrive by 8:30am sharp for all Air Activities.

I would strongly suggest car pooling to keep costs down.

Given the flight demand, movements etc. I would expect the day to end some time around 3-4pm.

It will be a great day, see you there!

Musca.

Scouts Activity Update for Week 13th Nov - 16th Nov

Dear scouts,

Remember, NO scouts at the hall tonight, 13th November.

Activity is on this Saturday, 15th November for the walk to Pindar caves from Wondabyne station. It's about a 2 hour walk in and 2 hour walk out, plus breaks lunch etc.

Meet at Gosford station at 7.50am sharp. If you miss the train, tough, you've missed out, as not too many stop at Wondabyne!

Wear sensible hiking clothing, shoes and a hat. Bring comfortable day backpack with lunch, snacks, water etc. I would recommend at least 2 litres of water, more if you need more. Weather report is for showers, so wet weather gear, poncho etc. is essential.
Check your email for the permission note, you must bring it signed or cannot attend this activity. Email or ask me if you haven't got one.

We expect to be back at Gosford station at 4.10pm. Please arrange to be picked up.

Bring a compass if you one. I will also bring ours from the hall. Maps supplied.

There are plenty of good activities to be performed on this day in regards to compass work, map reading and use of a GPS all which counts towards your Scoutcraft and Pioneer campcraft badges.

Also on Sunday is the Gangshow information afternoon. If you wish to find out more out about Gangshow and try it out, then please go to the introductory session which will be held at East Gosford Scout Hall, 4pm-7pm on Sunday 16th November 2008. I would urge you all to attend, at least to see what its all about. It doesn't hurt to try. Wear uniform for this.

Musca.

Gangshow auditioning now!

Avoca Cubs and Scouts (Leaders too!),

Now if you really want to join in on a fantastic activity where you can have a lot of fun and learn lots of drama skills, then I could not go past recommending the Gang Show crew. Of many of the worthwhile things you can get out of scouting, this is definitely one of them. I would certainly recommend you give consideration to being involved in this, it is definitely worthwhile. Please, I encourage you to do so.

If you wish to find out more and try it out, then an introductory session will be held at East Gosford Scout Hall, 4pm-7pm on Sunday 16th November 2008. I would urge you all to attend, at least to see what its all about. It doesn't hurt to try.

So for those of you that have not been to a past Gang Show performance and Avoca Beach always attends each year as a group, then read on.

Gang Show is an exciting and challenging activity for scouting youth members of all ages. It offers the opportunity to develop imagination within strict guidelines. It enhances leadership skills and particularly self confidence. Youth will develop better interpersonal relationships with people who are both considerably younger and considerably older than themselves. Young people who are naturally extroverts find an outlet for their talents, but the people who benefit most are the shy and introverted scouts who don't seem to have any particular skills.

Scouts Australia encourages the performing arts as part of its programming. Many Scouting members have received basic experience and moved onto bigger and better things by starring in a Gang Show. These shows give cast and crew vital confidence and experience in a variety of areas from acting and stage management to costume and set design.

“Melbourne Gang Show was a highlight for me as it gave me my thirst for performing,” says Shane Jacobson, star of the movie Kenny.

Writer, actor and comedian Dave O'Neil says: "Gang Show is where I got my first taste of showbiz!"

No don't be scared I encourage you to take up the challenge. Please go along on the Sunday (in uniform) to find out more, you have nothing to lose but plenty to gain!

If you need more information please ask me.

Musca.

We're Flying!

Avoca Beach Cubs and Scouts are scheduled to attend the Scout Air Activities Centre flying day and course on Sunday 7th December 2008.

Details are:

For cubs, the Cub Level 2 Badge day is designed to be run in conjunction with a normal Activity Flying day. The cost for the course is $53.00 (including GST) per Cub with a deposit of $5.00 per person payable within 6 weeks. This covers a flight in the Scout aircraft, a model aircraft, and use of the Centre. Leaders and family members need only pay for their flight ($49.00, including GST) if participating in this activity. Should you have members wishing to participate in the badge course but not wishing to fly then the cost is $15:00 we do not recommend this as most young people need to feel part of the overall activity and take part in the flying experience.

For scouts, The cost of the course is $49:00 per scout, which includes GST, with a deposit of $5:00 per scout payable within 5 weeks of booking. Leaders, family members and friends are welcome to participate in the flying part of this activity, the cost for this is the same as for the Scout Badge Course.

See you there and lets take to the air!

See Musca for more details.

Scouts Hike to History

Go scouts!

THE Leeton Scout troop has taken part in a hike to commemorate a piece of Australian aviation history.

On October 25, the troop completed a 17km hike in the rugged mountains of the northern parts of Kosciuszko National Park, commemorating the discovery of the wreckage of the Southern Cloud.

The disappearance of the airliner Southern Cloud on March 21, 1931 was Australia’s greatest air mystery.

The three-engined plane disappeared on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne and its wreck was not discovered until October 26, 1958.

Leaving Leeton on October 24, Scout leader Mark McDougal said 15 members of 1st Leeton Troop stayed at Base Cabramurra, the alpine facility of the Riverina Scouts located at Australia’s highest town.

After a Friday night hike and a good night’s sleep, the troop set off by car for the 25km trip to the vicinity of Round Mountain, where the hike commenced.

“We arrived at the wreck site and memorial, located at 1200metres, at 2pm and stayed for 20 minutes or so, contemplating Australia’s first air disaster that saw the loss of eight people, not found for nearly three decades,” Mr McDougal said.

“The photos of the cane and wicker passenger chairs of the cabin were particularly evocative.”

The Scout group chose the solitude of eve of the discovery anniversary to make the trek to avoid the commemorations that would take place the next day.

On the way back down, the group paused at the mountain hut of Bradley and O’Brien, a grazing hut built in the 1950s before the road between Cabramurra and Khancoban was built.

Travelling home on the Sunday, the Scouts stopped at the thermal pool at Yarrongobilly, which has become a firm favourite of the troops in any weather.

JOTI - This weekend!

Dear Cubs and Scouts,

Looking for a bit of scouting following the break?

The look no further than your home PC!

Over this whole weekend is the Jamboree of the Internet, which scouts of all ages worldwide participate in and you can too.

If you have access to a PC with internet access, either at home, a friends place or in a public place, you can participate and it's free!

JOTI attracts a large number of Scouts who make contact with other Scouts through safe Scout Operated Inernet chat rooms, MSN, email, webpages, blogs etc. You can even use voice communication on the Internet. You can take part in JOTI as a group or individually at home.

For more information and details on how to register please go to: http://www.jotajoti.org and click on Register for JOTA-JOTI.

Once you have completed that process click on the tab for Join in! on the JOTI page at http://www.joti.org/en/index.html

My JOTI email address for this event is: musca@2008.jotajoti.org send me a message!

And you can catch me online using IRC with the nickname musca, if you do, say hi!

Establish an account, chat to other scouts online, send them emails, prove you participated and there will be a special JOTA/JOTI badge in it for you!

All the best and have a great JOTI !

Musca.