News
11th Purley retain the Mang Challenge Trophy
The Mang Challenge is held when any Croydon pack challenges the current holders to an activity. If accepted, the challenge is then opened up to the whole District. On April 30th, the 5th Selsdon and Addington challenged the 11th Purley to a cup tower challenge - teams of five had two minutes to build the highest tower using the largest number of cups, with all cups having to be within a small circle. The 17th Purley also took up the challenge.
Our teams came up with the idea of putting the cups inside each other rather than building a balancing tower, and our our 4th team managed a height of 99.3cm using 990 cups! This means that we hold on to the Trophy until the next challenge comes in!
St. George's Day Parade
St.George's Day is traditionally an opportunity for Scout groups to hold faith events where they renew their promises. The parade took place this year on Sunday 28th April (as St Georges Day was Easter Sunday!) at All Saints Church in Kenley. The service included talks about St George and also the parable of the Good Samaritan, and all sections renewed their promises. The new District Commissioner, Greg Cook, attended the service.
Patrol Leaders Training - February 2019
The District's Scout Patrol Leader Training Weekend took place at Bears Wood campsite this year. This popular course gives Scouts the chance to learn and develop the skills they need to take an active leadership role in their Scout Groups.
"I was lucky enough to do a patrol leader course along with another Scout from our pack," says Charlotte, who attended from 11th Purley. "I really enjoyed it as there were lots of different activities where you were able to take control of the base that you chose as a group. Then you would change round for different bases depending on what you wanted to lead. During the weekend you were able to make new friends from different packs. I really enjoyed meeting new people."
Summer Camp, Isle of Wight - July 2018
Cubs and Scouts took the ferry to spend their summer camp at Corf Campsite, Shalfleet, on the Isle of Wight this year, where they overcame some unexpected challenges.
As it was the hottest and driest summer recorded since 1976, camp fires had been banned on the island for safety reasons. Not wanting to be without, the Cubs built a realistic replica using orange bags and flickering lights, while the Scouts took a more practical approach to dealing with the hot weather by using an illuminated paddling pool for their camp centrepiece!
The camp fire ban also meant that the Scouts, who usually cook their own meals on open fires, learned how to use trangia stoves instead.
The sunny weather was perfect for visiting some of the island's popular tourist attractions, such as the Needles, Alum Bay, Shanklin Chine, St. Catherine's Lighthouse and more, and of course there were plenty of opportunities to cool off with water sports and beach time.
May 2018 - Cubs raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital
The rain didn't bother our Cubs when they took up the District's sponsored Cubopoly Challenge in May. Travelling on foot and by public transport only, the Cubs' quest was to visit as many Scout HQs and local landmarks as possible on the specially designed 'Cubopoly' game board.
Cubs needed to strategically plan their route beforehand, using grid references and map symbols to locate the landmarks - an achievement that goes towards their Navigator badge.
The intrepid teams scored points for each location they visited, as well as completing bonus missions sent to their accompanying leaders via text.
Our team visited 26 of the locations on the board, coming third of the nine Cub packs that took part, and raising an impressive £365. Money raised by each team was split 50/50 between Great Ormond Street Hospital and their own Scout groups.
After a hard day's trek, all the teams met at the 19th Purley HQ, where they sang, played games and enjoyed a well-deserved barbecue.
A special thanks to the parents who helped escort our team along their route.
April 2018 - Beavers' sleepover at Frylands
On the 14th-15th April, the Beavers went to Fryland Wood activity centre for their second ever sleepover. Over the two days, they took part in a host of activities, including rock climbing, traversing an assault course and archery. They proved that they have no fear, taking part in every activity and excelling in most.
In the evening they enjoyed their first campfire singalong. The campfire marked a special occasion for one new Beaver who was invested into the group.
The experience they take away from these sleepovers prepares them for their future careers in Scouting and has them keen to take up the activities while in the Scout movement.
- 'Crane', 11th Purley Beaver Leader
August 2017 - Beaver Leader Retires After 31 Years
Kathy has stepped down after 31 years as a Beaver Leader with the 11th Purley Scout Group. She started when her own sons were of Beaver age and continued until the end of last term.
During her time as Beaver Leader, Kathy also helped with other sections if needed, frequently camping with the Scouts, and on occasion with the Cub Pack. Prior to the merger of Purley District into the Croydon Borough District, Kathy held the post of District Beaver Leader. We are now seeing second generation Beavers joining the colony after their parents were members many years ago.
We would like to thank Kathy for the work she has done, bringing fun and friends to the hundreds of young people that have been members of the Colony over the years, and wish her the very best for the future.
Peter Pearce
Group Scout Leader
June 30th - July 2nd Scouts' Adkin Challenge Trophy
The Adkin Challenge is a District event where Scouting skills are tested over a two night camping weekend. Scouts are responsible for erecting and taking down their own tents, cooking their own meals and maintaining their campsites, which includes fetching wood and water, looking after the campfire and keeping their equipment clean and their kit tidy and organised.
In addition, teams participate in a schedule of activities as well as a cooking competition. Teamwork, leadership, timekeeping and organisation are essential for surviving the challenge, and our two teams were proud to achieve a Bronze and a Silver standard award between them, with one of them winning the 'Brass Peg' award for the greatest improvement over the weekend.
The event ended with a prize giving ceremony after which our Scouts relaxed on their kit in the shade.
June 2017 - Police Visit
The Cubs were visited by PC Wilson and PC Brett from the Sanderstead Metropolitan Police Service. They learned about the role of the Police, different types of uniform worn by officers and the equipment that they carry with them every day.
One Cub in particular was impressed when they talked about police helicopters, motorbikes, vans and cars. "I enjoyed listening about the police force travel and their tools and how to use them," he said.
"I liked when they showed us the pepper spray and batons," said another, "because the batons look like light sabers and I love Star Wars."
The police officers then demonstrated the various sirens and lights on the police car, which seemed to make the biggest impression on the Cubs!
Our thanks to PC Wilson and PC Brett for their informative talk which the Cubs enjoyed very much.
May 21 - Checkpoint Challenge
Always a favourite event with Scout groups in the Croydon district, the Checkpoint Challenge had over 20 teams this year, competing on what was to become a very hot day. Our two teams did well, coming in at 9th and 14th places.
Among the 8 challenges along the hike was to build a structure from wooden poles and rope that would support the weight of the entire team. Additionally, teams had to transport a sheet of silver foil the full distance of the hike, and present it at the end in pristine condition. Not as easy as it sounds!
April 28-May 1 - Big Weekend, Frylands
The Scouts joined other groups to take part in the Frylands annual Big Weekend, two days of 'It's a Knockout' style competitive fun and games.
It was a special occasion for three of our Cubs who were officially welcomed to the troop and invested as Scouts by the campfire, and for one of our Young Leaders who received his Chief Scout Gold award from a District representative.
February 28th 2017 - Fun and Pancakes
The Human Fruit Machine (pictured) was just one of the fundraising attractions organised and run by Cubs, Scouts and their leaders at the 11th Purley Pancake Evening this year.
Among the regular favourites were 'Play your Cards Right', Bar Skittles, Tombola and a pancake flipping competition - and of course, as many pancakes as they could eat!
January 27th - 29th 2017 - Winter Camp at Broadstone Warren
The weather was mild and sunny this year for Winter Camp at Broadstone Warren in the Ashdown Forest.
Cubs and Scouts enjoyed a packed weekend of outdoor activities, including orienteering, air rifle shooting, wall climbing, archery, pedal-karting, potholing and grass-sledging.
The Scouts also took part in abseiling, high-ropes and zip wire, and faced their own special archery challenge - scoring points to win themselves the crockery and cutlery needed for their evening meal!
Camp fire on Saturday evening marked a special occasion for one Cub, who received their Chief Scout's Silver Award and a chance to take part in the Croydon District's Silver Award day later this year.
The two sections came together for a Scouts' Own service on Sunday morning, before resuming their busy activity schedule for the rest of the day.
Thanks to all who volunteered their time to ensure the smooth running of this year's camp.
December 16th 2016 - Cubs mark their 100th anniversary
On December 16th, Cubs from the 7th, 11th, 19th and 21st Purley rounded off their Cubs Centenary celebrations with a special campfire event at the 19th Purley HQ. At precisely 7.16pm, they joined Cubs from all over the country in a nationwide event, simultaneously renewing their promise and marking the end of a very special year.
They finished off the evening with a welcome hot chocolate.
October 15th 2016 - District Cooking Competition
Our team of 5 Scouts joined teams from 7 other Scout Groups to compete in the annual District Cooking Competition, held at the 1st Coulsdon Scouts HQ. Our team's 3 course entry focused on a 'breakfast, lunch and dinner' concept, including a meringue and chocolate dessert made to look like 'bangers and mash'. The 'mash' was made from crushed meringue and whipped cream and the gravy made from melted chocolate.
This year the competition was won by the 49th Croydon. All teams did well in a competition where the standards keep rising every year.
July 23rd - August 6th 2016 - Summer Camp 2016
Our Cubs and Scouts camped locally this year, at the Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre. The Cubs had a packed week which included a visit to London Zoo, a look round Wimbledon Tennis Courts, and trips to Hastings, Lullingstone Roman Villa and Chiselhurst Caves.
The Scouts chose the only wet week of the entire summer for their camp - but that didn't stop them from getting out and about. Days out included swimming, geocashing, hiking to Beaver Water World, and a trip to the cinema.
They made their own flagpole and woodpile shelter, learned to fell trees and cooked their own meals, in between relaxing and taking part in the Scouting activities available on the site.
The week was rounded off by one of the Scouts receiving his Chief Scout's Gold Award.
July 3rd 2016 - Success at the Adkin Camping Challenge!
11th Purley Scouts achieved their best results yet at the District Adkin Challenge weekend in June. They earned their first ever Gold Standard and came second overall in the competition, being beaten by just a few points by the 24th Purley. But these weren't their only achievements this year.
"We're really proud to have won the Roger Hicks Trophy for Teamwork and Patrol Spirit," said the patrol leader and assistant patrol leader. "As a team we really enjoyed the weekend and when there were difficult points we overcame them and pulled back together.
"Also, we came second in the cooking challenge, where our youngest team member made a dessert that the District judges couldn't resist!
"This is the final year in Scouts for both of us, and our last Adkin Challenge. We hope that the younger Scouts can build off that and lift the Adkin Trophy next year!"
May 22nd 2016 - Checkpoint Challenge Winners!
Our Scouts entered 3 teams into the Croydon District Checkpoint Challenge this year, and finished in 1st, 7th and 18th place out of 21 entries. The patrol leader and assistant patrol leader of the winning team explained:
"We had to follow a map that took us through woodland and urban areas and faced checkpoints along the way. We had to stay on the route all the time.
"At each checkpoint there were activities such as first aid, putting up tents using just rope and other challenges that required teamwork and good communication between everyone.
"One task was to transport a fragile item (raw spaghetti) through the entire event without it breaking. Even though we broke ours, we managed to patch it up with sticking plasters!"
May 2016 - The Wildest Birthday Ever!
Our Cubs joined up with Cubs from all over the Croydon District for the Centenary celebration at Frylands Wood. Read Akela's Log to find out what they got up to...
April 21 - 11th Purley wins award
The leaders of the 11th Purley were proud to receive the Best Practice Award 2015 at the Croydon District Awards Night on Thursday 21st April.
The award is in recognition of the high standard of Scouting, and the opportunities offered to the members of the group and also to other Scout Groups across Croydon.
February 2016 - Pancake Night Extravaganza
11th Purley hosted their popular Pancake Night at the Church this year. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts brought their families along and were joined by the 16th Purley Rainbows and Brownies. In addition to the pancakes on offer were favourite games such as Bar Skittles, Shove Ha'penny, Lucky Dip, Tin-Can Alley, and of course, the Human Fruit Machine.
Over 200 pancakes were consumed that evening, so everyone went home on a full stomach!
January 2016 - Mud, mud and more mud...
Not even the high winds and rain could dampen spirits at one of the largest winter camps we've had at Broadstone Warren. The weather on Friday evening caused a power cut to our huts for 12 hours, but that didn't stop any of our plans!
The sun shone on Saturday, and Scouts and Cubs took part in shooting, archery, potholing, wall climbing, go-karting, grass sledging and orienteering. The group rounded off the day around a campfire.
This camp marked a special occasion, with one Scout receiving the Chief Scout's Gold Award, and the investiture of three new Scouts taking place underground in the potholes!
A special thanks goes out to parents and friends who came to help out.
Cubs Quiz Team to represent Croydon District in March
On Friday 29th January, the Cubs took part in the District Quiz, an event that is open to all 48 packs in the Croydon area.
Some of the 10 rounds included flags of the world, Disney films and characters, code breaking, and of course, Scouting knowledge. Our team of 6 Cubs came first by one point - the first time 11th Purley have ever won this Trophy.
They will now go forward to represent the District in the County Quiz in March.
Update - 13th March - The team took part in the County Quiz today and finished with an honourable 6th place.
December 2015 - Farewell to our old Church Hall
The Cubs had their last meeting at the St James Church Hall at the end of Term. The hall has served us well over several decades, but its recent deterioration has meant that all our sections have moved to to new accommodation, until the Church acquires a new hall!
September 2015 - Congratulations to our Cubs on another Baloo Trophy Win!
Competition is getting tougher every year as Cubs from all over the Croydon area gather to put their scouting skills and knowledge to the test.
Map reading, pitching a tent, log-carrying and obstacle courses are just some of the challenges the teams face. Cubs are also judged on teamwork and behaviour throughout the full day's events. 11th Purley Cubs proved their stamina by coming out on top once again!
July 2015 - Summer Camp at Kibblestone
Cubs and Scouts headed north this year to Kibblestone International Scout Camp. Both sections practiced their orienteering skills around the local area, explored undergound rivers on barges and enjoyed an afternoon riding the waterslides at a nearby swimming pool.
Days out for the Cubs included a visit to the Black Country Museum and other attractions, while the Scouts chilled out on camp, cooking all meals for themselves.
