By John Prince
It was a wet and wild evening of chaos for the 1st Hornsea Scout Group as they broke up for the summer, and celebrated one of the children winning a top award.
Seven-year-old Callum Parkes has landed a bronze award for his hard work in the Beaver Colony and for getting the most badges, including challenge and activity ones.
The bronze award is the highest a Beaver Scout can win, and is given out across the world to the top achievers. Silver awards are given to Cubs, and gold awards to Scouts.
It’s the first of the staged Chief Scout’s Awards, handed out in recognition of when a child has completed all six Beaver Challenge Awards, at least four activity badges, and has taken part in a broad mix of adventures, skills, teamwork and community activities.
Callum said: “I’m really proud. We did so many things, like flying a kite and making s’mores. I won about 10 badges. I’m really happy and my dad was impressed.”
The colony took part in a water fight with buckets and squirters and filled balloons, which was a welcome relief after the hot weather we’ve been having lately.
There was lots of screaming and excitement while the Beavers ran around and got drenched, including leaders Jenny Arnott and Charlotte Stanyer, who both joined in and gave as good as they got.
It was also Charlotte’s leaving night as she’s stepping back from the Beavers because of other Scouting commitments, and Callum’s as he moves up to the Cubs.
Jenny Arnott said: “It’s such a big achievement for Callum. We’re finishing off the term with a big water fight and we’re having a little race. I’ve spent all afternoon filling up 400 water bombs.
“It begins again in September so we’ll be back. I think we’ve got a few Squirrels moving up, and we’re saying bye-bye to Callum, who’s going up to Cubs.
“Any Beaver in the world can work towards these badges. Some of the older ones in this group are also well on the way. Callum just topped it off by going on a camping trip.
“They’re all really good friends and they work well together as a team.
“I want to add my thanks to Charlotte. She’s been in Beavers since she was a Beaver and Cub herself. I want to say my big thanks to her for helping me get where I am and leading now.
“We’ve got a card and flowers to give her, so it’s a bit of a bittersweet evening and quite emotional.”
The 1st Hornsea Scout Group is still on the lookout for leaders who can give up their time to volunteer.
Go to bandhscouts.org.uk/join-us.