MOD RECOGNITION - 4th EPPING FOREST SOUTH SEA SCOUT GROUP
i. I am pleased to inform you that as a result of an inspection carried out on 12th October 2000, Ministry of Defence recognition of the 4th Epping Forest South (Bancroft's School) Sea Scout Group has been renewed for a further period. A Royal Navy Recognition Certificate has been forwarded to the Group Scout Leader.
2. a.
b.Assessment
3. This was an indoor inspection that took place at Bancroft's School, Woodford Green, Essex. It was attended by the District Commissioner, Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts, members of Gilwell Park Activities Center and members of the Group Executive Committee including the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.
4. The programme commenced with the Inspecting Officer being met by the Group Chairman and the two extremely smart and courteous Senior Sixers of Cub Packs who escorted the Inspecting Officer to the Prep School Hall where both Cub Packs were assembled. The initial impression was of very smart, well-disciplined and cheerful Cubs; impressions reinforced throughout the evening.
5. After an ear-splitting Grand Howl and the ceremony of Colours, the Cubs dispersed to their activity bases. Activities included pitching a Dome tent, Mini-Pioneering, First Aid at which young Cubs were learning resuscitation and bandaging skills, several arts and craft related bases and the all-time favorite, cooking during which the industrious Cubs made chocolate crispies and decorated sponge cakes - sampled and approved of by the Inspecting Officer. The Inspecting Officer was delighted to present two Cub Scout Challenge Badges to deserving recipients, after which the Cubs rounded off their programme with Sunset and a final rousing Grand Howl. The performance of the Cubs directly reflects the dedication and commitment of their Leaders and assistants, which included members of the Venture Unit; they are a credit to their Leaders and the group.
6. After a short break the Inspecting Officer was invited to join the Scout and Ventures, assembled in the Prep School Hall, whereupon the ceremony of Colours was conducted; this was accompanied by pitch-perfect piping, particularly impressive as this was a young female Scout' s first use of a Bosun's Call.
7. The Inspecting Officer was then invited to conduct a formal inspection of the assembled parade. As a result of a recent and successful recruitment drive, many Scouts are awaiting Investiture and consequently paraded in their school uniform; despite this the general appearance of the Troop was very smart, marred only by missing Cap Tallies. All Scouts and Ventures responded positively and enthusiastically when questioned by the Inspecting Officer. Badge work progress has been particularly slow; a direct result of reduced numbers; this is likely to improve significantly in th$ near future with the restoration of Troop numbers. The Inspecting Officer was delighted to present several Progress and Proficiency Badges during the evening.
8. Activity Bases encompassed three disciplines; Pioneering, Rock Climbing and Kayaking. The younger Scouts were learning sound pioneering techniques by constructing several Teepee-type structures, utilising traditional square lashings; some not so square! Clove hitches and figure-of-eight knots were also tied with Scouts demonstrating a firm understanding of their respective uses. The Rock Climbing base proved very popular, with Scouts demonstrating considerable agility and skill under the firm charge of their experienced and well-qualified Leader. Meanwhile, in the school's indoor swimming pool, energetic and enthusiastic members of the Troop were learning the difference between Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids, culminating in practical demonstrations of each. Also in the pool, two highly competent and well-qualified Venture Scouts were teaching Kayaking skills to mainly novice Scouts, concentrating on confidence-building drills. The Venture Scouts then gave an impressive display of Kayaking drills incorporating high/low brace and sculling support strokes, Eskimo rolls and rescue and the X-Rescue techniques. The level of instruction was first-class.
9. The administration of the Group is meticulously managed and all leaders/adult helpers are well qualified and highly motivated. It was particularly pleasing to meet with the thriving Cub Packs and witness the results of the successful Sea Scout recruiting campaign, both factors which will ensure a bright future for the Group. The evening rounded off with dinner and refreshments that provided a welcome opportunity to meet less formally with members of the Group's Committee and School staff in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
N M Ellis
Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy
for DNRes