• Introduction
• Darryl Garner's trip to the US
• Troop Scouter's report
  • Haig 1st Aid Trophy
  • Walton Trophy
  • Senior Scout Challenge
  • Jamboree on the Air
  • AGM
  • Springbok Award
  • PLTU
• Pack Scouter's report
  • Leaping Wolf Award
  • A 1st for 1st Cotswold Cub Pack
  • Annual 1st Aid Competition
  • Mini Cricket Competition
  • Tour of a Cricket Bat Factory
  • Skilkana
  • Camp
  • Chirstmas Party
• Important contact numbers

Well another year has come and gone.  Last year this time we were all worried about the Y2K bug and the new Millennium – well the computers are still working and world is still revolving around the sun, so nothing’s changed.

As we look back on the past year there are a few things in particular that I would like to mention.  Thanks to Len and his team for getting the Lapa project up and running.  Many thanks to Kevin Garner for operating the front-end loader.  Also thanks to the committee for painting the kitchen and anyone can ask Johan why Leslie (Akela) would never find a job as a painter as he had the job of cleaning up after her!  J

Congratulations to Craig Wilson, an ex Cotswold Springbok scout, and to Gareth Whittal, Assistant Troop Scouter, for obtaining their B.Com Honours Degree  and to Michael Wilson, an ex Cotswold Springbok scout for obtaining his B.Com Degree – well done!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and everything of the best for 2001.  To those who will be travelling during this time, please drive safely and see you all next year.

Howdy!  I recently arrived back from the States after a 6-month trip.  I went to New Hampshire first to my Uncle and Aunt.  It’s really beautiful there and very mountainy.  From there I went to New York for my orientation, where we were taught about the kids and what to expect.  New York is huge and high and there seem to be so many old people there.  I went through Central Park and to a very old church as well – extremely beautiful.  I went to the camp and spent three months there.  I was given training to work at the ropes course, which is basically a mountaineering course.

 I was at the rope course all day.  My basic camp routine was like this –

Wow!  Has this last 6 months flown by.  Just to let you know a bit about what is happening at the Troop.  The second half of his year we did not have many activities due to change in leadership.  I spent most of my time trying to sort out the basic necessities to keep the Troop on the go.  WE have only 8 scouts on our list at the moment and I am hoping to double this figure in the New Year.  There is also only about a 50% attendance rate and these scouts do not even phone to excuse themselves and some stay away for up to 4 weeks.

• HAIG FIRST AID TROPHY – this was held in July and we entered a mixed team.  We did not come in the top 3 teams but the team enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot.  It is only about the second time this event has been held in 8 years.
  
• WALTON TROPHY – this was held in August and was a great success.  It was a historical hike, which took the teams through PE streets to visit historical places and monuments.  At these bases they had to complete scouting challenges for the competition.  We entered a team who did not do too badly and learnt a lot from this experience.  
  
• SENIOR SCOUT CHALLENGE – cancelled due to lack of interest.  

JAMBOREE ON THE AIR (JOTA) – in October scouts from around the world have a JOTA where they communicate with other scouts via Ham Radios, Morse Code and also the Internet.  Only three scouts attended this event held at the Sunridge Scout Hall.

• GROUP AGM -  this event went off all right and it was my first one in 5 years so I was a bit rusty.  Thanks to all who attended and congratulations to those who received awards.  

• SPRINGBOK AWARD – this year Cotswold continued the tradition of producing top scouts and Darryl Garner received this award.  He was presented with his award and all invited guests were treated to a nice warm meal by his parents, Kevin and Loraine.  Well done Darryl – keep the Cotswold flag flying!  

• PLTU – this leadership course offered to senior scouts from the Eastern Cape will be held in East London from 3 – 13 January 2001.  Two of our scouts will be attending – Patrick Wilson, who has been invited as a staff member and Kalvin Garner, who will attend as a participant.  Good luck and show them what you are made of.  

Well I hope I have not left anything out – you can ask my wife about my memory problem.  Thanks to parents, committee and uniform colleagues at the Troop and pack and scouts for supporting me over the past six months.  It was difficult trying to do two duties at one and take over a Troop in the middle of the year.  I am looking forward to next year.  Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yours in Scouting  
PANTHER  
Wayne Roberts     082 410 8513  

Welcome to Colin Fouche, Roche Gouws and Robin Muniz who were invested into the Pack in November.  We hope their families enjoy being part of the 1st Cotswold group.

LEAPING WOLF AWARD – congratulations to Robin Watson who earned his top Cub Award – The Leaping Wolf.

• A FIRST FOR 1^ST COTSWOLD PACK – Brendon Zeelie is the first Cotswold Cub to be awarded his gold “Recruiter” badge for recruiting 5 boys.  Well done Brendon, we are proud of you!!
  
  
• ANNUAL CUB 1^ST AID COMPETITION – our team consisting of Dylan Prinsloo, Jared Charlton, Brendon Zeelie and Joss Jurgens won this competition.  
  
  
• CUB MINI CRICKET COMPETITION – on 12 November we took part in the mini cricket competition organized by 2^nd Kabega.  Although we did not gain a place, they enjoyed the event.  

VISIT TO CRICKET BAT FACTORY – on 6 December we visited a local cricket bat factory in Thornhill.  The main topic on the way was of course, cricket.  All the facts of the cricket team and their bats were relayed to each other and the adults.  The boys seemed to know all about their cricket heroes.  Once in the factory, the boys were all ears as our host,

 Mr. Bellingham, took them through the aspects of bat making.  Even the adults were fascinated.  The boys kept their hands in their pockets, to make sure that no fingers got chopped off in the machines! J  The boys were presented with a Baker’s cricket set because they were so well behaved.  We then enjoyed a picnic at van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve and of course, a game of cricket with their new bat, ball and wickets.  All in all, a lovely morning’s entertainment for the boys and adults alike.  

• SKILKANA (28 OCTOBER) – Our train trip did not materialize as the running times have changed.  We had 2 ½ teams taking part.  Team 1, consisting of Dylan, Jared, Brendon and Christopher and 1^st Uitenhage gained a joint 3^rd place for the rope throw base, 1^st place for Kim’s Game, 1^st place for billycan cooking and an overall 2^nd place.  Team 2 consisting of Kevin, Joss Colin and Nishaal gained a third place for the knotting relay and 1^st place for the rope throw base.  Team 3, consisting of Godwin, Robin and 2 boys from 2^nd Kabega gained 1^st place in the standing long jump base.  The boys did well and we are very proud of their achievements.   
  
• CUB CAMP (24-26 NOVEMBER) – Friday afternoon saw 13 Cotswold and 4 Uitenhage, very excited Cubs arrived at camp at the Scout Hall.  Darryl Garner aka Dr Chil, soon had the boys pitching tents.  The tents were hardly up and the Cubs were off to Christingle Carol Service at the Protea Place of Safety with cubs from various other packs.  After supper Dr. Chil ran a traditional campfire.  Johan Prinsloo, aka Major Dad on camp, taught the boys to make paper gliders as part of their flying models badge.  Out theme for the weekend was “in the air”.  

Saturday morning the boys were up early making solar cookers to cook their own lunch.  A walk to the Quarryman Nature Reserve and “uncle Kevin” Garner organized an alien plant hack for them.  When the work was done the boys enjoyed watching a big crab and hundreds of baby frogs in the river.  Thanks to La Farge for the cooldrinks, chips and peak cap.  In the afternoon Uncle Arthur and Aunty Mary Finsham came and helped the boys make the most amazing kites.  Hardly was the kite flying finished when the boys started making bird feeders.  The evening was spent star gazing with Richard von Well and his friend who brought a large telescope and much star gazing brought place.  The boys were fascinated and even knew some of the constellations.  

On Sunday after the Cubs Own Service, they went off to the Air Force Museum to sell all the old aircraft there.  A very knowledgeable Major Dad gave the boys a conducted tour.  Many questions were forthcoming.  A walk in Settlers Park was next followed by lunch.  Back to camp – the boys seemed to have boundless energy.  They continued play until he last moment – the closing of the last camp for the year 2000.  Not only did the boys have fun – the adults also enjoyed the camp.  Hilda de Vroom, Akela of the Uitenhage boys, had a sucker to listen to her all night.  Sharon Prinsloo, aka Cookie, had her ear bent by Hilda.  Every time one looked up coffee was served and Hilda certainly had her share of strong coffee – 4 spoons.  The person that really excelled at camp was Darryl Garner, aka Dr Chil.  He took control of the boys and had them doing exactly what he said.  The best was to get the boys to “freeze” at any time.  This was hilarious at times.  Anyone who “unfroze” before the time had some or other mild punishment meted out to them.  It was quite amazing to see how Darryl got the boys going.  His American experience has certainly helped him a lot.  

Special thanks to Dr Chil, the first aider; Cookie and relief cook, Major Dad; Uncle Trevor, Uncle Alan, Gerrie the Giraffe, Hathi and Akela SOE for all the help to make the camp such a success.  

• CHRISTMAS PARTY – thanks to Sharon, Denise and Charmaine for organizing the end of year party for the boys.  It was a great success.  A special thanks to Father Christmas for taking time off his busy schedule to come and give the boys their presents.  We start off the next year with out first Pack meeting on Friday, 26 January 2001.  

AKELA WISHES ALL THE 1ST COTSWOLD FAMILIES A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.