General
This weekend, Chatham Salvation Army held it’s annual show at the Central Theatre, Chatham.
The Scout Leaders helped with the collecting of Toys donated at the Sunday afternoon performance and members of the Medway Scout District helped on the Sunday evening. These toys will be distributed to Children in the Medway Towns.
The performances also raised money for the Salvation Army’s Human Trafficking appeal. For more information on this, click on the link below.
We are provisionally planning to attend the parade and service organised in the town by the Royal British Legion. More details will follow ASAP.
Unfourtunatly we had to cancel Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explroers on Monday because of a problem with the hall – some tiles fell off of the ceiling on Sunday!
The Building Managers arranged for some engineers to take a look at why it happened but this could not happen until Tuesday morning so to be on the safe side, the hall was closed all day Monday.
As soon as we have an update from the hall managers we’ll let everyone know – but please assume that all sections will be meeting as usual next Monday.
At the 4th Medway (Salvation Army) Scout Group, we (like so many other Scout Groups) have a need for reliable adult leaders.We currently have vacancies for leaders in our Cub, Scout and Explorer Scout sections.
If you feel you could offer some time in one of these sections in this Scout Group we would very much like to hear from you.
Essential criteria:
Over 18 years, Available Monday evenings for about 2 hours, Of good character (subject to Criminal records Bureau and other vetting) want to work with young people regardless of age,creed, race or gender to achieve their maximum potential. Understand and accept the Scout Promise and Law. Be willing to undergo training and do all this as a volunteer!
Desirable criteria:
Be energetic, willing to learn and have a sense of humour!
Want to know more? Contact the Group Scout Leader, Graham Phillips at info@fourth.org.uk
So, Halloween is nearly upon us, the hype is in full swing and the cash registers are loving it!
As a Church (Salvation Army) Sponsored Scout Group we will not be ‘celebrating’ Halloween. This is not to be deliberately out of step with main stream society but based on sound christain principles because
Halloween is a celebration of Evil.
It builds a culture of acceptance of dark powers.
It is becoming a commercial racket.
It is not a festival to celebrate
Instead we will be celebrating with an alternative Light party acknowledging the good things the world has to offer and the Light of the World, Christ Jesus! Halloween is also a massive peice of inconsistancy by adults in the way we bring up our children.
Why put children in a vulnerable position?
FOR 364 days of the year we tell them not to talk to strangers. At Halloween they are encouraged to knock on strangers doors for ‘trick or treat’.
Why encourage disrespect?
For 364 days of the year we instil good manners in children. At Halloween they are allowed to throw eggs, flour and other substances at people’s doors when they are refused treats. Calls for assistance to Police rocket from the elderly and other vulnerable groups who feel intimidated and terrorised by the anti-social behaviour of some young people in the name of Halloween.
Why expose them to bad things?
For 364 days of the year we tell them to be good, to do what is right. At Halloween they are allowed to dress up in costumes depicting evil characters.
Why let them play with things that make them afraid?
For 364 days of the year we try to dispel their fears and make them feel secure. At Halloween children are encourages to dwell on spooks, zombies, vampire, werewolves and all sorts of things that ‘go bump in the night’.
As adults
Let’s be consistent throughout the year.
Let’s remember that what we expose our children to in their early years will remain with them throughout life.
If they think it is acceptable to celebrate in such a way, how will they be involved with evil when they are older?
We reap what we sow!
Life is richer for a party! Celebrate something more worthwhile and credible. Have a light party instead.
Jesus Said, ‘I AM the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.’
(John 8:12 Youth Bible)
Looking to explore the meaning of life?
Try the Alpha course ~ Currently running at Chatham Salvation Army Church call 01634-683218 for more details.
I was browsing the Salvation Army’s web site at Chatham (Sad I know but….) I came across an old photo that related to the Salvation Army Scout Group here at Chatham.
It’s posted on the photo gallery. It is from 1952 and a photo of the then Scout Troop. It was obviously in the era of National Service as one of the leaders(?) at the back is wearing RAF uniform. If anyone can identify who is in the picture it would be interesting. Also if anyonone has any old photos from the 4th Medway (SA) or the 4th Medway West (SA) as we used to be we would be interested in seeing them and maybe using them on this site.
The Harvest Festical church parade is on the 18th September at the Salvation Army Hall where we meet.
The service starts at 10.00am and all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers are expected to attend. Parents, friends and family are also very welcome to join us.
If you are in one of the sections and will not be able to attend this event can you let your section leader know before hand.
The Group finished off it’s activities before the Summer Break with a beach barbeque.
The Beavers had their one at the hall and enjoyed some food and played games.
Later on the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and their parents held a barbeque on the shores of the Medway at Upnor Beach. The weather stayed dry although there was quite a strong wind at times – this just helped the barbeques get going better.
One of the Scouts had arranged the evening as part of his leadership challenge for his Cheif Scouts Gold award. He planned the activity; wrote a letter to all the parents; did the shopping for the event and did the majority of the cooking on the beach. Every agreed that it was a great evening and everyone was very greatful for all his work.
While the food was being cooked, the young people went for a walk along the beach, the parents chatted amongst each other with the leaders and a good time was had.
It was a nice way to finish off for the summer break – the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers have already held their main camp of the year at Walesby Forest, back in June so there are no activities planned (yet) for the summer.
Thank you to everyone who came along and here’s to getting back together in Septmeber.
Click on any of the pictures to see more photos from this event or click here.
The Beavers and Cubs will once again be going to the Gilwell Fun day.
This year the theme of the funday will be ‘The Magic of Gilwell’.
If your going to the event, lookout for group – they’ll be in a white Mess tent and will be wearing a green scraf with a gold border.
Links
The Scouts and Guides from Diss have produced a blog. If you would like to find out what they’re doing, click on the link below. The Diss group will be a member of the UK Contingent to the Salvation Army Jamboree in The Netherlands next year.