3rd Hampton Scout Group

3rd Hampton beavers celebrated Harvest by taking some time to think about gratitude, kindness, and how we can share and support our community.

We created a gratitude tree, with Beavers filling its branches with leaves showing all the things they were thankful for. From family and friends to wonderfully simple things in life.
‘I love beans’ was a personal favourite.

We also held a collection for our local food bank at the Whitehouse. With beavers bringing in generous donations to support local people and families. It was a lovely way to show that Harvest is not only a time to be thankful for what we have, but also about sharing what we can with others.

A wonderful evening of gratitude, creativity and community spirit. A great reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

The bookings are now open for Family Camp in 2027 – the booking form is now available in the Camp Details section of the website – It would help us greatly if you would book early so that we can reserve all of the activities we would like to enjoy.

21 Scouts and 11 Cubs plus leaders/helpers spent a warm weekend at the revamped Borough Camp. Some success was enjoyed in the competitions and fun was had on the site activities for those that made maximum benefit of all that was on offer.

We were also treated to some fireworks for American Independence Day as we had some scouts from the USA on site with the District for the weekend.

14 of our scouts had an activity packed weekend of activities at Thames Young Mariners – where they had sessions of Pulling (large oared boats on the Thames), Sailing, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Raft building, team challenges, orienteering and Kayaking.

All went home exhausted and with a healthy glow from the sunshine…………..

This weekend is Family Camp for many of our scouts and then in July it is Borough – a busy few weekends in the sun

The Beavers leadership team (which has grown in numbers recently – thank you!) have planned a jam-packed summer term for the children.

Working on achieving some new activity badges before the year is out, we are focusing on space and science experiments, cooking, and issues that impact our environment as well as communities around the world.

Whether experimenting with vinegar and baking soda (cue: explosions!), decorating cupcakes or learning about the journey of a Fair-Trade banana and some people’s struggle to access clean water, the children have risen to each challenge showing an amazing appetite for new experiences, and learning without realising they are!

We will say goodbye to 2 of our eldest Beavers at the end of term – we hope they finish their time with the group feeling proud and ready for Cubs. We also welcome 4 new Beavers and wish them well on the start of their scouting adventures. If you know of any young people who would like to try a session, please let me know – excited for the group to grow, and grow!

Beavers, as a scouting movement, is 40 years’ old this year so we organised a special birthday party-themed sleepover to celebrate!

The children were challenged with balloon team games to start, followed by a round of pass the parcel complete with party light-up prizes.

After enjoying some Beavers blue cupcakes (handmade by the very talented Fiona – new leader), the children decorated a T shirt with birthday party designs, before getting dressed up (complete with glitter, face paints and tattoos!) for a disco. Some serious shapes were thrown!

Then it was time for dinner followed a movie and popcorn in the Explorer room – a time to chill out and wind down after a fun-filled afternoon.

Torch-light stories and a star-projector helped to create a cosy atmosphere in the main hall…..and after some convincing…they settled down to sleep.

We were all up bright and early the next morning for breakfast, garden games, chalk drawings and sand art craft before packing up and heading home for a little more sleep(!)

It was amazing to see so many Beavers join in and experience a first (or 2nd) night away showing bravery and true scouting team spirit, and were awarded well-deserved Nights Away badges to prove it.

We are back where I started my journey with 3rd Hampton Cubs as a leader and running my own camp – Polyapes Campsite!

This campsite, which is tucked away near Oxshott Woods has been transformed since my last visit. It is so lush and clean having the benefit of an enclosed large site and The Warren building with a hall and kitchen for use during camps.

It seemed bigger than last time I visited. The Cub team were buzzing on arrival. Our van was driven up near to The Warren and was swiftly unloaded and the water urn was turned on for a cuppa. I checked out the site for positioning our tents and instructed where tables and chairs were to be set up inside for eating. The kitchen was being treated to a very professional scrub down by the “Chef Dad”. Yes, this was going to be a great camp.

It was Friday evening and the weather was being very kind to us! The trickle of Cubs arriving who were staying both Friday and Saturday night was steady and some parents came to help pitch the tents!
“Are the Cubs actually going to help with the tents?” asked one very concerned leader. It seemed a shame to “shatter” the happiness created by Cubs excitedly exploring every nook and cranny of the site.

“Raksha we’ve found a coffin!”

But they need to learn that there are times when we all have to attend duties and do a little hard work. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks so here goes!

“3rd Hampton Cubs” I bellowed out loud with a smirk! Will they listen? Oh, they’re slowly appearing from behind trees and bushes making their way towards me and not one unhappy Cub!

“Right Cubs! We need to set up Camp and tents…….. “Ooooh nooooo”! We were just …… “Oi! Where Dya think you’re going?”

Oh well! I thought to myself. At least I’ve got some parents who are helping! I think ……………..

Lizzie G (Akela)

The last term of 2025 is nearly over!

We hope that you all have a great Christmas and Happy New Year.

The first term of 2026 will start on Monday 5th January (Beavers), Wednesday 7th January (Scouts) and Thursday 8th January (Cubs).

Also, while you’re enjoying the holiday – why not get your booking form in for our Group Family Camp in June 2026??