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April 2022 April 2022

map reading, yay! To keep safe much of the programme has been outdoors DORSET COUNCIL- WEST PURBECK REPORT
even in the "dark term".
Patrol Leaders (the most experienced Scouts) held a Patrol Leader Council to A statement from the Leader
help plan the start of 2022. They came up with some brilliant ideas which we will of Dorset Council, Cllr
deliver up to Easter. February will see the return of our famous "24 hour flash
camps" - starting with Frostbite Camp, brrrr! Spencer Flower on the crisis
in Ukraine:

Kingsbere Explorer Unit We are deeply saddened by the
tragic events unfolding in Ukraine Our
Kingsbere Explorers had a busy autumn term full of exciting outdoor activities. thoughts are with those affected by
They have been orienteering at Upton House and around the walls in Wareham, this conflict and we are following the
making guys for the Scout Bonfire night, solving teamwork problems, skibobbing situation closely. Dorset Council has a
and ringoing at Matchams alpine centre and getting festive with Christmas crafts proud history of welcoming new
and party nights. The New Year programme will include geocaching, map arrivals at times of crisis to offer homes and support so families and individuals can
reading and campcraft, the Alternative Highland Games (on Burn’s Night), some build new lives here.
Chinese New Year cooking, climbing at the Project in Poole, and making wood-
fired pizza in the woods! We are waiting for the Government to further clarify details of its schemes for
Ukrainian refugees so we can plan effectively and quickly. We will keep you
Some of the Unit members attended a District Explorer Camp at the end of updated with how you can help with this as soon as we know more. We
October at Bowling Green Wood campsite in Lulworth. Halloween camp involved understand many people are very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and
all sorts of spooky fun and activities and included a hike to the coast. want to help. At the moment, the best way you can help is the best way to help is
by making a cash donation to an organisation such as the British Red Cross or Save
Ben, who joined our the Children who are responding to the humanitarian crisis. These organisations are
Explorers back in May already working on the ground and can direct support in the quickest and most
was awarded a Chief appropriate ways. In addition, we are currently participating in a number of
Scout’s Unsung Heroes refugee resettlement schemes, and we do require more private, affordable homes
Award by Bear Grylls on in Weymouth and Dorchester for refugee families. If you are able to help with our
8 t h O c t o b e r i n housing needs, please contact
Birmingham. Ben built refugeehousing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
and camped out every
night in an Anderson Dorset Council and BCP Council have
shelter in his garden joined voices from across the country –
d u r i n g t h e f i r s t indeed the world – in support of the people
lockdown, then, after of Ukraine, and the country’s flag is now
seeing the dramatic flying from both Dorset County Hall and
rescue scenes from Bournemouth Civic Centre., County Hall will
Durdle Door on the also be lit in yellow and blue.
news, decided to raise
money (now over £5000 including gift aid) whilst camping out for Dorset and
Somerset Air Ambulance. An amazing achievement! Relationships with Russia
Many of our Explorers are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. A number of you have asked about any connections we may have with Russia or
We are planning a DofE training camp at the end of January and will be running Russian companies. To the best of our knowledge, Dorset Council does not have
Bronze and Silver expeditions at the end of April. We are also able to offer Gold any direct relationship with Russia or Russian companies.
expeditions for those who are participating at this level.

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