Andrew , the Fire Station Watch Manager, was fantastic at explaining to our Beavers the role of the Fire Crew and the kind of work that they did.

Several crew members kindly showed us all of the equipment Firefighters use on the engine and the clothing needed to protect themselves when entering a fire. We have never known the Beavers to be so quiet!!

We toured the station, and all had a turn at firing the water hose!  An emergency call came through part way through the visit and the Beavers saw at first-hand how the Fire Crew spring into action to attend to a fire.  It was very exciting!!

I think we have several Beavers who would quite like to be Firefighters when they grow up after this visit

We will be sending Thank You letters next colony meet to all at the Fire Station for such a fantastic & interesting experience.

Next week is our last colony meeting for the year, so lots of fun and games will be had, badges to be given and some goodbyes to be said.  We return in the first week the schools are back in September (Thursday).

Fire Station Watch Manager, Andrew, explaining about the clothing they wear to protect themselves

The Station Watch Managers own helmet (not yellow, you'll notice)

Very heavy to wear!

Riding in the back

Thermal imaging camera

How cool!?!

We had a lot of fun

Most of our Beavers were able to take part and absolutely everyone remembered their Beaver promise to “Do Their Best” .

Robin, Alison and Sharon were extremely proud of all the 1st Washington Beavers!

Enough blabbing, here are the pictures….

Sack Race

3 legged race

A slightly bizarre water filing race, where we didn't listen to the rules properly and were robbed!!

Some medal winners, well done!

The British weather was finally with us and after some last-minute texting and 100 water balloons from Leanne (thank you x), we were ready for action.

The boys paired up for ‘Chicken’, then grabbed their guns for all out war  Everyone had a gun, some had what looked like Bazookas!!

Playing chicken with Robin

War-cries and carnage! They took no prisoners

Poor Alice was drenched with a bucket of water by Robin.

Earlier in the evening we learned about life in India and listened to an ancient story of generosity, whilst we tried lots of different Indian food, yum!

This forms part of our Friendship Challenge Badge, which will be completed with our planned visit to Washington Community Fire Station in mid-July (letters next week).

The Beavers who attended the Picnic a couple of weeks ago received their Explore Badges and we wished someone a Happy 7th Birthday, hurray!

We set up tables with activities designed to remove one of their senses, touch, sight etc and also looked at how we might use other methods to communicate with someone who had little/no speech, as well as how someone might mobilise using a wheelchair.

Feely bag with gloves on.

Alison showed the Boys how to communicate the Beaver Scout Promise in Makaton.

Alison, teaching Makaton and PECS

Robin demonstrated wheelies in the wheelchair and quickly discovered how much hard work this was on his arms.

With sight occluded and a helper to assist them the Beavers had to navigate an obstacle course, which turned (as usual) into something akin to “It’s a Knockout!”

Running the gauntlet...the ball misses by the way

We said goodbye to one of our Beavers scouts tonight and hope he has fun and adventures in Cubs

Finally, we ended the session making Fathers Day cards.

Glueing, cutting, colouring & sticking for Fathers' Day