Annual Report 2006

Going back to April 2005, Julie reported having 19 beavers and moving over the year 12 more have moved onto the Cub Pack, 2 have left to join other Packs and 1 left for Douglas. The remaining 4 have just swum up and will start cubs in September.

Last summer, due to her work commitments Claire Ashton stood down as Assistant Beaver Leader. Claire had helped Julie with Beavers from the beginning in 1999 - her help and support had been invaluable, so it was with a fair bit of trepidation, that Edwin and Julie went on in September.

However, help and support was never lacking - the involvement of parents over this last year has been really positive . Julie is pleased to have been able to keep the numbers up - membership now being 20 and attendance and enthusiasm of the children is always outstanding.

Two weeks ago they held their own award ceremony. Four beavers, MaxG, BenD, MatthewM and MaxB entertained us with public speaking, a trumpet solo, an impressive account of swimming achievements and a piano solo. These beavers had, in their own time improved themselves in their own hobbies and then demonstrated this to the other beavers in the Colony and to many parents who were also watching. They all gave wonderful performances and really deserved their awards.

The remaining beavers were also awarded - the majority obtaining their outdoor and discovery challenge awards. Julie said to have achieved this in less than 12 months in many cases was pretty good. Julie and Edwin have tried to vary the activities as much as possible and have taken the children outdoors to explore the environment whenever the weather had allowed. They had visited a farm to see Loughton lambs last May, the beach on several occasions, Laxey Glen, Baldrine dairy farm, Glen house for Christmas carols, Ramsey lifeboat station, Laxey Fire station and the Beavers had been on a road safety walk with our community police officer. Many Beavers had done their animal friendship badge and also their experimenters badge by building rockets. When the beavers have not been out and about they have been sprouting beans, planting bulbs, playing football, finding out about planets, eclipses, safety in the home and the emergency services. They have also managed to do lots of craft.

Finally, Julie mentioned the waiting list as it is quite long at the moment. They will be replacing those moving up in September, keeping the numbers at 20 which leaves 10 waiting to join, 7 of these are already over 6 years old.