South Angus Beavers has recently awarded 52 Thistle Awards by dedicating a section of their Beavers 30th birthday camp to achieving the badge.
The group teamed up with Arbroath District Beavers to create a larger camp at Jock Neish Scout Centre in Angus.
A morning was set aside for South Angus beavers to complete the Thistle Awards. They split up into smaller groups of seven or eight beavers, and each group took it in turns to attend seven bases offering different Thistle Award activities.
“The Beavers all thoroughly enjoyed working for the award and it was good that it could all be done on the one day. Thanks to the Parents, Explorers and Young Leaders who helped out with the running of the bases on the day,” said Kenny Lee, South Angus Beaver Scout Leader.
Activity inspiration
Here’s how the South Angus Beavers achieved their Thistle Awards:
“Join in with an activity with another colony.”
South Angus Beavers attended the Camp with Carnoustie, Monikie and Muirhead, as well as others from Arbroath District.
“Take part in one Night Away in Scotland.”
All Beavers slept outdoors in tents on the campsite, completing a night away.
“Learn about some local customs or food.”
The Beavers took part in a haggis hunt – Hamish the potato haggis had laid eggs around the campsite and the Beavers had to hunt for them.
“Learn some traditional Scottish playground games.”
Beavers tried “welly wanging,” which involved throwing wellington boots into hula hoops.
“Learn a Scottish song or dance”
The Beavers learned all verses of the traditional Scottish song Three Craws.
“Find out about Scottish inventors and their inventions.”
The Beavers also discussed what life would be like without Scottish inventions, learning about famous innovations from Scotland such as the television.
“Use Scots or Gaelic to play a game or create a picture.”
Rounders was played in Gaelic.
"Go on a nature walk and then participate in a Log Chew.”
For their nature walk, the Beavers walked to the River South Esk to look for water voles.
“Learn where Scotland is in the world and about its size compared with other countries.”
To help them understand more about Scotland’s place in the world and how it compares with other countries, the Beavers played a bespoke game of top trumps.
These are just some of the types of tasks and activities that can be completed for the Thistle Awards.
Find out more about Find out more about the badge requirements.