53rd St Barnabas Scout Group Cyprus
Explorer Scout Page
Three Explorers Dalia, Marina
and Anna received their
Republic Award on Monday
4th February 2008 by former
President Tasos
Papathopoulos at the
Presidential Palace. The 53rd
is very proud that three of our
members managed to gain
this hight award as Explorers.
and Anna received their
Republic Award on Monday
4th February 2008 by former
President Tasos
Papathopoulos at the
Presidential Palace. The 53rd
is very proud that three of our
members managed to gain
this hight award as Explorers.
Above: Katy carring the
Explorer Flag on 27th Oct
09 lanturn March.
Explorer Flag on 27th Oct
09 lanturn March.
Two Day Hike and Camp 27th -28th November.
Day 1
We arrived at the scout hut at 7:00 where we split up into groups with explorer
scouts from all around limassol. Once we had been put in our groups we
loaded the bus and set off to our starting point of the hike. We arrived there at
about 8:30 and started to hike. The hike was mostly easy and down hill until
the BIG uphill at the last check point. Once we reached the camp site we had
lunch and got about an hours rest. Then we got on parade were a man
showed us how to fly remote control planes and let us fly a virtual plane on the
computer...that i crashed quite a few times! Then we played bowling on the wii
and others had a go at flying the plane. The we had time to change into
something warm because it was getting really cold. After that it was time for a
movie, the movie was called 2012. By the time the movie was over we were all
tired and we when off to bed. It was about 5C that night! FREEZING!
Day 2
5am Skip comes in to our room with what sounds like a fog horn! Wake up!
Time to hike! We all walked down to the parade area half asleep. Then we set
off for the water falls. Then it was time for breakfast. After breakfast we packed
up and set off to the adventure park. At the adventure park we play paint ball
and did some rock climbing. Most of us got shot at least once at paint balling
and some people were a wee bit too tired from waking up so early and the
hike and didn't rock climb. We stayed there for about 2 hours and then we
headed home. A few of us fell asleep on the bus on the way back. Once we got
back unloaded the cars and we all went home. It was a great camp! Hope to
do it again next year!
Katy ( Explorer )
Day 1
We arrived at the scout hut at 7:00 where we split up into groups with explorer
scouts from all around limassol. Once we had been put in our groups we
loaded the bus and set off to our starting point of the hike. We arrived there at
about 8:30 and started to hike. The hike was mostly easy and down hill until
the BIG uphill at the last check point. Once we reached the camp site we had
lunch and got about an hours rest. Then we got on parade were a man
showed us how to fly remote control planes and let us fly a virtual plane on the
computer...that i crashed quite a few times! Then we played bowling on the wii
and others had a go at flying the plane. The we had time to change into
something warm because it was getting really cold. After that it was time for a
movie, the movie was called 2012. By the time the movie was over we were all
tired and we when off to bed. It was about 5C that night! FREEZING!
Day 2
5am Skip comes in to our room with what sounds like a fog horn! Wake up!
Time to hike! We all walked down to the parade area half asleep. Then we set
off for the water falls. Then it was time for breakfast. After breakfast we packed
up and set off to the adventure park. At the adventure park we play paint ball
and did some rock climbing. Most of us got shot at least once at paint balling
and some people were a wee bit too tired from waking up so early and the
hike and didn't rock climb. We stayed there for about 2 hours and then we
headed home. A few of us fell asleep on the bus on the way back. Once we got
back unloaded the cars and we all went home. It was a great camp! Hope to
do it again next year!
Katy ( Explorer )
Trooper Team win race.
On Saturday 31st January our
Explorers Scouts went to
Alasa Bridge and raced their
home made Go-karts down a
windy dirt track to the river.
It was the best of three races
to determine the winner. The
main drivers were Anna for
team TAKEM 4 and Christian
for team Trooper. Team
Trooper won all three races
which was due to better
turning on the corners but
lost 3 - 2 on the strait sprint
races with all taking turns in
the driving seat. It was great
fun and enjoyed by all who
took part. The next challenge
will be to build a boat for one
person and racing it in the
sea in June. Lets hope Team
TAKEM4 can equal the score.
On Saturday 31st January our
Explorers Scouts went to
Alasa Bridge and raced their
home made Go-karts down a
windy dirt track to the river.
It was the best of three races
to determine the winner. The
main drivers were Anna for
team TAKEM 4 and Christian
for team Trooper. Team
Trooper won all three races
which was due to better
turning on the corners but
lost 3 - 2 on the strait sprint
races with all taking turns in
the driving seat. It was great
fun and enjoyed by all who
took part. The next challenge
will be to build a boat for one
person and racing it in the
sea in June. Lets hope Team
TAKEM4 can equal the score.
Christmas Camp 5th - 6th December.
On saturday the 5th all explorers, scouts and cubs camped at Platania we
arrived there by bus round 12pm. The weather wasn't too unpleasent. After
unloading the baggage we were sent to change into warm clothing then
returned for lunch. The explorers were to sleep in bivouacs so we had to go
find a suitable place on the not so steep mountain. Our aim was to stay dry
and warm. Later cubs and scouts came to view the bivouacs and have an idea
of what would be expected of them later on. In the afternoon we went down to
the dinning room and watched a movie with the scouts and cubs. Then half
way through the movie we stoped and got the room ready for dinner. Afterward
we played another movie and distracted the scouts from the special santa's
appearance. The three santa's gave everyone candy and it was one of the
santa's b-day so we had a chocolate cake and surprised him. when the
scouts were sent to bed the explorers had a bbq and soft drinks eventually
round half 11 we were sent to sleep in our bivouacs. It was bitterly cold and
dark but once we got in our sleeping bags it was warm and comfortable. Skip
woke us up at six and we had breakfast then walked to the waterfalls were a
cub and 2 scouts were invested. when we got back we backed our stuff and
headed home.
Explorer (Helen)
On saturday the 5th all explorers, scouts and cubs camped at Platania we
arrived there by bus round 12pm. The weather wasn't too unpleasent. After
unloading the baggage we were sent to change into warm clothing then
returned for lunch. The explorers were to sleep in bivouacs so we had to go
find a suitable place on the not so steep mountain. Our aim was to stay dry
and warm. Later cubs and scouts came to view the bivouacs and have an idea
of what would be expected of them later on. In the afternoon we went down to
the dinning room and watched a movie with the scouts and cubs. Then half
way through the movie we stoped and got the room ready for dinner. Afterward
we played another movie and distracted the scouts from the special santa's
appearance. The three santa's gave everyone candy and it was one of the
santa's b-day so we had a chocolate cake and surprised him. when the
scouts were sent to bed the explorers had a bbq and soft drinks eventually
round half 11 we were sent to sleep in our bivouacs. It was bitterly cold and
dark but once we got in our sleeping bags it was warm and comfortable. Skip
woke us up at six and we had breakfast then walked to the waterfalls were a
cub and 2 scouts were invested. when we got back we backed our stuff and
headed home.
Explorer (Helen)
Joti Overnight 17th - 18th October
Eight explorers stayed over night at the scout hut communicating online with other scouts
around the world, exchanging Joti and validation cards. During the night it seemed that many
scouts were online doing the same thing. We used different programs such as scoutface,
scoutlink and MIRC. We contacted over 40 countries mostly Europe and as far away as Brazil,
Australia and Nambia. Our aim was to communicate to with as many countries as possible
and also each explorer was interacting with respect to other scouts representing the 53rd
scouts group. The Explorers enjoyed gathering the information about other scouts and using
Google translator to help us communicate with countries like Spain and Russia. We then had
to find the countries that we managed to get in touch with and marked them on a world map
with the information of the scout we contacted. The only problem that we faced in the
beginning was that alot of scouts couldn't give their addresses or personal details so we then
had to send them the cards by e-mail or by using a website ( www.Jotajoti.org ). We were
encouraged by the spirit of other scouts and we are aiming to get more countries next year. All
Explorers are looking forward for this event next year. By 6:00 am our time scouts world-wide
seemed to be exhausted by then. All scouts had the same aim all pushed them selves to
achieve that goal.
Helen ( Explorer )
Eight explorers stayed over night at the scout hut communicating online with other scouts
around the world, exchanging Joti and validation cards. During the night it seemed that many
scouts were online doing the same thing. We used different programs such as scoutface,
scoutlink and MIRC. We contacted over 40 countries mostly Europe and as far away as Brazil,
Australia and Nambia. Our aim was to communicate to with as many countries as possible
and also each explorer was interacting with respect to other scouts representing the 53rd
scouts group. The Explorers enjoyed gathering the information about other scouts and using
Google translator to help us communicate with countries like Spain and Russia. We then had
to find the countries that we managed to get in touch with and marked them on a world map
with the information of the scout we contacted. The only problem that we faced in the
beginning was that alot of scouts couldn't give their addresses or personal details so we then
had to send them the cards by e-mail or by using a website ( www.Jotajoti.org ). We were
encouraged by the spirit of other scouts and we are aiming to get more countries next year. All
Explorers are looking forward for this event next year. By 6:00 am our time scouts world-wide
seemed to be exhausted by then. All scouts had the same aim all pushed them selves to
achieve that goal.
Helen ( Explorer )
Above: Explorer on the
K1.5 Hike 11th October 10.
K1.5 Hike 11th October 10.
Above: The 53rd Explorers
together with other Explorers
in the Limassol District
made a Dragon Boat team
and started training for the
upcoming races during the
Lemesia Events. The
Dragon Boat races will be o
n the 1st November 09.
together with other Explorers
in the Limassol District
made a Dragon Boat team
and started training for the
upcoming races during the
Lemesia Events. The
Dragon Boat races will be o
n the 1st November 09.
District Assistance Leader Training 20th Dec and 10th Jan.
On Sunday the 20th of December, me and Sophie went on an assistant
leader training course at 9:00am. There was about 13 other explorers
from different scout groups and about 6 or 7 leaders teaching us
different things. They taught us a couple of games and some basic
parade, flag break etc rules. Every few minutes the leaders kept
swapping and teaching us something different. They showed us how to
help and handle the scouts as well as how to pass on what we were
taught there in easy ways using games. We also had about half an hour
after lunch to make crafts...aah just like kindergarden..really takes u
back!! Our group made a great Christmas picture with Santa and a
Christmas tree and everything! It was quite interesting, we made new
friends and learned how to be better scouts so it was totally worth taking
part.
Emilio (explorer)
On Sunday the 20th of December, me and Sophie went on an assistant
leader training course at 9:00am. There was about 13 other explorers
from different scout groups and about 6 or 7 leaders teaching us
different things. They taught us a couple of games and some basic
parade, flag break etc rules. Every few minutes the leaders kept
swapping and teaching us something different. They showed us how to
help and handle the scouts as well as how to pass on what we were
taught there in easy ways using games. We also had about half an hour
after lunch to make crafts...aah just like kindergarden..really takes u
back!! Our group made a great Christmas picture with Santa and a
Christmas tree and everything! It was quite interesting, we made new
friends and learned how to be better scouts so it was totally worth taking
part.
Emilio (explorer)
Left: Sophie
and Emilios at
the Assistant
Scout Leaders
training on the
20th Dec.
and Emilios at
the Assistant
Scout Leaders
training on the
20th Dec.
Right: Katy, Anna,
Christian and
Micheal at the
Assistant Cub
Leaders training
on the 10th Jan.
Christian and
Micheal at the
Assistant Cub
Leaders training
on the 10th Jan.
Values Badge
On the Saturday 6th Feb the
Explorers spent the day
completing their survey about
Animal Welfare in the villages
of Vouni and Kilani. The
Explorers spent two weeks
preparing the questionnaire
and after the Activity produced
a booklet of their findings
which was sent to the Animal
Welfare Society.
On the Saturday 6th Feb the
Explorers spent the day
completing their survey about
Animal Welfare in the villages
of Vouni and Kilani. The
Explorers spent two weeks
preparing the questionnaire
and after the Activity produced
a booklet of their findings
which was sent to the Animal
Welfare Society.
Above: Our Explorers at the
27th Sea Scouts for the
Theofania Service on the 6th
Jan 2010.
27th Sea Scouts for the
Theofania Service on the 6th
Jan 2010.
Explorers take part in the Park opening at the 280th Scout Group.
On the 30th of January, the 53rd Explorers attended the opening of the park of the 280th
scout group in Episkopi. Our 7 explorers first sat through a church service given by a
local priest and then we were entertained by a series of sketches and songs done by the
cubs and scouts of the 280th scout group. There were other Explorer groups from
around limassol too, and we met a few new friends who care about the environment as
much as we do. After the opening, the 53rd planted 3 trees in the park. After planting the
trees, we were offered snacks and drinks before we left. We hope that these trees will
grow successfully and make the 53rd proud, so we will visit from time to time to see how
they are getting along.
George (Explorer)
On the 30th of January, the 53rd Explorers attended the opening of the park of the 280th
scout group in Episkopi. Our 7 explorers first sat through a church service given by a
local priest and then we were entertained by a series of sketches and songs done by the
cubs and scouts of the 280th scout group. There were other Explorer groups from
around limassol too, and we met a few new friends who care about the environment as
much as we do. After the opening, the 53rd planted 3 trees in the park. After planting the
trees, we were offered snacks and drinks before we left. We hope that these trees will
grow successfully and make the 53rd proud, so we will visit from time to time to see how
they are getting along.
George (Explorer)
Thalis Challenge Hike 27th - 30th March 2010.
DAY 1
Eight explorer scouts met up at the scout hut at 7:00 to go on the Thalis challenge (4 day
hike). The aim of the hike was to go coast to coast. Once we all arrived at the scout hut we
had a kit check and shared out all the food we would be needing. At about 8:00 we all got
in to the cars and set off to the start. We arrived at the start at about 9 :30 and we set off on
the first day. Once we reached the first check point we got some details about the church
and took some pictures. We had a long break on the second checkpoint and lunch. On
the way to the third check point we stopped at a tap to fill up our water bottles. When
Michael went to fill up his bottle he was surprised to find a lizard climb out of it! We all
found it highly amusing...Michael not so much! It started getting dark and we weren't close
to our final check point so instead of staying at Phyti we stayed at a nearby village call
Samara...it wasn't much of a village more of an abandoned goat farm but nevertheless
we stayed there. We set up camp and had dinner, dinner was Noodles, Tortellini , corn
and tuna...Very odd but tasted fine! We went to bed early at about 8:30.
DAY 2
We all woke up at about 5:30 packed our things had breakfast and set off to Phyti. It was a
long way to Phyti and was ALL up hill...by the time we got to Phyti we were all tired and
we're starting to get sunburned. We were so glad to get the 1st check point so we had a
longish break. It was all down hill so we didn't take as many breaks to make up for the
time. Then came what felt like the longest up hill ever! It got up to about 400 meters height
gain. Once we got to the top of that we had a long break and set off to the final check
point. We got there at about 5:30 set up camp and had dinner (Beans,Sausage,corn and
tortellini) yet another strange meal! We were in bed at 7:30! That night was quite windy but
we all slept much better than the night before.
DAY 3
Woke up at 6:30 packed and set off at around 8:30. On the way we bondu bashed down a
hill, once we got to the bottom i realized i lost my camera so me and Emilios went all the
way back up too look for it...but no luck...We carried on and we got to a river, at the river
Michael said the mud was too deep to cross but Emilios was sure he could run
across...as he attempted his feet sank and his socks and shoes were covered in mud!
Haha! Then came the up hill, once we reached the top of that we had lunch. We got to the
finish at about 4:00. Skip, Steph and Eros came to see us for a while, when they left we
had dinner. We went to bed at about 9:00.Very good nights sleep.
DAY 4
YAY!! THE FINAL DAY!! We woke up at 6:15 and set off to the finish. We stopped and had
lunch at a church, It was quite a long way and by now we were all tired and just wanted to
get home. Finally we could see the sea! Beautiful sight! We hiked through the village and
got closer and closer to the finish, then we saw Steph and Skip so we knew we were
close. We started to pick up the pace...then we finally got to the finish got in the cars and
set off to the scout hut. It was a tiring 4 days but I'm glad i finished it! I hope to do
something like this again, it was great fun!
Katy ( Explorer )
DAY 1
Eight explorer scouts met up at the scout hut at 7:00 to go on the Thalis challenge (4 day
hike). The aim of the hike was to go coast to coast. Once we all arrived at the scout hut we
had a kit check and shared out all the food we would be needing. At about 8:00 we all got
in to the cars and set off to the start. We arrived at the start at about 9 :30 and we set off on
the first day. Once we reached the first check point we got some details about the church
and took some pictures. We had a long break on the second checkpoint and lunch. On
the way to the third check point we stopped at a tap to fill up our water bottles. When
Michael went to fill up his bottle he was surprised to find a lizard climb out of it! We all
found it highly amusing...Michael not so much! It started getting dark and we weren't close
to our final check point so instead of staying at Phyti we stayed at a nearby village call
Samara...it wasn't much of a village more of an abandoned goat farm but nevertheless
we stayed there. We set up camp and had dinner, dinner was Noodles, Tortellini , corn
and tuna...Very odd but tasted fine! We went to bed early at about 8:30.
DAY 2
We all woke up at about 5:30 packed our things had breakfast and set off to Phyti. It was a
long way to Phyti and was ALL up hill...by the time we got to Phyti we were all tired and
we're starting to get sunburned. We were so glad to get the 1st check point so we had a
longish break. It was all down hill so we didn't take as many breaks to make up for the
time. Then came what felt like the longest up hill ever! It got up to about 400 meters height
gain. Once we got to the top of that we had a long break and set off to the final check
point. We got there at about 5:30 set up camp and had dinner (Beans,Sausage,corn and
tortellini) yet another strange meal! We were in bed at 7:30! That night was quite windy but
we all slept much better than the night before.
DAY 3
Woke up at 6:30 packed and set off at around 8:30. On the way we bondu bashed down a
hill, once we got to the bottom i realized i lost my camera so me and Emilios went all the
way back up too look for it...but no luck...We carried on and we got to a river, at the river
Michael said the mud was too deep to cross but Emilios was sure he could run
across...as he attempted his feet sank and his socks and shoes were covered in mud!
Haha! Then came the up hill, once we reached the top of that we had lunch. We got to the
finish at about 4:00. Skip, Steph and Eros came to see us for a while, when they left we
had dinner. We went to bed at about 9:00.Very good nights sleep.
DAY 4
YAY!! THE FINAL DAY!! We woke up at 6:15 and set off to the finish. We stopped and had
lunch at a church, It was quite a long way and by now we were all tired and just wanted to
get home. Finally we could see the sea! Beautiful sight! We hiked through the village and
got closer and closer to the finish, then we saw Steph and Skip so we knew we were
close. We started to pick up the pace...then we finally got to the finish got in the cars and
set off to the scout hut. It was a tiring 4 days but I'm glad i finished it! I hope to do
something like this again, it was great fun!
Katy ( Explorer )
Above: The Explorers at
the Beginning of the Hike.
the Beginning of the Hike.
Above: The Explorers at
the end of the Hike after
four days hiking.
the end of the Hike after
four days hiking.