3rd Chalkwell Bay Sea Scouts

Sunday Duty Patrol
2025-03-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-04-27 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-18 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-15 10:30 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
We all have a responsibility to keep The Den clean & tidy, and to ensure that the boats are bailed regularly, particularly during the winter months. On the third Sunday of each month the Scouts and Explorers take it in turns (by Patrol / Division) to be the Sunday Duty Patrol and keep our HQ and equipment running properly. Please make a note of the day your patrol is on duty – it is only once a year and makes a big difference in keeping our HQ running well.

Sunday Duty Patrol starts at 10:30 and lasts for about 1½ hours. Where there is a Church Parade on the same day, duty patrol will start on completion.

Wear old clothes that you can clean in. Please let your PL/DL and section leader know if you can’t attend.

2025 Rota

MonthDatePatrolsDuty OfficerJanuary26*Penguins and Dolphins (*week later than usual)RenownFebruary16Seagulls and SharksSolebayMarch16Explorer UnitEndeavourApril27*Gannets and Otters (*week later than usual)RenownMay18Curlews and StingraysSolebayJune15DauntlessDauntlessJuly20Seals and TurtlesRenownAugust–No Duty Patrol–September21Merlins and PiranhasSolebayOctober19Explorer UnitExplorersNovember16Puffins and BeaversRenownDecember14*Stormy Petts and Whales (*week earlier than usual)Solebay

Church Parade
2025-03-16 10:30 - 12:15 | The Fishermen’s Chapel, New Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EA, United Kingdom
Parade Service to New Road Fishermen’s Chapel in Old Leigh.

Meet at The Den at 10:30 in full uniform.

We parade through the Old Town with colours flying to the chapel, returning to The Den on completion. We are normally finished by 12:15. Family and friends are welcome to join us in the chapel for the service. All sections are welcome to attend, and it counts towards several challenge & activity badges.

Derbyshire
2025-04-05 08:30 - 2025-04-12 16:00 | Castleton, Castleton, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Our annual Easter Walking and Activity Week to Castleton in the Derbyshire Peak District will take place during the Easter holidays from 5 – 12 April, open to all Scouts in Renown and Solebay Troops.

We have a varied programme including hill walking, swimming and other activities such as cycling and low-level climbing, as well as the opportunity to head into the local village and activities & games in the centre. We have exclusive use of the Rotary Centre in Castleton, with several buildings including a purpose-build dormitory block with bunk bed accommodation in rooms of four and central heating.

Walking groups are based on age and experience, and are led by an experienced leader or instructor. For the older Scouts there will be the opportunity (weather permitting) to complete a two-day expedition challenge, as part of the Chief Scout’s Award, an experience that will leave some great memories.

Cost and How to Book

The week cost is £260, which includes all transport, activities, accommodation, and food and represents excellent value for money for a full week away. Numbers are limited to 36 Sea Scouts and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Book your child’s place now at 3rdCB.org.uk/derbyshireBefore booking, please check that your Scout wants to go and is available.

A £50 non-refundable deposit is required on booking, with the balance by 4 March. Invoices for the balance payment (if not paid in full when booking) will be sent out nearer the time through the Parent Portal.

Equipment

Walking boots (not DM’s) and decent waterproofs are essential for this trip, and the Group has a number of good quality waterproofs and rucksacks that can be hired. There is a small hire charge of £5 per item to cover wear & tear and to help cover the cost of cleaning and replacing them. These borrowed items will be collected at the end of the week before we return home.

Pre-Trip Meeting

We hold a pre-trip meeting for parents and those going on the trip at The Den on Tuesday 4th March at 7.30pm. This will explain a bit more detail about clothing and kit requirements, as well as the chance to discuss rooms. All those attending the trip should attend. Group equipment will be available to hire on this evening.

Open Sailing
2025-04-26 09:30 - 14:00, 2025-04-27 10:30 - 14:30, 2025-05-18 13:45 - 19:00, 2025-08-24 11:45 - 16:30 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
Open boating session at The Den for all Sea Scouts and Explorers.

Sessions for any Scout or Explorer to go on the water sailing or on our other boats. Sessions are always supervised by a suitable leader, and no experience is necessary. There is no charge for participating in open boating, just ensure you are down in time for the start time above.

You will need to bring suitable clothing to go afloat which you don’t mind getting wet (and you will get wet!). Footwear is required on the water – wet boots or old trainers are ideal, flips flops and wellies are not appropriate. Buoyancy aids are mandatory for all activities on the water, and will be supplied. You may also want to bring a packed lunch and drink, or money for chips.

All water activities are dependant on weather and suitable leader cover, so may be cancelled at short notice – check the Members Facebook Group for last minute changes.

Band Night
2025-05-10 18:30 - 23:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
One of the hottest social events of the summer: the 3rdCB Band Night, back for its 4th year.

Watch the sun go down with friends and family, and dance the night away to some great entertainment, including the awesome Kryptonics and Bigger Yellow Suitcase live on stage.

We’ll have the famous Ten Green Bottles Cocktail Bar there to keep you hydrated, and Porta Via Pizza cooking up fresh pizzas, or feel free to bring your own drinks & nibbles.

All proceeds go towards supporting Scouting and activities for young people at 3rd Chalkwell Bay.

Children and young people are welcome and encouraged to attend, but under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Adults are very welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks, but please remember that under 18s are not permitted to consume alcohol on Scout premises. The Den is a no smoking site.

Renewal of Promise - CANCELLED
2025-05-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Strand Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
This year’s Renewal of Promise parade has been postponed to a later date, as Strand Wharf has been double booked by Leigh Town Council with the Shanty Festival. Details of the rescheduled event will be published when we have confirmed them. Sorry for the late notice, we only found out on Wednesday evening.

Sunday Duty Patrol for Curlews and Stingrays is still on (1030-1200), and there is Open Boating for Scouts/Explorers from 13:45.

Renewing our Scouting promises to Do Our Best for the upcoming year, and commemorating those Scouters that are not longer with us. This year we will be holding the service on Strand Wharf, in the heart of Old Leigh.

Meet in the small car park on New Road, opposite the Fishermen’s Chapel (by the bridge into Old Leigh) at 10:30 in full uniform, then march to Strand Wharf where we will gather to renew our promises together as a Group, then march back to The Den to finish at around 12:00.

All Beavers, Cubs, Sea Scouts & Explorers are expected to attend, in full uniform – this is one of the few events we ask all members to be there for. Parents & friends are very welcome to watch the parade and service.

All are welcome to join us at The Den afterwards for tea & cake.

Open Sailing
2025-05-26 09:30 - 15:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
Open boating session at The Den for all Sea Scouts and Explorers.

Sessions for any Scout or Explorer to go on the water sailing or on our other boats. Sessions are always supervised by a suitable leader, and no experience is necessary. There is no charge for participating in open boating, just ensure you are down in time for the start time above.

You will need to bring suitable clothing to go afloat which you don’t mind getting wet (and you will get wet!). Footwear is required on the water – wet boots or old trainers are ideal, flips flops and wellies are not appropriate. Buoyancy aids are mandatory for all activities on the water, and will be supplied. You may also want to bring a packed lunch and drink, or money for chips.

All water activities are dependant on weather and suitable leader cover, so may be cancelled at short notice – check the Members Facebook Group for last minute changes.

HW: 12:34 – 5.7m

Solebay PL & APL Training Camp
2025-06-06 18:00 - 2025-06-08 15:00 | Thriftwood Scout Campsite, Orchard Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 2DP, United Kingdom
In the run-up to summer camp, this training weekend will give PLs and APLs the skills they need to look after their patrol at Summer Camp (even if you’re not going to summer camp, it will be a fun weekend away with friends, learning new skills). We’ll be refreshing on how to pitch the tents, light fires and cook meals. As well as training we’ll be making use of the on-site activities, and of course some games.

RYA Sailing Stage 1&2 Course
2025-06-07 07:30 - 15:30, 2025-06-08 08:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-14 11:00 - 18:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
Start sailing

Beginners will do Stage 1 – an introduction to the parts of the boat and the basic principles of how to get a boat sailing. This course will teach you launching and recovery, sailing across the wind, turning around, steering and basic parts of the boat. By the end of you course you’ll be able to sail across the wind, steer and understand the basic principles of sailing.

Those with a little experience who already know the basics will do Stage 2, and develop the skills needed to sail around a course and understand the basic principles needed to become a confident sailor. This course will teach you improved sailing skills on all points of sail, along with tacking, gybing, ropework and collision avoidance.

No previous experience is necessary for Stage 1.

Duration: 1 day

Who: Sea Scouts and Explorer Sea Scouts.

What to bring: You will need to bring suitable clothing to go afloat and get wet in. This means swimming gear, a wetsuit if you have one (don’t worry if not, we have some you can borrow), a complete change of clothes, and a towel! You will also need some old trainers / plimsolls / boat shoes for your feet. Jeans, wellies, flip-flops and bare-feet are not appropriate.

We will provide you with a buoyancy aid.

You will also need a packed lunch or money for chips! It is worth having a few snacks with you in-case we have a late lunch.

Weather warning: All courses are dependant on weather and the availability of our volunteer instructors, and therefore may be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. If we do have to cancel a course we will email you and it will be published on the 3rdCB Members Facebook group, so please check prior to travelling to The Den if the weather is not looking good.

Open Sailing
2025-06-22 07:30 - 12:30 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
Open boating session at The Den for all Sea Scouts and Explorers.

Sessions for any Scout or Explorer to go on the water sailing or on our other boats. Sessions are always supervised by a suitable leader, and no experience is necessary. There is no charge for participating in open boating, just ensure you are down in time for the start time above.

You will need to bring suitable clothing to go afloat which you don’t mind getting wet (and you will get wet!). Footwear is required on the water – wet boots or old trainers are ideal, flips flops and wellies are not appropriate. Buoyancy aids are mandatory for all activities on the water, and will be supplied. You may also want to bring a packed lunch and drink, or money for chips.

All water activities are dependant on weather and suitable leader cover, so may be cancelled at short notice – check the Members Facebook Group for last minute changes.

HW: 10:17 – 5.2m

Open Sailing
2025-06-28 12:15 - 18:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
Open boating session at The Den for all Sea Scouts and Explorers.

Sessions for any Scout or Explorer to go on the water sailing or on our other boats. Sessions are always supervised by a suitable leader, and no experience is necessary. There is no charge for participating in open boating, just ensure you are down in time for the start time above.

You will need to bring suitable clothing to go afloat which you don’t mind getting wet (and you will get wet!). Footwear is required on the water – wet boots or old trainers are ideal, flips flops and wellies are not appropriate. Buoyancy aids are mandatory for all activities on the water, and will be supplied. You may also want to bring a packed lunch and drink, or money for chips.

All water activities are dependant on weather and suitable leader cover, so may be cancelled at short notice – check the Members Facebook Group for last minute changes.

HW: 15:27 – 5.6m

Open Day
2025-06-28 13:00 - 18:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
After having to review our Group Open Day on Saturday we have unfortunately had to cancel the event. We hope to run it again in the future when adult support is more forthcoming. Instead the day will now be open boating for Scouts and Explorers.

Our annual Open Day at The Den. All youth members, along with their families and friends are invited to get together at The Den, get out on the water and try your hand in sailing, see our fantastic facilities, and have a BBQ in the sun.

You’ll also have the opportunity to socialise and meet the leaders and other parents, and even take a dip in the creek to cool off if you wish.

Don’t forget your swimming gear if you want to go on the water or even take a dip in the creek to cool off.

Ray Day
2025-07-05 08:00 - 20:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
A fun full day on the water for Scouts and Explorers. For those that haven’t done one before, we sail out from The Den on the ebbing tide, moor up in the Ray channel off Westcliff, wait for the tide to go out, play on the sand bank, sail, swim, eat, then come home as the tide floods.

Some sailing experience is needed, but we do have some space for novices too.

You will need plenty of water / drinks, and food for lunch/snacks. Sun cream and a hat are a must.

It’s a long day, but great fun. A good chance to practice sailing and build confidence. For the more experienced sailors we’ll bring some spinnakers and a trapeze harness to play with.

Meet at The Den 8am, we need to be on the water and left by 9 so don’t be late. Back around 7.30.

As with all water activities, this is weather dependent.

Saturday Duty Patrol
2025-07-19 11:00 - 13:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
Please note July’s Duty Patrol (Seals and Turtles) has moved to Saturday 19 July to align with summer camp preps, and will start slightly later at 11:00.

We all have a responsibility to keep The Den clean & tidy, and to ensure that the boats are bailed regularly, particularly during the winter months. On the third Sunday of each month the Scouts and Explorers take it in turns (by Patrol / Division) to be the Sunday Duty Patrol and keep our HQ and equipment running properly. Please make a note of the day your patrol is on duty – it is only once a year and makes a big difference in keeping our HQ running well.

Saturday Sunday Duty Patrol starts at 11:00 10:30 and lasts for about 1½ hours.

Wear old clothes that you can clean in. Please let your PL/DL and section leader know if you can’t attend.

2025 Rota

MonthDatePatrolsDuty OfficerJanuary26*Penguins and Dolphins (*week later than usual)RenownFebruary16Seagulls and SharksSolebayMarch16Explorer UnitEndeavourApril27*Gannets and Otters (*week later than usual)RenownMay18Curlews and StingraysSolebayJune15DauntlessDauntlessJuly19 20Seals and TurtlesRenownAugust–No Duty Patrol–September21Merlins and PiranhasSolebayOctober19Explorer UnitExplorersNovember16Puffins and BeaversRenownDecember14*Stormy Petts and Whales (*week earlier than usual)Solebay

Camp Preps
2025-07-19 11:00 - 13:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
Preparing Summer Camp equipment ahead of our departure the following week, including getting kit out of the loft and checking patrol boxes.

Explorers and Sea Scout Patrol Leaders from both troops are requested to come down to assist the leaders.

Camp Kit Loading
2025-07-24 18:00 - 20:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
All leaders, Explorers and Sea Scout Patrol Leaders are requested to help load the camp equipment from the stores onto the lorries on the Thursday evening (24th July) at 6pm at the Den (parents will be most welcome as well). You should be done by about 7.30pm.

Summer Camp
2025-07-26 00:00 - 2025-08-02 23:59 | Essex
Save the date for our Group Summer Camp 2025, the highlight of our Scouting year, with all sections camping together in Suffolk.

Full details and invites to sign up will be sent out at the start of the summer term.

Beavers: Sat 26 – Mon 28 Jul

Cubs: Sat 26 – Thu 31 Jul

Sea Scouts / Explorers: Sat 26 Jul – Sat 2 Aug (Advance Party for PLs Fri 25 Jul)

EYC Cadet Week
2025-08-06 00:00 - 2025-08-10 23:59 | Essex Yacht Club, HQS Wilton, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1BD, United Kingdom
3rdCB are invited to enter Scouts/Explorers who aren’t already members of Essex Yacht Club to the Club’s annual Cadet Week – a week of racing, fun & games, and social activities based at EYC’s HQ “Wilton”, and may borrow sailing dinghies from The Den to enter (single or double handed). It’s a really fun week both on and off the water, and the sailing experience of Scouts who’ve entered previously has increased immeasurably.

Please note that this is not a Scouting activity, one parent is required to be present at the Yacht Club during the day to help out with the event and be responsible for their child. Prior sailing experience is required for the use of 3rdCB boats: to the standard of RYA Stage 2 – the ability to rig, launch & sail unsupervised is the minimum expectation, but please talk to the the sailing instructors about it beforehand if in doubt. We’re not able to provide tuition during the week.

3rdCB will be assisting with safety boat cover.

A separate cadet week registration form will be sent to be completed for EYC to confirm attendance once we’ve allocated a boat.

Ray Day
2025-08-16 06:00 - 18:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
A fun full day on the water for Scouts and Explorers. For those that haven’t done one before, we sail out from The Den on the ebbing tide, moor up in the Ray channel off Westcliff, wait for the tide to go out, play on the sand bank, sail, swim, eat, then come home as the tide floods.

Some sailing experience is needed, but we do have some space for novices too.

You will need plenty of water / drinks, and food for lunch/snacks. Sun cream and a hat are a must.

It’s a long day, but great fun. A good chance to practice sailing and build confidence. For the more experienced sailors we’ll bring some spinnakers and a trapeze harness to play with.

For those that need to complete the practical parts of RYA courses from earlier in the year (cancelled due to wind) there will also be the opportunity to do this with the instructors..

Meet at The Den 6am, we need to be on the water and left by 7 so don’t be late. Back around 5.30.

As with all water activities, this is very weather dependent (there is no shelter on The Ray, and no chance to come in early).

Ephemerals:

HW: 0603A – 5.3mLW: 1156A – 1.1mHW: 1810 – 5.4m

Duck Race
2025-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
We’ll be helping the Leigh Lions Club with their annual Duck Race along Leigh Creek. Hundreds of rubber ducks will be racing along the creek from Bell Wharf to Osbornes’ Cafe, raising money for charity – you can buy a duck, and if your duck wins you win a prize!

The Scouts and Explorers will be helping them along the way from the creek. Please arrive at The Den at 1300 with swimming gear, a towel and suit footwear to go on the mud.

Parents – you can buy a duck from the Lions stands in the Old Town.

Yantlet Expedition
2025-08-21 09:30 - 2025-08-22 14:00 | Yantlet Beach, Allhallows, Kent, United Kingdom
Explorers and Sea Scout PLs overnight sailing expedition to Yantlet Beach in Kent, wild camping out on the beach.

Meet on the morning of Thursday 21st August to pack gear and load boats before taking the midday tide over to a secluded beach at the entrance to Yantlet Creek.

After the sail over, we’ll set up camp, play games on the beach, walk into the village of Allhallows, then cook dinner over an open fire before sleeping under the stars in bivvies.

On Friday, we’ll cook breakfast, pack up camp, then sail back to Leigh, arriving just after lunchtime.

As with all activities afloat, this activity is very dependant on favourable weather – if the forecast is poor (ie high wind and/or rain) we will cancel and look to rearrange another time.

Ephemerals

Thu: HW 1200A 5.2mFri: HW 1252A 5.5m

RYA Sailing Stage 3 Course
2025-08-24 10:30 - 2025-08-25 17:00 | The Den, Victoria Wharf, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN, United Kingdom
Better sailing

Rigging, launching and sailing in any direction.

This course will teach you improved rigging, sailing theory, launching and recovery. Building confidence in a range of sailing techniques on all points of sail and capsize recovery

By the end of you course you’ll be able to launch and sail a dinghy on all points of sail or around a triangle in moderate conditions.

Duration: 2 days (attendance is required on both days to complete the course)

Who: Sea Scouts and Explorer Sea Scouts.

Pre-requisites: RYA Sailing Stage 2 (unless agreed in advance with the instructor team), and at least 6 hours of practice logged over 3-4 sessions (either at The Den or your own sailing club), recorded in your log book.

Timings: Saturday 1030-1630. Sunday 1100-1700.
