May 2026 Newsletter

As the days get longer and the weather finally starts to improve, there’s a real sense that the summer season is getting underway. It’s been another incredibly busy month across the Group, with everything from hillwalking adventures in the Peak District and Cubs & Beavers taking to the water, to DofE expeditions, fundraising successes, and community celebrations. We’re also looking ahead to an exciting few months, with summer camps fast approaching, more boating sessions on the horizon, and a packed programme of sailing, camping and outdoor adventure still to come.

Finally, a quick reminder: the leaders who make all of these adventures possible are all volunteers, the majority have full times jobs and families; please don’t be offended if you don’t get an immediate reply to an email or text, and if possible come and see us after a section meeting with any questions or issues – a face-to-face chat is often much quicker & easier.

Here’s everything you need to know this month:

• Summer Camps
• Open Boating Session – Sun 17 May
• EYC Cadet Week
• Aimée’s Marathon Fundraiser
• 3rdCB Leader awarded Leigh-on-Sea Volunteer of the Year
• Summer Band Night
• Activities Roundup

Summer Camps

Invites to sign up for our Summer Camps have now all been sent out through the parent portal, for the last week in July.

It’s always the highlight of the Scouting year – focussed on back-to-basics camping, living under canvas, cooking over open fires, learning new skills, working together as teams, with exciting activities and games every day.

The Beavers, Cubs and Sea Scouts are off to Haughley Park in Suffolk, and old favourite, whilst the Explorers are heading further afield to Cornwall, with their own private beach just at the end of the path.

If you want to know more, speak to your child’s leaders, or take a look at last year’s camp video: https://youtu.be/pg0JP1YwrOY.

Lorry Drivers Needed

We are on the look at for some more volunteer drivers to help us get kit to and from camp in hired lorries.

We a great team of helpers, but many hands make light work and if anyone one else is keen to join the support team please drop Jack a line at JVeitch@3rdcb.org.uk and he will add you to the whatsapp group.

Our greatest need is for those with C1 driving licenses to drive the lorries of kit to and from camp in Suffolk. Drivers are needed the Thursday afternoon and Friday at the start of camp (23/24 July) and the Friday/Saturday at the end of the week.

Open Boating Session

Sun 17 May – 1045-1700

The next open boating session for Sea Scouts and Explorers is Sunday 17 May, starting at 1045.

These are sessions for Sea Scouts or Explorers to get on the water sailing using our fleet of sailing dinghies. Sessions are always supervised by a suitably qualified leader, and no experience is necessary.

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, flip 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. These sessions are publicised on the Members Facebook Group and Group Website.

Essex YC Cadet Week

24-28 August

Scouts & Explorers have been invited back to join Essex Yacht Club’s annual Cadet Week at the end of August – a week of racing, fun & games, and social activities based at EYC’s HQ Wilton.

Scouts/Explorers with suitable sailing experience may borrow sailing dinghies from The Den and have guest membership for the week to enter (to the standard of RYA Stage 3 – the ability to rig, launch and sail a course unaided; talk to Chris if in doubt). 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.

Find out more here, or talk to Chris.

Aimée’s Marathon Fundraiser

A big congratulations to the wonderful Aimée Pryor, one of the Solebay Scouts leader team, who recently ran her first marathon. She completed the 26-mile Zig Zag Marathon at Haughley Park in April, finishing in 5 hrs 58 mins.

All the while she was raising funds for 3rdCB, achieving over £1,600 in donations for the Group which will help support our Scouting activities.

Thank you to everyone who supported Aimée or donated. It was a real challenge and we’re all so proud of her.

Marcus recognised as Leigh’s Volunteer of the Year

One of our team has been recognised by Leigh on Sea Town Council for his contribution to the community.

Marcus Dean, who is the Group’s Events Manager, and leads the Old Leigh Regatta Team for the two Sea Scout groups in Old Leigh, has been recognised for his dedication and hard work in bringing this fantastic community event back to life.

We’re so proud to see him awarded the Donald Fraser Volunteer of the Year Award by Leigh on Sea Town Council – a truly well-deserved honour.

His commitment is a brilliant reminder of just how vital volunteers are to our community. It’s people like Marcus who give their time, energy, and passion to create opportunities, bring people together, and keep local traditions thriving.

Well done, Marcus – a fantastic achievement!

Summer Band Night

Last Saturday The Den was transformed into a live music arena for our Summer Band Night, and what a fantastic night it was!

We danced the night away to All Roads as the sun set over Old Leigh, with amazing cocktails from V-Dub Tavern and delicious pizza from Piperoni Pizza. There were plenty of hoarse voices the following morning from all the singing!

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported us – we loved every minute of it, and importantly raised over £1,000 to support 3rdCB activities for young people!

Next stop Old Leigh Regatta on 12-13 September for music, fun and entertainment on a whole other scale.

April Activities Roundup