Beaver Scouts - Could there be a more entertaining, educational experience for boys?

I've been coming over all a bit evangelical about Beaver Scouts recently. I myself used to be a Brownie and Guide, but my hazy memories of making cups of tea and stitching on buttons for the quaintly named 'homemaker' badge don't come close to the fun stuff that kids seem to be doing these days. If my son's Beaver Scout Colony is anything to go by, the scouting association is offering kids the best value, most educational entertainment currently out there.

I know some people are mildly suspicious about 'uniformed organisations' and find the whole 'dib dib dib'-round-the-campfire concept a bit strange, but things have changed in recent years, and I reckon you'd be hard pushed to find another activity with so much going for it. Oh, and did you know girls can join Beavers and Cubs too these days? Highlights thus far for our little one have been a sleepover in a tee pee (with campfire breakfast and midnight feast, of course), a trip on a replica 1400s boat and a night hike. Each week, there's lots of running around outdoors, learning stuff about the world and working towards badges which not only teach kids invaluable life skills but which give them a real sense of achievement and boost their confidence. What's not to love? Add in the fact that your child gets to do all that stuff (knot tying, bonfire building, rocket making etc, etc) that you either don't know how to do or can't be bothered to do, and it's a win-win all round. 

As if that wasn't enough to get you firing off your details to the local colony right now, I've just happened upon some interesting research - according to the Institute for Public Policy Research, young people who join up to clubs such as beavers, cubs and scouts do better in later life. Former Scouts and Guides are 3% less likely to be depressed and 5% less likely to be single, separated or divorced by the age of 30. They are also more likely to own a home, achieve good qualifications and be earning a decent income!

This term, our son will become a pen pal with a Beaver in Oz, take part in Remembrance Day and visit the local police station - how's that for ticking all the boxes?! 

 Bear Grylls - Chief Scout

Viva Espana!

I think we may have found the perfect holiday destination this summer. We recently returned form ten days in a beautiful corner of Spain's Costa Brava. If you have any preconceptions about the Spanish costas, the lovely town of Calella de Palafrugell will turn those upside down. This pretty former fishing town is quintessential Spain without any of the tackiness that has blighted other parts of the coast - think colourful fishing boats lined along the shore, rustic tapas bars overlooking sunny plazas, and whitewashed villas strung with fragrant bougainvillea. 

It's busy in the height of August and you need to get to the beach early to reserve your plot of sand, but this part of the coast is characterised by lots of little coves, so if one beach is too crowded, you can try your luck a little further around the headland. We loved the central Calella beaches, which offer clear, safe water for little ones to swim in and easy access to cafes and other facilities. But if you like your beaches completely undeveloped, with nothing but turquoise waters to distract you, there are some stunning, hidden coves to explore. 

A big plus for families are the beachside restaurants - you can eat pretty much directly on the beach, meaning while you nibble on some olives and savour a crisp rose, the kids can play on the beach well within view. The beaches are full of other children doing exactly the same, well into the evening. This is a very family-orientated resort, and a favourite with Spanish second-homers and tourists, so entertainment is very much geared towards visitors with children in tow - think gentle 'passegiatas' along the beach, followed by a browse round the shops and a quick stop at the ice-cream shop.

Aside from the beach there are some interesting villages to explore - Pals and Peretallada are particularly beautiful medieval villages, the perfect places to while away a lazy afternoon and enjoy a sundowner or two.

We'll certainly be returning one day, hopefully. But as the wind whips around outside here in rainy Bristol, those sunny days suddenly seem a happy, but distant memory...