26 Beavers from all over South Tyneside came to West Hall Campsite for a grand day out and got to meet some new furry friends along the way.

This was no average Beaver Fun Day for these young people, a whole host of badges were on offer for them to complete including the friendship challenge badge and the event had a theme based all around the culture of China. The lucky Beavers got to have a go at writing their names in Chinese, face painting, building and decorating Chinese lanterns and even making a huge carnival dragon as a big group project.

Also during the day the 26 exited young people were visited by a number of different organisations including the fire brigade who held a chip pan fire demonstration, 2 Police Community Support Officers who told the children all about how to be safe. And not one but two visits from some very special animals with some very special jobs. Northumbria Police Dog Handlers brought a sniffer dog puppy and a general purpose dog poppy to meet the Beavers and they even got to stroke the beautiful animals. Natasha, Phoebe and Holly from 22nd South Shields said, “The dogs were really friendly!”

The last surprise for the day was a visit from Ethne Brown who trains Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Beavers presented a cheque for 200 pounds they had fundraised through coffee evenings and other means to go towards the training of future Guide Dogs. As well as getting a talk about how they do their jobs. After a non stop day of fun and new discoveries it was finally time for the sleepy Beaversto go home.

And finally we would like to thank the Fire Service, Northumbria Police and the Guide Dog Association for all their help making the event such a success!