On the third weekend in June, all the sections from 1st Bradley Stoke Scouts took part in their largest ever Group camp at Woodhouse Park National Activity Centre near Almondsbury. Over 150 young people from Beavers (aged 6 – 8), Cubs (8 – 10.5) and Scouts (10.5 to 14) took part, supported by over thirty young leaders and adult volunteers. They crate-stacked, abseiled, completed the adventure course (an excuse to get really muddy and wet!), made bracelets out of para cord and fidget spinners with real coins, flew down a water slide and took part in archery and air rifle shooting. But mostly, they had fun and challenged themselves.
There was excellent adult support in raising tents the night before the camp, especially from parents who came out in large numbers and, in many cases, raised their first tent! Overall we pitched over sixty tents from Beaver pop ups to eight man tunnels for Scouts and marquees to cook and eat in.
Everyone arrived excited on the Friday evening and very quickly were playing across age groups, exploring the camp and – most importantly – the woods! Organised games followed to burn energy and give them an opportunity to learn the names of the different leaders. Hot chocolate followed before they went into their tents and lights out.
Leaders were still finalising the following day’s activities and went to sleep in the early hours but were promptly woken around 3.30am by the sounds of football and excited chatter. Sleep is a privilege on camp! After breakfast, they started a day of activities with leaders either shepherding or leading their events. With temperatures rising into the high 30s, sun cream, sun hats and regular hydration were essential for everyone. The day finished with a traditional campfire circle with Scout leader Matt leading songs punctuated with a number of investitures of young people.
After a day of activities and little sleep the night before, the camp slept a bit later into Sunday morning. A team building exercise was arranged with a dozen mixed teams of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts working together in a range of activities including crossing lava filled rivers, tug-of-war, welly wanging, bowling and transporting water between two points using a leaky pipe! After lunch, a photo of everyone present was taken and then flag down.
Parents again helped to drop the tents, pack away and ensure that the camp site was the same as when we started.
Inspired? The Group is always looking for more leaders to support and challenge our young people. For more information, take a look at the Group’s website at bradley-stoke-scouts.org.uk/join/
