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Saturday 20th August 2011
We set off on the Friday in Bessie (the minibus), on a dry and fine day, heading north, so expecting the weather to worsen as the day progressed, but we were greatly mistaken as the sun remained high in the sky.
We arrived at 1700 to commence the joint part of the camp over the weekend with 5th Barnsley scout group. On opening the camp and everyone introducing themselves we got straight into putting up tents and getting ourselves sorted. All the youngsters and leaders worked very hard and it was with some relief when the kettle boiled and supper was ready. After all the travelling, fresh air, and hard work,” lights out” happened about 2230 although some still had the energy to talk amongst themselves till 0300. (Where do they get their endurance from?)
Saturday saw us doing a variety of activities, to enable the youngsters to complete a couple of badges. In the evening we had a campfire, led by Stuart, with his very able assistant Steve. Unfortunately 5th Barnsley did not know a lot of the songs but were very enthusiastic trying to keep up with the words and the actions, and then gave us a couple of their own songs, which all joined in with. After the campfire it was time for supper and when i jokingly suggested lights out at 2200, instead of being moaned and groaned at, all the youngsters went to their tents and within 45 minutes not a sound could be heard above all the zzzzzzzzzs coming from the direction of their tents. Mind you, it wasn’t long after the same could be said for the leader’s area as well.
Sunday was a cook your own food day, with some interesting results……and then we said goodbye to the 5th Barnsley scouts at about 1300. At 1500 Jo and Keith (5th Barnsley leaders invited us to go to their rifle range for some shooting. After eating, again the youngsters retired at about 2200. (I think by this time they thought they were missing their beauty sleep and it showed with some of their hairstyles and dark rings under their eyes)
Monday was a full day at a local working coal mine that had kept parts of the mine as it had been mined for the last 150 years. All leaders and the majority of the youngsters were very interested in the history of mining, what with the pit ponies and lads and lasses of their own age working at the pit in times gone by.
Tuesday was a day on site with several activities, including map reading, kite making, and pioneering, to name a few.
Wednesday was a trip to the zoo, where many others and i saw one of the biggest (fattest) pigs ever, along with a very good adventure playground.
Thursday was another hard day as we had to pack away and return to Milton Keynes but we all helped each other and we were soon on our way.
I really was impressed with this camp as all the youngsters worked hard and integrated well, not only as a group but in various teams of 2, 3, and 4s. So well in fact that it has been put forward to do a week’s camp every year. So my thanks go to all the leaders and all the cubs and scouts who made this camp so successful.
Wayne
(GSL) |
