Although scouts set off for camp on the 28th June there had been significant planning of programme, transport and assembly of equipment well before the minibuses revved up and zoomed off to the Dublin ferry. For that, the teamwork of scouts and leaders cannot be understated and it is the ‘be prepared’ attitude that enables any camp to have the opportunity to be successful.
A party of 25 scouts, forming 5 patrols accompanied by 6 adult leaders arrived at Cox Wood near Wrexham in fine fettle and ready for what the ‘outdoors’ had in store. A campsite with abundant birch and beech wood supplies made the foraging for cooking material relatively comfortable and after setting up tents and kitchen shelters with tables made from pioneering poles the patrols were well set for the camp’s competition.
Throughout the camp the patrols are tested on their scouting skills, food and personal hygiene, care for their kit and the ability not to poison the scout leaders with cremated offerings from the frying pans.
An eventful programme saw the camp travel to Zipworld for several hours underground in the former Welsh slate mines. Clambering up slate walls and then rushing feet first along meters of zip line to the next platform. This was an excellent adrenaline filled afternoon for scouts and leaders alike.
A sunny Monday morning saw another off site trip for our traditional hike during camp. Some testing climbs and heavy breathing by the more mature leaders culminated with a triumphal arrival at the summit of Moel Famau and Mad King George’s jubilee tower. It was a beautiful day and great views across North Wales towards Snowden and east towards Cheshire while we enjoyed our sandwiches and Sukki juices.
Great excitement met the camp arrival at Alton Towers theme park where despite the length of the queues scouts enjoyed many rides and many more sugar filled snacks. This was very much seen as a highlight of the camp trip, but feedback from scouts and leaders alike was that a worthwhile trip and energetic engagement by scouts made this trip to Wales one of the most successful we’ve had and memories and friendships created to last into adulthood.
I am so glad to have a hearty team of dedicated, witty and enthusiastic leaders willing to impart knowledge, skills, discipline and fun to the troop not just at camp, but weekly in the halls and grounds of St Columba’s.
Our reward is returning scouts back to the arms of their parents after camp in one piece save for the odd wasp sting in the tender regions regaling stories of adventure, fun and friendships.
Iain
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