Over the recent Bank Holiday Weekend, 68 guides, scouts, brownies and cubs spent three days together at camp at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre near Boars Hill in Oxfordshire. It was the first time that a camp had been run jointly for Haddenham guides and brownies and for scouts and cubs from the village. A small number of guides and brownies from Stone and Dinton units also joined the group.
Scouting and Guiding leaders ran the camp for the children. The boys and girls enjoyed the opportunity to try abseiling, crate stacking, archery and climbing and had a go on a zip wire. They also tried their hand at firelighting and making wristbands with compasses. Saturday evening included a camp fire in the woods.
The guides and brownies stayed in a modern building whilst the scouts and cubs slept in tents.
The Haddenham Association of Scouts & Guides supported the camp by providing a service crew who catered for a total of 90 people. They served up cooked breakfasts, sandwich lunches and evening meals, including a full roast chicken dinner, as well as healthy snacks between meals.
Richard Kendall, the Chairman of the Association said: "It was great to see the boys and girls sharing time and having fun in the freedom of the outdoors. The camp gave them an opportunity to try new activities and to stretch themselves. By taking risks in a safe environment, they learn and develop confidence."
He continued: "The Association was pleased to facilitate the camp by looking after the catering and freeing up the leaders to spend time with their young people."
The Youlbury camp site is an extensive wooded area located three miles south-west of Oxford. The site is run by Scout Adventures which is part of the Scout Association.
If you'd like to get involved in helping to lead or assist in the running of activities for brownies, cubs, scouts and guides, please get in touch with Richard Kendall. Email: rkendall@btinternet.com
