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Sun shines on Scouting's winter adventure
09/01/2012
Nearly 3,000 Scouts and 850 adult volunteers made the most of the unusually mild weekend as they climbed, off-roaded and even ice skated at Gilwell Park’s Wintercamp.
Now in its 24th successful year, the camp attracted scouts and explorers from across the UK and as far as Belgium for a mix of winter camping and over 30 adventurous activities. The young people who are invited to be as independent as possible during the weekend could choose themselves which activities to take part in. On offer for the first time was horse riding and even a 4x4 off-road adventure.
Friendly atmosphere
For many, the friendly atmosphere was as much as an attraction as the ambitious programme. ‘It’s really good the way you can do loads of activities,’ said Sam, 11, of 1st Prestwood Scouts. ‘I like learning how to do different things. I’ve been to a survival camp before, but nothing as big as this. I was a bit nervous to begin with, but everyone has been really friendly and I’ve already made new friends.’
‘It’s great this year,’ says Cerys, 13, from Carmarthenshire. ‘We’ve met loads of people already. It was very cold camping last night and some of the scouts were quite noisy – talking into the night. I think they were just excited!’
Popular with leaders
The format was popular with leaders too, who were able to let the experienced on site team lead the activities. ‘I love Wintercamp,’ Cat Allen, volunteer with 127th St Anne’s, Bristol. ‘Last year it was like Glastonbury, but this year the weather is much better. The kids love everything about it, but particularly the 4x4 experience and the clay pigeon shooting. Really it’s about the activities they can’t normally do. For leaders it’s great too – getting to see new activities we can then try at home and meeting up with Scouting friends.’
‘It’s unusually warm for Wintercamp, agrees Alan, a cub scout leader, ‘which makes a nice change! The scouts haven’t gone back to their tents yet which is a good sign. For many it’s the first time they have tried lots of activities and it’s great to hear their feedback afterwards. My daughter is here and she told me she thought the whole thing was amazing: like one big party.’
The volunteer team
Event organiser Nick Iles was pleased too: ‘It’s great when I overhear a conversation between two young people that runs along the lines of ‘Wow, I never thought I could do that!’ However he puts much of the success down to his dedicated team: ‘One thing’s for certain: this event doesn’t happen without volunteers.’
Whether T-shirt weather will be repeated again next year is yet to be seen, but one thing’s for sure – the year has got off to a flying start.
If you’d like to take part in the adventure of Scouting, either as a young person or as an adult volunteer please visit scouts.org.uk/join.
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