The inaugural Heyford Park Scout Troop camp was held at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre between Friday 2nd March and Sunday 4th March. But we must be mad camping at this time of year many had said. It’ll rain they said, its cold they said, it’ll be muddy, and some even said it’ll rain! And did it rain? Oh yes! And as we told the scouts “If you can camp at this time of the year, you can camp anytime!”
It was almost back to basics for us as we took very little kit (we’re real scouts see) and it was with a sense of the pioneering spirit that we set off to Youlbury to start our camp. Despite the gloom of the night setting in and the beginning of the night’s rain we all arrived at Youlbury safe and sound and cracked on with setting up camp. Well, that is to say, scouts and leaders occupied the mess tend and yours truly braved the elements (and the distinct absence of pegs – Quartermaster?!) to put up the scout’s tents.
Despite the very cold and very wet night morale was high and we soon had breakfast up and running. Much complaining from one leader as her brew water had been used for washing up water. But I got mine so it was ok. Climbing was first up for the day. Adam, our instructor, was great with the kids and we all managed to have a go at climbing the Youlbury tower. We even managed a go at the small wall at the end as the big one wasn’t enough of a challenge.
Back to camp and we launched our selves into a lesson on fire lighting. Having stripped the landscape of kindling wood all scouts had a go at building the good old pyramid fire. Impressive results. What was more impressive was that the only one that managed to start a fire was the youngest. Well done!
A quick bite to eat and we were off to the rifle range for some target practice. Everyone did really well and we had our fair share of holes to the back of the range to prove it. The favourite activity of the weekend followed i.e. Providore for a quick refuel on sweets, sugar and toys before back to camp to commence evening meal. And that is all that will be said about evening meal suffice to say that “economy” mince is very, very bad. But the local supermarket was close at hand for replacements though….!
Saturday night concluded with a camp fire. Well, there was a camp fire with scouts sleeping around it and I maintain that this still constitutes a campfire even though nobody was singing because they were asleep. Even me. It’s the thought that counts!
It was a great first camp and we even managed to make a good dint into the scouts’ first load of badges: Night’s Away Badge, Campers Badge etc. Unfortunately as none of the scouts are actually invested the badges will have to wait a few weeks – but this didn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Such is life in a brand new scout troop. Hopefully all are now looking forward to our summer camp. Both Candy and I maintain that this will be the FIRST year that it doesn’t rain every day!
YOULBURY
