Back at the barn we managed an impressive camp fire song concert before fatigue set in and we all collapsed into our sleeping bags and, personally speaking, had the best night’s sleep of a long, long time.

 

We had a nice relaxed morning and were away by 1000hrs making our way to the village of Hathersage which was clearly just an excuse for the leaders to go gear shopping – and the scouts to be appalled at our idea of what a “good time” place is. After that it was Tesco’s for lunch and then back onto the M1 for the long grind back south but with the warm glow of a damn fine weekend had in brilliant company, and for a change the weather as well!

Following a spot of lunch at Crowden Clough rock face (nice rock climbing area) we started the descent under the threat of rain and wind which thankfully never materialised. Tamzin was all smiles again and life was good until 30 seconds away from the barn Ziggy decided to do some press ups in the riverJ. With that little scare over we hit the barn for some down time before dinner which include some bizarre kind of singing skit by Vicky which involved her jumping around with other scouts to mobile phone music of some sort. Clearly not the creative sort I donned trainers and headed back up Kinder Scout. Which was a guaranteed way to ensure Candy made me a brew when I got down again.

 

The early evening saw us piling into the minibus and heading down the valley and into a wee place called Hope for supper. We had called ahead and within minutes of arriving at the Bradwell Fishery we were driving off with a large stack of chips, burgers, sausages, cod and curry sauce which we promptly scoffed down in the nearest lay-by.

Thanks to Candy, Charlie, Lottie, Vicky, Jackie, Ziggy, Jordan, Aimee, Alistair, Tamzin and Tyle for one of the best Heyford Park Camps yet.

 

Yours in Scouting,

 

Nigel

Scout Leader, 1^stHeyfordPark Scout Troop

Peak District 2009

Finally it was time for camp again. We set off at 7.30pm for the wilds of the Peak District and the Upper Booth Camping Barn in Edale. A bit of an epic journey road works and all but we arrived at the barn at about 2330hrs for a quick brief on toilets and sleeping arrangements and then scouts hit the sleeping platform for a few hours sleep whilst leaders knocked some admin on the head and quickly followed the example of the scouts and got some shut eye. A cold night followed with wind rattling the door throughout (despite best efforts to wedge it) and some mighty fine snoring but I think a decent kip was had by most. Except Candy who woke on the hour every hour to don an additional layer.

 

Saturday dawned bright and clear despite the mournful weather forecast. So with (almost) a spring in our step we cooked and ate our sausage sarnie breakfast, packed our kit and prepared for our walk up the Crowden Clough valley. We waded, slid, skipped and jumped our way up the valley and came to several conclusions along the way, namely that: 1) Tyle is pathologically scared of sheep, 2) Tamzin hates heights but only if she is going up at the time. If she is going down then that is ok, 3) Jordan has less balance than Bambi 5 minutes after being born. Most risks can be avoided however his ability to roll down practically anything can not!

On the 6^th March we went to the Peak District for the weekend. We went on a 10-15km walk on Saturday. It was hard work getting up the hill but great coming back down. The weather couldn’t decide what it wanted to do. The location was great. It wasn’t warm but with everyone at one end of the hut it soon warmed up. Overall it was a great camp!

Lottie (Patrol Leader).

I liked camp because it was funny and it was smelly. I got tired walking, fell in the water, my feet got wet and we got rained on our heads. We sang a lot and I was being a pig with all the chips and sausages.

Vicky (Patrol Leader).