Scouts from 1st Lydd enjoyed a fun-filled four-day camp at our Scout HQ, packed with outdoor activities, practical skills, teamwork, good food and plenty of memorable moments.

Pitching Camp and Trying Archery

Camp began with the Scouts arriving with their kit bags and facing their first task: pitching their tents. Those who had attended the Kent International Jamboree last year were able to put their experience to good use. Once they had pitched their own tents, they helped the others learn how it was done.

There were some hilarious results along the way, but every Scout eventually had a properly pitched tent, a made-up bed and somewhere to store their kit. After lunch, everyone successfully passed the first tent inspection of the weekend.

The Scouts then tried archery, with some picking up a bow for the first time. The activity was going well, although the target stand became the first “casualty” of camp when one Scout managed to impale it with an arrow!

The afternoon continued with tomahawk and throwing-angel practice before everyone returned to the HQ for pizza and garlic bread. Games and activities filled the evening, followed by biscuits and hot chocolate before lights out.

Hitting the Targets

After a hearty breakfast on the second morning, a change to the planned programme gave the Scouts another opportunity to practise archery and tomahawk throwing. They also visited our HQ range to try air-rifle shooting.

All three activities proved extremely popular, and the Scouts were eager to keep going. After lunch, they had some time to relax by reading, playing pool or table tennis, or simply enjoying the lovely weather.

The sunshine provided the perfect setting for a barbecue, with burgers, sausages, chicken wings, corn on the cob and jacket potatoes on the menu, followed by chocolate mousse.

During the evening, the Scouts were allowed to use their phones, but most chose to continue taking part in the activities instead. With so many young people seemingly attached to their electronic devices, the leaders considered that quite an achievement!

Bushcraft and a Surprise Visitor

The third morning began with an unexpected visitor when a swallow accidentally flew into the hall during breakfast. The Scouts fell silent as they watched it circle the room before thankfully finding its own way back outside.

It was then time to strike camp. Although there was still one night remaining, the Scouts would be sleeping inside the HQ, so they learnt how to dismantle their tents and pack everything away correctly.

Naturally, there was one mystery along the way when a tent bag went missing. After a search, it was discovered that two Scouts had taken down and packed their tent with the bag still inside it!

Later that day, we welcomed Richard Howe, who demonstrated how to skin a rabbit and prepare it for cooking. Scouts who wanted to observe the process were able to do so, while those who found it a little too much remained inside to play games or enjoy more tomahawk and throwing-angel practice.

Richard used the prepared meat to make a Nepalese-style rabbit curry. Several Scouts volunteered to try it and declared it very tasty, while the leaders who sampled it were equally impressed.

Thanks to Val, everyone also enjoyed a wonderful Sunday roast with chicken, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, vegetables, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings and gravy, followed by ice cream.

After the washing-up was finished, the Scouts headed to the field for a selection of teamwork games. They worked together brilliantly before returning to the HQ, setting up their beds and settling down in their pyjamas to watch Aquaman with popcorn and other treats.

One Last Throw

The final morning began with breakfast and the important task of packing every last item into the correct kit bag. The Scouts then worked together to clear away the games, clean the hall and put away the tables and chairs.

They completed everything so efficiently that there was enough time for each Scout to have one final turn at throwing angels.

The camp ended with a round-up of the weekend and the presentation of some light-hearted camp awards, including Camp Giggler, Friendliest Scout and Best Archer.

When asked to choose their favourite part of camp, the Scouts mentioned archery, tomahawk throwing and air-rifle shooting. Of course, one Scout chose watching the film as their highlight!

The Scouts also earned badges through the skills and activities they completed. These will be presented once supplies have been replenished by the Scouts Store following a busy summer of camps across the UK.

Perhaps the greatest achievement came when everyone went home with the correct belongings and nothing was left behind!

Thank You to Our Volunteers

A huge thank you must go to the volunteer leaders who made the camp possible. They gave up their time — as well as the comfort of a decent bed — to provide the Scouts with four days of friendship, adventure and opportunities to learn new skills.

By the end, both the Scouts and leaders were exhausted, but judging by the laughter, enthusiasm and memories made along the way, it was certainly worth it.