The 2010 Summer camp preparation is in full swing now, and on Monday the 2nd November we’d like you and your Scout(s) to come down for a presentation about the 2010 camp.
The meeting will only last an hour, in which time you’ll find out where it’ll be, what it’s like, what your Scouts will be doing, and why it’s going to be so blumin brilliant! We’re genuinely exited about it – it’s going to be full of adventure – a real Scouting heaven. See you there, details below:
This camp wasn’t wet enough for us. Not wet enough at all. So it was a good job then that we spent the penultimate day on the rather lovely Sheerness coast off the Isle of Sheppey.
After a cool, calm and collected briefing by Rear-CommodoreAlan Thomas and his team at the IOS Sailing Club, we enjoyed a fabulous day of Sailing and power-boating. Everything from sailing solo or pairs in the entry-level Laser Pico boats, to being taken out in bigger Bosun Sailing Dinghies by the Sea Cadets. And taking a 2 mile trip out across the Thames estuary on the fast, motor safety-boats to see the masts of the sunken SS Richard Montgomory. A memorable day ended in a VERY wet game of waterpolo at low-tide, along with a VERY wet phone camera – so no photos of that; oops.
Sun. Time to take advantage of it, and head off to one of the many lovely beaches along the Kent costline. Margate was our choice, holiday destination of countless Brits every summer. And so ensued a day of beach vollyball, paddling, burying people in sand, and catching Jellyfish for the Scouts, and sunbathing for Anton (who’d been up since half four).
So the camera was given out to the Scouts today whilst Graham tried to get on the blog under a towell – and still failed – so was FORCED to go to the beach bar and connect up to upload. Anton had to get up to take over supervising instead, whilst the Scouts were busy playing and taking the photos below.
Oh yes, and we all had chips out of the wrappers with a sprinkling of sand for lunch. Yumyum.
Rain. One of life’s certainties on a camping trip. Even more so on a Scout camp. So being prepared – as is our motto – we headed off for some fun out of the sun; in Ramsgate ‘pool. Arriving at a small pool with 25 Scouts and 3 leaders, meant one very happ pool manager. Who announced “You’ve just doubled our takings! Thank you!” No problem…
Obviously we don’t have any photos, but pre-rain, here are the Leaders in their alter-egos for the week, a photo of guest leader Georgina trying to get a twitter signal to keep you updated, and a photo of some fire (well, it’s not camp without fire, is it?)
Well, day three, and we can finally post. Aas this is the first time I can post, I’ll have to take time out from the tough job of supervising them in the Ramsgate swimming pool, instead sat in the cafe updating this. So here’s some photos of our trip here!
It may come as a shock. But in the middle of the countryside woodland, internet access is somewhat, well, limited. We’ve got the best technicians we could find working on the problem. So that’ll be 11 year olds then. If it can’t be sorted, we’ll send the blogmaster into town tonight to pick up a better signal. Until then. Fear not. Weather’s good. And food is even better.
To be fair, we’ve been here since about half 2. But we’ve been busy pitching tents and setting up camp. Dinner’s on now. We’ll post again soon. Over and out.
…stopped. Again. The jewel in the english transport crown that is the m25, is nigh-on stationary. We’re moving. But even Trevor is getting impatient. ETA? Sometime today. Hopefully.
Well, slightly less. But this time tomorrow we’ll be in Herne Bay’s Ross Wood campsite, and starting the 2009 Stotfold Scouts’ summer camp – The other leaders and myself can’t wait!
Remember to bring their money, and count it out well. So we’ll see you tomorrow at the Scout hut!
Right. It all works. Our JOTT Twitter feeds go in on the right hand column on this Blog.
But, If you simply follow us on Twitter instead, all the pics, videos and tweets (updates to you and I) will appear here as they happen! Simply keep logged on to www.Twitter.com/stotfoldscouts and we’ll post regularly! We promise! Oh, and we’ll also try to do a video update once an hour. Fingers crossed! Cheerio!
Saturday marks a first for Stotfold Scouts. We’ll be taking part in JOTT 2009. A worldwide Jamboree On The Trail. We’ll be on this blog on Saturday Twittering, blogging and going live online with video updates.
Most of the updates will be via our very own Twitter page. The box on the right will contain all these regular updates as they happen, and will even let you know when a video is going live!!!
You may simply wish to view the happenings on our Twitter page instead. Up to you. We don’t mind either way
Yes, like the Global Banks, our once great Stotfold Scouts Website has gone down. We’re looking for it, and if you see it let us know. But unfortunately it seems to have had a strop and isn’t loading. Be assured we’re working around the clock (in between the Apprentice and repeats of Ray Mears) to get it sorted. In the mean time, any important news and programme downloads can be found on here.
Think of it like going to see your friends, but having to go to your Grandma’s instead. It’s not what you wanted, but it’s great in other ways…
Anton didn’t take this news very well… here’s his reaction on the webcam…
Morning Campers! With both the 2008 Summer camp and 2008 itself firmly in our memory, thoughts, planning and the ubiquitous meetings now turn to our 2009 Summer camp! Queue the wooping! We’ll all be singing our way to the Ross Wood Scout camp site near Herne in Kent this year. They have a web site (who doesn’t these days) www.rosswood.org.uk if you want to get a preview.
On a more notorious note, here are some early details for you:
The dates for the camp are Saturday 25th July to Saturday 1st August. We will be camping in patrols (made specially for the camp) and Scouts will have to cook in these groups using gas and open fires. There will be a meeting at the end of June for parents and Scouts where the Leaders will go over all aspects of the camp to get you all fully clued up. If you want to get the kit early whilst the sales are still on, download the 2008 one here. Or view it on our main site here
If you buy one thing now, then make it a pair of good waterproof boots. Your Scout will always benefit from them on camp and it is pays to get these well in advance and wear them in (blisters do not a good camp maketh). Always take a pair or two of walking socks with you when you buy boots (Or they’ll be too tight when walking). Waterproof boots are essential if it is wet and we insist that Scouts wear boots if then are using an axe (it protects the feet!). Also, of course they are very good when walking (hence the name).
It’s worth noting that members of the Scout Association get discount at Millets, or good discount stuff can be bought online here and here.
The cost of the camp is still £180 and all money must be paid by the end of May. You may pay money in at any time so don’t worry. We cannot accept cash (it falls through holes in pockets and it’s not easily recorded). Payment by cheque are the way forwards, so please made payable to 1st Stotfold Ridgway Scout Troop. Please put your cheque in an envelope and mark it with your Scouts name and Summer Camp. Those Scouts who are joining us at Easter (and anyone else come to that) can drop payments though Nick’s letterbox, otherwise bring them to the Scout meeting.
Well that’s it folks for 2008, and due to the blog overlord having to leave camp a day early, the final day’s events and fun will have to be passed on the old fashioned way, I think it’s called talking, whatver that may be! Keep coming back for photos of our final day on camp, some time next week. We hope to get some posted of striking camp, and the journey home up for you all to envy! Despite the Welsh weather, Welsh wind and conditions which, at times, rivaled a winter camp, everyone appears to have had a wonderful and memorable time. All the Scouts have remained mainly smiling, mainly awake, and mainly still alive, and the mud will serve to stay large in the memories of us all, and surviving it can only serve to build character (and gray our hair).
Keep posted for final photos, and details of next year’s camp! It’s only a few months to go until planning begins all over again… just enough time to wash our kit, have a bath, and wax lyrical about our adventure…
Over, but not quite out…
Stotfold Summer Campers 2008.
Today was make or break. After a crisis meeting last night, the leaders went to sleep fearing the worst. The pièce de résistance was under threat from the famous welsh weather. What has kept this green and pleasant land so, was about to scupper the Scouts. Rain fell throughout the night, the ground, sodden. Leaders frowning in their sleep. And just when we thought it was all over. The morning broke with bright, pleasant, and almost, dare we say, sunny skies! Breakfast was prepared with vigor, Scouts were awoken by Nick’s optimistic singing, and all was well in the valleys. We arrived with 5 minutes to spare for our departure to the summit, after a marathon diversion due to the only direct route being closed, and maps checked at pace for a re-route (no sat-nav this time). The ascent was steep. Not the best start for 26 weary scouts. With the summit in sight, as we walked in sunshine, we met with another valley. We could see mist slowly dropping but nothing could have prepared us for what we met at the ridge between the two - belting wind, rain, heavy mist, and hail. Yes! Hail! Though the mist and rain also came dozens upon dozens of S.A.S. trainees, complete with what looked like an entire arsenal of weaponry (much to the delight of the Scouts) But, with a rich combination of encouragement, bribery, food, and the odd bit of Scout Association approved bullying they made it to the very very top. And not only that, but we managed to bag 2 summits in one trip! Hurrah! A huge well done to ALL the scouts, who though adversary and tiredness achieved what even we thought doubtful of ourselves.
After a night of torrential rain, we awoke to a very soggy site. After attempting to launch a raft on a river which went from being reminiscent of Wind in the Willows, to being suitable for the GB Olympic white water rafting team. On realisation, a Leader prevented a Scout being washed away in a torrent of a river The rain began in ernest again and we, as much as the Scouts, needed to get away from the damp. So where best to go when you’re soaking wet? Swimming of course! We can’t take photos there, but they had both a fantastic time, and had a well needed wash! Other photos from today…
No, not everyone is here, by some way, but here are a few up-close-and-personal shots of your beloved Scouts (well maybe just Scouts…) More will follow as willing…
Amongst the tents, trees, and muddy socks we came across some photos previously missed! We’d hate to think we’d kept some moments from you, so we’ve updated Sunday, and Monday’s posts with new thumbnails and even the odd extra post. Lucky you!
After the great storm of 2008 passed, we spent our first whole day on camp. After a rainy night we awoke to a largely dry and sunny morning (well not all - after a late evening because of a leaders camp review/planning meeting, Graham awoke to a dry and sunny mid-morning!) Breakfast was cooked by each camp patrol, and a leader was assigned to eat food from each one – we’re still alive and smiling after yet another superb meal cooked the Scouts. A day of camp gadget making (photos to follow), how to pitch a tent, chopping wood, panicking about MORE downpoors and cooking of our dinner of Chilli on open fires followed. It’s incredible how busy a day doing ‘nothing’ can be.
We’re not sure if this was for his patrol, or if he was feeling as hungry as Anton yesterday when he devoured an entire bloomer filled with cheese and ham…
Pete and Graham took Matthew and Tom shopping as part of their camp cook badge (no not like an effeminate chef). But we’re currently trapped in Tesco’s trolly bay by due to a thunder storm and monsoon. After last evening’s drama of an almighty thunder storm and torrents of water we thought a break in the weather would be a good chance to go. The troop will have to wait for lunch until we dare to brave the downpoor.
Well Big Pit was a Big Success! And we didn’t even manage to loose anyone. Unfortunately Here are some of the pics from today… Nick has now travelled to Brighton for two days for his daughter’s graduation and has his camera with him, so more photos to follow!
For many it was an early start to go back to work after the weekend. But we were up nice and early today too, in readiness for our Big Pit trip. As i write this we’re breezing down the M4 in glorious sunshine, only to then trek hundreds of feet into total darkness into a coal mine. No, we’re not sending them off to earn their camp fees back, we’re going to learn about Wales’ mining history! Check out our link to the ‘Pit on the right to find out more. Oh, and if we all make it back out again, click back tonight for photos!
Nick managed to buy TWICE the quantity of curry we need for tomorrow. In an over-order worthy of an episode of The Apprentice, we are now swimming in the spicy sauce.
Joel’s cullinary dreams took a step close as he created beautiful meatballs from scratch. Fresh beef mince, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, mixed herbs, HP Sauce. Not content with that he alse created a thick tomatoe sauce! In a Ready Steady Cook style, he took a mish-mash of ingredients we had in the kitchen area and whipped up a dinner fit for a King (and a scout leader). See the before, and after (what was left by the time we got the camera out!)
Well after many stops, diversions, snacks and cries of “are we there yet?” we made it all alive and well. And, greeted with a cup of hot coffee too! Sun shining, and ready for adventure.
Some likened it to one of Sir Richard Branson’s great balloon expeditions. Months of planning, and never actually going anywhere. But unlike Richie, we’re scouts (so even more unlikely to set off). However we’re now on our way, in a traffic jam already and soon to be the great M25 motorway network of Great Britain. Which means we aim to be there sometime next week. The adventure begins here…
The winner of the 2008 Summer Camp T-shirt competition was Anastasia Evans. Her design promoted teamwork whilst the statement encourages a positive and thoughtful approach to Scouting – everything needed on a week-long camp in another country!
WELL DONE! They will be delivered to us Thursday ready for the camp. We expect them to get rather smelly by then end of the week
This will be the stunning and well achieved view for all those ascending Pen-Y-Fan in just over a week’s time. Get those boots cleaned, laces tightened, and flag at the ready… Chris Bonnington, watch out.
Hello to all of you logging on to follow it’s progress following the meeting! More content, photos, videos and anything else we can think of will be posted. Fun, adventure, laughs, embarrassment or anything else bloggable. Whatever happens on camp, it’ll happen here first (well, most things anyway…).
I hope all of what I talked about made sense – please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
As you should already know, Summer Camp is 26th July to 2nd August. The cost of the camp has been reduced to £180 (great news hey!) and full payment should be made by the end of May please to either Nick or Pete. Or else we’ll send our heavies round…
The very fact you’re reading this, means that the final stages of planning for the Summer 2008 Summer Camp are under way. This blog will serve as a daily update whilst we’re on camp. In the mean time you will find photos, ramblings and information on all the build up. Why not subscribe to the RSS feed and we’ll let you know of any updates! As some of you know, we will have regular meetings at The Chequers’ ‘conference center’ to sort it all out.
We'll tweet again, don't know where, don't know when. Well that's not true: The 2010 summer camp tweets will resume on the first day of camp 3 months ago
Posted by The Stotfold Scouts 
and conditions which, at times, rivaled a winter camp, everyone appears to have had a wonderful and memorable time. All the Scouts have remained mainly smiling, mainly awake, and mainly still alive, and the mud will serve to stay large in the memories of us all, and surviving it can only serve to build character (and gray our hair).
