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.
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 2 months ago
Posted by The Stotfold Scouts 
Posted by The Stotfold Scouts 
Posted by The Stotfold Scouts 
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!
