Scarefest 2016: Closing thoughts

Well, that's another excellent Scarefest done. Thanks to the Scarefest UK team at Gilwell for a fantastic event.

Despite being given the option to take advantage of the extra hour in bed with the clocks going back, most of the Scouts were up early packing their bags before breakfast.

Once it became obvious that the mist really was mist, not just excess smoke from last night's fireworks, we decided to delay taking the tents down in the hope that the mist would clear and the tents would dry out a bit.

This gave the Scouts another 2 hours to enjoy some more activities. It also gave the few who went to bed early last night to write up their thoughts on the weekend.

Thomas: I enjoyed all the mazes. All of them were very scary. The favourite maze was the Escape. All of them were very cool. If we go next year, I would really want to go.

Joseph: All the mazes are really good. The scariest of them all for me was the Escape. Someone got so scared he had to leave halfway through.

Dylan: I enjoyed the fireworks, they were outstanding! At the end there was an explosion and you could feel the heat hit your face.

Sion: I enjoyed the fireworks and the scary mazes. My favourite maze was the Factory. I want to go next year.

Having given up on getting tents dry, we packed up and headed home. A nice easy run around the M25 and M4 took a full 90 minutes less than the trip up on Friday.

Then it was all hands on deck to empty the buses and hang the damp tents out to dry.

We're not sure what the cubs had planned for their next meeting but it looks as if they'll be learning how to fold tents now instead ;-)

A fantastic end to our camping season. Loads of fun and a great first camp for the guys who joined us this term.

Got to check the dates for next year to make sure they fit the holidays but we'll definitely be back if we can.

We'll have plenty of activities going on over the winter, but this camping blog is going into hibernation for the winter.

Scarefest 2016

Well it's the end of the day (actually the start of the next one) and, although there are a few more activities tomorrow, it's pretty much the end of the camp.

Saturday got off to what is by camp standards a decadently late start. It was 8:30 before everyone was up and heading for breakfast.

The on site catering was excellent as usual and stoked us all up for a day of activities.

The day's activities, before and after lunch, included Crate Stacking, Caving,  Grass Sledging, Rodeo Bull Riding, Laser Tag, Archery, Caving, Total Wipeout and Fairground Rides. Everyone had their favourite and some Scouts managed to get 10 or more rides on the Cage.

Before dinner, we met back at the campsite to change into our Halloween costumes for a group photo then, with darkness falling, the camp really came to life.

Most of the activities were still running with the added excitement of the dark on some and spooky lighting on others. There were also a range of scary mazes now open for Scouts to really get into the spirit of things.

At the end was the spectacular finale, an amazing display of Fireworks, music and laser lights before heading back to our campsite for bed.

It's been a long, but very enjoyable day but, before they went off to their tents, the Scouts had time to write down their thoughts on the day.

Isaac: I enjoyed the three mazes and all of the activities.

John: I enjoyed the firework display that lasted 15 minutes and the cage.

James: I enjoyed the fireworks and all the mazes because the fireworks were well timed and the mazes adrenaline flowing. I also liked the radio. Watch our broadcast at scoutradio.org.uk/scarefest

Matthew: I liked the cage

Aiden: I enjoyed the the fireworks display as it was not only amazing but also in time to the music.

Dan: I enjoyed the firework display and all three mazes. The leaders were great for making this happen.

Evie: I enjoyed the fireworks and the laser tag

Lewis: I enjoyed the firework display and the mazes.

Ellie: I enjoyed skipping through the creepy mazes.  I hated all the stupid boys.

A few had snuck off to bed without leaving their feedback but we'll get them tomorrow and include it in the final camp blog.

Back on the road

It's Halloween and it's half term. That must mean it's time for Scarefest at Gilwell Park.

After loading the buses (loaned by Ysgol Y Deri again. Thanks guys) up, we hit the road. The plan was to get to Gilwell before the M25 got silly. It almost worked. Delays around Bristol and Swindon set us back quite a bit so we did get caught in the beginning of the rush hour build up on the M25.

Now it became a race. Could we get the tents up before it got dark?

Just about. The light was just running out as the last peg went in.

Dinner was an excellent Bolognese pre-prepared by chef Martin, then off to the evening activities.

Dodgems, Fire Circus, Scout Radio, cinema and the traditional Scout pastime - buying popcorn and donuts.

There's something like 600 Scouts on site so there's not much chance of it going quiet soon.

Hopefully they won't be too tired for a full day of activities tomorrow.

CTT2016 - The finale

Well, that's it for this camp.
We were up nice and early for the last day with the bulk of the packing work done before we went up for the final flagbreak and a last rendition of "Round the Old Camp Fire".
Then the last of the packing up before boarding the minibuses for the journey home. Prior to leaving, there was the final award of the camp. The "Wazzock of The Week" award (Wazzock points are awarded for daft behaviour on camp. Not just for getting things wrong, or simple mistakes, but for getting things spectacularly wrong in an amusing way. Examples include, a leader shouting to the Scouts to be more aware of where they are walking then turning and tripping over the guy rope which was directly behind him; and a Scout showing off on the football pitch measuring his length in the grass when he stood on his own shoe lace, mid-dribble. Historically, there's a fairly even split - the award is as likely to go to a leaders as to a Scout and this time it was one of the leaders who collected more than double the points of the runner up.
The Scouts all said their goodbyes, including signing each others camp Neckers, and off we went.
Traffic issues on the M25 saw us arriving a little later then planned but with no real drama.

It's been said to the Scouts and reiterated to the parents on our return yesterday but it's worth saying again. The two troops, 1st Cowbridge and 1st Melbourne have worked together brilliantly throughout the week, both around our campsite and on the activities. Anyone visiting the site would have been hard pressed to notice that we were not one big troop. The patrols have gelled together really well getting the work done when needed and pulling together on the challenges of the hike and other events.

Even though this has been a "fun" camp rather than a "working" one, now all the activities and jobs have been checked off against the badge requirements, there's going to be plenty of sewing happening in the new term.

They had a big "Three Cheers" at flagbreak yesterday but we'd like to take the opportunity to say a great big Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrravo to all the Service Crew at Tolmers campsite for running this fantastic event. We're looking forward to coming back.

Ctt2016 Day seven.

Can't believe we're here already. It's the end of camp :-(
The last day of camp saw our Scouts trying two different approaches. Some decided to go for a highlights day, having a second (or third in some cases) go at their favourite activities. Others rushed to have a go at something new. Sailing, canoeing, climbing, shooting, high ropes, journalism, balloon modelling and quad biking have all been on today's list. Some of the "instructed" activities (mainly those on water) saw Scouts getting signed off for new badges too.
Today also shone some light on the hike results. There were 88 teams competing and our teams achieved 10th, 32nd, 72nd, 77th and 83rd. The positions were worked out from their scores on the bases which were made up of points for actually achieving the goal and bonus points for teamwork. There were no points for finishing quickly so there was no racing involved.
These places were converted into points and added to those scored through the week based on tent inspections, teamwork, cooking and general points awarded or deducted by leaders based on behaviour.
The mixed teams, made up of members of two troops made the teamwork element even more important.
It's fair to say that the Scouts have come together as a unit from day one. Anyone coming on to the site would be unlikely to notice that we have two troops who have never met before this week.
There were only 3 points between the first two teams and the additional awards of "Best Scout" and "Best New Scout" (usually awarded to a Scout who either hasn't camped before or has only done short, weekend camps), were very difficult to choose.
The awards were made at the end of the traditional Friday night meal - fish and chips from a local takeaway, which gives the Scouts something to look forward to and saves an awful lot of washing up.
After the last Flag Down of the camp, which had a great build up with a mix of all the warmup songs and dances from the week's wake up sessions, the Scouts headed off to the disco organised by the service crew. I've no idea what happened there as Leaders were banned from attending. Leaders got their own entertainment with live music and a singalong in Joy's Joynt.
Everyone seems to have had a great night to top off a great week.
The Scouts are currently taking advantage of the warm, dry weather and are sleeping under the stars around their camp fire. Undoubtedly a first for most, if not all, of them.
There's no activities in the morning, other than the final flag break. It's going to be a morning of work, getting tents down and packed.
It's been a great week at one of our favourite campsites. We're very happy to have been here, sorry to leave and eager to return.
An international camp is on the cards for 2017 but there's a very high chance we'll be back here in 2018.

Come to Tolmers day six

Well here we are on the eve of the last day of activities.
All rested from yesterday's hike, our Scouts were up remarkably early and done with breakfast and washing up quickly enough to get a good place in the activities queue.
Today was a water day with more than half of our Scouts spending some or all of the day on a craft of some kind.
There wasn't enough wind for sailing, so those that had planned to do that learnt to do Stand Up Paddleboarding (Supping) instead. After lunch, there was more water fun with 9 Scouts taking on the raft building challenge while others canoed on the lake. Attempt one at the raft building was not a huge success, sinking and depositing it's crew into the lake fairly quickly. Having learned from the mistakes, the MKII raft was much more robust and outlasted all the others on the water.
Other activities today included the Bungee Run, Giant slide and Shooting. There was a visit from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue who, of course, got pegged. The #followthedragon tag is gradually taking over the world!
After dinner it was off to flagdown and a surprise for two of our Scouts who celebrate their birthday on Saturday. As they have to leave tomorrow to go on a family holiday, they found themselves on stage with 800 Scouts and Guides singing happy birthday. They also got to join in with the service crew leading the camp in the daily rendition of Round the Old Camp Fire.
Camp fire was the final activity of the day and, again, some of our Scouts got to go centre stage and help with the action.
Tomorrow brings a bitter-sweet touch - we're all looking forward very much to the activities and the evening disco but we're very aware that it's the last day and it'll soon be time to go back to the real world.

CTT2016 Day Five

Well, we're now over half way through and, most importantly, everyone is still smiling.
Today was incident hike day - the famous Tolmers Incident Hike. 13k (8 miles) in some amazing Hertfordshire countryside.  It was hard to believe at times just how quiet it can be when you're this close to so many big towns and cities. Out of 90 teams taking part, we had 6 teams out walking; 5 Scout teams competing and a team of leaders walking at the back as sweepers, supporting the excellent CTT service crew. Our 5 teams were mixed again with Scouts from the two troops working together to navigate the hike and complete 4 teamwork challenges. The winners have been announced but not the full results so we know we didn't win but we don't yet know how close we were.
Just to prove how posh Cowbridge is, our leaders even managed to procure a cream tea mid hike!  Not many pictures today as the Scouts were spread out walking at a very different time and pace to the publicity crew. One special mention has to go to Team 54 from 2nd/4th Leighton Buzzard Guides. Our leaders spent some time with them as they fell behind and were caught up by the sweeper team. Normally, the back markers are the ones that moan and whine, making the sweeper task something of a chore, but these girls were great. They had one member who could only walk so fast so just accepted that they were going to be last in and concentrated on enjoying themselves, smiling, laughing and singing their way around. A fantastic positive attitude that their leaders and parents can be properly proud of.
Back from the hike, we realised that there had been a bit of a comms problem with the food shopping so the leaders had to be a bit creative with the contents of the food box in a "ready steady cook" style.
The resulting improvised concoction proved so popular that we're trying to cone up with a name so we can add it to future menus.
Of course, after the local Air Ambulance rep was so supportive of our pegging campaign, it would have been rude not to support them so a crew of Leaders took part in the charity bingo night in the Leaders only club, Joy's Joynt.
Just two more days of activities left and discussions are already underway about where to camp next year. Keep reading for news on that as it develops.

Ctt2016 Day four

Well, here we are at the end of day four. Another successful day in the combined 1st Cowbridge / 1st Melbourne calendar. Our Scouts, some whom met for the first time at the weekend, are working really well as mixed patrols. Tasks and challenges are becoming more or less automatic as the Scouts get into a routine. Another batch of #followthedragon pegs was released at flagbreak and the message continues to spread. After flagbreak, our Scouts went off to another day of activities and adventures. The leaders took advantage of the local hospitality and were served with proper cream teas at Joy's Joynt.
Never willing to pass up an opportunity, we've accosted most of the visiting VIP's with #followthedragon pegs. We've managed to peg, and photograph most of Hertfordshire Scouts senior management along with the Mayor and Mayoress, Hertfordshire police and the rep from Hertfordshire Air Ambulance (Joy's charity for this year and beneficiary of all our tea drinking donations) - see our Twitter feed for pics @1stCowbridge or search #followthedragon. The football series continues with Wales currently leading two matches to nil.
Flagdown was particularly poignant this evening as we all paused to pay respects.
to a young British Scout who passed away on camp in Finland. Wherever you're reading this, we ask you to spare a thought for Kent Scouts as they deal with this tragedy.
We're all hoping for a good night's sleep and some equally good weather for  tomorrow's world famous Tolmers Incident Hike then two more days of great activities.
#followthedragon

Ctt2016 Day Three

Well we've survived day 3. A bit of light rain overnight didn't cause any problems, by the time we were having breakfast,  the sun was back out and normal service was resumed.
We armed ourselves with the first 60 of our branded pegs, all bearing the hashtag #followthedragon, and headed up for flagbreak and activity sign up.
Activities for today included, trampolining, climbing, gladiators, giant slides, backwoods cooking, sailing, bungee running and shooting. The leaders had a strenuous time photographing these activities so we're forced to adjourn to the coffee shop for a game of darts. While dinner cooked, 1st Cowbridge took on 1st Melbourne in a closely fought England v Wales football match. Wales just kept their heads up for an 8-7 win.
A combined leaders quiz team narrowly missed a podium finish, being beaten into 4th place by half a point.
Keep on eye on our Twitter feed, @1stCowbridge to see tomorrow's adventures.
If you’re lucky enough to receive a #followthedragon peg at flagbreak tomorrow, tweet a pic, with the hashtag and let us know.

CTT2016 Day Two

Well, it's the end of day two and we're still a site of happy campers. An early 7am wake up call didn't dampen spirits, nor did having to cook breakfast. There was some dismay among the Scouts when they realised that the washing up fairy hasn't been able to keep up with our travels. Dishes left on the table don't dissappear and magically reappear clean ready for the next meal!
Despite this, we managed to be near the front of the queue for flagbreak and activities sign up. With over 40 activities to choose from, there's no danger of being bored. Today, our Scouts have done canoeing, caving, climbing, abseiling, archery, pedal karting, journalism, slippery slope challenge, gyroscopes (don't ask, the video that will be on the group website after camp will make you sick enough), and backwoods cooking. Some of the leaders volunteered to help out with the sailing too, an interesting morning as I've not sailed a small dingy in over 20 years. I did manage not to get too wet though and, more importantly, didn't drown any Scouts.
If you’re reading this back home in South Wales,  you'll be glad to know that our weather is considerably nicer than yours. It's been another hot day with the overnight temperature expected to drop to just 14 degrees!
If you're reading this on site at Tolmers, come and say hello at site 17. Keep an eye out for us around the site and give us a shoutout using the hashtag #followthedragon, or tweet @1stCowbridge.

Come to Tolmers 2016

Well we've survived day one. The only real delay getting here was on the M4 - it took much longer than it should have done to extract Gethin and Martin from Burger King!
With the journey behind us, we met up with 1st Melbourne Scouts from Derbyshire and set to work making a pile of kit into a campsite. Some of these guys camped together here in 2014 so mixing the troops into combined patrols has seen old friendships restarted and new ones beginning to form.
With the tents up and dinner served, a great team effort on the washing up saw us all ready for camp briefing and flag down. Some of the Scouts enjoyed the evening's film, although Alvin and the Chipmunks may not have been everyone's first choice. Looking forward to a 7am wake up when the camp will start for real with the first of 6 days of activities.

Welcome to Our Blog

As the Summer Camping season is rapidly approaching, I thought it would be good to have a Blog set up and running. Our Twitter Feed started on Summer camp last year but this will give more people the opportunity to take part and post more information than we can fit into 140 characters and 4 pictures.

Watch this space, we've got loads of fun planned!