On Saturday 24th July, 51 Scouts, Leaders and Explorers from the 5th Dartford Scout Group boarded three mini-busses, flanked by the group van and two other vehicles and headed off to Corf Scout Camp on the west side of the Isle Of Wight, near Shalfleet. Corfecampsite is not the usual open field to which many of us are accustomed, but groups of small pitches in the woodland, which gave us a very secluded and adventurous feeling, with the marque, kitchen and stores in one pitch, the Explorers in another, the scouts in another and the leaders accommodation scattered over a further 3 pitches.
With the weather on our side the scouts spent Sunday climbing and honing their pioneering skills building and floating rafts with varying degrees of success, which was more down to the availability of barrels than their knowledge of lashings.
The new week began with each young person forming a line and choosing which activity they wanted to do first, then re joining the back of the line until the lists were full. For the Explorers there was gliding at Vectis Gliding Club, which was paid for separately and for the group there was Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Coasteering, Prusiking (Oak Tree Climbing) with Goodleaf.co.uk in a “Top Secret” woodland location, several Mountain biking adventures (depending on ability,) Rifle and Pistol target shooting, Wide games and football, Kite Flying, Crab fishing, Mackerel Fishing aboard the Robert Mark out of Bembridge Harbour – followed by a demonstration by leaders and active participation by the scouts of filleting and cooking the catch.
We also had a trip out to the model Village at Godshill and a trip out to Cowes, where we saw the RMS Queen Mary II (QM2) leave Portsmouth Harbour, albeit a little later than scheduled.
For the adventurous, there were two overnight camping expeditions – the first party being the Explorers who planned and executed their own hike and camp and the second for the older scouts who were accompanied by leaders and Kay, the first woman in the 5th to have undertaken an overnight expo.
The logistics for such a camp were tight at times, but with the 3 Kent Fleet mini buses and so many Midas certified drivers we pulled it off and got everyone to where they needed to be in order to participate in their chosen activities.
As with all adrenalin filled activities, a good breakfast is essential to ensure attention levels and stamina and to make sure everyone took part in the preparation and serving of the food, the group was divided in to “Duty Patrols” and everyone took their turn in the kitchen, although the washing up fairy godmother took care of the hot chocolate mugs at the end of the day to get bedtime under way with a minimum of fuss.
The camp ended with a good old fashioned campfire with each patrol taking a turn in doing a sketch or a song, which went down famously with everyone.
For many this was their first summer camp, but with the experience and welcoming family feeling of the collective it was very easy for everyone to integrate and enjoy the week. Some young people excelled in their duties and showed many skills and future promise, which we would not necessarily have seen in the regular 2hr troop nights.
All in all this was an excellent camp, with everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves and binging home more than just a kit bag full of muddy damp clothes for a change, but a week of memories, which will be treasured for many years to come.
There are a few photos in the gallery below to demonstrate some of the activities we did, but CD’s containing all of the camp’s memories will be available for all in September for a small donation of just £5.
So where to next year?
Watch this space…….
One of our old Venture Scouts, Jason E, who now assists with Thursday’s Burne Troop, sings of how they used to remember the name of an old colleague to the tune of Wild Thing, which he plays on a banjo constructed by Gary from an empty Quality Street tin, old timber and fishing line. I’ve emailled Quality Street and hope they send us some sweet supplies for future camps – Here’s hoping 😆
If you attended our AGM last month you will recall Leigh Pack leader John selling sealed envelopes for the world cup sweepstakes at only £10 each. 22 of the 32 secret envelopes were sold and the the one containing the eventual winners “Spain” was amongst the 10 which were unsold. The Second place winner, Mr Paul Mills, who drew Holland has generously donated his £60 winnings back to the group, which means that the 5th Dartford Scout Group will benefit from the entire £220 prize fund.
WOW, what a night we had tonight at the 5th Dartford Scout Group. Three weeks ago the 4 patrols of the Earley Scout Troop had each been given a country to research and plan an authentic meal to be cooked in a trangia. The Kestrals lead by Liam prepared Spanish Paella, Dom’s Eagles drew Italy and so it had to be Spaghetti Bolognese; Anthony and the Falcon’s went with Hungarian Meatballs and Phil’s Hawks went super spicey with Mexican Fajitas and hot spicey rice. Everyone took some part in the preperation and cooking and then sat down together to eat what they had made – With Explorer Scout Adam swooping down on any unclaimed food. Alas no pictures of the food being cooked, but the evening was still worthy of a place on this blog.
The 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Constiution was just about ready for renewal, but other than a facelift the values are still as true and important today as when they were written and therefore remain unchanged, but check out the new look on the 
Saturday 12th June – Three Earley Troop members attended the first county Dragon Boating day at Bewl Water at Lamberhurst. 80 Scouts and Explorers from Kent were trained in the methods of Dragon Boat paddling and competed in several races. All were treated to a trip around the reserve on the pleasure cruiser as well as making use of the great adventure playgrounds in-between paddles. Well done to Adam, Robert and Charlie for making the effort to attend this event and congratulations too on being awarded their Dragon Boat racing badge 
Today saw the 5th Dartford Scout group open its doors to family, friends and local dignitaries from the Mayoralty, Council Leaders, our newly elected MP – Gareth Johnson and members of our own Scout District leadership team. The day kicked off at 11am with activities including 6yd rifle target shooting, Climbing, Abseiling, Ice-climbing, Archery and Arts & Crafts. There were also burgers on sale at a very reasonable price and refreshments for all for a small donation. 
with the Mayoralty and leaders of the local Council. I’m pleased to reiterate that all members of our executive committee were returned and will be able to continue without delay with the invaluable non scouting work they have done behind the scenes to date and for the year ahead.
The 5th Dartford Scout Group warmly extend an open invitetion to Mr Johnson and to members of the Mayoralty and Council to visit us for a “have a go” session where you can leave the suits, robes and chains at home and enjoy some of the activities which make Scouting at the 5th such a valuable community resourse, which we hope you will treasure as much as we do. 
competition, which put the cherry atop a great day, which I believe was enjoyed by all.
