13 of 5th Dartford’s Explorers joined with 4 others from the District, with instructors and leaders to spend the day on the Medway at Tonbridge. After a safety briefing, the YP were kitted up and spent several hours on the water, with 3 passing their level 1 Paddle Sports award and 5 attaining level 2. A great day was had by all who attended.

23 young people and 6 leaders set up camp on the hammock pitch at Thriftwood Memorial Campsite on Friday 3rd July. The first task was to gather some wood for the fire followed by a hearty quarter pounder for supper. Once it was dark enough, wide games were played before cake and hot chocolate and a seat around the fire before bed.

Saturday morning started early for most as despite the shade from the tree cover, it was still very warm at 6am. The morning started with a choice of cereals, followed by a bacon sandwich before we talked about axe and saw safety and appropriate use. Thankfully the campsite has an excellent supply of dry firewood, in the form of felled trees and lumber supplied by a local joinery. The Scouts and Explorers spent a couple of hours sourcing, sawing, chopping and splitting the wood to provide enough embers to cook our evening meal. Some of the Scouts were given coaching and guidance on whittling with bushcraft knives; sat in a circle on top of a tarpaulin to catch the wood shavings, they were shown there’s far more to bushcraft than making pointy sticks.

After lunch, there were two sessions of the vertical assault course challenge. Then it was time for the young people to prep for dinner and were shown how to spatchcock and quarter a chicken, then with a bed of butter, onions & carrots, the chickens were laid together with some additional pieces in our cast iron Dutch Ovens with potatoes, mixed herbs, stock, garlic and once sufficient hot embers were available, the ovens were buried in the embers for just under the hour; the result, a deliciously tender roasted chicken and vegetables, which had everyone licking their lips. With full bellies, everyone was then off to wash up the dishes and relax before it was dark enough to play more wide games before yet more cake, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows by the fire.

Sunday started in a more relaxed fashion and following a breakfast of cereals and sausage sandwiches, the Scouts were asked to take down their hammocks and pack their personal kit away before the Earth Ball activity at 10:00 followed by field games. After lunch was served, the young people were invited to ‘cleanse the camp’ , whereby they’re invited to consume all remaining perishables in whatever order they like, who knew peanut butter, cheese and chocolate spread sandwiches was a thing? With lunch done and the washing up completed it was time to get the leaders cars loaded up ready for departure and litter sweep the area. Camp ended with a badminton tournament while we awaited parents arrival. Having had good weather all weekend and no traffic problems on the way home, a good weekend was had by all.

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