2017-05-26 – Family Camp 2017

Family Camp 2017 – A Centenary of Scouting

This year family camp we celebrated our centenary of scouting at Hope Hill Campsite, Meopham. Over the bank holiday weekend we had 108  campers, plus a number of visitors through out the weekend including Wendy the second time at camp the last time being 1992, as well as the County Commissioner Dean Harding and Youth Commissioners visiting Kent Scouts taking part in the Big Night Out celebrations (https://www.kentscouts.org.uk/1181).

Friday – After setting up, we all met up at 9pm for the welcome meeting and socialised in the marque (The Old Peg & Mallet) with some cheese & wine.

Saturday – In the morning we held a climbing & abseiling session, after lunch with the Archery range out of commission we busied our selves with bushcraft and created a water slide until 4pm when we held a target shooting competition. That evening we had a communal BBQ followed by a quiz night for the adults with a wide game for the younger members followed by hot chocolate.

Sunday – The majority of the camp enjoyed the Sunday morning saunter with those not walking joining us at the Amazon & Tiger for refreshments. Due to the popularity of the walk a few delays were experienced, however with glorious weather and excellent food it was of little inconvenience and did not distract from the afternoon activities. Families and friends joined together to build Sedan Chairs out of cardboard and parcel tape, with 14 creations entered in to the finale being judge on engineering design, decoration and the speed race. The evening started with the Ready Steady Cook challenge of a two course meal on a budget of £3 per adult and £2 for under 14, with many excellent meals being enjoyed.

Ted (Cougar) & Hillary provided Camp Fire wizardry for us all, with some old classic plus a number of new songs and stunts, culminating  with the burning of winning Sedan Chair and then the roasting of marshmallows.

Monday – The thunder and lighting during the night did not dampen anyone spirits, with a number staying up to watch the show. During the morning the sky cleared and with the sun coming out to dry the canvas, allowing us to pack away departing by lunch time leaving only two things: footprints and good memories.

Prizes:

  • Sedan Chair (Sprint Race) – Diggins Family
  • Sedan Chair (Engineering) – Ashman Family
  • Sedan Chair (Decoration) – Watkinson Family 
  • Target Shooting – Dax Diggins
  • Quiz Night – Guppy, Foster & Caden Families
  • Climbing – Mollie for over coming her fear of heights
  • Ready Steady Cook 1st – Bloom Family
  • Ready Steady Cook 2nd – Smith & Shears Family
  • Ready Steady Cook 3rd – Watkinson Family

Finally I would like to say a big thank you to the volunteer leadership team whose hard work and generosity made the camp a success, along with all the participants who joined in and contributed to the fun and excitement.

Yours in Scouting

Paul Boreham
Group Scout Leader