2012-05-11 – 7th Ntl Scout Archery Competition

This was a camp of many firsts for the 5th Dartford Scout Group. For three of the 7 Scouts attending it was their first camp as Scouts; It was the first time the 5th had competed at the National Scout Archery Competition and it was the first time we had taken a Gold medal, thanks to Burne Troop’s Matthew Buttler who won the under 12’s 20yd target competition.

The camp was held at Phasels Wood in Herts, nr Kings Langley, which is @ an hour from home.  The campsite is vast with large open fields and wooded areas, which were perfect for the field events, clout and target in which we all participated.  Paul and Jason were joined on this camp by Russ Kettley, the 5th’s Quatermaster, who looked after camp whilst we were competing and prepared all our meals.  The weather was perfect for the event, with glorious sunshine and most of all it remained dry.  Other activities, which the Scouts took advantage of beetween events included the high ropes, assault course, crate stacking and zip wire.  All the Scouts had a great time and are already looking forward to next year’s competition.  Who’d have thought that only 4 weeks ago we were missing the boss at 10 yards and our standards have improved through practice and  instruction by our own archery leaders Lynn, Debbie, Maggie and Jim to whom we offer our thanks and to Russ for looking after us.