Thousands
of Scouts were out in force for the annual Wintercamp.
A highlight in the calendar for Scouts and Explorers (as well as Guides and Rangers), Wintercamp offers more than 30 different activities over two days, ranging from abseiling to zorbing.
A highlight in the calendar for Scouts and Explorers (as well as Guides and Rangers), Wintercamp offers more than 30 different activities over two days, ranging from abseiling to zorbing.
Taking place at
Gilwell Park in East London the weekend was jam-packed with high-octane
adventure, with even more activities to choose from than ever before, including
brush boarding and go-karting.
The best adventure. The snow was
nowhere to be seen this year, and while temperatures dropped to -2°C during the
chilly nights, the 3,000 young people, along with nearly one thousand adult
leaders, enjoyed two days of camping, cooking on open fires and experiencing
fun under clear skies.
Phoenix (1st
Roffey) went as part of the Horsham Weald / Young Leaders contingency which was
a total of 38 Explorers, other groups included Orion, Paladin, Europa and
Pegasus.
‘This was my first
time at Wintercamp, the new activities were great. I would definitely like to
go again and maybe visit Gilwell 24 in the Summer if the Leaders can put up
with us again.’ says Owen.
‘The White water
rafting was awesome, we went to Lee Valley by minibus after booking our places early
in the morning, and the water was very COLD!!
I am sure the Guide capsized the raft on purpose!! It was nice to have a
hot shower afterwards before coming back to camp’ says Louis.
A few members of
the Group mentioned that their favourite thing about Wintercamp is meeting up
with people from other Scout groups from across the UK. It is undoubtedly one
of the best adventures.’
Chief Scout Bear
Grylls, all-year round international adventurer, said, ‘Wintercamp provides a
whole new adventure experience for young people. This challenge is all about
empowering these Scouts with the confidence and skills to survive the sub-zero
temperatures, and keep warm and comfortable in their tents. It's humbling
to see so many inspiring young people enjoying such a wide range of activities,
from climbing, abseiling, quad-biking and high ropes, all in January: the
coldest month of the year. Go Scouts!’
The tents are now cleaned
from all the Gilwell mud brought home, a BIG thanks to all the Phoenix
Explorers that came to help John and Dave on Saturday 18th, your help was very
much appreciated and over the past week to get the equipment back to
normal….. just the large mess tent to go
now!!!
Thanks to all the
Leaders that helped at Gilwell :- Grizz,
Chris, John, Ben, Alistair and Tom for your hard work over the MUDDY weekend.
To Elaine for
arranging the fine details and organisation of the trip.
