Scout’s Summer Camp 2024
What an amazing week! Summer Camp 2024 has been phenomenal. The Isle of Wight has treated us well, with the most glorious weather all week to make our adventures even better.
The Scouts have been fantastic. Throwing themselves (sometimes literally) into every activity and challenge. Activities we’re only able to do with their enthusiasm and perseverance. From Coasteering to Bushcraft, Water Sports to Hikes, they will have made memories for life. All the Scouts conducted themselves and represented the Group impeccably.
My huge thanks go to the Leadership team – Adrian, Darren, Luke, Sam, Jake and Young Leaders Liv, Ali and George – for not only giving up a week but for the hours of planning, meetings, trailers and boat sorting that have made this camp possible. And for their constant efforts during the week to make the camp such a success. These people make Scouting possible.
Massive thanks also to Stafford Railway Circle for their generous donation that partly funded Summer Camp and our Paddle Camp in June, following the Scout’s support at their model railway exhibition last September. Their funding allows us to provide a greater range of enriching experiences like these for our young people.
Summer Camp commenced with our journey and Sailing to the Isle of Wight on the ferry. Once arrived at the campsite, our site quickly came to life, with tents pitched and Scouts starting axes work. The first night was topped off with BBQ for tea, hot dogs and burgers, all cooked on fire.
Day two began with Bacon rolls for breakfast, cooked by the Scouts, followed by tent inspection. This revealed some excellently pitched Force 10 tents, the Scouts showing off their skills here. Proper Scouting continues for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon with onsite bushcraft, including axe work, wood splitting and making staves. The afternoon saw our most adrenaline seeking activity of the week, coasteering.
The Scouts had a fantastic time at Freshwater Bay, despite the sea being a little choppy. Meanwhile, while each group was Coasteering, the other group had tea and explored Freshwater Bay, discovering amazing views and making the most of the great weather.
A trip to Alum Bay and the Needles started Day three. Fossil finding and Cricket on the beach, before lunch and a trip back up to the top on the chairlift. At the top, the Scouts wrote and sent postcards home, writing of their adventures so far. The afternoon came and we returned to the campsite, discovering an old bus, a photo opportunity of course.
The rest of the afternoon was spent kayaking and paddling boarding on Corf Lake once the tide had come in. After a busy day, time for tea. Homemade Chicken Curry with Eaton Mess and homemade ginger cake, baked in the Dutch oven, for pudding. The Young Leaders had also been hard at work with their camp craft creations, making tables and Swedish candles. Once tea was done, a bit of laundry to wash our amazing camp t-shirts.
To start day four, a morning hike around Blackgang, South Isle of Wight, including a visit to St. Catherine’s Lighthouse. The Scouts navigated their route using grid references, demonstrating some excellent skills. Back on site, an afternoon of bushcraft and proper Scouting skills. Chess piece carving, stave making, axe work and log splitting. The day concluded with a camp favourite, Beef Stew for tea. Cooked in the Dutch oven on fire, topped off with homemade, Dutch oven baked, lemon drizzle cake for pudding. Amazing food, cooked from scratch on fire.
Day five and a quiet morning on camp. Some more axe and saw work onsite at Corf Scout Campsite. A big lunch, with roast chicken vegetable and egg fried rice cooked in the Dutch oven. All ahead of an amazing afternoon on the water at Corf Lake. Paddle Boards and Kayaks in amazing weather. The Scouts all had a fantastic time.
The final full day, day six, was an amazing day at Sandown Beach. We had the most amazing weather. The Scouts enjoyed games in the sea much of the day as well as sand cricket.
The last night on camp, so traditional chippy for tea back at the campsite. The leaders also finished their bushcraft chess set which looks amazing.
Day seven, the final morning of Camp. The Scouts deconstructed the site in record time. Lunch and camp review before setting off, via the Ferry back to Southampton.
See more of our summer adventures in the Gallery…
We’ve posted loads of photos on our socials. If you haven’t done so already, give us a follow (and some likes) on our other socials.
We now look forward to Summer Camp 2025 and the new Scouting year in September.
Enjoy the rest of the summer. See everyone soon.
