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Scout's Diary 1998

Canoe capsize drill - session arranged at Corby swimming pool to practice the capsize drill for the British Canoe Union 2 star award
Easter Camp - this was at Fedw in the Brecon Beacons staying in a converted farm. Just as well that we were not camping as snow followed the torrential rain. This made the hillwalking more enjoyable over Mynydd Llangorse to the climbing centre at Llangorse. On the Sunday there was pony trekking at Fedw.
Backwoods weekend - this took place at Laxton. Everyone slept in bivvies they had built but had a shock when it rained in the early hours of the morning. Meals were cooked over an open fire without utensils - chicken, rabbit, one-man stew, Christmas pudding. The weekend also included some pioneering with a tower being built - sturdy but not very elegant.
District Camp - this took place at Glendon and despite a poor turnout and some bad weather, was a very enjoyable camp. The camp included building a bridge, archery, shooting, climbing, abseiling, assault course and giant ball. Everyone had a good time at the camp fire ( run by Clive ) and this was followed by a disco. Much to the amazement of all involved 1st Gretton were awarded the pennant for the best troop. Well done to 2nd Oundle and 15th Corby for organising the camp.
Mega Paw - very popular again this year and involved Herfordshire and Northamptonshire. This was at the same venue as last year at Phasels wood and activities included climbing, abseiling, canoeing, go karting, caving, archery, shooting, quad bikes, it's a knockout, fun fare and disco. The involvement of the Guides was very popular with the Scouts!
Jurassic Lark - the Gretton village fete took place again this year and gave us an opportunity to raise some money by running the tombola, plate smashing stall, 9 pin and pigeon race. It was a great day and the scouts raised £253.
New Mess tent - with the money from the Jurassic Lark and a generous donation from Barclays' Bank, we were able to replace out aging mess tent. Hopefully this will last as long as the old one did!
Summer Camp - on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. This was a very successful camp and the weather was very kind to us ( but the midges were not! ). We camped at the Forestry Campsite at Dye Mill, near Lamlash. Good site apart from the midges. Water is available from the burn and we were assured this was perfectly clean - it tasted very good. There was no shortage of wood for camp and alter fires. Activities included
- pony trekking at Sannox ( leaders chance to visit the Distillery at Lochranza )
- mountain biking through the forests from Whiting Bay to Kilmory ( via Glenashdale Falls )
- hiking up Goat Fell starting at Corrie and finishing at Broddick
- trip to Holy Island to see the Buddhist Colony and hike up Mullach Mor
- swimming at Broddick
Arran is claimed to be a miniature version of Scotland - it is very beautiful and everyone was sad to leave.
Burgee District Camp Competition where teams show off their camping skills
Canoeing weekend at Wadenhoe with Scouts achieving their 1 star British Canoe Union award
Lightweight hike took place in October and teams carry all their gear for a weekend hike. They camped at East Carlton Park. Some of the teams seemed not to be too concerned about weight and hiked in style carrying a clockwork alarm clock complete with bells, 6 pints of milk dangling from a rucksack, one team all had hot water bottles, food consisting of large tins of peaches, fresh broccoli that no one liked, large packs of sausages and bacon – whatever happened to de-hydrated food!
Visit to the Hindu temple in Wellingborough
Ice skating at Peterborough

Last updated on: Thursday, 19 August 1999