The free day in Hereford yesterday was a great success and again the weather treated us well. The first and second year went for a swim and a jaunt around town accompanied by members of the Junior HQ. A quick word on behalf of the JHQ. They have been superb this camp. Certainly the best and most committed since my time as a leader in the 9th. They have been a great support and fantastic role models.
But enough about them, boys returned from Hereford having made phone calls home to tearful mums and dads with bags and bags of sweets, drinks and biscuits bought from Poundland or some other similar establishment. I always think it's one of the treats of camp to be allowed to do a few things that your parents would never allow (certainly that this parent would not allow) and it would be a shame to stifle this independence.
Once back, stores were again issued and fajitas were soon sizzling away. Unfortunately, my patrol were rather late calling which made me a little grumpy. If it hadn't been for the confit of duck and Herefordshere steak I had for lunch at the Castle House Hotel my mood would have been worse! (A fine establishment where things are done properly for any parents visiting the area).
The forecasts for Friday were pretty grim. Mr Causton, Mr Starke and I discussed the possibilities for the activities on the next day, weighing up the impact of a very wet day on tired boys. We decide to 'over sell' it when we briefed the Troop. Therefore, whatever the weather, it would likely be better than our dire warnings!!
So this morning arrived. The rain began at about 04.00 when, frustratingly, nature intervened on my gentle slumber. The rain was consistent but not thunderous (as had been promised). Nevertheless, I lay in bed unable to sleep pondering various options for the day ahead.
As it transpired, the activities ran pretty much as originally planned and the rain never became too onerous or difficult. There were some very cold and wet boys after various activities but lashings of warm cocoa on their return to site, many boys wearing borrowed HQ jumpers that engulfed them completely, and Green Curry this evening has warmed them through.
The plan for the rest of the evening is a short quiz in the marquee, some surprise doughnuts at the Scout Leader's request and more cocoa. It will then be early to bed and I have heard whispers of a 09.00 reveille! I'm sure a few extra hours in bed will go down well and the forecast tomorrow is dry if not sunny. So a tough but successful day on camp. BP himself is alleged to have said that any fool can camp in the sunshine. If he did say it, he was probably right, but a day like today tests your metal and the boys have once again proven their resilience, character and good humour.
SRM
