It's all a little bit too much for me but fortunately these days I don't have to be quite so involved so watched quietly whilst enjoying a cup of coffee.
Once morning exercises were done operation Black Sheep was launched. However, due to ministry protocols and restrictions on releasing sensitive information I have been informed that I can pass on no more details at this stage. Apparently, parents can apply under a freedom of information request for further details which should be released at the photo and video evening. Please email Mr Causton directly with your requests in the new academic year if you would like to know what happened! He is unlikely to reply - perhaps you should refer to the web site in due course.
After operation Black Sheep the troops had a well earned dip in the river and cleaned up for our mid camp central meal - homemade steak pies, new potatoes in melted butter and sprinkled with chopped parsley and a meddly of mixed vegetables followed by 9th Mess. All this was extremely well received and set everyone up nicely and put them in good spirits for the mid-camp party.
The aforementioned party was led in hilarious fashion by Charles Connor and a band of junior HQ performing sketches and songs backed up by a few old boys as the support acts. A wonderful evening was had by all and a fitting end to our first week on camp.
At night prayers we thanked God for all the many benefits and privileges we have enjoyed in the first week of camp and all went off to bed happy.
Sunday is generally considered a 'quiet day' and the formal structures are dropped in favour of a more leisurely regime. Mr Causton had declared that we should keep quiet until about 10.00 and allow those who would like to sleep the opportunity to do so. I followed these instructions as I always do and was surprised when I came out of my tent at about 10.00 to discover that rebellion had taken place and that I had missed it. Imagine my disappointment at not being able to support my HQ colleagues in a mass water fight against the Troop. If only I had heard something I would have been there with alacrity to fight the good fight. Alas, I am a heavy sleeper........
After rebellion, the Troop were called on parade and order was restored. Tom Walsh, one of our charming and usually reserved senior patrol leaders, was dressed in a quite extraordinary outfit involving a pink tutu and wig!! Things have changed since my day!
After this the HQ enjoyed a wonderful HQ breakfast. This is one of the traditional ways we thank the HQ for giving up their time to come on camp and it is always a most enjoyable morning - melon and raspberries to start followed by a full English breakfast - lovely!
The afternoon saw another round of the Horner Shield, the PLs preparing for their hikes and the APLs taking over for the APL competition. Suddenly, there is a new enthhusiasm in the patrols as the new temporary leaders endeavour to prove their leadership abilities.
The weather has been mixed today. Bursts of heavy rain, followed by periods of drizzle and then bright sunshine. Such is the way of things when you camp in Britian. You need to be prepared for these mixed fortunes and make hay when the sun shines. The boys had a big sort out yesterday in the sun so we were prepared for today. I seem to remember something about scouts being prepared.....
Unfortunately, we could not get a priest to say Mass today so we joined in a simple prayer service in the marquee focussed on the readings for the day and offered prayers for one another and our loved ones. The feeding of the 5000 seems an apt Gospel for the middle Sunday of camp.
Suddenly, over a week has gone and we have only five full days left. It seems unbelievable but soon another camp will be done and the lads will come home to happy parents that little bit better prepared for their future and more mature for their experience on camp.
SRM
