On Wednesday morning we awoke to overcast skies at the relatively early time of 07.45. Soon everyone was busy preparing for breakfast and inspection so that the two minibuses could roll off site no later than 10.15 to make sure that we were at Wimbleball Lake for the second round of water sports activities at 11.00.
The drive to Wimbleball takes us directly over Dunkery Beacon and on a clear day the views are stunning. As we moved up the hill the clouds parted and the sun started to shine just at the right moment.
Once at Wimbleball the instructors gave instructions (which I guess is what they are paid to do) and soon boys were clad in wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets ready to embark on a day of fun out on the water. Once again, restricted by the necessity to drive a minibus back to camp, I reluctantly returned to the Duck Cafe for coffee, quiche and homemade shortbread. The wifi wasn't quite as reliable as last time but we have to cope with these little trials!
Once back at camp, it was clear that everyone had enjoyed the day whether mountain biking, tree climbing or on the lake. As a leader who has run numerous camps I have been very impressed with Exmoor Adventures and would recommend them without reservation.
All too soon the day was drawing to a close and we decided that an early night and late reveille were in order as there were some weary young boys (and much older boys) who needed a good sleep!
On Thursday we awoke at the leisurely hour of 09.00. As this was the penultimate inspection and the competition was still wide open the boys were extra industrious in the morning.
The HQ were preparing for the HQ lunch. This is a traditional occasion on camp when the Group and Scout Leader thank the HQ for giving up their time to help at camp. It's worth pointing out, for those who don't know, that Scout Leaders do not get paid to be involved in scouts or attend camps. Indeed, they have to pay to come to camp! A long time ago the Group decided that the small gesture of a special lunch for those who are prepared to serve was a good way to recognise all that they do. Thus, in Horner, our good friend Toni prepares lunch for us and delivers it to site. Steak pie, roast potatoes, braised red cabbage, carrots etc.... We started with mozzarella and tomato salad and finished with various cheesecakes. A fitting feast to say a very well deserved thank you.
After lunch was the much anticipated Operation Gunge. A competition which involves games of chance with the HQ competing against the PLs for the right to select a member from the opposite team to be 'gunged'. This year we add a few extra games and finished with the traditional firing of the gun!
Sadly, the PLs won (again). There were some very senior HQ with their heads on the line who had not been gunged - Causton, Starke, Matthews and Day - to name just a few! Once the PLs had deliberated they came back in and Flynn Spain called up Mr Causton and Mr Betti-Berutto to face off against each other in a final game of paper, rock, scissors, to decide who would be gunged! It was very tense in the tent but Mr Causton won the face off leaving Tom BB to face the bullet......or so we thought. There was a final twist in the tale and Flynn shouted for Toby to announce who would be gunged and he revealed another, unexpected, junior HQ member. But I'll save that revelation for Mr Orbell's informal recollection.
The poor victim was taken down to the river and sacrificed to much laughter and general hilarity. Soon everyone had gone in for a dip on the river and we moved onto stores and evening dinner.
Sadly, we said goodbye to Mr Orbell, Mrs Maher Sr and a few others. I do hope that MJO enjoyed a good night's sleep in his own bed. His contribution to camp, as always, was immense and we miss him when he is not here with us.
After inspection we played the second leg of the PLs vs HQ football match which the HQ won handsomely.
Bishop Hudson once told me that we should't pray for good weather as the Good Lord probably doesn't get involved in these things. However, I hope Nick won't mind that we prayed for a clear and sunny day to ensure a successful end to camp!
(This morning we woke up to blue skies which have remained with us all day. We are in great shape for tomorrow and I am hopeful of a fabulous 'en famille' this evening but more of that in my final post tomorrow.)
