I knew that it was tempting fate to comment on the weather! Since my last update the weather has been rather more changeable flitting between thundery showers, rolling overcast skies and beautiful sunshine. As I sit writing now, I am pleased to report that the sun is once again making a come back.
On Friday, the PLs
relinquished their patrols for a few days to participate in their PLs hikes
whilst eager Third Years took up the reigns. So Benedict Harrison (next year’s
TL) Joseph Reuss (the very recently announced new ATL) and Co bounded along
with enthusiasm, keen to prove their leadership credibility.
On Saturday
morning, the PLs embarked on a their long hike under gloomy skies whilst the
younger years took part in more conservative local hikes starting at Garway
Hill and finishing at Grosmont Castle. I was quite looking forward to getting
all the hikes off and then slipping away for a nice ham, egg and chips. Alas,
the best laid plans never seem to come to fruition. After running around in the
minibus, sorting out some washing, tidying the site we then realised that the
Tesco delivery would be coming in less than an hour and we therefore couldn’t
leave site. We had to make do with some roast beef, rocket and horseradish
sandwiches. It’s a tough life…..
On their return the
boys were keen for a dip in the river which enabled them to have a clean after
their hikes and before stores. After evening inspection, we had the first round
of ‘Universilly Challanged’ (spelling errors intended). This is a quiz that
will run each evening on camp with scouts forming teams of up to four to
compete against each other. Though we have had to suspended some rounds it has
been very well received and despite the slightly disparaging title the boys
have demonstrated no small intellectual ability and agility!
On Saturday Fr
Peter Gallagher once again joined us to say Mass. Masses on camp are generally
very quiet and moving affairs and this was no different. The boys were
beautifully observant and our marquee once again became our little chapel for
an hour or so as we prayed and thanked God for all the good things we have in
our lives. We are hugely indebted to Fr Peter who has given his time so freely
and willingly as our Group Chaplain but who is now moving to the other side of
London. He goes with our very best wishes and our prayers but I suspect we will
see him supporting the 9th in the years ahead.
Sunday is always
designated as a ‘quiet day’. After a week on camp everyone is tired and in need
of a rest. As temporary Scout Leader for a few days I set reveille at the
leisurely time of 09.00. It was made quite clear to everyone that no noise should
be heard before this time. The evening before we had enjoyed a fabulous
mid-camp party co-ordinated by the peerless Mr Connor and involving a number of
sketches that seemed heavily influenced by ‘The Two Ronnies’. There was singing
and treats and we all went to bed happy but ready for a rest.
On Sunday we took
the opportunity to thank the HQ for all they do on camp and had our traditional
HQ breakfast. Mr BB gets some ribbing on camp but he cooks a mean scrambled
eggs! The next round of the Horner Shield followed after lunch and suddenly we
were thinking about the second week and two days of off site activities.
Yesterday and today
we have been partaking in kayaking, mountain biking, raft building, climbing,
abseiling and paddle-boarding. The activities have been superbly run by Exmoor
Adventures who we first used when camping in Somerset a few years ago. I
recommend them without reservation. The important feedback is always from the
boys and judging by their smiles and enthusiastic exchanging of stories, they
have had a great time.
So, as we approach
the final run in, the sun is shining but we have some tired boys. However,
tomorrow allows us the opportunity to take stock and prepare for the last few
days. The weather forecast for tomorrow is a little grim so river activities
will probably have to be put on the back burner.
Right, I’m off to
write a few more rounds of ‘Universilly Challanged’!
