Before the school holidays had a chance to begin, twenty-three Scouts had packed and were waiting outside the Scout Hut eager for Summer Camp 1996 to start.
After the neccessary tasks such as Kit Inspection (to make sure that each Scout hadn't "forgotten" their wash kit) Patrol lists were read out and Patrol names were decided on. This year, there were five patrols called:
The Grogs,
The Scurvies,
The Cuthroats,
The Hunky Hooks and,
The Tinkerbells (The SPL Team!).
This years theme (as you have probably guessed) was Pirates!
Next, all the equipment was loaded onto the minibuses and the Scouts bedded down to a nice hot cup of chocolate and a hotdog ready for an early start the next morning!
Bright and Early the last of the SPL's (me) arrived (strangely enough just in time for breakfast!) and the loading of rucsacs was completed. After pumping up a flat tire on the trailer, the Troop set off for Thriftwood, Essex. Everything went fine, until the Advance Party (in the SL's car) got to the M25. As usual, each Leader has a "shortcut" for every destination and this year it took us through the centre of London instead of bypassing the centre of Brentwood - fortunately for us, we still arrived before the rest of the Troop - just!
After finding and retrieving some much needed altar fires, lunch was served and various tents began to spring(?) up! One tent took two attempts but the tents generally went up smoothly.
Before we new it, it was "time for tea", and wood collecting began in earnest. Fires were lit and smells of Spaghetti Bolognaise (with lamb mince) began to rove around the camp site. It was eaten and a "camp exploration" activity took place before Hot Chocolate and Biscuits and then Bed!
Five minutes before Flag-Break and there was no flag, and no sign of any Scouts. The leaders were forced to go round to each tent and wake us up. 10 minutes later, flag break was held, breakfast was supplied and cooking began for the second time. Once more lovely(?) smells of burnt bacon rolled across the camp-site but there were no complaints.
As soon as breakfast was over, Camp Gadget building began. There were various things that 'had' to be built, including a table and something appropriate to site on, a washing up bowl stand, a plate rack and a mug tree. Some patrols were lucky enough to find items that could be made easily into tables or chairs but most patrols had to work much harder to make their gadgets.
The SPL team found two chairs and managed to send most of the troop up to the "chair store" which alledgedly housed many chairs but in fact didn't exist at all! Other "finds" included a formica table top and some plastic bent to form a chair.
As time went by, each patrol had some form of table, some form of chairs and various items for holding plates, bowls and cutlery. Some patrols managed to build a bowl holder. The Tinkerbells had created a table suspended from four trees that could also double up as a bowl holder and, coupled with their chairs, made a very inviting eating area.
As part of the Patrol Activity Award, it was suggested to each patrol that they might like to run some form of sporting tournement, with points as an added bonus. That afternoon, the Scurvies organised a volley ball match between all of the patrols (and the leaders). The leaders won the game and the Tinkerbells came (a close?) second!
Meals were cooked and eaten and the troop played Lantern, a wide game before going to bed.
Day 4 (Monday)
After the usual things that have to be done in the morning like breakfast and the trip to the toilet block, the troop split into two groups; a canoeing group and a rafting group.
The rafters were once more divided into three groups and each group was given:
Four Barrels
Seven Spars
Lashing Rope, and
LOTS of good luck :-)
and were "told" to build a raft to go as far as possible. Once more, there were points up for grabs!
As time went by three rafts of varying descriptions began to take shape. The first one, named "HMS Dodgey" (after the lashings), was launched and began to move across the lake. Before long, the lashings did begin to give way and one barrel after another drifted from the main body of the raft making sure that we got well and truly wet. The other two rafts had been launched and were also having limited success. It was decided that those who wanted to could swim and the rest could make two barrel rafts. One two barreled raft emerged and was extremely successful but alas, time once more caught up on us, and the true seaworthyness of this raft remained to be seen! After lunch, free time ensued which turned into a doubles badminton match.
In the evening, I, as part of my Chief Scout's Award, ran an orienteering course around the site which, I think, turned out alright. Each of the scouts was scared out of their skins as one of our Leaders, nicknamed Pirate Pete, jumped out of the bushes wearing pirate costume demanding a song! Again, there were points up for grabs for the best team and the Scurvies "won" the event.
Day 5 (Tuesday)
Today's main activities were rifle shooting and, in the afternoon, raft building once more. Today's craze was 2 barreled rafts most of which were succuessful. The Explorer Award Scouts built a four barreled raft as part of their award and managed to get most of the troop on board.... before it collapsed!
Unfortunately, today was the wettest day and in the evening there was a severe weather warning so we had to resort to a CB interpatrol quiz.
Day 6 (Wednesday)
After the dreaded task of Kit Inspection - which managed to turn up many lost socks and (dry?) washkits - the rest of the morning was spent canoeing on the lake. After paddle practicing and a bit of rafting and racing, it was decided to have a capsize practice. This went well and (unfortunately??) all the Scouts returned unscathed.
The afternoon was spent pioneering and doing archery. The aim of the pioneering was to make a gate post to be an entrance to our site. The end product was very sturdy and looked a credit to the troop.
Day 7 (Thursday)
After breakfast, the Troop set off for its "Day Out". This year in Southend on Sea with its mile-long-pier. After splitting up into groups of 3 or 4, the scouts went off in search of the latest "OASIS" CD, lots of sweets, McDonalds, and that nice, cuddly teddy for Mum!
After the day out, the patrols were set loose in Tesco to buy their evening meal. It has become somewhat of a tradition that on one night, each patrol is given a certain amount of money and told to buy a three course meal for themselves. Points being awarded on originality and taste. Burgers and Chips were discouraged!
Having said this, meals ranged from Chinese Style Spare Ribs, with Chocolate Gateau for pudd to, erm, Chicken Nuggets and Potato Waffles!
Day 8 (Friday)
Friday was the day of the Camp Sports, the inevitable clash of the Patrols, all competing for the Camp Sports Shield. It was an opportunity to get VERY wet, dirty, but it was also an opportunity to have a lot of fun!
Events ranged from Tossing the Caber, to Apple Bobbing, to the old Favorite, Tug-o-War! As I said, it was an opportunity to get wet, and in the "bucket over the head" event, one scout (me) threw the whole bucket of water over the rest of his patrol getting them ever so slightly wet! Needless to say, I was VERY popular with my team from then on.
This year, the Scurvies won the Sports.
After a late lunch, it was time for the water splash. Yet another chance to get wet and muddy whilst taking part in lots of water activities in the lake. The activities included water-skiing, sliding down a massive tower, trying to walk along a raft while being sprayed with COLD water...
As soon as it got dark, it was time for a wide game. This time flag raid.
Day 9 (Saturday)
Today was the time to go home. Equipment was packed up and minibuses and trailers were loaded. But, guess what.. it was raining.
The Awards Ceremony was held, this year the Hunky Hooks won the camp, with Adam Blowers receiving the Individual Effort Award. There was also a special presentation to Peter. He had been called many things over the camp including GORILLA MAN! To make up for this, some of the Scouts had bought him.... a fluffy BANANA!
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