Summer Camp 2007

Mountblairy, northwest of Turriff (originally Deskford near Cullen)

a selection of photos from camp...

Due to the Deskford site being flooded, the leaders had to make a change of plan only 6 days before the camp was due to start. A new venue had to be found and because of that, a new programme planned as well. Not an easy task but, as usual, they pulled out all the stops and made it. Mountblairy it was and a superb venue it turned out to be. None of the leaders had even heard of the place before but it turned out to be almost perfect.

Saturday - (is a play day) We all arrived at Meldrum car park and the long convoy set off to Mountblairy only a few minutes late. A nice short, easy journey and we were all there. Parents disappeared and the fun! job of setting up camp began, thankfully in dry weather which always helps. The four patrols containing 21 boys did a good enough job and soon the site looked like a camp site. This year we tried an experiment by pairing two patrols together to cook the meals.

Sunday - (is a praying day) The day commenced with flag and a "Scout's Own". It was wet, a recurring theme this year. Then it was off down to the pond. We couldn't really get much wetter so where better to be than in the water getting wet. The older Scouts helped Jim and Mike to set up the aerial runway and the others built a couple of rafts. A very wet evening and off to bed.

Monday - (is a milking day) Now, we thought it was wet yesterday but boy was it wet during the night. A torrential shower kept most people awake and at about 5:30am the thunder made sure that the rest were. As the rain came down in what sounded like buckets, the horrible thoughts came. Would everyone stay dry? A quick check round the tents and all seemed well.  The answer turned out to be yes. So what else to do in the wet? Well, go down to the water of course. Playing on the rafts, dingy & kayaks. Unfortunately LC stubbed his toe on a stone on the bottom of the pond and ended up in plaster with a broken toe. But the brave chap returned on his crutches later that night.

Tuesday - (is a training day) Seven pairs of socks to camp. One dry pair of socks left. Oh dear, some camping experience is definitely needed. With much needed bits of the Scouting badgework to do that was what today was made up with. A whole variety of things were undertaken. The older Scouts set off on their challenge which was a cycle to MacDuff Sealife Centre and then on to a camp site just East of there. Compliments on their behaviour was forthcoming from the staff at the centre and the campsite. Well done. The remainder of the camp cycled into Turriff or a swim.

Wednesday - (is a  washing day) After the first full kit inspection (the first sunny day) we set about building shelters made out of natural material. There were some really good shelters. After much debating a few folk decided it was too scary to actually sleep in the shelters that they had spent hours making. Shame really, but it was their choice.

Thursday - (is a thirsty day) Various activities today. Amongst them were shooting and frisbee's. Then off for a cycle into Turriff to go to the swimming pool. A good chance for a swim AND a clean! Some of those who didn't sleep in shelters last night changed their minds and went for it tonight. We know it was a difficult decision. Well done lads.

Friday - (is a fry-up day) The morning and early afternoon were spent finishing off bits of badgework, shooting, completing a cycle obstacle course before beginning the big tidy up. Not the greatest of activities but it has to get done. Sleeping in the shelters was "ace" according to one who originally was scared to be there so into it they went again. Six stayed in the one still-standing tent and the older lads, who had already spent three nights in their massive shelter slept in the hut, along with a couple of others.

Saturday - (is a play day, again) A very slow day with the motivation struggling and tiredness by all, including the leaders, winning the day. Eventually, despite not that much to tidy, we headed for the final flag 20 minutes late, with the parents waiting patiently. Back to Daviot to empty all the equipment then it was home for a nice hot bath ..... ah, bliss.

A difficult camp for the leaders, with the "new" age range of Scouts not helping the camping one little bit. The experience of those 15~16 year olds is being missed badly. Well, Switzerland next year and we are already a long way into the planning process. A few days break then it is into the more detailed planning for that. Well done to Terry, Mike, Jim, Chris, Nick, David & Keith. It is not easy changing the venue and therefore the programme at such short notice, especially when they all work and have other interests as well. Thanks guys.