This years Family Camp was, as ever, a brilliant weekend. So many activities to participate in and everybody who came had a great time. Mum's, Dad's, brothers and sisters and even the odd auntie, cousins and grandparents were all fully involved!
We all gathered at Garners Field around 6:30 and began pitching our tents. Parents, leaders, cubs and scouts all having their own and with the Scouts setting up their hammocks for some proper outdoor sleeping! Thankfully the weather was absolutely perfect for this. After that the flag was broken and everybody was notified of their group leader for the weekend. The teams were broken in to Harry Potter themes. There were Muggles, Hufflepuffs, Slytherins, Ravenclaws, Gryffindors, Professors, and Leaders. Camp was officially started with hot drinks and camp donuts and a campfire. Most people were settled down by 10pm.
We woke early saturday to a hearty cooked breakfast and through the day there was an opportunity to try many different activities. Archery, Wizardry School, canoeing and kayaking, assault course, frisby, climbing and Abseiling on the climbing wall, football, volleyball, parachute play and magic rockets!
In between all of this we were well fed by the camp cooking team. A big thanks for keeping us fed and watered through the weekend. We know how much effort is involved in feeding nearly 150 people! I must say the ice tea and coffee were most welcome and a favourite! The evening had everybody around the campfire for the AGM and then Aaron and Joel lifted the mood with some fun campfire songs for all to join in. "Were singing in the rain" was belted at full volume. An absolute classic! Tim's effort was second to none.
Sunday was games day, in full Harry Potter fancy dress. There were Harry Potters, team members, muggles, professors a dragon and even a Lord Voldemort! Games included escaping from Agragog's lair over a cargo net, catching pixies with Welly Boots, time trial obstacle course, a rope swing barrel game, an epic water slide and a water based relay race. All the wet play took the edge off the heat of the day and ensured everybody was refreshed!
The last things to do were strike the camp and the ending ceremony. Our District Commissioner Mike Webb joined us once again and gave out some awards. Well done to Suzie Perman for completing her leadership training and receiving her woods beads. Colin and J for receiving their award of Merit for commitment and effort towards Scouting. and two of the Beavers for attaining the Bronze Chief Scout award! All fully justified! To finish off, the very generous Chrissie insured everybody parted with a gift and momento for coming along and joining in!
Once again it was a highlight of the year for our troop and one we all want to come around quickly next year!