More than 400 Scouts and their families from villages in West Berkshire congregated in Purley-on-Thames at the weekend for the largest ever Family Camp to be held by the 1st Purley & Pangbourne Scout Group.
The weekend camp was held near to Mapledurham Lock with 28 activities ranging from cooking to climbing, archery to axe throwing, rafting to river safety.
With 225 members across the breadth of Scouting – Squirrels (4-6-year-olds), Beavers (6-8-year-olds), Cubs (8-10.5-year-olds), Scouts (10.5-14-year-olds), and Explorers (14-18-year-olds) – 1st Purley & Pangbourne welcomed 109 different families to this year’s camp, the first to be held since 2023.
Members of Scoutlink, the provision of Scouting for those with additional needs, also joined the camp’s activity day (Saturday), upholding the Scout Association’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The camp featured all the staples of traditional Scouting, including whittling, first aid and backwoods cooking, and reflected the modern style of Scouting with activities like an Escape Tent, circus skills, and caving.
Former members of the group, who are now adults, and their families also returned to help run the camp, demonstrating the longevity of Scouting in the community and the long-lasting impact it has on young people.
Following the main activities on Saturday, the group showcased Scouting in its villages with a special celebration, including presentation of a King’s Scout Award – the highest accolade in Scouting, presented by County Lead Volunteer Nigel Bevan.
Camp Leader Richard Goodyear said: “This was our eighth Family Camp, and the biggest yet! It was so great to see so many people enjoying themselves, taking part in all the different activities. Seeing the team’s ten months of planning come together was amazing.”
