Summer camp at Maidenhead’s Pinkneys Green Scouts is always a big undertaking and this year’s, held at the end of July, was certainly no different. The trip involved transporting two 7.5-tonne trucks of equipment and shuttling 60 young people and adult volunteers by minibus to Watlington, South Oxfordshire, for two weeks of fun, adventure and some back-to-basics skills.
Using a greenfield site, literally a farmer’s field, the Scouts had to put everything up themselves. Each patrol was responsible for setting up their sleeping quarters – under canvas of course – a cooking area, and a dining shelter, as well as all communal facilities, and yes, including the toilets! There was also an opportunity for the young people to sleep in hammocks, enjoying a rare chance to sleep out under the stars.
The camp programme was packed full of activities, includings days on the water at Oxford Wet ‘n’ Wild freshwater lakes – kayaking and paddleboarding – or more specifically in the water, enjoying the high-energy inflatable obstacle course of the Aqua Park.
Astri enjoyed “all the watersports, cooking and going in hammocks with my patrol. The water activities included kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables and the swimming Pool.”
On land, Scouts enjoyed some mega-pioneering, constructing a 40-foot-high flag pole and tower as well as making an orienteering course in the local fields and woods. There were also opportunities for air rifle shooting, archery and plenty of camp competitions, pitching patrols head-to-head, including sports and over 70 ‘spare time’ challenges, if they had any!
That’s a lot of calories to burn. But there was plenty to eat, from a cooked breakfast every morning, a great selection of sandwich fillings and snacks to hot evening meal, all cooked by the Scouts on wood fires. There was also the much coveted camp cooking competition, in which patrols competed to prepare a three-course meal for nine people.
Patrol Leader, Edie said “My favourite part was the patrol activities, such as camp Olympics and cooking as a patrol. It’s always so nice to bond with other age groups, where else would you see a year 5 and a year 9 having a conversation!”
Jack said: “Summer camp was amazing – even better than previous years! My favourite activity was paddleboarding because everyone was having so much fun, lots of people were in the water but I was on my own six-man paddleboard all by myself. It was the best!”
Another Jack really enjoyed the cooking. One of his favourite meals was the cooking comp. “Halloumi fries for starters, homemade wraps with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and garlic sauce and a stuff strawberry, chocolate and cream pie.” All on a budget!
Astri said: “Camp was a great experience and I can’t wait to go next year!” No pressure on the Pinkeys Green volunteers then!
With thanks to Simon Barrett for submitting the story.
