Young people and adults from around Maidenhead partied in style at Dorneywood campsite last weekend as they joined forces to celebrate two special birthdays: five years of Squirrels and 40 years of Beavers.
Five years after the launch of Squirrels in September 2021 and 40 years since Beavers opened its colonies, more than 70 youngsters enjoyed action-packed fun and adventure in the autumn sunshine.
The Squirrels and Beavers had fun with soft play archery and bristle axe throwing, while all earning a special birthday badge.
Squirrel Reggie said: “I was really good at it and got it in the middle of the target and got them stuck together”, enjoying his success of hitting gold on the target.
The weather couldn’t have been better with lovely sunshine as all the groups laid out their picnic blankets, making their bases for the day and ensuring there were plenty of provisions.
There were also giant garden games including Connect 4, Tetris, Guess Who, Kerplunk and grass walking skis. Up in the woods, they were using ferro-rods to light fires, baking apples and raisins as well as making popcorn, which proved another roaring success. Not forgetting a bouncy obstacle course, which was a favourite with Holly, a Beaver. “I really liked the bouncy castle because it was so bouncy,” she said.
The water rockets were also popular, as the young people tried to send their rockets the highest and the furthest. Zachary, a Squirrel, was very excited, saying: “I blasted off my water bottle, and it went very high.” There was also a grand scavenger hunt, finding as many natural objects as possible around the site.
It wouldn’t be a party without badges and birthday cake. As everyone gathered around the campfire, singing songs and finishing with a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday”
Chloe summed up the whole day, saying: “I had the best day ever.”