These are the members of 2nd Thatcham Scout Group who are preparing to join with other Taceham Hundred Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders to attend the forthcoming WINGS Camp. WINGS (Windsor International Guide and Scout) Camp is being held in Windsor Great Park for a week in August.

The Scouts and Leaders will take part in a wide variety of activities, and meet up with thousands of young people coming to the event from all over the world.

Photos by Julia Payen

Attended by:   15 Adults and Leaders,  9 Young Leaders, 18 Scouts, 26 Cubs and 22 Beavers

Activities:   Assault Course, Cycling, Kayaking, Rifle Shooting, Tie Dying, Backwoods Cooking, Hiking, Orienteering, Radio Fox hunting, Handicrafts, Bouncy Castle, Wide Games and Water Rockets.

Friday 22nd May:

We picked up the keys for the site and started to erect tents at 1200hr for Cubs and Leaders. Cubs and Scouts start to arrive at 1800hr, and the Scouts have to erect their own tents. Cubs are assigned to their tents and unpack their kit. The Union Flag is raised and the camp is officially opened. Site rules are read out to the young people, and adults, and a tour of the site given. Young people given free time to explore site and play games. Drinks and light snack are given, and this is followed by the showing of a film in the Black Barn. The evening comes to an end, and Cubs and Scouts instructed to wash, and brush teeth, and retire to their tents. Cubs lights out at 2230hr and Scouts at 2300hr 

Saturday 23rd May:

Cubs and Scouts are awake early, but told to remain in tents until 0700hr. Full English breakfast, with cereal and fruit salad is served at 0800hr. Flag ceremony at 0900hr and all reminded to apply sun cream and wear a hat. Morning activities start at 0930hr. 16 Cubs and Scouts leave site to go kayaking on the Thames at 72nd Reading. Morning break, drinks and snacks available. The rest are split into groups to either go cycling, tie dying or water rockets. Lunch is at 1230hr, this is rolls and sandwiches that they have to make themselves. Afternoon activities start at 1400hr. Kayakers return. Again in groups for cycling, tie dying, water rockets, or handicrafts. Afternoon break, drinks and snacks available. All advised to apply suncream. Activities close at 1700hr. Young people given free time to do as they wish. Evening meal is a BBQ. More free time. Flag down at 1900hr. At 2000hr a wide game is started. This involves being split into teams and then searching in the woods for a series of numbers for 2 combination locks on a treasure chest., which also has to be found. This was agreat success, with the winning team finding the chest was full of chocolate coins. Drink and snack was offered, then all instructed to wash and clean teeth. All were asleep by 2230hr (wicked)

Sunday 24th May

Not quite up as early, what a surprise. Breakfast is at 0830hr, same as yesterday. Flag ceremony at 0930hr, and all advised to apply sun cream and wear a hat. Beavers arrive on site at 1000hr, and kit put into stable where they are to sleepover. Beavers are split up and mixed with the other groups, and a Young Leader assigned to each group. Each group is made up of Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, and a Young Leader. This worked really well and brought out the best in the older Scouts. The days activities were rifle shooting, tie dying, handicrafts, radio fox hunting, orienteering, assault course, bouncy castle, and backwoods cooking, which involved skinning of rabbits and filleting fish, and then cooking and eating it. This was extreamly successful, with only a couple of the youngsters backing out. Lunch 1230hr, same as yesterday. All advised to apply suncream. Activities started up at 1400hr. Afternoon break for drink and snack at 1530hr. Activities closed at 1700hr. Free time until 1830hr. Dinner at 1830hr, which was roast beef or turkey, with all the trimmings. Free time. Flag down at 1930hr. Camp fire and singing at 2030hr, followed by hot chocolate and biscuits. Beavers retired to bed at 2200hr, and were all asleep by 2230hr. Cubs and Scouts followed shortly after.

Monday 25th May

Breakfast at 0830hr. Flag ceremony at 0930hr, and all advised to apply suncream, and to wear a hat.. Beavers left site at 1000hr. Cubs were taken on a 3 mile hike at 1030hr, followed by a tour of animals at the main farm. Scouts stayed behind to clear camp. Lunch 1230hr. All advised to apply suncream. Vans loaded. Parents start arriving at 1500hr. Flag down and awards ceremony and camp closed at 1515hr. All were presented with a blanket badge to take home. This was designed by Daniel Frost (a Cub). Return to Thatcham to unload and pack away.

The camp was a great success with all young, and not so young, having a great time, and enjoying the many activities laid on. The weather for the weekend was superb, with sunshine all weekend, and dry and clear at night. The food for the weekend was also superb, thanks to the efforts of Gavin Davies, and Jo Hams, and the team of Young Leaders. This was the best camp I have been involved with since being a leader. It looks like we will be doing it again in 2 years time.

Pete Frost (GSL)

 

2nd Thatcham's Group Scout Leader ran in the Reading Half Marathon on Sunday 30th March, to raise money for the Scout Group. Pete hopes to raise about £450 for Group activities, and would like to thank everyone who has sponsored him. Photo from Jeremy Haines