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• • • Around the Groups |
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On the 16th February 2008 twenty members of the 12th Troop went to Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre for their annual Survivor Camp. We set off on an extremely cold crisp Saturday morning. The temperature at 7am, when Felicity went to Sainsbury’s, being -7oC on the car thermometer, rising to a lofty -5 oC when we set off from Elm Ridge at 9.15am! We travelled in convoy to Kielder and set up camp in daylight. The camp was a basic scout camp, with scouts enjoying a scavenge hunt (which orientated the first time Kielder campers to the site), fire lighting, cooking, pioneering and wide games. They also undertook things maybe not enjoyed as much!! Washing up!!
On Sunday we went for an enjoyable walk from the site to Leaplish via the latest section of the new cycle/walking track. This is as yet incomplete, but will be wheel chair accessible and will run from the dam to Kielder Village in the near future. We went to enjoy a swim in the pool at Leaplish. As we had booked sole use of the pool, the scouts were able to expend a great deal of energy, while taking turns to go in the sauna under supervision. This was followed by a visit to Kielder bird of Prey Centre. Although we visit the centre each year Ray, the falconer ensures that the display is varied and interesting, with different elements at each visit. The star this year was Mandy, a Maribu Stork, who he had recently rescued. She had several physical problems, including a malformed beak, preventing her from picking up food from the floor. Ray reported that he was struggling to get her a healthy, well balanced diet. She is supposed to eat fish, but prefers chicken. The centre is well worth a visit and if arranged via Hawkhirst is at a reduced rate. The falconer ensures that the scouts have the opportunity to wear a gauntlet and have birds land on their hand. He provides an informative commentary throughout and ensures that the audience understands that these birds are not pets. Following this we walked back to camp and Sunday Dinner.
Monday was spent pioneering and backwoods ‘Ready Steady Cook’. The Scouts were encouraged to experiment, the only criteria being …. That the food was cooked!! We were extremely lucky with the weather, which was crisp and dry, but very cold. We do not know the exact minimum temperatures but were informed by Hawkhirst Staff that Saturday Night was at least -8oC and Sunday night -10oC. Strangely, everyone was warmer on Sunday night. We are very proud of the scouts who coped with these extreme temperatures, some experiencing their first winter camp.
A proud moment for our Young Leader Joanne Fishburn was when she was presented with her ‘Advanced Fire Poking Award’ (A much sought after award by YL’s!!) She had been practising these skills for some while and now wishes to progress to Instructor level.
Gordon and Felicity are particularly grateful to ‘Mess Tent’ Martin Coxon and Roy ‘Wiz’ Macdougall for their help and humour. |
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You may have seen in the recent Scouting magazine that Hawkhirst is now one of the four Scout Association National Activity Centres, along with Gillwell, Youlbury and Downe. It is the only centre in the north of the country and the only one with a large amount of water available.
It is currently undergoing the start of a development programme and building is now underway for a new hostel. This will provide 34 beds in rooms of 1-4, all with ensuite facilities. It is anticipated that it will be available for booking by September this year.
For all further information contact Hawkhirst on 01434 250 217 or |
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