County Scout Camp

26 June 2015

Well it's nearly end of year and Carlow /Kilkenny Scout groups have organised a country camp In portlick scout camp Westmeath with lots of groups going including Borris,Graiguenamanagh,Tullow,Danesfort,two groups from 5th Carlow and a group from Fort Grange it's going to be a experience to remember. As it's Westmeath we are setting off early this time at 5 pm sharp. There are 37 Cubs and Scouts going dragging along 6 leaders 
the theme of the camp is space so  here we go. We arrived at 7.30 to find cars, busses,Scouts,Cubs everywere but no spaceships after being giving our camping site the Planet Jupiter it was time to set up camp and as always the kids set up their own tents(11) and  2 big marquees then it's off to the opening ceremony and a space ship landing were lots of new friends were made afterwards it's disco time till midnight and then back to the the Planet Jupiter campsite were the leader's had burgers ready and then bed time for the kids while the leaders supervised the coffee and reset the camp for the following day. 
Early next morning 6 am the leaders are up sorting camp and starting breakfast while the kids sorted their day bags and then it's off for a day of adventure 8 hours later after zip lines,climbing walls, gladiator,slip and slide, bouncy castles,crate stacking,archery,obstacle course and kayaking and with some very tried kids it's time to wind down and have some chicken curry for dinner. We found a alien after dinner and the scouts decided to adopt him as a mascot (he is called Marvin) After dinner it's time to meet up with the other groups for a swap shop with lots of trading going on.Then it's down to the camp fire for a sing song and a bit of free time and finally it's burgers and hot chocolate before bedtime. Everyone had a sleep in till 7am the next morning. After  breakfast cereal, rashers, sausages,eggs and tea/(coffee for the leaders only we had given scouts coffee once and learned from our mistake as they were still running around at 2am hyper on caffeine) it was free time for the kids to relax try some of the activities from yesterday and meet up with other scout group's. Then it's all hands on deck for a breakdown of the camp and time to pack up, we all gathered together for a closing ceremony and said our goodbyes to friends old and new before on to the bus for the journey home.While must slept on the journey home two of the leaders sat down the back of the bus holding court and haveing  great entertainment with the kids especially one 46 year old leader who realise he had never sat down the back before ( and yes we did stop for coffee on the way Home)
We are looking for leaders for next year join us please SCOUTS FOR THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES