5^TH CORK (THE LOUGH)

GILWELL PARK

SUMMER CAMP 2010

Hi all,

This years summer camp took place a Gilwell Park, England. We set off by ferry on the 29^th of July from Cork to Swansea 9:00pm and arrived at 8:00am in the morning. It was a long night but pleased to say we had nobody getting sick. Because the footpassangers were to be let off last we had to wait to exit the ferry. This meant we would be running late for our train. As we got off Colin had taxis arranged for us to take us from the terminal to the Train station. With only 5 min to spare we got on (deep breath). Travelling by train then underground (stop for lunch) then train, to walking a mile and a bit to arrive at the campsite for 3:00pm on Friday, as predicted. Colin had arrived with the van just 15min before us. So good timing all round (ish).

After set up of camp it was off to explore, followed by an early night to bed. (Ya right). Saturday morning saw us get straight into the onsite activities. Through out the week these included aero ball, zip wire, kayaking, leap of faith, picture trail, 3G swing, Climbing, pedal karts and swimming. All very good activities and much enjoyed by all. (Although some of the heights got to some guys).

Off site activities included on the Monday an early start for the tour of London. We started outside Big Ben and the House of Commons where the lads could also take in the view of the London Eye. Then it was onto Westminster Abbey (where I explained to the younger members this is where Diana was married and where her funeral took place. To which I got a response WHO??????). From there it was onto Buckingham Place followed by a walk up the Mall to 10 Downing street (WHERE, WHO lives there?????). Up to Trafalgar Square where Donnachadh informed us about Nelson. We then got the Tube to the Natural History and Science Museums. We met up with Cian’s Sister Lisa for a while. Then it was back to the campsite for the Scouts while the Ventures remained on for a small bit longer around Piccadilly and Oxford Circus. Good day but a lot of walking.

Our other offsite activity was to Thorpe Park. The weather was shining the mood was good. There were some excellent rides there but there was one problem the ques were HUGE. You would have to wait an average of 90min to go on a ride which put a poor side to the day.

So with all the fun and excitement over it was time to break camp and head for home. With the train running 40min late and the ferry wanting to leave 15mins early the race was on. We jumped off at Swansea train station into 4 taxis that took us to the ferry terminal to where they were calling for us to hurry hurry hurry. Oh did I mention the Ventures got off at the wrong train station. Luck we saw them and shouted for them to get back on. Funny to look back at it now.

Thanks to our visitors on site too Ronan, Dan, Dave and Pat “The Brad”.

Thanks to All the Scouts and Ventures for their excellent behaviour and fun.

Thanks to the Leaders Colin, Myke, Danny, Donnachadh and Martin “Mr. T”

Check out the Photo’s we will try and get a lot more up. Check out the video soon too.

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Camp Photographs