What Scouts got up to this summer

A blog written by Lead for Scouts, Jackie Gibson.

Throughout Scotland this summer groups have been out and about enjoying some amazing summer adventures. Two groups have shared their very different summer experiences with us:

> Moray District Leave Volunteer Dougie McPhee tells us about Fochabers & Forres troop camp in Orkney

Summer Camps are a time for adventure, fun, learning and in many cases making new friendships. This can be made easier and certainly more enjoyable if you decide to go to Orkney.

Fochabers & Forres Scout Troops headed to Orkney this summer to undertake their summer camp at Sandwick, using the hall as base and the fields adjacent to camp in. This made it easier to facilitate meals and deal with some of the weather Orkney throws at you no matter the month of the year.

However, there can be fewer places to visit that offer as much. The friendliness of the local people to the natural beauty to history through the ages. This with the open areas to undertake the various challenge awards in a safe environment meant that it gave the groups going many fantastic adventures.

Orkney is unique as it has something for everyone, from the stones and history around Viking times and the neolithic age, to the base of the Royal Navy in two world wars, to the natural history, and the wildlife, the days are certainly filled with magical moments.

Then there is the majesty of the St Magnus Cathedral and the main town of Kirkwall, again a chance for some shops, use of the sports centre and cinema to the fish supper sitting at the harbour culminates in a wonderful week.

Add in the opportunity to try diving, complete gold expedition awards and in more sombre time pay respect to the fallen at Lyness cemetery.

If anyone is considering what you can do one year, then I’d certainly consider Orkney as a place to go as it is so worth the visit, you will not be disappointed.

Jessica Beale is a Scout (senior patrol leader) from 62nd Fife (Crossford), she attended Blair Atoll Satellite camp with her group, all of whom were newbies to the Satellite camp.

“Since it was my first time being at the Satellite Camp, I was nervous about meeting new people but, when we arrived, everyone was really nice and friendly. One of my favourite parts of the camp was the campfire where we all sat and sang the campfire songs. I liked when the stalls were there and my friends started trading mini plastic ducks for badges, woggles and other random things which was fun to watch also, while the inflatables were there, we all had so much fun especially on the obstacle course ones. If I could, I’d definitely go again.”

We love to hear what our Scouts are getting up to so if you have a story to share, please contact me Jackie.Gibson@scouts.scot