A large part of Scouting life involves camping and adventure, and this year has seen the young people of Havant & Hayling Island enjoy both in large quantities.
In August the Explorer Scouts, aged between 14½ & 18 years, joined Explorers from across Hampshire on an expedition to Switzerland. The Explorers joined scouts from across the world at
the International Scout Centre at Kandersteg in an international jamboree. This involved the young people participating in a programme which revolves around three themes of international friendship, high adventure and eco activities. White water rafting, hikes across glaciers, climbing and exploring ice crevices, visits to chocolate & cheese factories, swimming in alpine lakes, and making new friends at the international disco were just a few of the activities which the Explorers enjoyed.
The Explorers returned tired but having enjoyed a fantastic trip and with a vast collection of new neckerchiefs and badges swapped with new friends from across Europe.
However high adventure was also experienced when camping on Hayling Island as part of the international Jamoboree on the Air / Jamboree over the Internet – an annual event which unites scouts
of all ages with fellow scouts from across the world via short wave radios and the internet. But it is a fairly rare occurrence for that event to include a tornado!
Whilst parts of Hayling Island experienced thousands of pounds worth of damage, approximately 50 Scouts, Explorers and Leaders were camping in Northney, Hayling Island. Jill Saggers, Secretary of the Dreadnought Scout Active Support Unit who organised the camp said:
“On Sunday morning we were all woken at 7:30am with thunder and lightning and strong winds. We jokingly said it might have been a tornado, only to later find out we were right. The weather cleared up thankfully and we were able to continue with activities on Sunday, until it was time to take camp down, when it started raining very heavily again. The joys of camping in England!
Luckily despite the strong winds all of the tents and equipment, including numerous radio aerials and a satellite dish, remained standing and fully functioning, which can only be down to excellent pitching skills by the Scouts.â€
During the day a further 50 day visitors including Beavers, Cubs and Guides enjoyed activities including JOTA/JOTI, Aerial runway, Frisbee Golf, Back Woods Cooking, Orienteering, Pioneering and Branding, amongst others.
You don’t always have to travel great distances to enjoy high adventure!
The Jamboree on the Air will take place in October 2014, but hopefully without the added thrill of a tornado!
Scouting is open to girls and boys from 6 years to 18 years old, new members both young and old are always welcome. There are great volunteering opportunities for adults who are interested in becoming involved in working with young people.
Contact Tim Pike, Havant District Commissioner via our website at http://www.havantscouts.org.uk/