During May Half Term the Scouts headed off to their biggest camp of the year- 5 nights, 6 days in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales.
Day 1
The first day of our trip was a busy one. Meeting at St. Peter Le Poer we hastily loaded the trailers having spent the last few weeks of Troop Meetings planning and making food, prepping and sorting kit as well as brushing up on key skills.
Once everyone had arrived and we were loaded up we set off on the long journey to Wales arriving at our home for the week, Neath Scout Campsite, at almost midnight which everyone found a bit tough.
We hastily set up camp before heading straight to bed exhausted!
Day 2
A leisurely morning the next day spoilt only by releasing in our haste last night to set up and get to bed, we had set up on the wrong field (who’d have though that the “bottom” field would be up a steep set of steps…).
After hurriedly moving camp and getting properly settled in we enjoyed a delicious pre-prepared lunch make by Tuesday Scouts and headed off to our first activity- a Forest Coaster.
We then headed down to the coast for a warm sunny evening on the beach paddling, building sandcastles and digging enormous wholes until our Fish and Chip Supper arrived which was enjoyed by all.
Day 3
The Water Day!
We headed down to Gower for a day on, or more specifically, in, the water starting off with Coasteering which was great fun despite the choppy conditions. After a brief lunch break we travelled a little further round the coast for an afternoon Surfing where several Scouts surprised everyone by being rather good at it!
Day 4
The Land Day!
Today we split into two groups with one half exploring and indoor climbing centre trying out bouldering, high ropes, caving simulators, climbing, abseiling and lead climbs while the other half headed off into the wider national park for a tour on horse back- a new activity for almost all the Scouts.
Day 5
This was the big day and turned out to be a scorer! We split up into 5 groups to tackle a range of day hikes including mountain routes, a waterfall hike and some more gentle strolls. Everyone had worked up a big appetite by the time we got back so this evening it was time for a firm camp favourite “Ready Steady Cook” where patrols shop, plan and cook their own dinner expedition style- the results were a significant improvement on last year in term of edibility!
Day 6
Our final day so it was time to pack up camp and load everything into the trailers before starting a journey home stopping in Cardiff where there was opportunity to explore, pick up journey snacks and find ice cream before finishing the week with a speed boat tour of Cardiff Bay.
Report prepared by Isla Turnbull, Tim Lahoud and Ezra Arenson (Senior Patrol Leaders)
