Over the weekend of 12 – 14th July 2019, over 500 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from 14 Groups from across the District, joined together for this year’s District Camp. It was titled ‘Indaba’ which is a Zulu term for ‘tribal conference’. This was only the third full District Camp in 12 years, so it was a special event.
The majority of Cubs, Scouts and Explorers arrived on the Friday evening, and after setting themselves up in their tents, they joined together with the rest of the camp in the opening ceremony.
Each of the Groups were given a Country to represent as the camp had an international theme, partially due to the forthcoming World Scout Jamboree. The evening’s activity was a wide game for the whole camp! Following a lot of running around, it was time for supper and bed.
Everyone was up early on Saturday morning to get breakfast. This was cooked by a great cooking team in the Fox Glen. Food was served in two sittings due to the large amount of people on camp. During breakfast time, Beavers arrived and just had enough time to get into their tents before flag break.
The mornings activities were based on the Group’s countries for one sub camp and an ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition for the other. After lunch the sub camps swapped activities.
Following tea, there was an international parade around the camp. Everyone dressed up in costumes from their countries and were led by the talented young people from 1st Porthill’s Drum Corps. The parade went over to the road to the Training Centre side of the camp for a huge campfire. Deputy District Commissioner Dave was presented with his Silver Acorn Award by Jackie, the County Commissioner. Each Group performed a song or sketch.
The campfire finished and the fair opened. There were bouncy castles, slides, candy floss, trampolines, a BBQ and a live band. To close the evening there was a firework display.
On Sunday, after breakfast, there was a short Scouts Own and flag break. Following this was the District’s world record attempt for the largest human Fleur De Lis (the scout symbol). We were very pleased to be joined by The Worshipful the Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme Councillor Simon White.
At the time of writing (August 2019), we are waiting for confirmation of the record!
The final event before the camp closed, was a huge colour run for all the young people. They ended up covered in paint!
The camp was closed, thank you’s were said and everyone went home very tired!
You can see 1st Porthill’s photos from Friday in their gallery.
You can see 1st Porthill’s photos from Saturday in their gallery.
You can see 1st Porthill’s photos from Sunday in their gallery.
You can see photos of the record attempt in our gallery.
