Over the weekend of 4-6th April 2025 50 Explorers and 15 Leaders came together for the first joint Explorer camp for over 10 years.
The explorers have been getting to know one another at joint meeting nights over the last couple of terms so had no problems integrating with new friends at the Willy Wonka themed Chocolate Camp. In the fading light on Friday evening Explorers pitched their tents and then completed a chocolate based general knowledge quiz.
The prize for the winning team, a giant Dairy Milk bar…
Saturday morning was a frosty start due to the clear night sky. As soon as the sun hit the canvas any morning dew was soon burned off. We were treated to scotch pancakes with Nutella, yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.
Soon after the Explorers split into five teams, Charlie Bucket, Mike Teavee, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde & Veruca Salt. They then had the challenge of a golden ticket orienteering hunt around Maer hills. The hike was around 12km in total, leaving the site and navigating through fields to reach the woods where they needed to find tin foil, chocolate and a golden ticket.
Upon their return there was time for to relaxing the sun before a chocolate chili dinner. In the evening there was more down time with a couple of films and a fire for cooking stores and banana splits. A leg of venison also made it onto the fire!
Sunday mostly involved packing tents and clearing the site, we were helped again by glorious sun. All in all a great weekend was had by all and we are looking forward to our next joint night together at Silverdale on the 12th May.
