At the end of the Summer term 2025, on what felt like the hottest weekend of the year, Newcastle Scouts hosted their long-awaited district camp: Medieval Mayhem! This incredible event marked the first district-wide camp since 2019, and it was nothing short of legendary.

Over 600 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, and Leaders arrived at Kibblestone Scout Campsite to find their tents ready and waiting—pitched in advance for a weekend packed with medieval-themed madness.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with an unforgettable welcome from Newcastle’s very own Town Crier, whose booming monologue truly set the tone for the days to come. Afterward, the groups were split into two sub camps and launched straight into a range of engaging evening activities.

Supper featured a hearty helping of Master Sneyde’s Farm burgers, served in classic Burgess Buns—a feast fit for a medieval monarch! As night fell, the campsite buzzed with excitement, with campers eagerly anticipating Saturday’s full schedule.

Saturday – Lets get Medieval.

Saturday began bright and early (perhaps too early for some leaders!), with the sound of laughter and footsteps echoing through the campsite even at first light. Whether it was the summer sunrise peeking through the canvas or the pure excitement of the weekend, the campers were up and ready.

A wholesome breakfast fueled everyone for the action-packed day ahead. The morning activities didn’t disappoint, offering something for every adventurer:
🏹 Axe Throwing
🏹 Archery
🎯 Blow Darts
🧗‍♂️ Climbing
🎯 Crossbows
🧱 Crate Stacking
⚔️ Gladiator Duel
🪜 Jacob’s Ladder

And of course, the Coconut Shy and Stocks, where mischievous campers found themselves soaked with sponges by gleeful friends!

The site also featured bouncy castles for energetic fun and a spectacular Falconry display by Tora’s Falconry, which captivated young and old alike.

After a busy morning of excitement and adventure, everyone was treated to a delicious lunch courtesy of Lord John O’Gaunt’s Town Guild, giving us all a much-needed break and time to rest before the afternoon activities began.

The afternoon was packed with even more medieval marvels!

🛡️ A Living Medieval Village
A full medieval reenactment village was constructed on-site by the talented Lords and Ladies from Y Ddraig Vikings Stoke. Campers got an immersive experience in medieval life—watching food being cooked over open fires, clothes and weapons being handmade, and learning how these items were used in daily life and battle. Their handling demonstrations were captivating—though perhaps not as thrilling for them as when a few overenthusiastic Beaver Scouts launched a surprise “attack”!

🎨 Creative Workshops
Scouts had the chance to design and build their very own shields and decorate personalised bunting. These creations were then proudly displayed on castles they constructed from pioneering poles—complete with working drawbridges!

📜 Medieval Manuscripts and Spooky Stories
We were joined by historian Glenn Martin James, a specialist in medieval texts, who enchanted the campers with eerie tales from the era. He also led a session where Scouts could draw their own coat of arms using traditional quill and ink. Glenn’s enthusiasm was infectious and left many inspired by the world of medieval storytelling.

🥁 Join the Band!
Newcastle District’s very own Drum Corps hosted a “have-a-go” tent, inviting campers to try out instruments and learn what it’s like to perform in a marching band. Who knows? Some of our future drummers might have discovered their passion right there.

🧠 Youth-Led Activities
The Staffordshire Scouts Youth Team delivered a variety of engaging activities, helping to develop leadership skills and creative thinking among both participants and youth leaders. Their feedback-driven approach ensures this experience will help shape the future of youth-led Scouting across the county.

⚔️ Warwick Castle’s Hilarious Histories
Two brilliant actors from Warwick Castle gave an entertaining and informative (and slightly gruesome!) display of medieval battle tactics—from weapon demonstrations to realistic battle formations. One particularly vivid moment involved a very dramatic (and comedic) “arrow in the guts” incident, much to the shocked delight of the audience. The children were incredulous to hear that injured medieval soldiers were often expected to just get up and keep fighting!

💃 Medieval Dancing with Daniel Jones
To round out the day’s activities, local dance expert Daniel Jones taught the young people traditional medieval dance sequences. His passion was contagious, and by evening, when the entire camp gathered around the fire, nearly every Scout enthusiastically volunteered to perform their dance in front of the whole district. It was a beautiful moment of unity, laughter, and celebration.

As dinner was served on Saturday evening, the atmosphere around the campsite began to shift—campfires were being built, and the Drum Corps prepared for their grand evening march. As the sun began to set, the beat of the drums echoed across Kibblestone, calling the campers to assemble. Dressed in their finest medieval costumes and proudly carrying their handmade shields, Scouts joined the march in full procession.

The final destination: the main campfire circle, where ten roaring fire barrels stood tall—like a battlefield line ablaze. It was an awe-inspiring sight.

With over 600 members of Newcastle District gathered together, the evening’s entertainment began. Our medieval re-enactors returned once more to perform a dramatic and interactive display illustrating the peasants’ revolt against their Lords, focusing on the hardships caused by harsh taxation. The crowd was electric—cheering for their chosen side, hanging on every word and action. The energy and engagement from every camper made it feel like they were part of history.

Following the reenactment, Daniel Jones led a mass medieval dance with the entire camp taking part. The joy and enthusiasm were infectious, and it set the perfect tone for the traditional campfire songs that followed.

As the flames flickered and the songs echoed into the night, a sense of community and celebration filled the air. To close the evening, campers were treated to freshly made pizzas, a welcome and well-earned snack after such a full and magical day. The second night was noticeably quieter—tired feet and full bellies meant many were asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

Sunday – The Final Day

Sunday morning brought a slower start, with some campers needing a nudge (or a bugle blast!) to wake up.

After another hearty breakfast, the camp came together for one final battle—the Sub camp Showdown!

🏰 The mission: fill the moat in front of your team’s castle to raise the drawbridge first.
🌊 The reality: a glorious, chaotic water fight!

What was meant to be a strategic competition quickly turned into a wild and welcome cool down after a hot weekend. Laughter rang out as Scouts, Explorers, and Leaders alike were soaked in the name of fun.

With spirits high, the rest of the day was spent packing down tents, sharing stories, and saying farewell. As parents arrived and cars rolled out, tired but happy faces waved goodbye to a truly unforgettable weekend.

What a Weekend!

Medieval Mayhem was a roaring success—an event full of adventure, learning, laughter, and most importantly, unity. It was the first time since 2019 that the entire Newcastle District came together like this, and it reminded us all of the power and joy of Scouting on a large scale.

Here’s to the memories made, the friendships formed, and the excitement already building for the next time Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers from across Newcastle can gather once again.

Until then… long live the Scouts! 🏰🔥⚔️

More photos are in the gallery

Jon Mycock