Camp 2004
Our summer camp this year was held again at Plum Park, near Oxted. We had a very successful time with 18 boys camping from the Sunday to Friday evening. During the week we had a visit from the Farnborough Hawking Company with some birds of prey, so we called our sixes Hawks, Kestrels and Eagles.
The boys' first job on arrival was to pitch their tents, the leaders having pitched the rest of the camp on Saturday. In the afternoon the Cubs made signs for their six tents and they then made some badges, under guidance from our former Akela, Hazel. We then had a short Scouts' Own.
The site is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust and on the Sunday evening their Countryside Ranger, Dave, guided the boys and leaders through the adjoining Staffhurst Wood in the dark and we were able to use night vision binoculars.
MONDAY
On Monday, we visited the Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve. The warden lent us some binoculars and magnifying glasses which came in useful to spot different birds and insects. We made use of the hides and the morning was very interesting.
TUESDAY
We had our annual visit to Tor Hatch at Shere on Tuesday and used the huge swimming pool in the back garden and had a picnic lunch on the lawns. In the afternoon, we returned to camp and the Cubs cooked turkey burgers over wood fires.
WEDNESDAY
We visited the kennels of the Old Surrey and West Kent Hunt on Wednesday. We saw all 80 hounds and how they are fed and then handled the six-week old puppies which were delightful. We then saw the horses and stables.
THURSDAY
On Thursday we visited Oxted and went swimming again - this time at the Tandridge Leisure Centre and in the afternoon we had a camp sports day including using the aerial runway prepared for us by Alan Avery and Ben.