5th Dorking - United Reformed Church

Report on 5th Dorking Camp & AGM - Janice Brown

The 5th Dorking Scout Group have just spent the Bank Holiday at Bentley Copse with both parents and other siblings joining in the foray, they arrived on Friday night 8th May in the rain which subsided enough for the tents to be put up. At about 9pm the majority went on a night hike, shame it rained again, on their return there was soup and rolls before they then departed to their tents. Luckily the weather cleared up over night and Saturday was dry although there was cloud around. They were all fed breakfast in the Training centre. The youngsters had plenty of things to do some like the go-carts and assault course had to be booked and at stated times the bell at the training centre rang out and having appeared off they went to do what ever, there was also a bridge build, an aerial runway a swing that more than one could go on. The bell was rung whenever there was a time that the group was needed. Lunch was a salad and after the families went off to do more activities around the site.
     Tea was a chicken dish after which the group AGM was held (sneaky!!! a captive audience) Mark Cheeseman was awarded with his 10 year service certificate from the District commissioner,  all the parents who were not at St. George's Day Parade will have found out that the Scouts won the trophy for the best turned out troup.We then had a camp fire with Dave (with almost no voice), Judi, Simon, Kim oh yes me leading different songs, the scouts also took part with sketches. It was still dry. Back to the Training Centre for hot chocolate and beefburgers and then to bed. There were a few adults who had a time to themselves with cheese and biscuits and things that go with them. Sunday morning was again sunny and after breakfast of eggy bread (made by Steve, shame he let out this secret) and cereal. There was then time for activities again. Lunch was a full beef roast with fruit and jelly. I think that by this time most of the tents and kit were packed away. Parents and families then disappeared around the site until at 3pm they were rallied back to close the weekend with Bronze awards to two of the Beavers. I'm sure they were Thomas Nicholson and Connor Mitchell (will get corrected if not right). There were also prizes for being the dirtiest and cleanest child and the cleanest was Joe Currie and the dirtiest Philip Ramsey. I think there were other awards but just congratulations to all. Two of the Scouts finished off with a prayer (Andrew Laker and Joe Currie) and Kit lowered flag closing the camp. Oh ofcourse Dave informed the group that the site was booked for next year on the same May bank holiday and we have already had families put their name down.
     May I thank all who came for making the weekend a success, the cakes that were brought by all that kept everyone stocked up with energy in between meals with coffees teas and orange juice? BIG thanks to Irene and Eileen who were forever in the kitchen preparing and cooking, also anyone else that helped them, BIG thanks to Gill and Brian Cheeseman who now need a new pair of Marigolds and scourers .
    There were a few mishaps but nothing that was serious. Once again can I say thanks to all who came and made it suck a special weekend for all.
             Look forward to seeing all next year many of the young people having the big step of going up to the next section and some having joined us for the first time. If I have missed anything out of this, sorry.

Click here for the report on the Camp AGM.

If you would like any further information on 5th Dorking then please contact the Group Scout Leader Dave Ring:  dave@dorking-scouts.org.uk