The Whole Group at the Watson Scout Centre

Could YOUR Group do this?

The 6th Ripon Scout Group as a whole went for a weekend to the Watson Scout Centre for a Post-Covid Group Camp. Read-on for a full report from the Group:

Why would you use Watson Scout Centre for a post COVID Group Camp? – well why not - we did!!
Here’s the recipe, mix the following:
14 Cubs, 2 Leaders, 3 Young Leaders
14 Scouts, 3 Leaders, 3 Young Leaders
6 Beavers, 2 leaders, 2 Young Leaders
1 Group Scout Leader, 2 Adults in the kitchen

The KEY is having a good programme and the use of the surrounding area. It’s always good when the weather is on your side, a beautiful day on Friday developed into a glorious clear sky, setting sun and 3 degrees at 7pm – It’s going to be a cold night for the campers. Undeterred the Scouts put up their tents and headed for a wide game in the dark – capture the flag, followed by football (with a football that lights up when you kick it!)
Meanwhile the Cubs were busy in the Centre, allocating dormitories & walking around the village for a ‘short walk before bed’ to attempt to tire them out before they tucked up in their dormitories – we used 3 for the Cubs. The essential fuel of supper came from the kitchen team before Bed.

Saturday morning and it’s frosty in the field for the Scouts, It’s not light till after 7am so all quiet outside till 7.30am. Meanwhile in the Centre things started earlier!
Breakfast in the Centre for the Cubs, the Scouts made their own outside – COVID driven – no way – Scouts make their own breakfast normally at any Group camp.

Trangia’s were constructed – one each, now named for everyone. Bacon sandwiches cooked along with some veggie alternatives. Then a packed lunch prepared before a walk – to the summit of Urra Moor before returning to the Centre. Once back at the Centre some Navigational Challenges to cement the learning from the walk. Inside there were some JOTA/JOTI activities going on courtesy of BARNES Explorers who were the ‘hosts’ allowing both our Cubs and Scouts time to attend. The other late afternoon Scout project in the field was ballisters and water balloons! every Scout's ideal activity!

Beavers arrived at 11am (Scouts were already on the hill) and joined the Cubs with nature and fire-based activities. For most their first sleepover!!
Cubs have also been busy with JOTA/JOTI activities and a nature themed walk around the village and the Centre followed by various backwoods cooking activities around the campfire.
Young Leaders were tasked with preparing the campfire for the main evening event.

Saturday evening meal and everyone sits down together for ‘deconstructed’ Shepherd’s Pie – Mince & Tatties! Followed by Artic Roll or Vinetta.
Then the campfire – very enjoyable communal event lead by our Young Leaders.
Beaver bedtime – supper & story
Cub – quiet time, indoor games, quizzes & supper.

Meanwhile the Scouts retired to the Village Hall to play – "Don’t Shout or the Bomb will explode" – an excellent team communication game, the aim being to defuse a bomb before it destroys you (metaphorically) of course. A very intense and interactive evening ensued before supper and bed. It was a balmy 12 degrees at 10pm – definitely a warmer night.
The Young Leaders even managed some chill time around the fire after the campfire and whilst the Leaders were busy with their Section’s games, supper & bedtime routines.

Sunday – a whole new day, not as bright as Saturday but warm.
Breakfast for everyone – Scouts still having to make their own.
Flag & Investitures – we welcomed new members into all sections before taking some photos to update OSM.
Then everyone took part in a Service Activity for the Scout Centre by planting daffodil bulbs around the verges and edges. The bulbs were donated by Morrison’s Community Champion in Ripon as part of a donation of food given to the Group for the weekend.

Time for the Beavers to go home, parents arrived to collect tired children and head home.
Cubs & Scouts still had plenty to do, nature activities, pioneering, Village Trail before we all had lunch and then wrapped up, cleared up and went home!

A great weekend, a lovely selection of programmes for all Sections and everyone was able to see what every other Section was doing.
Thanks to everyone concerned – WE will be back to Watson soon – will you?

Well - will you?

To booking Watson Scout Centre just click here for more information.