Purple Troop Spring Camps 2024

Purple Troop recently undertook two camps.  One at the Warren over night on the 23rd to the 24th March and the other at the Bowley Scout Campsite over the weekend of the 26th -28th April 2024.

For the first camp, 10 intrepid young people braved the worst the Rossendale weather could throw at them.

On arrival at the Warren there was Hail, Rain, High winds and even that extremely rare weather event … Sunshine! Sadly, though only briefly.

After the tents and kitchen equipment had been set up, the Scouts prepared their own lunch of wraps and salad. After lunch, when everything had been tidied away the Scouts were split into groups.  Fire lighting, making a camp gadget (a rubbish bag holder and a basin stand), and memory and recall challenges were all attempted by each group.

We then retired to the Shelter of the Warren as the weather turned a bit wild(er) as the wind and rain picked up.

In the warm and dry the Scouts enjoyed a couple of rounds of ‘Wink Murder’, ‘Splat!’ and even the giant Jenga made an appearance.

Tea-time; back outside to the outdoor kitchen to prepare an evening meal of Pasta and tomato sauce with a choice of Ham and or Chicken, or not.

Refuelled and tidied up the Scouts settled down to a viewing of ‘The Incredibles’  with popcorn, followed by a few rounds of ‘Blooket’; an online individual participation Quiz.

Bedtime soon came around; Hot Water Bottles were filled and hot chocolate with marshmallows was served.

After a bit of a wild and windy night, the Scouts had a hearty breakfast – Cereals, Toast, Bacon, Sausage and eggs; all were well received.

After tidying up breakfast things, personal kit was packed away as the weather brightened up.  Making the most of the rare opportunity, tents were opened up and aired in preparation for packing away.

Activities for the rest of the morning included knots, lashings, and a refresher on basic first aid.

Tents – now dry, and the other equipment, were packed away before a lunch of leftovers, followed by a site tidy up and home time!

The second camp at the Bowley Scout Campsite in late April was the quietest we have ever seen it. The peace was soon shattered as 15 excited Scouts descended on the ‘Little Bowley’ camping area. Even the rain didn’t dampen spirits.

Tents allocated and beds made, the young people enjoyed the last of the daylight with a game of ‘Manhunt’. As darkness descended, the rain stopped, and a campfire was lit.

A singsong around the fire included classics such as ‘You’ll never go to heaven…’, favourites like ‘the baby Bumble-bee’, and ‘the banana song’. Oh and ‘bungalow’.

Marshmallows were toasted (cremated) and Chocolate biscuits distributed for S’mores.

Hot chocolate was served, and hot water bottles filled and distributed. Looking up into the night sky the clouds had parted, ooh it’s going to be a cold one!

Saturday morning, with frost on the ground being evidence of sub-zero temperatures overnight, the Scouts slowly drifted out of the relative warmth of their sleeping bags for a breakfast of Rice Krispies, Toast and a cooked breakfast of Bacon, sausage and eggs.

Fed and changed into uniforms, the Scouts trooped down to the lodge field for flag-break.

Back to camp to tidy up from breakfast and get changed for activities at 10am, Air-rifle shooting for some and Jacob’s Ladder for the rest.

Groups changed over at 11:30.

Lunch time: Teacakes or wraps with Ham, Chicken, Cheese and salad with hot or cold drinks as required.

Quick tidy up and ready for the afternoon stint.

The troop split into two groups again: Throwing angels and tomahawks for some, crate stacking for the rest.

Changeover at 15:30.

When both groups had finished their activities, a visit was paid to ‘BP’s Fort’ play area, before getting ready for tea; the first Barbeque of the year with burgers, more sausages and bacon.

Tidy up and more wide games until dark then around the newly lit campfire to reflect on the day just gone and the plans for the next.

Hot chocolate, Hot water bottles and an early night for some very tired Scouts (and Leaders)

Sunday, thankfully not as cold a start as Saturday, with the Scouts enjoying a relatively long lie-in

Breakfast was made, eaten and tidied away, then personal equipment was packed away.

Already for another activity packed morning.

Soft archery for one group; Saws, knives and axes for the others, then swap over.

Final pack-up whilst lunch was prepared then eaten. Just as parents arrive for collection.

All in all, a successful camp, although cold the weather held. We even had glorious sunshine once all the Scouts had gone home, and everything was packed and tidied up.

Thanks to Purple Troop and the leadership team for being awesome!

More photos from the Warren camp can be viewed here and more from Bowley camp here.