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Canoeing... A trailer full of canoes, paddles and life-jackets had been
taken to the camp and the adjacent river was excellent. It provided calm and
shallow areas for the absolute beginners yet had large deep pools and areas
with stronger currents to challenge those who progressed through the week. It
was noted that even the District Commissioner and Water Activities Advisor were
seen to transport two canoes off up river and relive their youth through some
mild "white water." |
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Hill walking... Schiehallion at 1083 metres was only a short mini-bus journey away and all the scouts were ferried to the foot to bag this "munro." Not bad going for the Dutch contingent with the highest point in Holland only being a few inches above sea level. Short evening walks to over night hikes were arranged, allowing activities to suit the wide range of age and ability. The D.C. led the one overnight hike, but whilst the Dutch had been well bribed, they still did not manage to lose him. |
Campfire's burning...
The Camp fire was a feature of this camp and the antics of the Ewoks really made the event. With the Cool GSL standing with his camp blanket, arms outstretched looking like some high priest presiding over a number of manic disciples, any visitor could have been forgiven for thinking this was the set of a B-movie. The Ewoks really got things going and soon even the younger scouts were participating 100%.
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| One rather reserved young scout became to immersed in the
campfire he organised a second event later in the week. This was so good and so
well received, he was awarded his entertainer's proficiency badge on the
strength of his performance! Well done Martin. The actual fire itself was rather unique. At one point the flames were so high they licked the branches of a tree some 30 - 40 feet above ground level. To remove any potential hazard the next day saw a couple of leaders and Ewoks figuring out how to bring down a partially burn limb, which in its own right would fuel a good campfire. When the limb was duly dispatched there was nothing else for it.... another late night campfire. Cooking Chilli by moonlight at 2 o'clock on a summer's morning on the embers of a dying campfire, whilst the scouts slept. Now I know the benefit of Leader training! |
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Camp Gadgets...Swedish Dining Shelters, fully gimballed tables, pot stands, mug trees, seats, benches, drying racks... the few miles of sisal which had been provided came in really handy and every bit of loose wood, branch or tree trunk, ended up being used to form some gadget which had to outshine the gadgets of the neighbouring patrol. Having said that it was refreshing to see the constructions of the Leaders were every bit as good as those of the scouts. Education by example?
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Homeward bound...Well all good things must come to an end and after a week at camp the Cupar Scouts were ferried back to Cupar with their personal equipment and patrol tents, leaving the Dutch Scouts to break camp the following day. All arranged nicely so the mini-buses could cope without the requirement to hire in another coach. Back in Cupar the Dutch were given the run of the Scout hall to use as a base and on a daily basis were accompanied by a few Cupar Scouts to "see the sights." This included a visit to Edinburgh which culminated in attending the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. A final Bar-B-Q was arranged at Kinshaldy beach, north of St. Andrews and this was attended by Cupar Scouts their families, helpers and the Dutch contingent. A great evening and a fine way to round off an excellent ten days of International Scouting. |
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Souvenirs...During the camp, the "Cool GSL" was presented with a unique plaque, hand crafted by Paul Vale, Schipper with the Dutch Sea Scouts. He had been quite at home during the canoeing and ended up joining in the proficiency work for his "canoeists badge." Paul's artistic and craft talents are now displayed for all to see, with the plaque mounted in our new Scout hall. Naturally Eric returned with a memento or two of Scotland, presented by the Scots. As with all Scout gatherings there was a considerable swapping of badges and neckers and many friendship made which will continue for many years to come. E-mail messages, letters and Christmas cards have already found no barriers between our two countries and International Scouting has to be commended to all in the movement.
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