It’s been just over a month since we returned from our annual Group Camp and we’re still talking about it and remembering all the fun we had.
Every year the group camps in tents together for a weekend packed with activities, great food and a campfire with lots of fun songs. It’s a brilliant opportunity for all age groups (and parents or some of the younger ones) to meet, make new friends and grow with confidence, sometimes being away from home and family for the first time.
This year Dringhouses Scouts Group Camp was held at Bramhope Scout Activity Centre, near Leeds Bradford Airport. At it’s peak there were over 290 people on site during one of the hottest weekends of the year! The event is run entirely by our volunteer leaders and helpers and this year the team was some 60 strong, it’s hard work, but everyone enjoys it.
The Build
Setting up the event takes about two days, and we’re so grateful to parent volunteers who come out on the Thursday and Friday to build the site, creating kitchens and drinks stations (more than usual this year because of the hot weather) and erecting shelters a large marquee and all the activity bases. Many of the setup team only come out for those two days, leaving on Friday afternoon with our gratitude. Parents also make up a lot of the catering team who not only prepare all the wonderful food, but also make sure there are drinks and snacks for everyone throughout the weekend. Massive thanks to the 57 volunteers who setup the site, run the kitchens, look after the children and young people and run the activities, we just couldn’t do it without you!
Climbing is a real challenge, it tests strength determination and your head for heights, climbing whilst blindfolded takes that to the next level!
Activities
Two days of activities saw everyone trying out new things, making new friends and having fun!
Low ropes- can you stay on while drinking from your water bottle?
Learning new games in between activities was a highlight for some, both old and young.
It’s brilliant seeing Beavers’ parents getting stuck in with the activities. Maybe enjoying it more than the children sometimes?
#SkillsForLife
The Explorer Scouts (aged 14-17) had a great time too, not only did they help to run the campfire, but they also looked after the younger Squirrels, Cubs and Beavers, helped clear the site at the end and kept everyone happy with their positive attitude- so great to see young people like this, especially when you consider many of them joined the group as Beavers, age six- Scouts gives you confidence to be yourself!
This year we were sharing the site with the team from Cambridge Hands-On Science (CHaOS)
CHaOS is a student-run science outreach group based at the University of Cambridge. They were touring the UK and staying at Bramhope at the same time as us. They run activities that make learning about science fun and our Beavers and Cubs would certainly agree that the activities were interesting and they enjoyed their afternoon. Being such a warm afternoon it was a good opportunity to be in the shade and learn through doing.
We also enjoyed meeting Boris (pictured right) who had obviously not heeded our constant reminders to apply sunscreen, drink more water and to wear a hat!
Thanks to all the students from CHaOS for giving up their time for us!
What a great weekend, thanks to all who made it possible. We’re already looking forward to next years event which is running from the 3rd to 5th July 2026, why not join us!
