Although all of our sections took a well earned break over summer, a number of our Young People still had incredible Scouting adventures.
Our Scout Troop and Explorer Unit both attended the Essex International Jamboree – which saw over 4,500 Young People from all over the world enjoy a week worth of activities. Jonny from our Explorer Unit kindly provided the below summary of his time:
“In the sunny week at the end of July, I attended the Essex International Jamboree with a group of Scouts and Explorers from 23rd Bromley. For us it was a short car journey to Essex where we joined Scouts and Guides from across the globe. After our troop set up camp we headed down to the opening ceremony which started our jam-packed week. The entire Jamboree congregated in the centre of the campsite to be welcomed to the Jamboree with an opening ceremony including a flag parade, speeches and dancing.
The field that the Jamboree took place in had been transformed to a town, complete with our camping zones, ten different activity areas, a central stage, and a variety of shops. Every day our subcamp went to two activity zones each containing several different activities to do on a particular theme. Personally, my favourite zone was Up and Under, where we did climbing, abseiling and a huge zipwire. From the other zones some of my highlights were tomahawk throwing, high ropes, kayaking and the inflatable obstacle courses. After preparing and eating dinner there was always a variety of entertainment including circus acts, music and a talent show.
Overall, the Jamboree was a brilliant opportunity to meet people from a huge variety of different cultures and countries as well as strengthening bonds within our own troop. I can confidently say that everyone had an amazing time and was utterly exhausted by the end of it. I would definitely recommend a Jamboree to anyone who has the opportunity to go.”
Duncan, Edward and Sam from our Explorer Unit went on the Bromley District Trip to the Ardeche in France. They kindly provided the below summary of their trip:
“After a day of travel: a coach ride, smooth ferry crossing, and a few
more hours in the coach, we were dropped off in the scorching heat of
Ardeche. Once there we set up our tents and listened to the explanation
from the camp staff about how to properly clean up and use the right
bin favourites when were throwing the away high waste. The activities were all very fun, our favourites were the high ropes course and the climbing walls but the river activities and pool were also amazing.
During the trip we also visited a few towns and descended into a massive cave with lots of weirdly shaped rocks. The highlight of the trip was the river descent where we all paired up and paddled down the river and it’s rapids stopping every now and then for a break and to enjoy the river by floating down the rapids or jump in from the nearby cliffs. In between the days of paddling we slept outside which felt fine because it was so hot.
Although the descent was fun many of us were happy it was over as all
of us would have capsized if it hadn’t been for the guides.
This was the end of our trip for the most part and on the way back some of us had pizza for breakfast at 4:00am. It was fantastic and we would love to go again.”
