Should you want to see the Log (with Pictures), download the PDF here (45MB) (http://twoleftwellies.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/kandersteg-600dpi.pdf)

The following are the logs written by yours truly and the Scouts at the Summer Camp.  Enjoy!

Greater London Middlesex West Expedition

Kandersteg International Scout Centre 2010

Harrow & Wealdstone Contingent

 

The following log entries record the Contingent’s experiences over the expedition, from the 9th August to the 19th August 2010.  The entries will be organised by the Patrols as recorded and also by David Grewcock. Spelling and grammar has been corrected in some places – or I’ve just tried my best to read the log where it got a little damp at camp… 

The Leaders team consisted of:

Paul Turner (Contingent Leader)

Ivor Gould

Ashley Williams

Steve Jenkins

James Thornton

David Grewcock

Red Patrol:

Hamesh, Kiren, James, Edward, George, Shamad, Alex

White Patrol:

Sam, Jack, Harry, Mason, Rory, Jamie, Matthew

Blue Patrol:

Max, Jake, Alex, Lewis, Oskar, Jordy, Calum


Monday 9th August

Red:

On arrival everybody was tired, Ash was the most I think.  We got to camp, putting the tents up, it was a doddle in the park. At the opening ceremony (that was really cool) we met all the people that had put together the trip. We had all been given scarves with cow prints, we were told we had to get as many girls and boys to sign our scarves.  I thought I should meet some more of them in the week and I hope I do.  So overall it was an enjoyable / tiring day.

White:

(Arrival)

Today has been a rather hectic day.  We met at Harrow & Wealdstone train station at 3.00am.  We took an overground train to Euston and then switched to the Northern Line and went to Bank.  We got a DLR train to City Airport.  On the way, Max for some reason I will never understand, got off the train halfway through the journey! Realising his mistake, he turned quickly and got onto the train without it leaving him behind.  For me, that was the highlight of the day.  We made it to the airport and went through passport control and customs and boarded the flight.  The plane landed about an hour and a half later in Zurich, Switzerland!  We made our way out of the airport and had a 2 hour coach journey to Kandersteg International Scout Centre.  We pitched our tents and got some dinner.  Later on we went to the opening ceremony which was brilliant! After that, everyone crashed in their tents, totally exhausted.  But this was only the first day of our extraordinary stay at Kandersteg, Switzerland.

Blue:

Today was a tough, long day. It was a very weird day filled with lots of emotions.  There was an excitement between everyone as we arrived in the early hours of Monday morning.  As we waved goodbye to our family we were nervous, yet relieved that we were now free and we could have more fun with our friends.  We got on the train and that was it we were gone! Walking through the stations was lonely yet exciting because it was so silent.  We got off at London City Airport.  We got through the customs surprisingly easily as the biggest trouble was taking our belts off and getting through the X-ray machines.

The plane ride was really fun as we went really high and had free stuff.  We then got a coach ride to the camp where we set up the camp, made dinner and then set up our tents and had free time.


David:

My day started at 04:00.  I managed to get a lift to Watford Junction Station and I waited for Ivor on the platform.  I saw him get out from a car… then nothing.  I did wonder if he had problems with the ticket machine as I watched the 05:05 leave the platform.  Then my phone rang. Ivor was standing on a different platform, waiting for the 05:09.  I rushed to the right platform just as the train pulled in!

When we got to Harrow & Wealdstone and the Scouts and Leaders boarded the train, you could feel the excitement… even in those still asleep or quiet!  The trip to Euston, the Northern Line train to Bank was all straightforward, then we boarded the DLR.  At West Silverton one Scout provided us with the first challenge by getting off the train!  All the leaders were stunned, but we managed to get him back on just in time! We arrived at City airport at two minutes past seven and we gave the Scouts 45 minutes to explore the airport.

I’m sure it says something about the Leader team that we all decided to have a beer whilst we waited… whilst seeing the other contingent leaders sitting drinking coffee and tea!

The flight and the coach journey was fairly uneventful, except for the beautiful scenery that we passed by (and the Explorer Scouts trying to get a picture of a road sign to a certain Swiss town!)

Arriving on site, the County had arranged hot dogs, soup etc; many of the Scouts had to force this down on top of the packed lunches that they had brought with them!  Paul went off to check us in whilst the rest put the tents up… we didn’t see Paul for the rest of the day!

 We told the Scouts that the Summer Camp prize this year would not be trinket, but some money, which was well received!

The Patrols were set up and we set to making the Spaghetti Bolognaise for tea.  After dinner we went to the opening ceremony where we were given cow print scarves and glow sticks.  During the ceremony, there was a manic 5 minutes as we were instructed to get as many signatures of other expedition members as possible!  A long day done. 

A final observation on our site: The day was quite warm one, and the site is flanked by very tall mountain ranges.  Once the sun passes behind these ranges it gets very dark, and very cold – very quickly.  Sitting writing this, I can hear a constant sound of waterfalls and streams passing by – and above me, the clear night affords an uninterrupted view of many millions of stars – so many, it is a challenge to find the normal constellations.  When the train is not rumbling past, you can easily feel that you are separate from the world.


Tuesday 10th August

Red:

Woke up and was ready for the Discovery trail.  Lots of very nice views of the mountains (Hamesh said). A wooden bridge over the swamp was very nice (George said).  Leader James has met many from aboard, he found Lucy from Isleworth who is studying History at Bath Uni in September and then even sign his scarf.  We went to the town that… (log entry ends here)

White:

(The adventure begins)

Today we did a Discovery Trail to get to know the campsite.  It took us quite a long time to complete, but we did it eventually.  We had lunch then we were straight out to do a tour of Kandersteg Village. That was great fun, as we got to know the beauty and picturesque village. Another long day, but things are only going to get better from this point onwards!

Blue:

We went on a hike on Tuesday Afternoon. And it was a long hard working day.  We done a long discovery trail and after we went to the shop. On the hike we took pictures when we walk around the village and when we walked up the mountain.  On the discovery trail we got lost because we didn’t do the questions, so we had to got back.

David:

Breakfast was quick and easy although we didn’t have enough bread for everyone – luckily for the leaders the scouts didn’t eat much!

In the morning the Scouts went off on a Discovery trail whilst the leaders also took a stroll around the campsite.  In the afternoon we took a hike around Kandersteg, answering questions n the way.  We finished in the village of Kandersteg before walking back to the site.

In the evening, the Scouts took part in a Scavenger hunt (one Scout ended up with a phone number written on his chest!) whilst the leaders had a social evening and met other leaders from other Contingents.  For me, it was nice to catch up again with friends and colleagues from my time with District and County appointments.


Wednesday 11th August

Red:

Tuesday was the day of tobogganing and everybody was looking forward to it.  We had to get a cable car to the top of the mountain.  When we got to the top we were all amazed by the track. We got into pairs so we could get 5 goes each on one 10 go ticket. Before we got our turns James said to Hamesh “I am going to be faster than you”. Shamad said “that it was like a roller coaster”.  At the end of the turns everybody must of thought that they had got some really good speed.  Later we walked down a path and came to a lake. Me, Edward, Alex and Oskar went in a boat we decided to stop on a pebble beach near a waterfall then we left Edward to look after the boat while me, Alex and Oskar went up to the waterfall. Only me and Alex went under the waterfall because Oskar was taking pictures.

White:

(Dry Sledging rules!)

Today was probably the best day so far in Kandersteg.  We left camp early to catch the cable car into the mountains to do the best activity so far: dry sledging.  You got into a cart on wheels, that was winched up a steep section of the track.  Once at the top, you start to go down the hill on a twisty track, using the lever in the middle of the track to accelerate and break.  Once at the bottom, you are winched back up to the start and queue up for another go. It was absolutely crazy fun!!! After that, we took a walk to a nearby lake, and it was incredible.  The water was so clear and blue-looking.  We spent some of the time there and then walked back to Kandersteg Village, where we joined in the Wet and Wild and BBQ afternoon. After splashing around in the pool and eating a very tasty BBQ, we went to the KISC Disco.  It was loud, smoky and CRAZY! Today was the most epic of epicist days ever!

Blue:

Woke up and flag break was 7:45. After flag break was breakfast as usual.  When the washing and clearing up was done from breakfast we walked to the cable cars. Got to the top and did tobogganing. Walked to a lake. We walked down a long and steep hill. We went swimming we were at the bottom.  We went to a barbeque and then went to a disco. Walked back to camp and went to bed


David:

We were up at 07:00 for breakfast. After breakfast we walked into town, then took the cable car up to the Ochinesee.  At the top of the cable car was a toboggan track and we could each have a go.  We then walked to the lake for lunch – the view as the lake came into sight was impressive.  The Scouts hired rowing boats and headed out into the lake.  We watched as the Scouts attempted to master the art of rowing… which was mostly round in circles!

It rained a little as we walked back down to the village – but the rain quickly dried and cleared before we got to the pool.  The water was freezing (although said to be 26 degrees) but we got used to it.  Around 6pm we got changed and had the evening meal – a BBQ meal supplied by the pool! We then stayed in town so we could head to the disco.  At 10pm Ivor, Paul and Ash lead most of the Scouts back to site – James, Steve and I stayed on until midnight with two Scouts.  Once the disco closed, we had to walk back to site in silence (with KISC / County staff making sure that the quiet was maintained) – quite a challenge for some of the Explorers and Network Scouts!


Thursday 12th August

Red:

Thursday was the day we went to the big waterfall first we went on the coach.  It took a long time to get there and we had to queue up to go up to the top of the mountain to see the fall.  There was 10 floors in the mountain, we had a nice time to day. When we got on the coach a few minutes later we stopped at a town and had free time buying things in the shop.

White:

(Trummelbach: Waterfall of the Gods)

Today we were up extra early so we could catch the coach to Interlaken and Trummelbach falls.  Once at the Trummelbach we took a lift up to the highest point of the falls and looked out onto them. They were incredible, it was nothing I’d ever seen. It was so immense and radiated power.  We then walked down, looking at the different view points as we went.  We returned to the coach and drove back to Interlaken to spend the rest of the day there. Interlaken is much bigger than Kandersteg, so there were a lot more shops to look in. When we got back we went to the GLMW disco. It wasn’t as good as the KISC disco, so we went back and crashed in our tents! Another great day in Kandersteg!

Blue:

We went to the very nice waterfall sadly it was raining. After the waterfall we went to the village.  Then we did a task in our patrols, we had to find some biscuits, a postcard and the earliest train time.  After we got back to camp we went to the Disco


David:

Early wake up call AND – horror of horrors – RAIN. Breakfast was dashed off quickly and we prepared to leave.  We walked down to the Sunneblick (the base of the County team) and boarded the coach to head into Interlaken then onto the Trummelbach falls.  The falls are fed from three glaciers, and the water rushes past at about 20,000 litres (5,000 gallons) a second.  There are a number of view points to the falls – mostly within the mountain itself – as is the incline lift to get visitors ¾ of the way up to the top.  The Scouts were really impressed by the waterfalls and the visible power of the water crashing down. Truly an awe inspiring feature of nature.

We then headed into Interlaken where we spent a few hours shopping.  We set the Scouts a challenge of getting a ‘local’ packet of biscuits, a postcard that they particularly liked and the time of the first train from Interlaken station. I was impressed that the postcards were all of views of mountains in Switzerland… I had expected at least one “naughty but funny” card!

Back on site, we gave the Scouts a few minutes of free time, before we started on dinner.  Unfortunately I mostly ruined our patrol’s meal by grabbing the washing liquid instead of the cooking oil and putting some into the frying pan!  Fortunately, we managed to mostly sort it out, but there was a faint clean taste!

After dinner the leaders remained on site whilst the Scouts went to the disco.  Jamie and Mason met up with two girls that they had met the night before; on getting back to site they regaled the other Scouts with their stories, who all sat in rapt quiet!  The leaders however found it very amusing!


Friday 13th August

Red:

First we woke up – obviously had breakfast then we went to stone carving, badge making and jewellery making.  Then all those that wanted did their knife certificate.

Next we walked to a hotel and played table tennis, table football and Swiss bowling.

White:

(Strike!)

Today was a lot more relaxed. In the morning we did craft activities like badge making, jewellery making and stone carving. We then had lunch and then went to the village for bowling and various other games like table tennis, table football and pool. I found the pool most fun. We were glad today was easy and relaxed.

Blue:

In the morning we went to the block where we picked up our luggage on Monday. We had three activities in 3 hours. They were:

  • Badge making (maximum 3 badges)
  • Jewellery making
  • Rock shaping (maximum 3)

When we finished we came back to camp and had lunch. After we set off for a hotel in the village and played bowling. There was also pool, ping-pong and table football.

After, we went shopping and went on a bus. It was small and cramped but we made it.  The international campfire was at 8pm and finished around 10pm.  We all then went to bed.

David:

Today was a more relaxed day for leaders; after breakfast the boys went to the KISC Kander Lodge for craft activities and I went for a 5-mile run.  We had managed to get hold on one of the four expedition mascots – Vanilla Milkshake (the four mascots were all small soft toy cows, matching the scarves).  The Scouts had great fun making various jewellery items for her!

Just after lunch, Ivor and I took the Scouts through the safety of owning and using penknives; as many of the Scouts had bought some form of Swiss Army penknife this was something that we felt was important to get done!

In the afternoon we walked into town to have a go at the Swiss version of Ten Pin bowling, but also to play table tennis, table football and pool.  We then took loads of pictures of Vanilla in various positions around the various tables!


Saturday 14th August

Red:

The first thing we did was doing the Sunneblick day hike.  We all walked up to the cable car place which took about ten minutes.  Then we all got onto one cable car (just about) and were making our way to the top.  When we got there we got into patrols and went off one by one by ten minutes.  We finally got to the hotel after about 2 and a half hours.  We then had a rest and had a lovely hot chocolate.  Then we had to walk to a lake (Ochinesee lake, I think) After we all had to walk ALL the way back which was horrible.  When we got to our tents, we fell asleep as fast you can say “Hello, my name is Bob!”

White:

Today white patrol went to a lake 10miles away.  It was from 09:30am to about 5-ish and some of us found it really hard up hill and found it difficult. The weather was really bad as well and on the way back we got the cable car and we were going down we could not see because of the mist and clouds and we were all really tired and right now we are cooking.

Blue:

Today we went hiking in the Sunnbuel mountains.  We had breakfast early in the morning and flag break. We got our lunch and equipment ready to go for a days hike.

We were walking along the road to the cable car. We got our tickets and we rushed because there was one cable car every thirty minutes.  We were on board and ready to leave.

We left the first cable car stop really slowly, after a while we started to go really fast and our pod began to shake. Want to know why? We went over the cable car pylon

We arrived at our destination and start walking… and walking… and walking… and walking…

We had to go to the hotel as that was our destination quickly because it was raining, windy and cold.

We arrived at the hotel and each of us had a hot chocolate. We waited for red and white patrols to catch up. They eventually came and we left. The weather cleared up and Paul thought that we could go to a lake.  It was the longest walk ever.

We arrived at the lake after a couple of hours and ate lunch. We had to wait for the other patrols.  When they arrived, we left for the cable car.  The walk wasn’t steep and we found sticks to help us. The walk down was easy.

We got to the cable car early because Steven said that if we got there before half past three we get chips. We got there at ten past three. CHIPS :D J :O J

We came down the cable car and couldn’t see anything because of the amount of fog.  We got to the bottom and walked back to camp. 

We are now cooking dinner which is Bami Goreng, which sounds interesting. Later is the Karaoke which should be fun.  Bye for now

David:

We got up, made breakfast and lunch.  We then split into the patrols and walked up to the gondola car to take us up to the Sunnbuel. Once at the top, we walked round the Schwarenbach hotel.  The weather was poor and the inclines were steep – the fact that we were over 1 mile above sea level made breathing more of a challenge and some of the Scouts had problems on the steeper bits.

At the Schwarenbach we stopped for hot chocolate and chips to warm us up (it was freezing outside!) and to perk spirits.  We then pushed onto the Daubensee Lake.  We had a quick break for lunch before the weather closed down again.  On our walk back we paused briefly at the Hotel again, where Ivor and I had “Gluwey” (Swiss pronunciation of the hot mulled wine) – the Scouts finding reserves of energy to play on the swings. As we got closer to the gondola the weather further closed – when we boarded the gondola there was almost zero visibility.  At the bottom of the lift the rain fell hard and heavy.

Back on site, we found that a Severe Weather warning had been issued for the next 24 hours – and for some of our tents that meant covering them in groundsheets as the rain poured in!  It was a long night and the rain didn’t let up until early next morning.


Sunday 15th August

Red:

Sunday was the day for everybody to cool down from the days before. At the start of the day we had free time to do what we want. Some people went to the town to buy knives, but some stayed on site.

In the afternoon we had the International Sports Afternoon and predictably our team lost because of “Batman and Robin” (Jamie and Mason).  This was a bad day for me because I went to speak to the girl I like (Marshia) because she was lonely (out of peer-pressure) and all of the young Scouts made me embarrassed and I walk off.  But then the Leaders cooled me down and I was really chuffed by the end of the day.

White:

Today was OK.  We had from morning to lunch and a bit of time afterward of free time.  There were a few injuries and the Scouts got in trouble for skinning a tree. I swear I only took two branches off.

During the afternoon we had a Sports Day.  There were 12 teams, I was in team 3.  They did a football and volleyball competition.  When we weren’t playing a match we played small games around the two pitches.  My team won 1 football match and two volleyball games

Blue:

We had flag break at 8 in the morning and then had breakfast. There were four hours of free time to enjoy then there was lunch.  Then we went to the football pitch for the International games afternoon.  Dinner was Bambi Greginini.  Then we went to a disco.


David:

The site looked washed out, but already had started to drain.  A lazy Sunday start and then we allowed the boys to go into Kandersteg.  Steve went into town on his own and Ivor, James and I headed in separately to track a geocache at the Station.  Fortunately we found it (so that was 2 out of the 3 I had aimed to find during the camp!) and we took the bus home. For some Scouts, badge swapping was the order of the day – and one of the shops in the village had quite a swap scheme going!

After lunch, we headed to the football pitch for the International Sports Afternoon.  All Scouts, Guides were divided up into 12 teams of different groups and nationalities and played football and volleyball. As leaders, we stayed and watched the games to the end before heading off to get the food for dinner.

My patrol cooked a fantastic meal (I think I’ve been banned from the kitchen!) and I enjoyed it immensely.

Later a few Scouts and I went on a “light walk”.  We carried a flaming torch down a trail, stopping as the various site staff (known as “Pinkies” for their uniform tops) provided a sentence, quote or saying for us to consider.  It was a very spiritual, calm walk ending at a small campfire where we could leave our torches.

Sunday footnote – a reflective thought as I sat by the small fire:

I feel pleased to have met and enjoyed the company of many of the Scouts and Leaders this week.  The visual sight of the mountains and waterfalls is truly breathtaking and I hope that the memories that I now hold from this camp will remain with the Scouts as long as they remain in my own.


Monday 16th August

Red:

Patrol Challenge all day, finding the recycling centre was very hard. We had to go through tunnels until we finally found the recycling centre.

Basically we went around the town answering questions and things.  We went to lots of shops and the museum and the swimming pool

White:

(Patrol Challenge)

Today we went and did a Patrol Challenge. We had to go around the campsite and town completing tasks and challenges and then after the Patrol Challenge we went to an international BBQ the food was good after that we went to a different part of the camp site and tasted different peoples’ food. We did pancakes and lots of people came to taste our food.  So that was Day 8.

Blue:

On Monday which is the Second one on this long exciting camp we did the Patrol Challenge.  To do the Patrol Challenges we were given a bunch of different sheets of paper including a map challenge tasks and questions. We went round the town looking for buildings, signs and other things to answer the questions we had been set.  This actually took all day so we not get time doing the challenges that we were meant to do at the campsite against other scouts.

We then went to a big International BBQ were we had lots of food and we got bits of England flags and other things.  After that there was a KISC disco with Scouts from all over the World at the Tower at the camp.


David:

After the 7am start and the routine of flag & breakfast was completed, the Scouts were set a Challenger / Scavenger hunt challenge.  The Leaders then started to prepare for the evening and set off into town to collect the eggs and flour that was needed for pancakes.

After a late lunch, Steve and Ash took all the wet clothes (from the previous downpour) to the drying room (it was so cold and wet that NOTHING was drying at all).  I took the opportunity to spend a little time looking for the third cache which I had been unable to locate (but I found it – 3/3 J )

On getting back, we started to prepare for the evening, testing pancake mix for consistency (we needed to make about 200!)  and then I set off making the first super batch – 14 eggs, ½ bag of flour and 3 litres of milk!  When we were ready we walked over to the Kander Lodge and set up the cooking table outside the main hall.

Ivor and I took the first watch whilst the rest of the Scouts went across the river to the Main Chalet lodge for the BBQ.  We were initially a little disappointed as we seemed to be the only people taking part, then further miffed when the next table turned up, ready to make… more pancakes!

However, all things work out and very quickly we had a huge queue for pancakes; so Ivor and I just settled in and started to have a laugh!  Once the other members of our Troop had eaten they took over from us and Ivor and I could eat.  Sadly, we ran out of mix before we run out of customers.

The tables were packed away and most boys went to bed; Steve, James and I walked up to the Tower to enjoy the Disco.


Tuesday 17th August

Red:

Today was the day that everyone was looking forward to. IT WAS THE DAY OF THE BRIG THERMAL BATHS.

It was amazing. I loved it because, at last I had a bath! That day I saw loads of fit girls and I had lots of fun.  I loved it and I’m sure everybody else did.

White:

(Thermal Baths Rule!)

Today we went to the Brig Thermal baths.  I have been waiting for this the whole trip and I wasn’t disappointed.  The slide was the best. IT WAS AWESOME!  It was really fast and crazy fun.  There was a giant fountain which we were all trying to stop from spraying. Calum made himself literally float on the fountain spout which was hilarious! Today was the most awesome day ever!

Blue:

Today we went to the thermal baths and went on the massive slide and we done the wave machine which was really fun. We jumped off the rock into the pool. Also we went into the thermal bath which was so warm and relaxing.

David:

After getting ready, we caught the bus into Kandersteg.  Because we had the County scarves we could ride the bus between the site and the village for free!  Once into Kandersteg we caught the train to Brig.  The views from the train were incredible – I lost count of the amount of “Wow!” statements by Scouts!  At brig, we caught the bus to the Thermal baths.

The weather was a complete change from Kandersteg – hot, sunny and dry.  We quickly changed and set off to inspect the pools.  There was a long, fast, water slide that I really enjoyed (so fast!), a large rock with a small ledge that you could jump from into a warm-ish pool (about a 3m drop!), a lagoon pool which had a lazy flow for 40 minutes before the jets really started and made it very difficult to stand, a fountain that we found great fun to try and stop – spraying water everywhere!  Calum was so slight that he was supported by the water! Additionally there were three further thermal pools which were over 30 degrees each (one was down stairs and was 40 degrees… didn’t do that one) and it was like sitting in a very comfortable bath.  It was a very lazy day – and we all left with slightly sore shoulders from the sun. 

Unfortunately, as we cleared the long tunnel coming back to Kandersteg, we could see that the clouds hadn’t cleared and Kandersteg was as we had left it…

In the evening Ivor, Paul and I went to the Leaders meeting to get the details for the final day; on getting back we found that the boys had put themselves to bed before 10pm!

Wednesday 18th August

Red:

Today we went for a hike from a mountain all the way down to camp.  Many people say the hike was enjoyable.  It is 25 past 5 and we are in the middle of a cloud.  Tomorrow we are leaving.  Tonight we are going to the closing ceremony and also the Disco and many people are looking forward to it.  Kiran and Rory must move to Harry and Alex’s tent

White:

(Final day: Feeling Sad)

Today is our final full day in Kandersteg.  We went for a small hike in the morning and in the afternoon we had free time to do shopping.  I bought presents for my mate Bailey and my dad. I also bought a penknife.  After free time was over, we sorted out our bags for departure tomorrow. Later on, we went to the closing ceremony which was as good as the opening ceremony.  It was raining again today, but hopefully it will be sunny when we leave tomorrow.

Blue:

Today we went for a little walk.  When we got back the leaders let us have four hours free time.  Then we did flag break and then packed our bags for leaving tomorrow, then we had dinner.


David:

We had been wondering how to spend the last morning as we had been unable to get a guide for a walk that we had wanted to do.  However, we found an alternative hike that took us up a very small cable car just big enough for one patrol at a time to the Untere Allme.  We then walked back down to the campsite.  The weather on the hike was brilliant – we were able to see across the valley to the Ochinesee lake and beyond.

Back on site, we handed the Competition Prize money to the Blue Patrol who won by just one point, having turned up in Scout Uniform to do the flag break – and we went off to the town one last time.

Back on site, we started to get Scouts to move into other tents so we start to take a few of the tents down and take back some of the items no longer required.  The leaders cooked the evening meal (they let me back at the stove!) before we went to the Closing ceremony.

During the ceremony, the Entertainments team leader Terry Kingham awarded the “TK AWARDS”.  There were a few highly amusing awards and Ash won a prize because he kept getting distracted in making toast and would typically burn three slices to every one he could eat.  Then Terry started to talk about an award being presented to someone who was cooking and mixed up a couple of ingredients…. Yup, me!  Everybody laughed and cheered and it was a fun moment for me.  The night finished out with a small disco.

On getting back to the tent, I packed as much as I could, then went to sleep.  Outside it started to rain again.


Thursday 19th August

Patrol reports:

Paul had gathered the logs in, so there was no report for the last day

David:

A very early start this morning.  The Scouts presented themselves at the flag at 7pm and we started to pack the bags ready to head homewards.  Personal kit was loaded onto a kart and taken to the lorry (loaded on immediately) while the other leaders packed up the 51 boxes we had brought.  The tents were more of a challenge – the wetness of the material meant they were bigger than they were before.

We were working towards being completed at 11am – and the Scouts had finished by 10:40 – an impressive achievement and so reflective of the positive “can do” attitude that I have seen from the Scouts all week.

The coach journey home was again 2 hours – and I know that I slept for much of it! There wasn’t much time in Zurich Airport before we got on the plane – but enough for the Scouts to use the 10 CHF note that County had given them to buy themselves some food at the airport (the leaders used the money for a more liquid-based refreshment!)

The X-ray customs check was a lot more thorough (probably because of the amount of penknives available!) and several Scouts and Leaders found themselves subject to personal checks or thorough kit checks.

Back in City Airport, we said goodbye to Harry; at Bank we said goodbye to Steve as they made their own ways home.  It was a shame that they couldn’t be there for what I think was the most excellent camp signoff – we all got off at Harrow & Wealdstone Station and as we walked over the bridge Ivor challenged me to one more “Oggy Oggy Oggy”.  So I called – and the loud, enthusiastic response from the boys in one voice told me all I needed to know about this camp.  It had been a brilliant, amazing, successful expedition.  A group of Boys (and yes, that includes the boys over 18 too!) had gone to camp and came back as a single Troop with many memories to treasure.