Caythorpe Scouts’ First Weekend Expedition

It was bright and blustery last Saturday morning as twenty-two bright-eyed Caythorpe Scouts assembled on Back Lane, Caythorpe.

The expedition was the culmination of weeks of planning at Scout meetings; from learning map-reading skills and planning their route through to menu planning and learning about the essentials to pack for an expedition (as well as taking out those heavy, non-essentials, including the kitchen sink!). After registration and a safety briefing, the Scouts grouped into their teams and headed off, at five minute intervals. Older Scouts, including those working towards the final stages of their prestigious top award in Scouts, the Chief Scout’s Gold Award, were to hike unaccompanied in teams of at least four, whereas the younger, less experienced Scouts hiked in a larger team, accompanied by Leaders.

The marvels of modern technology meant that Leaders were able to track the teams as they headed along the footpaths and around the fields on the pre-agreed route. No-one got ‘toooo’ lost! Most teams stopped to enjoy their packed lunches in Ancaster (huge thanks to the generosity of the pavilion for letting them use their facilities) and then continued along the route to Duke’s Covert Campsite. Although the Scouts had been involved in planning the route, we heard that some were ‘bemused’ that they couldn’t just head down the High Dyke – a national speed limit, fast single carriageway – and had to go ‘the long way around’ to the campsite!

The day’s events weren’t over on arrival at the campsite as the Scouts then had to put up their tents and set about cooking their dinner. Again, the older Scouts cooked in their teams using our new stoves while the younger Scouts ‘helped’ their Leaders to cook. An evening of singing around the campfire followed, with most Scouts tucked up and asleep soon after 9pm. Quite an achievement, according to the Leaders!

Up bright and breezy on the Sunday morning (‘new time or old time?’ No-one was really sure!) breakfast was devoured, the wet tents were packed away, the campsite was cleared and off they headed towards the final rendez-vous, Barkston Playing Field. Luckily for the Scouts, all their kit (including tents) was transported to Barkston for them, lightening the load.

Parents greeted their tired offspring at Barkston, a survivors / group photo was taken and we all celebrated the fact that two of our Leaders had got engaged on the Friday evening. Congratulations Joe and Gen!

Next stop: Jamboree on The Trail – 12-13 May, putting into practice once again the expedition skills learned over recent weeks!