On Thursday 29th the bus departed at 3.00m in the morning and Summer Camp 2023 officially commenced.
Bus to Ferry to trains followed by lunch and another bus and then we were at Silver Cross
We got started straight away setting up tents and camp. The sun acted as both a positive and a negative in that the weather was wonderful but tiring especially after the journey.
After camp was set up there was some free time before we had dinner.
Friday 30th
After the traveling yesterday it was not much of a surprise that we had a late start today
We started off Camp with a light day onsite.
This consisted of a shelter making demonstration for bivvying and then practice. Following that, the scouts and ventures split into 6 patrols and then partook in some team bonding activities. This included Flag designing and making, coming up with Patrol names, assigning roles; Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe etc. Claiming Huts and Fires. At the end of the day we all got a lovely surprise trip to Costa Coffee.
Saturday 1st
Today was spent mostly out in Swansea. We went to the Leisure Centre: Which was a very cool swimming pool with multiple slides. After the LC we got to spend time on the promenade where we witnessed some of an awesome airshow and then wandered into a fair with many different stands for example a Lego minifigure stand, and Ferrets. We also had a brilliant encounter with both Batman and Spiderman.
The day came to a close with some card games and Tarot reading.
Sunday 2nd
Todayâs primary activity was an Inter-Patrol Cooking competition. This was won by a 6th scout patrol group who made Burgers.
Other activities included; Putting up tents without sight and/or hands.
Traversing a minefield with a ‘Scout’ (Ha)
Blind Obstacle course & Cup of Water
Disabling bombs and rescuing civilians from between burning buildings.
Cooking breadsticks
Camouflage hide and seek in the woods.
Another Late night ended the week with exciting discussions regarding Aliens and Life on other planets.
Monday 3rd
Today started at 10.00am with a Hike into Morriston which lasted about an hour and a half. We then continued on for a further half hour to Swansea AFC Stadium where we stayed for 2 hours. We decided to return via a more direct route back to camp from the Stadium. Highlighted conversation on the journey back was about James Gunn and Mark Reevesâ DC movie adaptations.
Finally Monday came to a close with a coloured themed Inter-Patrol eating challenge
Beige – Whistling Crackers Blue – Cheese Red & White – Uncooked Pasta and Jam Red – Chili Pepper White – Cake Yellow – Lemon Green – Olive
Tuesday 4th
Today was spent in Oakwood Theme Park. The most enjoyed ride was probably Speed -A rollercoaster with a near vertical drop, loop-the-loop, and corkscrew- or Vertigo -A slingshot-like-ride where up to three people were drawn up to what must have been at least the height of a seven story building and then let swing down.
While at the Theme park the Ventures engaged in some delightful Plotting.
Once back at camp everyone partook in some Jovial Birthday Celebrations which ended with a Woodland Disco. Highlighted Songs include; Ra Ra Rasputin, Mr Brightside, California Girls, and Footloose.
Wednesday 5th
The day was spent onsite and started out with avoiding âspiderwebsâ in the forest by climbing or crawling. Following that we delighted in trialing the much talked about Spiderland. One person went through a total of 13 times.
After cleaning up from Spiderland we all were challenged by a Quiz about our Patrol Leaders. We know them so well. After that we got to trial laser tag in the woods we then got to partake in crate stacking and the aforementioned plotting was executed.
Thursday 6th
We had a dark and early start today at 03.30am and traveled to Rhosilli where we went Coasteering; Coasteering involved swimming along the coastline, climbing and then jumping off Cliffs and it was outstanding and an incredible experience.
When we returned to camp we took down shelters and repacked patrol boxes and some other site items to lessen the workload for later. Then we had a number of hours of free time where we laid back; read together, played games and, notably, built a wonderful bandstand with a porch, roof, decorative leaves and flowers and carved wooden rings.
In the evening we got to meet Explorers from the area and enjoyed an excellent Barbeque with them. The night was spent socialising and playing Uno.
Friday 7th
The second last day of Summer Camp was spent taking down camp, packing bags and generally preparing for the journey back to Cork. After finishing packing early. We got to spend 1.6 hours in Swansea and then a further hour and a half at the LC. The markets in Swansea were the highlight of the time there. Upon returning to camp we prepared for the last campfire which included collecting firewood and getting songs prepared. We found Frogs which definitely would make a list of the best things to happen on camp. At the campfire we got the results of the Interpatrol competitions the overall winners being A Ventures patrol called Baskets
The final competition was a pronunciation competition of the longest place name in Welsh; llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
The last night was a late night with some goodbyes.
Saturday 8th
The travel back was bittersweet considering people were happy to be home but no doubt sad camp was over.
Nevertheless many wonderful memories were made and experiences had.
We are very grateful to all the leaders and everyone who was involved in making Camp happen and running it.
Thank you all very much, MĂle BuĂochas, Diolch.
Katie Byrne.
