Hemel Scout groups enjoy virtual camp during lockdown

Scout groups across Hemel have been very busy during lockdown switching to running online weekly sessions instead of running face to face.

Last weekend the groups had their first ever Hemel Scouts virtual camp, 381 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers aged five to 17 from across Hemel Hempstead took part and by the end there were nearly 400 taking part with young people from 13 different groups involved.

Starting just after lunch on Saturday the event included Zoom sessions to check in with everyone and do some online games and activities.

Michael Albon, cub leader said: "We had several themed activity sessions with lots of different activities for the young people to complete suitable for all ages using simple equipment they had at home including making catapults, marble runs, spaghetti towers, obstacle courses, bug hotels and bird feeders plus loads more.

"They helped to cook dinner and importantly wash up!

"After dinner we met on Zoom again, some had a fire and toasted marshmallows, those that couldn't have a real fire got creative and used tealights!

"We finished off the evening with a wide game and some campfire songs."

During the afternoon as one of the activities they had all built dens or put up tents in the garden or inside and then spent the night in them.

On Sunday morning some helped cook breakfast using some traditional camp recipes and they finished off with one final activity session, thinking about and showing off their lockdown essentials and a closing ceremony on Zoom.

Brothers Ben (Scout) and Daniel (Cub) were even brave enough to sleep out in the open on their trampoline! Another 2 (Eva and Eleanor) slept under their trampoline!

Michael added: "As well as a night away badge every young person that took part will get a special virtual camp badge to congratulate them for taking part during these unusual times.

"Although this is the first event we've run back on April 30, over 250 young people took part in the Northumberland Scouts world record attempt 'camp at home', we smashed the record which originally stood at 65,000 with over 95,000 people taking part from 68 countries across the world!

Debbie Ridgway's sons Jake (eight) and Owen (five) are Beavers and Cubs at 4th Hemel (Woodhall Farm) both took part in the virtual camp.

She said: "Jake and Owen had loads of fun with Beavers and Cubs doing the virtual camp.

"They loved all of the challenges and had a good nights sleep (once they eventually got to sleep that is) who says the lockdown has to stop the fun?"

To find out more and details on how to join the fun and adventure visit: www.hemel-scouts.co.uk/join or call 07860 848 603.