St Paul's Events

Scout Summer Camp

This year we travelled to Silver Cross Scout Centre, Swansea, Wales for our summer camp.

Here is a scouts account of the trip:

Saturday
At around 4 a.m., our parents grudgingly drove their children to the scout hall. We had already packed our gear and our bags into the that van we had rented for the week, so all we needed to bring was ourselves and a small day bag.

We all said our goodbyes and got on the bus for Rosslare. The drive was longer than expected because we were all already tired and cranky but when we arrived it was a different story altogether. The excitement kicked in and it was hard to keep us all sitting down. Some of us decided to explore the harbour (not that there was much to see). When on the ferry we were all in the mood to buy loads of sweets and sit down to chat. When we reached Silver Cross Scout Centre we set up our site.

Sunday
After breakfast the leaders took us for a hike to Penllergare Valley Woods which is a very scenic walk with a beautiful waterfall. Afterwards we went to a small restaurant where we all got ice creams.

Monday
More hiking - This time we hiked the Brecon Beacons. The mountain we hiked was called Pen Y Fan and it was the highest peak in the range. After the hike we went home to bacon and cabbage made for us by Theresa - Thanks Theresa!

Tuesday
We went on a day trip to Oakwood Theme Park which was a great experience. There were rides for everyone, those who loved fast rides, (as the name suggests) Speed, and for those who aren't as brave, Treetops (which Brendan still got scared on). On our way home, we stopped for some pizza and later than night we had a campfire.

Wednesday
We did many onsite activities such as; archery, abseiling and crate stacking. We also had the task of setting up our own bivvy shelters. Each tent had to set up their own bivvy and sleeping in it that night, many of the scouts dreaded the thought but it was really wasn't that bad.

Thursday
We did more onsite activities like laser tag. The laser tag was pretty faulty. You had to hit their helmet in order trigger a hit, so many people copped-on and hid their helmets. The next day we were going to Swansea, so we had to iron uniforms.

Friday
We went into Swansea city and we walked around the National Waterfront Museum. There were many interesting stories about the old British Empire and the Royal Navy. We went shopping in the area and had great fun buying souvenirs.

Saturday
Home time - Saturday was a long day. Between taking down the site and travelling by bus to and from the ferry.

Sunday
We had to unpack the van and put all the gear we brought away. As our gear bags were in the van there was incentive for everyone to come to the hall and help unpack the van. We sorted most of the gear out but left the rest until our meeting on Wednesday.

That was Summer Camp 2017, it was a fantastic experience because we visited a new country, we got to roam around Swansea and learn new things. We all loved the camp and that's what matters most.

- K.T & C.Q