On Monday 21st July myself (Becky Pett) and other leaders took the Guides to camp. After pitching the tents we had a superb dinner of sausage, mash and beans cooked by our QM. The week was packed with activities starting with archery. Very few hit the target but all enjoyed it. Later we had a go at the climbing wall and how we were impressed! For many of our girls this was their first camp and they have never been climbing before, but they flew up the wall.
That evening our Young Leader, Maria, organised a mini-olympics complete with a podium and brightly coloured rosettes.

Other activities included making dream catchers which appeared to be a tricky challenge. We ventured into Brentwood and let the girls go down the High Street but got them to meet us at Sainsburys to carry the shopping back. We returned to find that squirrels had found a way into the store tent, and found the chocolate spread. They also ripped a hole in the first aid tent, which was now leaking badly from the rain. Another tent that needs to be replaced. Canoeing and rafting was part of a surprise yourself challenge where everyone got wet. Our DC Anita Conner visited and by the lake enrolled Maria as our young leader and myself as a Guider.

The girls sang enthusiastically at the campfire, run by the warden and crew, and the girls learnt different versions of old songs! Our plans were disrupted the next day when the heavens opened however the girls spent the day giggling and jumping through puddles in their wellies.
By the evening the rain eased off and we had a celebration for Lisa who was recently 21. After discussions Livvy Couzins was chosen for the best guide award. Saturday we were up early and were off site by 12 o clock.

The camp was a brilliant success and many said they would be joining us at Campdowne 2004 which we hope lives up to the high expectations following Campdowne 2000.