LIPHOOK DISTRICT GUIDES

Summer Camp 2004

The weather was fantastic and spirits were high at Blacklands Farm near East Grinstead, where Liphook Guides held their annual Guide Camp during the last week of July 2004.

Thirty four girls aged 10 to 13, six Young Leaders aged 14 to 17, and eight adult Guiders spent the week sleeping under canvas.

This year's camp followed an international theme. Each of the seven patrols represented a different country, and the activities, crafts and even the menu were based on the worldwide theme.  

The Guides took part in a range of adventurous activities including abseiling, rock climbing, swimming, hike fire cooking, taking part in a wide game and kayaking.

There was a day trip to Brighton, where the Guides explored the shops and had fun on the beach and at the fun-fair, and of course there was the inevitable visit to McDonalds for chips for most of them!

All the girls tried their hand on at least two of the crafts on offer, which included making 'scooby-doos,' welly-boot painting and tie-dying.

There were two campfire singing events, one big one organised by the activity instructors for all the groups on the site, and Liphook held its own smaller but equally fun event on the last night, when each Patrol performed a sketch. There was also the traditional awarding of the decorated tent pegs, during which particularly outstanding accomplishments are recognised, such as the best Patrol Leader, most cheerful Guide etc.

The girls all achieved something during the week, whether it was conquering a fear of heights, learning to swim or learning to cope away from home and parents.

As the weather was so good, on the penultimate day, the Patrol tents were taken down and all 34 Guides slept in the large marquee. Contrary to what one might expect, it was actually very quiet in the marquee as the girls were all exhausted after so much fun all week, and they got to sleep very quickly.

Guide camp is an important traditional aspect of Guiding. It gives the girls many experiences which different to home and school life, and as well as being fun, it helps them learn independence and develop self-confidence.

The Guides and their Leaders had a brilliant time at Blacklands in 2004 and many happy memories were created.