District Scout Camp at Skern Lodge, Appledore

Over the Easter holidays the Scout Troop headed up to North Devon to join Chumleigh, North Tawton and Drewsteignton Scouts for an action packed weekend water activity camp.  

We arrived on the Friday night and pitched camp in a field overlooking the Appledore Skern and Braunton Burrows. Wow, what an amazing view and sunset!We were all up bright and early and rallied to the sound of Skip’s bugle and a big fried breakfast! The day was spent doing some great activities with the other Scouts.

We all did Kayaking in the heated swimming pool and river rafting on the River Taw in Bideford. This was a totally mad activity, suited to South Zeal’s ‘mad for adventure’ Scouts. In a raft battle, the crew of the ‘Submarine’ and ‘Pirate’ rafts spent more time out of their craft than in it, swimming in the river to try and hijack other craft and crew!  We all had a fantastic day, which was finished off with a roaring camp fire and sing along on the beach.

Needless to say, everyone fell asleep very early and any midnight feasts were abandoned!Following Sunday’s flag break, we all went for a long walk around the Skern together. We had a paddle along the route and returned to have lunch and strike camp..very tired, but full of stories about the fun we had had together. 

It was an amazing camp made easier with the use of some great new camp equipment, fantastic weather and we all made lots of new friends. 

We have to thank Keith Davenport for all his hard work and organisation. We would also like to thank the parents for all their help. But, we would especially like to thank the Scouts. You were ever helpful, hard working and good humoured and did yourselves and the Troop’s name proud! Well done everyone!  

Skip & Bagheera (South Zeal)