District Camp 2017 at Phasels Wood
Around 400 young people and 100 adults from 15 groups across Haringey, the City, Islington and Camden gathered at Phasels Wood Activity Centre over the spring bank holiday weekend for North London Scout District Camp. We also welcomed guests from Girlguiding Islington and Cambridgeshire Scouts.
The event took World Scouting as its theme with each group asked to pick a country from the list of nations that have hosted World Scout Jamborees and Moots.
On Saturday afternoon each group offered all participants a chance to try some food and a game or activity from their chosen country. The range included waffles with maple syrup at 8th Holborn (Canada), crepes at 211 North London (France), tossing the caber at 16th Wood Green (Scotland) and a burst of Mozart at 22nd Hampstead (Austria).
Campers enjoyed a full range of the Phasels Wood activities, and North London Scout District also enjoyed the distinction of being the very first to try the campsite’s brand new Human Hungry Hippos inflatable which was delivered the day before camp started. A campfire led by Sally Symons rounded off Saturday’s programme.
On Sunday morning the district assembled for promise renewals, and ACC (International) Katie Davis reminded us all of what it means to belong to the worldwide family of Scouts and promoted opportunities for young people and leaders to get involved in the next World Scout Jamboree.
On Sunday and Monday each group offered a creative activity for young people to try: the options included tie-dye scarves, survival bracelets, ballista making and firelighting with steel wool and batteries.
The camp was rounded off by the hotly anticipated international parade with groups showing off their international costumes and props. After a rigorous judging process under the watchful eye of county commissioner Jack Caine, 12th Hampstead (Japan) were declared the winners with 5th Islington (Iceland) as runners-up.
The contest for best decorated campsite was won by 16th Wood Green (Scotland) whose Scotland-themed display put a smile on everyone’s faces. 5th Islington’s Icelandic effort was also recognised by the judges.