Our first camp of 2007 took place over February Half Term at Tolmers Scout Camp in Hertfordshire, on the 14^th February to the 16^th February. What was unusual in this camp was that all our explorers were female, as the male’s in the unit decided it would be too cold for them! However, the camp went ahead since Laura, Lisa and Alice were using it towards on of their badges. It was to become a learning curve for Drew and Steve!

We arrived at a very muddy Tolmers’ just before 11.00am after being lead the wrong way by Steve, booked in and then the girls had to decide where we were going to pitch, a hard decision since we were the only ones there and had acres of space. They finally arrived at a decision and the process of setting up camp took place – Drew and Steve, wanting girls to decide and run the camp themselves, tried to stay away and were even chased off on occasions after quiet innocuous helping hints!

Eventually the mess tent was erected, but not before intervention from Steve and Drew!

It was the longest time we have had erecting a mess tent but the lesson was learned well.

After dragging the kit across from the trailer, time was spent collecting the wood for the fire that night and the girls busied themselves chopping, smashing and cutting – evening meal was on the way! By nightfall there was enough wood for a good fire and all had been fed and watered. Traditional songs, stories and a fascination with fire took place.

Following a very cold night, the following morning came as a great shock to Drew and Steve as no morning cuppa had been prepared for them! “We’d never not get a brew if the lads were here” was a favourite comment that morning.  On we went for our first activity, Archery, and our sympathies went out to our instructor who overheard a certain conversation as we approached and realised what he was up against!

Other activities that took place included Abseiling and a small hike around the area. What was notable was the forward abseiling of Lisa and Laura, and her very first decent for Claire!

Lisa, Laura and Alice also made the brave decision to be invested on the wall, but we couldn’t hold the flag, raise our hands etc so we did it on top! Congratulations to all three!