Weekend in the West End District Camp Rhydd Covert 21st – 23rd June – the rethink
I have had a number of representations in connection with our plans for this camp, and I am getting increasingly concerned about the viability of us holding an all-section district camp at Rhydd.
Some groups have already declined due to fears of overcrowding, and the fact that the young people may spend a lot of time waiting around, as was highlighted at Shirejam. We all know that everything takes much longer (even moving between activities) when you are dealing with such high numbers. There have also been worries about equipment and tentage requirements for some groups. Car parking on drop off and collection can be very problematic as we have learned. The District Team has already experienced challenges in trying to put together a suitable programme for ages 4 -18 years which will be enjoyable for all our young people. There are also considerable risks around overcrowding in bottleneck areas, such as the campfire circle.
So, after consultations with the District Team, we have found what we hope will be a solution. I think that the best way forward would be to have a Musicals themed Camp as planned for Cubs, Beavers and Squirrels, then, on a separate weekend (confirmed as 12th – 14th July) we would have a District Camp for Scouts and Explorers, which would have off site activities as planned, and perhaps not have the Musical theme for these older sections (but yes if they want it)?
The advantages of this would be to address all the issues mentioned and would also open up spaces like the rec for more exciting activities for the younger sections (perhaps Giant Inflatables) and for or older ones a combination of off-site water-based activities and age appropriate challenges at Rhydd.
District Team members and managers would be involved in only one weekend (unless they wanted to do both!) and the same would apply to section leaders, so it shouldn't make too much extra work. The support teams eg Rhydd SAS would have a double workload, but it would be with considerably less logistic planning and hassle.
So, as regards the Musicals theme, we will go ahead with this for the Squirrels, Cubs and Beavers, and have a parade etc, and I will leave it to the Scout and Explorer sections to decide if they wish to go along with this on their own weekend, or perhaps have their own theme or none.
Julie DC