Cumbrian Scouts brave sub-zero temperatures near Windermere

Whilst most people were turning the thermostat up, almost 100 Cumbrian Scouts braved sub-zero temperatures for a weekend camping under canvas at Great Tower Scout Activity Centre, near Windermere. Overnight temperatures dropped to -2degC ensuring that the camp lived up to its “Frostbite” name.

The Scouts from Troops across Cumbria spent the weekend doing activities including archery, mountain biking and climbing.

Nick Downes, Scout Leader from 1st Workington said: “It was great to be able to get together with Scouts from all over the County, a great opportunity for the young people to make new friends and realise that they are part of a much bigger movement of like minded people, all looking for adventure, fun & challenge. It is amazing to think that in the UK each year Scouts spend over 2 million nights away from home doing adventurous activities”.

Cameron Glaister, a Scout aged 12 from Workington said: “The weekend was amazing, it was great just chilling round the campfire with friends after the mountain biking”.

The weekend was rounded off with a military tattoo style field-gun challenge.

John Sharpe, from Barrow, who leads the County Scout Section said: “The great thing about these county weekends is that they are fun social events for the leaders too. With Scouting growing we just need more adults to come along and join in the adventure, so that more young people can enjoy the opportunities Scouting provides, even if it is only one weekend a year. The recent appointment of the Duchess of Cambridge as a flexible volunteer just goes to show that everyone can play their part. Scouting offers adults a social life with a purpose, and as a Leader the change to gain new skills, and have fun whilst helping other people.”

Anyone interested in finding out how they could support Scouting in Cumbria should get in touch via www.scouts.org.uk/join