Training Weekend 5 - 7 July 2013

Cluck Cluck Cluck... A cracking weekend was had by all who attended our final training weekend at roasting Ravengill Scout Campsite, Commondale. Our weather was far from foul as a few members’ pinking complexions demonstrated. We also welcomed the arrival of our newest team member, our resident pet and dinnertime entertainment for the weekend: hen, Boomerang. Why ‘Boomerang’? Because she just kept on coming back.

No one played chicken as camp commenced on Friday night in the usual manner; in case camping with the Scouts isn’t familiar to you that means in some shape or form the poles for the tents don’t match the canvas or the poles don’t match each other or some similar issue; we weren’t disappointed. Eventually our camp was pitched and our activities could progress. Some Frisbee throwing, flag break, refreshments and fifty thousand slides later (or so it seemed) and that was our Friday evening complete.

Saturday commenced for me at 7am with the sound of Jack’s alarm clock three times and then Jack waking up and complaining that his alarm hadn’t gone off! There was no need for anyone to be cooped up indoors as we all set to work at 7.30am! Various teams were spread around Commondale campsite doing tasks such as: packing the equipment that will be used by all whilst we are in the African Rift Valley, including about 462 tea towels; completing the paving for the patio behind the Centenary Centre which we started at one of our earlier training weekends; building foundations for some new huts to be erected at Commondale Campsite very soon; mixing cement by hand (of course!); bricklaying and rendering practice and one lucky team had been up earlier than everyone else (well most of the team – I assume)  and were cooking breakfast.

Everyone plucked on as the rest of the day followed a similar style as that from sunrise, with teams rotating around the various activities listed above during the day.

As evening arrived and dinner time passed the team were egging each other on in some competitive Dodge Ball and Ultimate Frisbee. Referees Craig and David ensured there wasn’t hennybody getting in a flap as we all yolked around.

Our campfire made many a member of the expedition team crack up as we sang and danced around. In bed we would then lay until the arrival of our final training day.

A final few hours of training and the striking of camp marked the end of a quacking weekend training session in Commondale.

Ciao from your Feathered Friend

Alex Crow