Fgura Scout Group goes camping

Fgura Scout Group last month held its long-awaited summer camp. The last such camp was held eight years ago, so all members were very much looking forward to the adventure.

After many months of planning, preparations and equipment checks, three trucks set off on August 14 fully loaded with all the necessary equipment and provisions for the Scout Association camping site at Għajn Tuffieħa.

The initial party of 50 campers included the advance party and kitchen staff. Late in the first evening the main marquee tent, measuring 35 metres by seven metres, was pitched. This served as the dining area and activity centre during the camp. Thirty-five troop members arrived the next day whereas the younger Cubs joined the camp on August 19. By then, a total of 21 tents had been pitched. The youngest members of the group, the Beavers, joined in the fun on the last day of the camp, thus bringing the total number of campers to around 120.

Activities organised during the camp included canoe maintenance, backwoods' bread making, T-shirt printing, abseiling down the Karraba, first aid sessions and rope work. The Venture Unit built three A-frames for a monkey bridge which formed part of a obstacle course and was enjoyed by all sections. A Wasteserv representative visited the campsite to give the scouts a presentation on how to reduce and recycle waste.

The younger members of the group practised various crafts and enjoyed water and beach games while the older members organised more adventurous activities such as canoeing, an orienteering night hike and a desertion activity, where the Ventures were blindfolded and taken to a secret location from where they had to find their way back to camp.

Sunday Mass was celebrated under the marquee and was attended by both the Fgura and Qawra Scouts, who were camped nearby.

The last day at camp was celebrated with a large campfire. The climax of the camp was reached with the Venture Unit's fire display and their own version of the Maori haka which they performed in collaboration with the Rovers. The camp ended with the prayer song Kumbaya.

More information about the group and photos of this and other events can be found on the website www.fgurascouts.org.