A group of 40 cubs and air scouts from 1st Thaxted-Carver Scout Group went on a two-day trip to London ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
The trip started at Newport Station on October 24, and ended with a visit to the Chelsea Pensioners - veterans who reside at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The young people were given a guided tour around the hospital to learn about the programme, which is open to any former British Army soldier over 65 who faces spending their advanced years alone.
This was an important experience for the group, as the scouts are based at Carver Barracks in Wimbish, and most of the leaders and young people come from service families.
The trip also formed part of the group's preparations for Remembrance Day. Every year the group takes part in marching practice, and on the day itself scouts across the district will march to attend the church service to pay their respects to those who fought in war.
During both the First and Second World Wars, scouts paid an important part of the war effort. Many worked in dangerous conditions as fire-watchers or stretcher bearers, and carried messages, supported evacuation of hospitals during air raids and carried out first aid.
After visiting the Chelsea Pensioners, the cubs and scouts visited Regents Park Barracks for a guided tour of the facilities, and learnt about the work done to support the Royal Family.
They learnt the history of the facilities, about the development of the Queen's Baggage army vehicles, and the different uniforms for each job.
The day ended at The Golden Hinde, which is docked by London Bridge and Borough Market, and is a replica of the ship used by Sir Francis Drake to circumnavigate the globe.
The cubs and scouts were transported back in time - donning replica clothes and starting their training to become the new crew.
Training involved preparing the cannons for firing, attacking other pirates, defence skills, learning the trade of the on-board barber surgeons, and identifying historical tours of the trade.
After successfully completing their training and eating an authentic ship's dinner, they got to sleep over on The Golden Hinde ship.
The chef aboard the ship stayed overnight too, and said: "They were a pleasure to have and the best group to have ever stayed."
Once the cubs and scouts had demolished their breakfast, they started day two of their trip with a visit to the Household Cavalry at Knightsbridge Barracks. They got to learn about the work done to support the Prime Minister and the Royal Family, had a tour of the stables, and saw £18 million worth of uniform.
They were also able to watch a few ceremonies that are not on show to the public - including the mount and dismount of the guards.
1st Thaxted Carver-Scout Group has been very busy over the past few weeks, with many more adventures planned to provide great experiences for young people.
To find out more about how to get involved go to https://thaxtedscouts.org.uk/join-us/.
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