Scouts camp for birthday

SCOUTS throughout the Dunmow area have been playing a major role in the movement s centenary celebrations this week. Cubs and scouts of the 1st Rodings Scout Group gathered at Bushbarns in High Easter for an overnight camp on Tuesday July 31, followed by

SCOUTS throughout the Dunmow area have been playing a major role in the movement's centenary celebrations this week.

Cubs and scouts of the 1st Rodings Scout Group gathered at Bushbarns in High Easter for an overnight camp on Tuesday July 31, followed by Sunrise Ceremony the next morning.

Steve Lester, group scout leader, said: "From foraging for wood, to cooking over an open fire, playing wide games and learning campfire songs, they all agreed it was a brilliant experience."

The centenary day of August 1, was marked by renewing vowels. On that day at Brownsea Island in 1907, Robert Baden-Powell had sounded a horn to start the day.

At Bushbarns, a horn was sounded by Jane Kelsey after which the scouts, cubs and beavers renewed their vows.

"It was a strange feeling to think that thousands of other beavers, cubs and scouts across the world were either doing exactly the same thing at the same time or had already done so," said Mr Lester. "It was emotional and a little overwhelming."

An oak tree sapling, donated by Andrew Mogridge of the Rodings Plantery, was planted in the camp where the flag had been sited to commemorate the event and blessed by Rev Claire Garrett.

Photos were taken throughout for a souvenir booklet that will be given to everyone who took part as a reminder of their part in both the first and second century of Scouting.

Thousands of scouts from all over the world attended the Centenary World Scout Jamboree at Hylands Park, Chelmsford.

Four weeks of preparation work was required in the run up to the event including erecting enough tents to cover nine football stadiums, installing sewers, building ablution blocks and setting up communication systems.

Scouters from Hatfield Forest have been actively involved in this work. Geoff Parker, group scout leader of the Stebbing Scout Group, headed up the Essex Scout First Aid Team, assisted by his wife Dot who is an assistant district commissioner for leader training.

Mrs Parker said: "In the run-up, the team only had to deal with cuts and sprains, which is surprising considering the amount of heavy plant on site, although one unfortunate person walked into a stationary vehicle.

"Another person was enveloped in a tent that took off in a high wind."

The closing ceremony to the World Jamboree took place on Tuesday night.