41 Brownies, Guides, YL and leaders from Ruislip/ Northwood joined other units and had a sleepover at a fantastic and quite unusual venue at The Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge on the 24th February.
The evening started with a talk from Tom (an RAF Pilot) and his wife Jen (an Air and Space Operations manager) in the auditorium, before enjoying our packed dinners overlooking the spitfires!
Then we had another talk from the West of London Astronomical Society about planets and stars, and we got to see some really cool pictures that had been taken around the area.
After this we did 3 activities; looking through telescopes to see the stars which the girls loved and most of them picked as their favourite activity. We also headed down into the bunker to learn about the Women’s RAF who were integral to the war efforts before heading back inside to make a kaleidoscope!
After this, we set up our beds around the museum and headed into the auditorium for a snack and to watch “Grandpa’s Great Escape”! Then we all snuggled into our sleeping bags. What a great night sleeping next to a Spitfire. I’m not sure how much sleep the girls and leaders had but it was lights on at 7am ready for breakfast of fruit, yogurt and a pastry.
We then had the morning to look round the museum which had lots of interactive sections and visit the gift shop before heading home! We can’t believe how much we fitted into such a short time.
The staff at the venue were very helpful and took care of everything. From a leaders point of view it was well organised and we were able to enjoy the activities as well.
It was a big thumbs up from the girls who all had a great time.
Shanon & Nic, 6th Northwood Brownie Leaders