After last year’s successful Ranger and Young Leader Summer Camp, we hosted a County Winter Residential exclusively for Rangers and Young Leaders from across the County. The weekend was held on 3rd-5th March at Lees Wood camp site in Watford with some young members opting for inside accommodation and others choosing to brave the cold and camp outside.
The young members arrived on the Friday evening just as the sun was setting and had time to settle in and meet everyone before our first meal. There was then a quiz, before the young members spent the rest of the night getting to know each other, crafting and playing games.
“The best part of the event was playing the fish game with new friends” – Ranger/Young Leader (Harrow Town District)
We started the morning with a session of Archery, with successes seen by all and everyone improving over the session. The Rangers then built fires and cooked their own lunch of burgers and chips. After lunch they had some free time, before we headed out on a hike across Whippendell Woods and Cassiobury Park into Watford Town Centre to a Glow in the Dark Minigolf centre. The sun had set by the time we left the minigolf centre, and so we headed back through the woods to camp in the dark, with a pre-dinner Night Hike. Once back, we had dinner and headed to the campfire circle where we sang campfire songs, ate s’mores and had sparklers.
“It was nice to experience a camp with other YLs and the best part was spending time with Guiding friends”–Young Leader (Ruislip Victoria District)
Sunday morning started with an Air Rifles session, followed by some Young Members enjoying the Adventure playground and of course a trip to the Lees Wood shop for some badges. Again, fires were built, and they made and cooked their own Pita Pizzas. After lunch, it was unfortunately time to start packing up, and after a lovely closing ceremony, they headed home, exhausted but having made new friends and having a great weekend.
“It was perfect balance of activities and relaxing/rest. Really enjoyed myself, and became close to new people.” – Ranger (Hatch End District)
A massive thank you to Jenni Maidment who did the cooking for the weekend and Clare Walker our First Aider, we could not have done the weekend without you!
“10000/10 as always thank you very much :))) The leaders are amazing, it was a great weekend, thank you for everything.” – Young Leader (Northwood District)
Alice, Ranger Advisor – Girlguiding Middlesex North West
