Scout and Proud

Let me start off by setting this stereotyped image straight. What do you think of when I say 'Scouting'? Small, nerdy, spotty boys with glasses, a map and compass and binoculars huddled around a fire, tying knots and singing campfire songs? Ok, so perhaps there is some truth in the latter; however I am often met with surprised expressions and scornful laughs when I tell people I am a Scout and I believe it's because we are frequently thought of in this way and as all very similar, boring or weird. The reality is startlingly different.

 

Scouting is a worldwide organisation, with over 28 million members in 216 countries and the diversity I've discovered over the last 3 years is difficult to put into words. Unlike many of the people I've met through my unit or at camps, I didn't work my way up through Cubs, Beavers and Scouts and decided to join Explorers on a whim. Which was, probably one of the best decisions I've made, primarily due to all the brilliant people I've met along the way. From those who speak, live and breathe Scouting to those who like to think of themselves as being 'way too cool' to be there - but are actually having a ball of a time - to meeting some of my closest friends (YOOHOO Isla Baxter ❤ ❤ - yes this is your shout-out) my time as a Scout wouldn't have been the same without such wonderful company.

 

 It's not a lie when I say I love wearing full uniform

 

It may sound cliché, but I've also had the opportunity to try a whole range of things I wouldn't have had the chance to otherwise. To name a few: attending a 12 day International Jamborette with Scouts from 20 different countries; sailing a boat up Loch Ness; learning to use ice-axes and crampons in the snow; taking part in mountain-boarding, clay-pigeon shooting, a big 'how muddy can you get' obstacle course and themed discos - no drinking allowed but not as awkward as it sounds! I've attended 9 camps and truly believe that if you don't return home from camp sunburnt or soaked to the bone, stinking of wood smoke and absolutely exhausted, you're not trying had enough!

 

Last weekend was my last camp as an Explorer, which is a shame as I don't turn 18 for months and months, but since I am going to Honduras for a year from August I won't be around for any more camps. The annual Easter camp attended by nearly 300 Explorers each year was also my first camp 3 years ago which I remember as plain as day and made the whole thing slightly emotional. I will also always remember my last camp as my first trip to A + E and being known as 'the one who cracked her head open whilst Sumo Wrestling' for the rest of the camp, don't ask.

Being part of Scouting is like being part of a huge extended family and it's difficult to explain quite what it's like if you aren't part of the organisation. Aside from learning all the words and actions to a variety of ridiculous campfire songs, how to lash a dining shelter (below) together, put up patrol tents and prepare camp for inspection I feel as if I've learnt a number of other invaluable skills. I've had an absolute blast being part of it all and will hopefully be able to get my leader qualifications in the future to return and put back into Scouting what I have been able to get out of it!

Also if you're reading this and you're 14/15/16 years old I suggest you join because it's simply fabulous and you are currently missing out.

 

 

Scout and Proud

A week in the Lake District

At 17, I thought I'd had fully outgrown family holidays, so was quite pleasantly surprised by the lovely week I spent in the Lake District with my family over Easter. We stayed in a quaint wee cottage in a picturesque village called Braithwaite, only a short distance from Keswick.
With the exception of 1 or 2 days the weather was stunning, making the hills behind the house very inviting to explore!


View over Keswick and Derwent Water

Over the week I ventured into Keswick, -  which was extremely busy due to it being Easter Weekend - finding some really nice shops and even a large market! I visited my grandparents in Ambleside and was able to get out mountain biking 4 of the 6 days at Whinlatter, the local trails centre, a mere 5 minute car journey from where we were staying! The trails were great and it was particularly handy to be located so close as I rarely have time at home to get out on my bike.

One highlight of the week was...paddleboarding!

This was quite unexpected, as after returning from Whinlatter one afternoon, we had gone to visit some friends of my parents. If I'm honest I wasn't particularly looking forward to this as these types of outings normally involve listening to a lot of chat about the 'good old days' and answering 500 questions about what I planned to do when I leave school. These friends live/work at a marina on Derwentwater lake, and after admiring some people who were splashing about on paddleboards on the lake from the balcony - which has the most amazing view - my brother and I were offered a shot!

Maybe it's not such a bad thing when your parents seem to have 102 contacts in the Lakes...

We were quickly kitted out in wetsuits and buoyancy aids and ready to get on the water. Now, although no stranger to watersports -I've done my fair share of kayaking, canoeing and even tried sailing - paddleboarding was something I had never done before, yet always wanted to do! As it happened, the day we went was one of the warmest of the week and out on the lake it was nothing short of glorious! We paddled out quite far and even went around a small island, before returning nearly 2 hours later. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to keep concentrating on what you're doing! Apparently watching and chanting 'fall, fall, fall!' at your brother only ends up in you losing your own balance and flailing helplessly before falling off backwards and being fully submerged in the water...much to his hilarity may I add! Thankfully the water was -surprisingly- not cold! Overall it was a brilliant afternoon and I'd love to do it again!

Over the week little revision was done - no regrets, ok maybe a little - but it was a great opportunity to relax, spend some proper time with my family and explore somewhere new!