Thanks to Cloud Business, 25 scouts from 2nd Farnham Scouts (Hale) headed off to Devon last month for their first scout camp since 2019.
Matt Garrett from Cloud Business was delighted to lend the company van to transport essentials such as tents, hammocks, cooking stoves and food. He said, “My children have been through 2nd Farnham Scouts so I’m very happy to help where I can. Our company van wasn’t in use, so it’s great that we could help them avoid the cost of van hire.”
The Scouts stayed at Torbay District Scout Campsite and enjoyed activities like cooking on open fires, whittling, campfire songs, hiking and a visit to Splashdown Quaywest: the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark.
Several senior scouts, who are working towards their Chief Scout Gold awards, were especially looking forward to their camp: as this will be their last before moving to Explorers. Asked about what she was excited about, Grace said, “It’s what we like doing. Fresh air, camping and doing activities like kayaking, and it will make up for last year.” Fin commented, “I’m looking forward to just relaxing and spending time with friends, it’s nice to get away,” and Megan added “I love cooking on camp and I’m looking forward to the waterpark.”
2nd Farnham Scouts has only recently been able to meet up in person again. Over the last year meetings have been on Zoom. Joseph said, “The Zoom meetings were really fun but it’s good to be back with friends doing lots of fun things.” Holly added, “It was weird during Covid not being able to meet up. I’m looking forward to camping outside again and new experiences.”
Organising a scout camp during a pandemic has not been easy. Scout Leader Steve O’Dell explained, “It has been hard to make this camp happen. In the run up to departure we’ve had some scouts being told to self-isolate which is very disappointing for them. Those that couldn’t attend camp will be entitled to a refund, which makes me ever more grateful for outside help such as from Matt and Cloud Business and also from the Farnham Air Training Corps of 229 (Farnham) Squadron whose Officer Commanding, Flight Lieutenant Nick Filler, has again lent us their minibus”.
Cloud Business’ Matt Garrett said, “We have offices in Guildford and Basingstoke so many of the team, like me, have personal connections with Farnham and organisations like 2nd Farnham Scouts. It’s great to be able to help.”
