SCOUTS CANOEING WEEKEND AT BALA

I write this report as a mere visitor to the weekend camp on Saturday afternoon/evening at Bala until the real report is handed to me hopefully during this week.

When I arrived at the campsite, after sending my car revs into the 4 thousands in an attempt to get my wheels out of the mud bath they'd just dipped into, I manoeuvred my way around various tents with the vague hope I would soon see our minibus and our tents. Well, I only found the latter. Having already been depressed at the embarrassment of getting stuck in the mud it was a further blow to my ego discovering none of my group were to be seen! But, alas! Before I had chance to moan I saw the minibus pull up and then piled out the Scouts – soggy, sodden and smiling!

It didn't take long for the hot water to be on the boil and the teas (and coffees) to be made! Whilst the Scouts were getting out of their wet clothes, Colin and George raced round trying to fix the wind-blown tents and straighten out the bent metal-pegs whilst I was quite content in raiding the food-stores in search of something biscuity!

After everyone was dry and reasonably warmed-up, all the tents had been pegged back down and the mess-tent swept out we headed into Bala in search of a Fish n Chip Shop! The culinary delights which awaited us consisted of fish and chips, pie and chips or sausage and chips – lovely! These were all consumed rather rapidly at the side of the lake where tree climbing and model-boating (using the chip boxes) had also become an enjoyable pastime.

We all then headed back to camp for another brew, biscuits and later hot-dogs! I spoke to all the Scouts whilst visiting who assured me they had an absolutely wonderful time – even though the water was a bit cold – and they'd love to do it again.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE REAL REPORT SOON!

Laurance (Cub Scout Leader)