2nd Bedford

July marked an exciting milestone with our very first international camp, a week filled with adventure, teamwork, and new friendships. The main focus of the camp was the Scouts, we were joined by patrols from Bedford, Gateshead, and Knightsbridge, along with three patrols from Paris. Together, they gathered at the beautiful Dilston Scout Campsite in Northumberland, set in the rolling countryside around 20 miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne.

The week was packed with activities that challenged both body and mind. Scouts took part in an energetic Olympiad, tested their creativity in a cooking competition, and joined forces for the Big Game, a spectacular re-enactment that saw the Romans and Caledonians face off in an epic battle to decide the fate of the empire! The enthusiasm and teamwork shown throughout made it a highlight of the camp.

Meanwhile, Gateshead’s Wolf Cubs and, for the very first time, their Beavers branch held their own camps at Dilston. Their weekends were filled with games, outdoor adventures, and plenty of fun around the campfire. For many, it was their first taste of the magic of camping, and they loved every moment.

The week at Dilston was more than just a camp; it was a celebration of Scouting spirit, bringing together young people from different places and backgrounds to share laughter, challenges, and lasting memories. We can’t wait to build on this success and look forward to many more adventures ahead!

This Saturday, leaders from the Bedford, Gateshead, and Kensington groups were joined by leaders from the new Southwark group for a training session in Bedfordshire.  Jean-Luc Angelis, the Federation President came over from France to lead the training.  The training primarily concentrated on ‘green branch’ which is Scouts and Guides and follows up from our training camp in the Summer that concentrated on ‘yellow branch’ which is Wolf Cubs and Wolvets.     We were also delighted to meet potential leaders from other parts of the country who are looking to establish groups elsewhere.  Watch this space. 

If you are interested in starting a Catholic scouting group, please get in touch.  We would also be delighted to hear from anybody who can assist in leading an existing group.  Further training is planned for later this year for both yellow and green branches.

We currently cater for three different groups in the UK, Beavers (blue branch) for 6–8-year-old boys and girls, Wolf Cubs and Wolvets (yellow branch) for boys and girls aged 8-12, and Scouts and Guides (green branch) for boys and girls aged 12-17.  We don’t currently have any Rovers (red branch) for those aged 17 or over.

The weekend coincided with the annual Significance Festival at the same location, which was attended by everyone involved, the leaders and our guests were accompanied by a number of Wolf Cubs and Scouts from the 1^st Gateshead group, the festival concluded with an excellent barbecue which was enjoyed by all.