Castlerock Scouts enjoy their London Olympics adventure

Two members were selected to carry the Olympic torch and the group also sent mascot Snaggle around the world via scout groups in Hong Kong, Australia, the United States, South Africa and Malta.

And last month 20 Cubs, six Scouts, three Explorer Scout young leaders, a volunteer young leader and 13 adult leaders headed off to the London Olympics.

The trip set off from Peter Thompson Hall at 5am when three minibuses, supplied by Oscar Harper, Ballykelly and one trailer, supplied by CP Hire trundled off towards Larne Port to catch the P&O ferry that Nutt Travel had booked for 7.30am A twelve hour journey took the party to the Chigwell Row Guide Camp site in London.

On the Friday morning all of the young people participated in abseiling, zip line and zorbing. After an exciting and challenging morning the group headed off to Gilwell Park, the home of scouting, where they toured the site and visited the souvenir shop.

Off to tea at Chigwell Row, then it was straight on the underground to Victoria Park for the opening ceremony of London 2012.

They all watched in awe as the ‘Queen’ assisted by James Bond jumped from a helicopter above the Olympic Park. The Cubs, Scouts and Explorers had a great night and were buzzing all the way home!

On Saturday morning the group visited Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. Ten of the group had the privilege of seeing the ceremony from inside the gates, on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and they were even inspected by the officer of the guard.

A quick lunch in St James Park and everyone headed off to see the men’s cycle road race passing the Natural History Museum in Kensington. Later the party went to the London Eye for a birds’ eye view of the Thames and the Olympic venues.

On the Sunday morning the group enjoyed a fantastic trip to Alton Towers after which they headed to the new accommodation at Linnet Clough Scout camp where they were greeted by a volunteer chef, who was from Ballymoney originally.

Thanks to all those who supported the Scout Group in their great adventure, especially the leaders and volunteers who led the group.