Wet weather doesn’t dampen spirits as scouts mark Diamond Jubilee

The Lord Lieutenant for Londonderry, Denis Desmond offered the use of his estate for the event.

After poor weather in the week leading up to the camp, arrangements were made for an indoor camp at venues including the Peter Thompson Hall, Castlerock Orange Hall and Hezlett Primary School.

Over the course of the weekend there was the odd wet moment but Beavers and Cubs from Ballintoy, Dunsevrick, Ballymoney, Castlerock, Coleraine and Portstewart staying at Hezlett Primary school; Scouts and Explorers from the groups stayed at the Peter Thompson Hall and Castlerock Orange Hall was turned into a dining room for all 400 participants.

On the Saturday whilst the Beavers took part in beach activities in Castlerock, the Cubs and Scouts completed archery, shelter building, climbing wall, assault courses and outdoor cooking at Peter Thompson Hall and Downhill forest.

The Explorers completed a mini explorer belt which saw them being dropped off in Rural locations with the task of arriving at a central point having completed tasks including getting a photograph of a man wearing a dog collar and cooking a meal with a stranger.

All of the participants took part in a camp fair and camp fire on the Saturday evening.

The Sunday saw craft activities, tidy up and Scouts own and a short religious thanksgiving service.

Mr Desmond was kind enough to attend the Scouts own in order to represent the Queen at this event to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

Coleraine Scout District would like to thank all of those who assisted with this event including Coleraine Borough Council - especially Colm at the Peter Thompson Hall, all the members of the Loyal orders in Castlerock for the use of the Orange Hall, Mr Campbell the staff and pupils of Hezlett primary school, the Army cadets and staff for supplying tentage and staffing the climbing wall, the officers and soldiers of 152 Transport Regt RLC for providing shelter building and outdoor cooking lessons and all the leaders, parents and others who helped make this wet weekend a great success.