Scout camp is often the first time that many of our members have been away form their families. If they are older cubs or scouts then they may have been on a residential trip with school but nothing is like camping with the scout group.

What makes the difference? Well it is a combination of things really. the group is much smaller than a school trip and we are focused on doing things rather than being a school. Additionally campers are expected to start taking care of themselves and may have to take on chores like washing up, clearing up after themselves or helping with meals. As scouts young people may find that they become team leaders or help plan activities rather than just turning up to be entertained. This gives our young people a sense of self respect that seems to change them forever when compared with their friends.

Of course what we do best is have fun and we don't rush our young people into growing up. we are not trying to make them do anything except reach their own potential.

As scouts strong friendships develop during camp and new interests and hobbies blossom with common goals. We set up competitions, push them out of their comfort zone and often get payback in the form of pranks and stunts.

I have yet to go on a camp where people are desperate to go home after spending any time with us after all it is their adventure to make what they wish of it.

Our list of camps grows every year and we try to give our beavers, cubs and scouts a variety of different camping experiences as they progress through the group.

For some typical camps that we have attended recently click the links below

Typical camping through a year with Ticehurst Scout group

Survival camp
For the Ray Grylls amongst you this is a tough weekend of building shelters and cooking on open fires without utensils, pots or pans. In 2005 we hikes into unknown woods collected our own water and food and survived freezing weather.

Spring camp
Usually at a camping centre or established location we offer a family or group camp over a couple of days with some cool activities such as bridge building, climbing with campfire songs and hot food! In 2007 we went to Symonds Yat and shot the rapids in Kayaks.

Giant Sleepover
For our beavers there is an annual sleepover adventure at our scout hut. In 2008 the theme was Wild Frontier. We went on a bear hunt, had a huge campfire and became native americans for a night.

Summer adventure
Our big annual adventure is focused on the scouts but can often include cubs too. In 2007 we attended the World Jamboree and met scouts from all over the world. In 2008 we went on a lake district adventure by public transport climbing mighty waterfalls, took a mountain bike trek and took a leap of faith.

Autumn Camp
Just because summer has gone it does not mean that we have to stop. In 2007 we took over Bodiam castle for 5 days in Bodwarts. Fireworks, magic, boats, a disco and of course campfire songs. In 2008 we traded campfires for international relations as we took part in JOTI the jamboree over the internet at our hut.