Every year we combine a camp and parade to celebrate St George, Patron saint of England and scouting. Baden Powel said that St George embodied the selflessness and courage that is within us all. We I don't know if we can live up to that expectation but the St Georges camp is always simple and fun.

As the guests of 1st Wadhurst our cubs and scouts camped at the field near Wadhurst with its unspoilt view and woodland.

This really was a back to basics camp as we have to take all our facilities with us, but then we are used to that. Akela and Baloo gave the cubs just the camp they wanted childhood memories. Freedom to play games, climb trees,make a swing a hike to the reservoir campfire songs, poking sticks in fires and of coursel buddying up in a tent overnight telling stories and being young people.

The scouts set up thier own camps and had an informal competition judged the the leaders. To finish we had an open air barbeque and picnic before heading back to Ticehurst for a Parade through the village to celebrate St George and his spirit that does embody scouting .

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My Whiligh commentary by Scoutleader Paul on the scouts competition

As the sun rose early that Saturday morning, and the mist was starting to clear over the hill, came a band of legendary heroes and heroines ready to pitch battle against each other. For this was a camping competition at Whiligh; an epic battle waiting to unfold, pitching brains against brawn, and cheese against bratz. As the day started team bratz take and early lead by all jumping in together and getting their tents up.

Meanwhile, back in the cheese camp, there is a more laid back approach to camp craft – firstly a nice game of rugby followed by tree hugging, and possibly a drink on the veranda. Then refreshed and recharged, the dynamic duo of Mollie and Fran with the others in tow go into action, setting out and putting up tents as if possessed.

Back in team bratz camp we see a well organised slick camping machine of Hannah and Sophie, Eleanor the pit bull and of course not forgetting the mighty Antonia - whose legendary fire wood collecting skills will go down in history. They wait for their secret weapon to arrive the ferocious and untameable Lily. As the first inspection looms there is frantic action in both camps collecting wood, getting fires lit, sorting tents, and marking out.

As judgement time arrives over the mighty grassland savannah of Whiligh approach two towering figures Danny Crane and Alan Shaw. The judging concludes and we see that team bratz take a slight lead against team cheese. But with all still to play for, the preparation begins for a banquet of epic proportions. As dinner is served our band of campers serve up sweet and sour chicken and pasta dishes followed by delicious deserts. Not only that, team cheese decide to not only feed themselves but are intent on feeding NASA’ s space station crew baked beans on toast. Due to a change of wind direction and trajectory this seems to come to no avail. But although a valiant effort was made they felt it was probably best to keep their feet on the ground or possibly not leave Jake or Fraser in charge of the cooking. As the day draws to an end with people content after having a rousing campfire with the natives they all turn in to face round two in the morning with only points in it.

As the sun rises on day two to the dawn chorus of the cubs and their own sunrise ceremony, the Wadhurst troop are out hunting with spears for that wily old animal the Jurassic toilet tent. A frantic race begins between the two scout teams to get their breakfast ready and all their camp packed away for the St Georges parade and the camp results. As the camp comes to a conclusion on what I think had been a fantastic weekend full of sun, mallets and mischief in some quarters, the results of the competition are in. In first place we see team bratz and closely in second came team cheese.

But my own congratulations go to one and all for taking part, especially to the patrol leaders and their assistants.