A bright, sunny Saturday at the end of September saw the first Oakhanger and District Fun Day! We welcomed 175 smiling young faces from Beavers and Cubs, representing 9 of the 11 Groups in our District.
The event was held at Garners Field campsite near Farnham – a large, secure site which allowed members to roam freely and choose their activities once they had been orientated to the site.
On offer was a wide range of activities providing adventure, imagination, creativity, problem-solving, partnership and teamwork. These included climbing, archery, soft shooting and soft tomahawks – all fully instructed – as well as bubbles and fairy houses. Many youngsters worked together to find clues and crack a code on the treasure hunt to unlock the pirate’s chest! Others carefully led their peers along the blindfold trail.
There was more fun to be had on the assault course, plus space hoppers, balloon tennis, limbo, keepy-uppy and the ever-popular bouncy castle.
Those who were feeling creative could tie-dye a neckerchief – over 125 neckers were turned turquoise, with some great effects achieved. Many also tried their hand at Nordic braiding in pairs, and weaving the Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye) with wool on a lolly-stick cross.
In between, there was football and giant versions of Jenga, dominoes and Connect 4, as well as sweets to be won on the very popular human fruit machine. Maybe a hand-stamp system will be introduced next time so that those sugar highs can be brought down a little! There was also a quiet corner inside where young people could chill out while doing some colouring or puzzles.
It was a great opportunity for our young people to forge new friendships with others across the District. We saw plenty of new buddies enjoying their freedom and going around the activities together.
Participants were fuelled by their picnic lunches and shared snacks throughout the day. Our super catering team provided hot dogs, pasta and sweet treats once the activities finished. Then it was time for a Scouting tradition: the campfire, and of course plenty of enthusiastic Scout-style singing! Everyone was also able to see some special awards presented at the fire circle – a chance to recognise all the effort and long service that goes into providing such opportunities for our young people.
As it got dark, some little voices were heard to say, ‘But I don’t want to go home – this has been the best day ever!’
Sounds like we’ll be doing it again, then!
