At just 5 miles long and 9 miles wide with the bustling capital of St Helier is Jersey – the largest of the Channel Islands. Was it ready for Wellingborough District Scouts?
31 young people from across the district are returning to their Groups this term and recounting their recent trip. Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts from 1st, 4th, 9th, 15th, 16th and 17th Wellingborough, 1st Sywell Air Scouts, 1st Earls Barton, 2nd Wollaston, Spitfire Explorers and Pegasus Explorers departed Poole, passing Brownsea Island to spend a week on Jersey.
The location was perfect allowing them to participate in a range of organised activities including paddleboarding, sea kayaking, blokarting, surfing and also a trip to Jersey Zoo. Onsite activities included tie-dyeing, bingo night and walk’s on the beach opposite the site to watch the sunset. They also took part with local community members to clear rubbish from the beach. On the day out to St Helier and the trip to Elizabeth Castle, one Scout (Gunner Andrew) was even conscripted into King George III’s army as a gunner in the Royal Artillery garrison and assisted in the firing of the midday gun!
On many occasions, the leaders were complimented on the behaviour of the scouts, their manners and smart appearance – including a family on holiday from somewhere called Little Harrowden..
Some of the young people attending were able to complete their Chief Scouts awards, and everybody came back with Challenge Awards and Staged Activity badges.
Below are quotes from the young people:
- I really enjoyed all the activities
- I really liked the paddleboarding because we all got to fall into the water
- I really enjoyed watching the sunset on the beach
- I liked going to the beach every day
- The Jersey ice creams were the best
- I really enjoyed the kayaking as we did cliff jumping with supportive instructors
- The RIB tour was informative and enjoyable. We enjoyed learning about the history of Jersey
- We liked digging holes in the beach
- I really enjoyed seeing the caves and cliffs and learning about the history of Jersey
- I really enjoyed Blokarting because I liked racing my friends
- I liked the tie-dyeing
- I liked going to the castle and seeing the cannon and musket firing. It was really cool
- I enjoyed playing games (such as uno), telling jokes and riddles to my friends
- I liked jumping in the sea with my friends
- I liked hiking to the activities
- I liked making new friends
- I liked going shopping in St Helier
- I liked playing group bingo on the ferry journey
Well done to everyone who went who were a credit to their groups, Wellingborough District, Northamptonshire County and Scouting!
