Summer Camp 2003
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The Troop camp for 2003 was held at Downe activity centre, a Scout campsite situated near Orpington in Kent. The site is a Scout site with a full time warden ands is surprisingly just 15 miles from London. The site is large and has a variety of sites for camping, some open fields, some more woodland based.. There is an abundance of woodland on the site making it ideal for games, bivi making etc. The site also offers a number of buildings for indoor accommodation.
The site has toilet facilities with hot and cold running water, which are kept in good and clean order. There are also free hot showers. The site has a providore / tuck shop which sells drinks /snacks and gifts and prizes. A service crew is on hand to help with any queries or run activities. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with its own changing facilities. It was a little cold!
The site hosts a number of activities including a superb climbing wall. There is the opportunity to do climbing/ abseiling or crate climbing. Other activities include archery, air rifle shooting, assault course, and camp fire.
The site allows the use of open fires in wooded areas although the ground can be quite hard and there is no substantial wood pile on site, meaning that wood must be collected from the surrounding woodland. A Safeway and Iceland supermarket are within 10 minutes drive and are of sufficient size to suit most needs.
Our programme for the week comprised of a mixture of alternate in and out days. One of our days was spent at the Chatham Historic dockyards where we were able to look round a warship, submarine and the working ropery. A simulated air raid attach can also be arranged. This visit was about a1 hour drive from Downe and cost under £5 per person when in a group. An adventure playground, snack bar and gift shop are also on site.
A further day was spent nearer to Downe and in the morning we explored the local countryside as we walked to the Bulls head pub in Pratts Bottom. There is a surprising number of hills for the south of England and quite pretty. The pub provided us with a fantastic BBQ, at under £3 per head and more chips than we could eat. The afternoon was spent at Chistlehirst caves, approx. 30 mins drive from Pratts Bottom. A tour lasts about 40 mins and costs just £1.60. The tour was very good and gave an insight into the 22 miles of caves which were also used during the war as a bomb shelter. The caves are all walk in with some parts lit. Paraffin lanterns are provided throughout the tour.
The final day of our week was spent doing water sports at a disused quarry near Cliffe. Organised by Medway outdoor education this multi activity day included sailing, canoeing and getting wet games. Rafting building can also be arranged. This was an excellent day and cost just £17 per person for a 5 hour session. All equipment and instruction provided and the staff were good. Changing and toilet facilities are provided but are basic and may prove a little problem with large mixed sex groups.
There are many other activities available near Downe including Downe House, home of Charles Darwin, Leeds castle, Biggin Hill airport, visits to London and Brownsea Island to name a few. Access to the site is via a narrow lane and special arrangements must be made for coaches. Access to some camping areas can be steep and over soft ground and a potential problem during weather. Everyone on site must wear a numbered wrist band for identification / security purposes. The site can be reached by train, and the nearest station is Chelsfield. A pickup would be required from here.
The 21 scouts who attended the camp had a fantastic time. The site was close enough to home for some Cubs and Scouts from the group to visit us for the day to gain an insight into Scouts and Scout camp. We also held a patrol cooking competition which allowed everyone to demonstrate their culinary expertise!
Downe activity centre
http://www.downeactivitycentre.org.uk
The Garden of England – Explore Kent online
http://www.kenttourism.co.uk/en/index.aspThe Historic Dockyard, Chatham - details of the HM Submarine Ocelot and warship HMS Cavalier.
Chistlehurst Caves – A labyrinth of dark mysterious passageways which have been hewn by hand from the chalk, deep beneath Chislehurst. Our visit for Wednesday afternoon.
http://www.chislehurstcaves.co.uk/
Want to know more about our camp? Thinking of using our camp as a basis for your own? If you need any more help or info please email us at scouts@fnssg.org..uk
We'd love to hear how you get on down at Downe!
Last updated: 11 August 2003