Despite a poor weather forecast for the weekend, the sun turned out in all its glory and shone down on the first 'C.C.C.' of the new millennium.

21 Scouts from around the county competed for the competition shield over the weekend of 25/26th May at Gilwell. The bases, which included traditional scouting skills such as Axe & Knife, Pioneering, Camp Dresser and Backwoods Cooking amongst many others, were judged by a wide variety of guest judges, including our very own Dean Milton, County Commissioner (Axe & Knife).

The event was run in a friendly, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, with all of the scouts co-operating with each other. There was even time to run a wide-game on the Saturday night which was very well received by the participants, many of whom congregated around the 'Stags' fire until midnight.

The whole event culminated on Sunday afternoon when the promised rain duly arrived but did not dampen the spirit of the camp. The eventual winners on the day were the 19th Romford Stags Patrol who earned 467 points out of a total of 615 points, and even more incredibly, 150 points out of 150 points for their Pot Roast Beef and vegetables and sweet. Congratulations to them and all the others who took part. Needless to say, the losers were those who did not take part.

A big thank you must be given to all of the judges and to the fellowship who proved they were 'ready willing and able' to judge the event but were stood down due to the poor turnout.

An even better competition is planned for next year, which will reflect the new scout section programme and age range. Hope to see you there!

Mick Greenwood | County Scout Leader