Jackie Gibson
Green Subcamp Leader
I’m Jacky and the new Green Sub Camp Leader. I am a GSL in Edinburgh and the Scottish Commissioner for Scouts section.
As a relative newbie to Adventure camp, this is my 3rd year attending. For the last two years i have helped on Green sub camp at Meggernie and Kinnaird castle. Both camps have offered different experiences but the ethos has been the same - Scouts from all over Scotland gather to camp together and have fun. My favourite thing is seeing Scouts meeting friends that they have made at previous camp.
My advice for Adventure camp (and in all things Scouting) is to be kind, look out for your fellow Scouts, offer a helping hand when you can, speak to new people and be prepared to try new things.
It will probably be chilly, there will be lots of instant noodles (possibly even for breakfast..) and somebody will forget tent pegs! But whatever happens remember your sub camp team is there to help and support you.
Fraser Swain
Red Subcamp Leader
This will be my 4th Adventure Camp. My first at Meggernie I assisted on high rope activities. The latter two at Kinnaird Castle and Craufurdland Castle have been spent on Red Subcamp.
A favourite and recurring memory is learning about each patrols menus and some of the ingenious methods of food preparation.
Meggernie is my favourite site as it’s the first Adventure Camp I attended, but also as it’s arguably one of the best scout sites regardless of event.
If was to provide any advice for attendees it would be to come to camp with an open mind, try all the activities that come your way, have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously and make each other smile.
Steven Riddell
Yellow Subcamp Leader
I’m an assistant scout leader at the 9th Dunipace scout troop in Falkirk district.
My first adventure camp was in 2007 at Strathallan castle, yip the T in the park place. We were there first! I missed the next year on Mull and have been present since.
I ran lots of different activities my first few years at adventure camp. From scuba diving at Dalmeny house in 2009 to indoor ice climbing at Spean Bridge in 2010 and power blocking the last time we were at Arran in 2011 and back at Dalmeny 2012.
Since 2013 at Kincraig ive been involved with running subcamp i was in the purple subcamp 2013 and 2014 and in 2015 was given the chance to take over the yellow subcamp.
My favourite location was at the Glen Taner Estate in Aboyne in 2016
I love the excitement of the ferry for island camps i like the anticipation of the road trip for a highland camp and the accessibility of a lowland camp. All the adventure camps have their own personalities and challenges but all offer brilliant opportunities to meet new people and have great fun. The best peice of advice i can give u for camp is bring lots of warm socks cosy feet means happy scouts Im looking forward to welcoming you to the mighty yellow subcamp for what will become one the highlights of your camping year.
John Rafferty
Orange Subcamp Leader
I’m John and an Explorer Scout leader from Motherwell.
I am new to the subcamp leadership team at Adventure camp, but don’t worry I have lots of experience and together we will make the Orange Subcamp the loudest and the best.
I have supported various camps over the years, but now due to a change in jobs I can attend and support the camps over the bank holiday weekend.
My favourite memory was the Strathallan camp, based next to an airfield where we got the opportunity to see parachutist perform stunts and touchdown in the same field as we were camping.
My top tip is to pack well for all weathers and meet as many new Scouts as you can. Practice cooking on your stoves so you can get the meal over quickly and clean up to maximise the fun times.
Anne
Purple Subcamp Leader
I'm Anne and the new sub camp leader for Purple Sub Camp.
My first adventure camp was 2010 in Spean Bridge. Over the years I've done a few different jobs at camp including activities, sub camp and catering. My favourite role is sub camp because I get to see Scouts work together, problem solve, overcome challenges and be independent.
I really enjoyed the site at Strathallan Castle but my favourite venue is Meggernie because you get to switch off from the outside world and just focus on Scouting and camping for the whole weekend!
My top tip for camp is stolen from Baden Powell - be prepared! Be prepared for the ever changing Scottish weather so make sure you pack sun cream and a sunhat as well as waterproofs, cosy socks and an extra blanket. Also practise using your stove and making your menu in advance so there's no surprises. Most of all be prepared to have fun and go home with awesome memories.
Alan Anderson
White Subcamp Leader
I'm Alan and I'm a Group Scout Leader up in Lossiemouth. I'm delighted to be asked to be the leader of White Subcamp.
My first adventure camp was in 2019 and I think it's safe to say I caught the adventure bug! It's a great camp, great fun, great activities and you make great mates but it is also a great challenge. The weather can still be quite cold and cooking on lightweight stoves all weekend is a challenge for some but there is a great sense of achievement in overcoming these challenges!
See you all in a few months, don't forget a warm sleeping bag and a sense of humour!
Dougie Woodrow
Blue Subcamp Leader
My name is Dougie and I have the pleasure of looking after Blue subcamp.
We have all been to adventure camps before and my first adventure camp was on the island of Bute which I attended as a participant in... sufficed to say it was a while ago.
I have been to adventure camps all over Scotland but my favourite location was Meggernie in Glen Lyon where I ran the pioneering activity and wide game. We built a working drawbridge and introduced the world to 'love your log' and '999 log rescue'.
I have seen all types of weather at adventure camps so come prepared for the worst and we will make sure you have a great time whatever nature throws at us. Plenty of food is the key... and spare socks... and waterproofs, and a good tent... you get the picture.
Bev Mcnab
Pink Subcamp Leader
My first Adventure Camp was a freezing cold 2002 weekend in Braemar where I was on the activities team helping with Grass Sledging and supporting Sub Camps outwith activity time.
That weekend I learnt the importance of layering up and ensuring I was well prepared with lots of warm clothes, a warm sleeping bag and lots of spare blankets! Despite the cold it didn’t put me off and I’ve been lucky enough to help out almost every year since at some beautiful sites including Glen Tanar Estate, Strathallan Castle and Dalmeny House.
Adventure Camps are great fun and a good opportunity to develop your teamwork and independence skills under the watchful eye of your subcamp teams.
Come prepared, give everything a go, make lots of new friends and have a blast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common questions and answers about the adventure camp are below, we hope these are of some use
- 1) Do leaders need to attend the camp?
- No there is no requirement for leaders to attend however, they are responsible for transporting scouts to and from the site (or ferry terminal for island camps). Leaders who do wish to attend can only do so by completing the staff application form.
- 2) When do I need to Pay?
- Once your application has been accepted, you have 14 days to make payment via bank transfer or cheque to secure your places.
- 3) If leaders don't need to attend who will look after the scouts
- All scouts attending will be split into 6 subcamps. Each subcamp has a subcamp leader with a team that are responsible for looking after the scouts. When on activities we have activity leaders in place who will look after the scouts.
- 4) What are the catering arrangements?
- Scouts are expected to supply food and cook for themselves, this is why the age limit for the camp is 11+, however soup is provided after activities as well as supper on Saturday & Sunday evenings.
- 5) Will cooking equipment be supplied?
- Cooking equipment must be brought as part of the group kit list which is distributed a few weeks before the camp.
- 6) Will Scouts attending get a choice of activities?
- Unfortunately not. However, we will aim to give all scouts a balanced and varied programme, there will be drop in sessions each evening which will give scouts the opportunity to try some activities they have not been allocated to.
- 7) One of my scouts is under 11 will they be able to attend?
- This is a decision you as the leader really needs to make! The camp is advertised as 11+ because the scouts should be self sufficient but if you feel the scout under 11 will cope then we will accept them.
- 8) Is there a kit list?
- Yes, this is issued a few weeks before the camp and will be available on the Downloads page after the closing date.
- 9) I have forgotten to apply and it is passed the closing date, can I still send scouts?
- Unfortunately after the closing date no more applications will be accepted.
- 10) I have Young Leaders who want to attend as staff can they come
- Young leaders can not attend, all staff need to be 18 at the time of the event.
- 11) One of my scouts needs to leave early or arrive late is this a problem?
- No not at all. As long as transport is arranged to and from site they can join in when they arrive or finish an activity early. Please ensure you let us know so we can ensure the scout is allocated to an onsite activity.
- 12) Do i need to book the ferry / pay ferry ticket for Island Camps?
- No the camp starts at the ferry terminal
- 13) What if one of my scouts drop out?
- If you have scouts drop out we encourage you to replace within your group however if you are unable to do this we can offer a refund up until 31st January. After this date we will only accept replacements. Additionally, we will not be allowing any swaps after 19th April on the year of the camp.