It is on camp that being a member of Woodcraft really becomes something very special. There are usually three camps that each member of the group can attend every year.
The Elfin, Poineer and Venturer Camps usually take place over a weekend in the spring, each camp comprising the same age groups. Our District Camp, which is open to all ages, again takes place over a weekend and here the Wide Game is a central feature of the second day's activities.
During the summer holidays a week camp for all ages is usually organised, when we camp with groups from other parts of the region, or we might even travel overseas to camp with our colleagues from the International Falcon Movement.
During the early spring and autumn each age group will usually go to a youth hostel for a weekend.
At camp the real importance of co-operation becomes clear. All ages (including adults) are organised together in clans to work together to undertake the tasks of cooking and cleaning are shared equally. Each clan is led by an adult, who not only co-ordinates but gets just as involved in the work as the young people. There are adults elected to special positions for each camp: a Camp Chief to organise things, a Folk Marshal to sort out the activities and entertainment, one or two Firt Aiders, a Keeper of the Equipment, a Keeper of the Fire, a Keeper of the Environment and a Camp Treasurer.
Every night we cement our friendships around the camp-fire, singing songs from the Woodcraft song book and swapping stories. On the last night of camp we usually have a MERRY MOOT where we put on a show of sketches and songs.
Camping can be hard work, but the effort is repaid many times over. For many young people a week away from the television, working with their hands and exploring new places and new ideas provides a balance to the pressures of the modern material world. The friendships made on camp, especially with young people from different regions or countries helps to enrich their understanding of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
