Deep frozen scouts at Henlow

Courtesy of Biggleswade Chronicle

Around 65 Scouts and 30 leaders from Biggleswade District braved sub zero temperatures at a Henlow weekend survival camp to complete their Outdoor Challenge Badge. In snow covered conditions colder than Moscow, the Scouts built and slept in makeshift shelters, learned the essentials of first aid including how to spot signs of hyperthermia and prepared and cooked fresh fish and jacket potatoes over an open fire for lunch.

After creating their own makeshift shelters from branches and plastic sheets, the Scouts had supper and retired for the night. They woke up to the numbing cold of -17ºC, colder than Moscow. Liquids in water bottles left outside had frozen solid. To keep warm after a hot breakfast the Scouts had a wide game that involved racing round the seven acre site leaving a trail of footprints in the deep snow.

Then it was down to real survival Bear Grylls style. They prepared open fires then gutted herring and sardines ready for cooking in foil. Jacket potatoes stuffed with boiled egg, corned beef and cabbage were also on the menu. This hot main course was followed by an even hotter sweet course. Later they learned about first aid including how to identify and treat hypothermia.

Ready Steady Cook

Courtesy of Biggleswade Chronicle

One Scout said, “I could not believe I was doing this. I was really snug in my zipped up sleeping bag. I had three layers of jumpers and a jacket on and thick gloves. But I soon found you can’t cook properly with gloves on. I’d never seen a fish with eyes before but we soon got it sorted. It was a great experience. I can’t wait to do it all again.”

Organised by Assistant District Commissioner Roy Snell and a team of 30 other leaders from the area, the event proved that the Scouts could survive whatever the weather. District Commissioner Jan Brooker said, “The camp was a huge success and gave the Scouts an experience that they will talk about for weeks.”

A shovelful of snow

[Back to News Front Page]