When Scouts take their annual summer camp it’s not unusual for them to get their hands dirty. But this year, Brocks Explorer Unit from Maulden decided to take it a step further. Their week-long trip to Cromer in Norfolk ended with eight of the twenty one Scouts getting covered from head to toe in a spectacular mud-fight. Only their eyes were visible. They all left feeling refreshed and smooth thanks to the mud treatment that’s been a tradition in the Unit for seven years. “We can recommend mud baths for your complexion,” said the girls. Their male companions just grinned.

During the week they took part in a breathless range of exciting activities including go-karting, an assault course and a high ropes device that had them suspended 60 feet in the air. This was a highlight for many of them. Four of the Explorers were also invested into the Unit during the week by Major Anthony Gurney, 84 who owns the fields they camped on. When asked about his involvement in Scouting he said, “Scouts have used these fields since 1926.” He added, “I was surprised at the number of females in the Unit. They weren’t allowed in my day.  I can see it must be an excellent experience for the young women you have.” Major Gurney is the District President of North East Norfolk Scouts.

Explorer Scouts Robert Johnson, 16, and Charlotte Adams 17, agreed. Robert said: “I think it’s fantastic. It allows access to a lot more people and creates a greater social atmosphere. And it doesn’t soften the activities for the boys. It’s great fun for everyone.” He added, “I’ve grown up around Scouting and I think it’s a great way to make good friends and take part in activities that normally I would have little chance of doing in my spare time.”

Charlotte added, “I was jealous of the things my brother was getting up to so I decided to give it a go. I’ve loved it ever since.”

The highlight of the week for both of them was the chance to take a bath with a difference. Robert said, “The mud fight was something else. It was really good fun, And it’s great that we did something crazy to end our week”.

Charlotte, who was also in the mud fight, said: “It was hilarious, and got very competitive, even if it took a while to get the mud off and out of the clothes. My mum wasn’t impressed with the washing when I arrived home!” Explorer Scout Leader Dave Davies, who organized the camp, just shrugged and said, “Well, that’s teenagers for you.”

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