Around 50 Scouts from the Harrold and Turvey Scout Groups near Bedford became part of a nationwide adventure last weekend when they took part in The Giant Sleepover.  At the same time they aimed to smash a Guinness World Record for the largest ever simultaneous sleepover in the world.  They took up the challenge to camp overnight along with 50,000 other young people from across the UK who were also taking part at hundreds of other locations.  The Scouts were raising funds for Save The Children, showing that they are very good at helping other people.

The Bedfordshire Scouts weekend programme at the Leslie Sell Activity Centre in Bromham included constant fun-filled games, activities and treats.  However, the lights had to be switched off for at least five hours on Saturday night to fulfill the Guinness World Record criteria.

The older Scouts took part in traditional fire lighting in the open air and cooking over the hot embers. Meanwhile, the younger Beaver Scouts made and flew kites. Many of these youngsters had never been to a Scout camp before and treated it as a big adventure. Somehow they managed to find the energy to run round the 10 acre field at the centre several times while launching their kites with varying degrees of success.

Scout leader Brian Diskin said, “This event was perfect for everybody who took part.  We are delighted to be involved. And all the young people enjoyed the experience”.

Beaver Scout Lucy (7) said, "I had an amazing time camping with my friends.  We did loads of activities and had a lot of fun.  I ran round the field with my kite and it flew very high. We then went back to the hut for drinks, sandwiches, fruit salad and butterscotch whip".

Beaver Scout Leader Joanne Speer added, “All the Scouts used the weekend to take part in the County Commissioner’s Challenge. They prepared a meal, made a working model and learned about other countries. The also learned that people in different parts of the world are not as well off as we are and need our help. We are looking forward to taking part next year.”

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