Summer Camp - Bassenthwaite August 2007

Dear Parents,
Summer Camp – Bassenthwaite 3rd to 6th August 2007

Further details for the Summer Camp.

Arrival and Departure Times

We would like the children to be at the Scout Hut for 9.30am on Friday 3rd August. They should come in uniform and be prepared to help load the vans with the equipment that we will need. We hope that we will be on our way by 11.00am, arriving at Bassenthwaite for 12.00pm and using the afternoon to set up the camp. We will return to Carlisle on the Monday afternoon and your child will be ready to be picked up at 4.00pm.Please bring a packed lunch on the Friday. Don’t bring a lunch box, wrap your lunch in foil in a carrier bag. This means that the rubbish can all be disposed of easily.

Accommodation

We will all be sleeping in tents. Don’t forget a sleeping mat.

Equipment

Each child will need suitable clothing that they don’t mind getting wet (see kit list) and wellies will probably be essential due to the poor weather we seem to be having. A good waterproof (and trousers if you have them) will no doubt serve you well. Towels and swim-wear will be very useful (we may go to Keswick Spa) as will a number of plastic bags within their kit to transport wet gear home at the end of the camp. (If you have a Wet-Suit then please bring it with you. Don’t purchase one especially.) If the children have walking boots these too will be useful. If they don’t have them – don’t worry but a pair of strong trainers will suffice.
We will be visiting Keswick at some point, so a small amount of spending money might be useful. A total of £5.00 would be more than sufficient.
Please can you bring a small rucksack that can be used when we go out. (This could come folded in your main gear bag. It needs to be big enough for a drink, waterproof top and some sandwiches.) Children should also bring a water bottle that can be filled when we go out.

Mountain Biking

We would also like the children to bring their bikes and cycle helmets as we hope to go mountain biking at Whinlatter. If they do not have a bike or they don’t wish to do this then don’t worry for we will provide an alternative activity. Scout Association rules insist on a cycle helmet being worn so please don’t forget them. No helmet – no ride.
Please make sure that your bike is in full working order, especially brakes, gears and steering. To avoid scratching, cover the tubular frame with pipe insulation.

Fishing

With an ideal location by the lake we will allow those Cubs or Scouts with fishing rods to bring them. We’re told fishing is good from the jetty. If you are bringing a rod please let either Bruce or David know so that we can ensure that the necessary permissions are obtained. We’ll also bring a couple of rods with us so that everyone can have the opportunity to fish over the weekend.

Emergency Details

Please complete the Emergency contact form as attached. On the Friday you will also be informed of the Emergency Contact for the weekend. David can be contacted on 07780990404 and Bruce on 07899960575. If your children have any medicines then please can you hand these to David on the Friday morning.
Please can parents make sure that the mobile numbers which they give us are current and that they can be contacted should the need arise.

Midges and Sunshine

At this time of year midges can be a problem by any large body of water. A hat, light-weight but long sleeved top and trousers provide the best protection. Midge repellent can help but the best repellent (as used by the Royal Marines we’re told) is Avon’s Skin So Soft. A bottle may be useful and could be packed along with sunscreen. Please make sure that your children are aware of the need to apply sunscreen , especially whilst they are on the water.

Mobile Phones

Please do not bring mobile phones, electrical games or expensive cameras. The only battery powered item you’ll need is a torch!

We hope this answers most of the questions you may have about the camp. Obviously if you have any others please do not hesitate to contact either of us.

Yours sincerely,
David Hodgkiss – Cub Scout Leader
Bruce Kirton – Scout Leader