2nd Guernsey’s Herm camp first ‘overseas’ one of 2021

After months of planning, the 2nd Guernsey group was grateful to be able to island hop.

A group of 17 scouts, five leaders and two of their children spent a long bank holiday weekend on the island.

‘It was a really good weekend, it was so nice to finally go away,’ said group leader Tracey De La Haye.

‘I know it’s the first group in Europe to go for an overseas residential, it might even be in the world but I can’t be sure.

‘None of the other Scout group residentials have gone ahead elsewhere because they’re not allowed.’

Other local groups have planned camps in Guernsey.

‘I’m just glad it was able to go ahead. We feel really lucky to be able to do anything.’

Although it was a short trip, she said the scouts were still excited.

‘One little boy said to me he was so excited he couldn’t go to sleep the night before.’

After days jam-packed with activities, sleep was no problem.

‘Before getting on the boat over we went to the Co-op for them to do their own shopping on a budget,’ she said.

‘We went and put our tents up at Seagull Campsite, at the top of the hill with beautiful views. Then they cooked their own meals on Trangia stoves.’

Meals cooked by the scouts included pasta with sauce, sausages and bacon.

‘I was really pleased and very proud of them, they didn’t need any help.’

Other activities included a treasure hunt, scavenger hunt and sandcastle competition.

On Saturday night they went for a hike, and on Sunday night they played cricket.

‘At night it was freezing, the wind just came over the hill, so I was saying to wear their hats at night to keep all the heat in.’

All the scouts were so well behaved they were treated to chips on Monday lunchtime, after a weekend of activities.

‘All the boys and girls got on really well.’ she said.

'But my nose is definitely burnt – I look like Rudolph.’