More than 500 Explorer Scouts, Network Scouts and Student Scout and Guide Organisation members, aged 14 to 25, were on the Island for an Easter Weekend full of adventure and fun.
The Scouts and Guides were on the Island for the 27th Isle of Wight Revolution activity camp which was first held in 1995. Participants at this year’s event came from as far afield as Liverpool, Wales and the Isle of Man.
The 550 participants and their leaders arrived on Thursday 6th April for the opening ceremony at 19:00. On Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April they ventured across the Island to take part in activities including Rib Rides from Yarmouth with Solent Rib Charter, fencing with West Wight Fencing Club at West Wight Sports Centre in Freshwater, Tree Climbing with Goodleaf in Ryde and laser combat with ‘Headhunters’ near Newport. With the main theme being animals, all participants visited the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Yaverland where they made treats for and met the animals. Participants also learnt to play the Ukelele and Line Dance, attended a Magic Workshop in Bembridge, bounced on large inflatables and visited a swimming pool during the weekend.
The evenings were themed; Thursday – frozen planet; Friday – farm animals; Saturday – on safari; and Sunday – under the Sea. There were discos, a games night, and Island band ‘Blonde Bombshell’ provided live music. A games area and a cinema area in case of bad weather.
Carol Harvey, a member of the Revolution Management Team and Group Scout Leader at 1st Shanklin Scout Group, said:
“Our tried and tested formula of fun, friendship and activities across the weekend was another success for Island Scouting. Our activities take the visitors across the Isle of Wight introducing them to our fantastic Island home. We’re very grateful to the organisations that supported us and all the adult volunteers who make the weekend possible. We’re already looking forward to our 30th Anniversary camp in 2024.”
Participants expressed their gratitude, with one calling it the “best camp I’ve ever been on”.
Dave Simpson, County Commissioner for Isle of Wight Scouts said:
“This dedicated team of adult volunteers have once again produced a very exciting and entertaining event for young people from the Island and further afield. Scouting is the largest voluntary sector provider of activities for young people on the Isle of Wight but without the support of adult volunteers none of this would be possible. We have uniformed and non-uniformed volunteer roles in Scout Groups and Units across the Island and welcome enquiries via www.scouts.org.uk/join or our Facebook page @IsleofWightScouts.”
