After getting to checkpoint B. We had the task of getting to Dirty Wood Farm (checkpoint C) we checked the compass we were defiantly going in the right direction it just didn't seem the right way! Anyway we trusted the compass and decided to follow it. We walked through 2 fields (they weren't mentioned on the instructions) till we spotted a few people waving their arms about. They were pointing to the path which led us to Dirty Wood Farm we were right!
After stopping for lunch we set off for Nins Wood we got there with no problems!
Next was Worley Wood we walked through a field and noticed some people in front of us we had not been over taken. They seemed to come from nowhere! As we got closer we realised it was 2nd Chesham Bois' other team and they had done the longer loop. It was so weird they came out at the same time as us.
Only 1 more checkpoint to the end now and it was the most beautiful one. It was Beacon Hill! The wind was blowing in our faces, the views were stunning and there were red kites everywhere. We got our last slot punched and then walked the final stretch back to the guide centre. When we got back we were greeted by people congratulating us. I had a slice of cake and a drink and sat with the rest of our pack waiting to be picked up.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hike and I wish to do it next year but this time without an adult!
20km hike (12 miles)
We all arrived at 8.00am to start the hike. We signed in at 8.15am and had our kit checked at 8.25am. We were on our way by 8.32am. We all started off in high spirits and were soon at checkpoint 1. We sang and joked and never looked gloomy or bored. We were nearly always on the right track, thinking we were lost before checking the map and realising that we were still on track. Just before checkpoint 8 we were completely lost and then saw some rangers that said that they thought they were on the track. We soon saw that we were just a few metres away from the checkpoint and were glad we hadn’t chosen the other route. We were all feeling very pleased with our self by the time we got to Badger’s base. We saw Badger and hurried forwards. She told us that we were the first guide team through her base. We had a photo taken then hurried to the final checkpoint. When we arrived tiredly at the Ellesbrough guide hut and waited for the prize giving, the prizes were given out by the Region Chief Commissioner. We were waiting, hoping for a prize. Then they announced the winners of the whole thing and it was....2ND CHESHAM BOIS GUIDING GROUP!!! We all rushed forward to claim our prize, the boot trophy. It was a great way to end a great day.
By Emily G. 2nd Chesham Bois Guides
We set off to Ellesborough guides centre wrapped up warm as the weather forecast wasn't good. When we arrived there was a tent full of guides wearing their waterproofs waiting for their teammates. Luckily all of my teammates were their Millie, Isobel, Charlotte and last but not least Natascha (plus Jo and John) Once we had signed in we set of at exactly 11:11 we headed towards the little gate leading us to a long day! It had officially begun! After climbing over a gate and walked down through the woods and crossed the road we got to checkpoint A. We got are cards punched and started searching the map for checkpoint B.
After getting to checkpoint B. We had the task of getting to Dirty Wood Farm (checkpoint C) we checked the compass we were definetely going in the right direction it just didn't seem the right way! Anyway we trusted the compass and decided to follow it. We walked through 2 fields (they weren't mentioned on the instructions) till we spotted a few people waving their arms about. They were pointing to the path which led us to Dirty Wood Farm we were right!
After stopping for lunch we set off for Nins Wood we got there with no problems!
Next was Worley Wood we walked through a field and noticed some people in front of us we had not been over taken. They seemed to come from nowhere! As we got closer we realised it was 2nd Chesham Bois' other team and they had done the longer loop. It was so weird they came out at the same time as us.
Only 1 more checkpoint to the end now and it was the most beautiful one. It was Beacon Hill! The wind was blowing in our faces, the views were stunning and there were red kites everywhere. We got our last slot punched and then walked the final stretch back to the guide centre. When we got back we were greeted by people congratulating us. I had a slice of cake and a drink and sat with the rest of our pack waiting to be picked up.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hike and I wish to do it next year but this time without an adult!
Once we got to camp we had to pitch the tents. The ground was really hard and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of some dads! That was really fun and then we built the gadgets. It was now starting to get dark. After that we had tea: spaghetti bolognaise (yummy) and black forest gateau. I tried everything – even if I didn’t like it! The next thing we did was put out the bedding, wash up (in the dark), get ready for bed and sleep.
In the morning, our patrol – Lucy, me, Kimberley, Kaity, Izzy L, Rebecca and Izzy J-F (during the day) – were the chefs. So we cooked breakfast and served it. Then we ate, washed up and packed up the bedding. Afterwards we did some little activities. To start, our patrol painted welly pegs, and then we moved water by hanging a bowl from a tree. After this we went to the shop. When we got back we had lunch wraps. After lunch we did archery: that was LOADS of fun! When we finished we relaxed and just chatted – we all had loads of fun. For tea we had spicy chicken, chapattis and broccoli. We washed up, spread out our beds and got our camp blankets. Then we went and had a HUGE bonfire and sung camp songs. After that we collapsed in bed.
After breakfast, we washed up, tidied and cleaned our tents and washing up stands for inspection. After inspection we built catapults and had practice runs at firing tennis balls and then we went to the shop again. After lunch, sandwiches, crisps and yoghurts we had competitions using our catapults and then took down the tents. After that the parents started coming to pick us up to go home. The end of a lovely weekend.
Emily
The Dragon boats were very big. On one end there was a head of a Dragon, on the other end was the dragon’s tail. Inside at the head end was a big drum and chair. The boats were deep and wet! There was room for 20 rowers sitting in pairs.
I was very excited and so was everyone else. Our instructor taught us how to hold the paddle and various ways to row: backwards paddle, forwards paddle and the upside down paddle (you turn the paddle the other way). We learnt how to stop the boat and how to go really fast to get a good start on the race, this was very important! We had to paddle in time to the beat of the drum.
On the day of the race we were all nervous. There were lots of other teams and fun things like a bouncy castle and ice cream van, Bar B Q as well as the local radio.
We got ready for our practise. We rowed to the start for a practise run, with the drummer beating the counts, it was very loud and my heart was beating very fast.
When we had finished we went back and played some games like wink murder. Some of us were chosen to help another team as they were going to help us. Three other guides and I went off and helped Longridge Canoing club. The guides who were helping Longridge won their race. It was all very exciting.
Then it was the time for the Bucks Guides race. We were the only all girls team and we were rather small compared to some of the other teams! We lost but had another heat to regain our place.
So next time we raced we asked some Longridge canoeist to help, but we still lost the race.
Straight after this race two of the guides who where helping Longridge quickly had their sweets (we where told to have chocolate to be full of energy!!) and raced off to the race in the semi-finals. They won (hurray!!!) even though they were exhausted doing two races one after the other!
Longridge went straight in to the final.
So the other two guides (including me) went to the boat fleeing tired, scared and excited. We raced through the race nearly being over taken but won our category by a boats length. It felt glorious, the people on the banks were cheering and clapping. I was exhausted!
Kaity, Hannah and Tiggy
We were so excited to be staying in Branchet Lodge.
For some of us this was a first time experience and for others it was a time to meet up with good friends for another weekend of fun and games, parties and adventures.
We all slept in dormitories with our friends.
Some of us had two bedded rooms and some of us had enormous eight bedded rooms.
It was great fun!
We ate our meals in the beach café. It was right on the beach, you should have seen it.
The food was fantastic. We had Caribbean curry and a beach barbecue.
On Saturday we had a choice of outdoor activities. Some of us took part in canoeing, some went rock climbing and others went on the trampolines or pond dipping.
It was really exciting.
On Saturday afternoon we had lots of activities to choose from including tai chi, sensory sessions, art and crafts.
On Saturday evening we were going to have a campfire but it rained so we played Bingo.
On Sunday morning we were up and ready for even more fun. We had to finish all of our crafts and then get ready for our beach barbecue and luau. We all had grass skirts and garlands to wear and some of us had sparkly wigs too.
It was brilliant.
After the party it was time to go home.
Sandy
We started at Hervines Park with our torches, walking boots and reflective gear - destination Chesham and chips.
We walked and talked as we slowly made our way cross country until we reached the destination for our field game - Hunt the Frog!!!!
Each Patrol was given a particular colour of frog to find - 6 for each patrol were hidden in the grass and the winner was the first Patrol to return to Badger with all six frogs.
No!!!! They were not real frogs - that would have been even more difficult than the laminated ones hidden earlier.
The night had started to close in and the light was poor. In fact, it was pitch black and only one Patrol found all six frogs!!?
Three Guides made their Guide promise for the first time and the ceremony was held in the out doors. We all formed a horse-shoe and they recited the promise.
Once the new Guides were enrolled and full members of our Group, our minds all turned to the thought of Chips in Chesham and we were encouraged us to put our best foot forward and start walking onward.
We walked through fields and woods and on, down a bumpy track and through a gate. Eventually, we emerged into the outskirts of Chesham, walked down the High Street and into the car park by the Offices.
The fish and chips were there waiting for us. Yum Yum Yum!!!
We walked up to Chesham Pond Park with our food and drinks - our walk had made us all really hungry and - what better than chips to fill our tummies.
The hike was great fun and it is great to have two new Guides in our Group ....... ...........but the best bit was definitely the chips.
Emily B
