Scouts from East Dulwich joined 4,000 other youngsters at the 100 year anniversary of scout training ground Gilwell Park this month.
Aged between ten and fourteen, the youngsters from the 5th Camberwell group spent three days at the winter camp in Waltham Abbey, learning new skills including abseiling and white water rafting from January 11-13.
The event is the first camp of 2019, and also kicks off the centenary celebrations of the ground becoming the home of Scouts skills training.
Among them was East Dulwich’s Sylvia Alexander, who said: “My friend was always going on about the great Scout camps she was going on and all the new skills she was learning which made me really want to join.”
Since 1919, generations of scouts have camped at Gilwell Park learning to put up tents, cook and take part in exciting sports and activities as a team.
Adult leader Brendan O’Rourke said: “The Scouts really enjoy all the activities that they’re doing, and we also allow them to develop skills by working independently and having the freedom to do what they want while they’re here.”
Scouts believe having fun, adventure and learning new skills helps prepare young people for adult life.
This is backed up by research published last year showing that Scouts are more likely to have leadership skills and work well in teams, and support their communities.