County Camping Competition

There were seven teams at this years County Camping Competition which was held at Bispham Hall campsite in Billinge on Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th July.
The competition was run by St Helens District.

Patrols from Southport, Bebington, Formby and Walton-on-the-hill entered the competition.

Saturday dawned dry but by the time the teams started to set up camp the heavens opened with frequent and heavy showers. This weather would test the spirit of the best of campers, particularly as it was cold too - so much for Summer!

All the patrols made a good start and quickly got their canvas up, but as the evening meal loomed some patrols found it a struggle to get a fire going with wet wood and continuing rain. But with a little encouragement from the judges every patrol produced a good and wholesome meal.

I was a bit worried at this point for the rules state that the judges can taste the food - I needn't’t have worried, the standard was high and the Pork steak cooked in mushrooms and peppers which we sampled was delicious.

The rain continued to test the Patrols all day, but although it was still raining as the sun went down we were treated to a fantastic sunset - a Bispham Hall specialty! (see picture)

By Sunday three teams were starting to pull away from the others, but they were closely matched - any of these three patrols could win.

Ironically some of the best gadgets were made by patrols who were not really in contention - one was a slightly over-engineered bowl stand with a unique lashing, while the other was a camp dresser made from materials found on site and the only one of its kind in the competition. (see pictures)

In the end it was a close run thing, but third place went to 6th Bebington with 277 points who produced a fantastic pioneering gateway platform which was even strong enough to take my considerable weight!

In second place were 71st Southport with 282 points. This was an all female team who were in contention all the way, and on the Sunday morning ran their own Scouts Own.

But the Winners for the second year in succession were from 15th Bebington with a classic mix of good tentage, gadgets and leadership which was hard to ignore - they proved that old fashioned Scouting skills are not dead - well done!

Thanks to all the teams that took part - the camping standards were good and everyone's' behavior was excellent throughout the weekend.