Having successfully established the first Gloucester District Explorer Scouts climbing contingent, primarily attended by members of the 44th ESU, it was decided to run a specific rock-climbing trip. Thus ending the year on a high note and enabling the introduction of ‘real rock’ to the more novice Explorer Scouts who had only experienced the Gloucester Indoor Climbing Centre.
The base for our expedition was the Sea Barn Farm Camp site, located west of Weymouth on the coast. While at the campsite the Explorer Scouts made friends with other fellow campers and introduced them to sports including cricket, football and frisbee.
The abseiling and rock climbing took place on Portland Bill, an isle south of Weymouth connected by a causeway. The chief geology of the isle is Portland stone and Purbeck limestone; the steep cliffs down to the sea provide over 750 sport climbing routes of varying grades satisfying all climbers from novice to professional.
The school bell sounds, the minibus packed with ropes, karabiners, stoves and food, awaits the Explorer Scouts with their kit. The mayhem and fun for the weekend commences. It is not long before we are on our way, clocking up the miles on the M5 descending through the south west, fast approaching Dorset.
The camp is quickly made; some pointers and tricks for erecting tents are taken on board. Next on the agenda is food, so it’s back on the bus and Weymouth here we come. It isn’t long before we cross paths with a local Fish & Chip shop. Dialogue is exchanged, a discount for bulk agreed, bottoms perched on benches and hungry mouths eagerly awaiting their feed.
We awoke to a gloomy Saturday morning, it wasn’t looking good but we weren’t put off. Breakfast is on the go - bacon, sausage, coffee and tea - starting the day as we mean to go on. Managing to beat the weather for the first couple of hours, climbs in the ‘Cuttings’ area were pursued and completed by all. Lunchtime arrived and with it came the rain. This did not stop us; we had a plan - swimming back at the campsite.
With Sunday came the good weather and a change of climbing venue on Portland, we were heading for ‘Blacknor’. The approach to the area has one of the best abseils on the isle, a fantastic opportunity for the Explorer Scouts to experience. At least a dozen different climbs were completed by all. The consensus at the end of the day was that the climbs were so good, we decided to return to the area again for a final morning of climbing.
Waking on the final day of the trip we were again greeted with glorious sunshine. Rucksacks were packed following breakfast and stored in the tents ready for our departure after lunch. We returned to ‘Blacknor’ where the Explorer Scouts demonstrated what they had learned over the last couple of days with only minimal guidance from the Leaders. The highlight of the trip was introducing the Explorer Scouts to ‘Lead Climbing’, which was a great success.
Many thanks to all those who took part and to the Leaders who gave up their time, ensuring the trip was a success.