Grantham scouts among 3,000 youngsters who took part in winter camp near London

Grantham scouts met up with 3,000 others from across the UK to welcome in a new year of adventure while camping near London.

The annual winter camp this month at Gilwell Park in north east London, the home of scouting and outdoor adventure. provides the opportunity for scouts to take part in over 70 different adventurous and fun activities ranging from abseiling to Zorbing.

The boys and girls, aged between 10 and 18, along with nearly 1,000 adult leaders, enjoyed the experience of sleeping in tents for two nights, cooking on open fires and enjoying a packed programme led by a team of 200 adult volunteers.

Jacob Wand, from 9th Grantham, said: “I love camping in any weather, so this weekend has been great. Winter camp is such fun, and I’ve enjoyed trying new things like climbing the coconut tree.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “Winter camp provides a whole new adventure experience for young people. The challenge is all about empowering scouts with the skills to survive challenging conditions and how to keep warm and comfortable in their tents. It’s great to see so many young people enjoying such a wide range of activities, from climbing, abseiling, quad biking and high ropes. I’m super proud of their enthusiasm and spirit of adventure.”