Scouts Celebrate 20th Frost Camp with Thrilling Activities

More than 700 Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Guides, and volunteers gathered at the Bentley Copse Activity Centre to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the annual Frost Camp over the weekend of January 30, 2023. This milestone event, which has become one of the centre’s most anticipated occasions, featured a packed programme of activities designed to foster teamwork and skill development among young participants.

Frost Camp’s Growth and Legacy

Initially launched in 2006 with just 200 participants, Frost Camp has grown significantly, with attendance steadily increasing each year, except for 2021 when government restrictions on large gatherings were in place. The camp offers thousands of young people the chance to cultivate new skills, build confidence, and enjoy memorable outdoor experiences. This year’s event attracted Scouts from local groups including 1st Brookwood, Pyford Scouts, 1st Goldsworth Park, 1st Knaphill, and 8th Woking, as well as participants from beyond the county.

A new attraction this year was the bag drop, where participants jumped from a tower onto a giant inflatable. This activity quickly became a favourite among campers, adding an adrenaline rush to the weekend’s offerings. The packed itinerary also included a variety of exhilarating challenges such as climbing, a gladiator inflatable, Jacob’s Ladder, crate stacking, zipline rides, and abseiling. For those who preferred activities closer to the ground, options like air rifle shooting, archery, tomahawk throwing, and fencing were available.

Evening Entertainment and Participant Feedback

The evenings at Frost Camp were equally engaging. On Friday, participants enjoyed a film night, while Saturday featured a lively campfire, a silent disco, and the unique thrill of riding the zipline in the dark. James, an 11-year-old Scout from Pyford, noted, “I liked all the activities because they were fun to do and made us work together as a team.” Another Scout, Rory, also 11, from Woking, expressed his excitement about the bag drop experience, stating, “I went to the top, and it felt like my life was flashing before me before landing safely on the wet inflatable bag.”

Frost Camp plays a vital role in helping young people gain essential #SkillsForLife, providing opportunities and challenges that many groups cannot offer on their own. As a result, the event continues to be a cherished tradition that promotes personal growth and community spirit among youth.