SUMMER CAMP OVERVIEW
1. Introduction
This page provides an overview of the various summer camps run by the 70th Renfrewshire Troop from 1933-1966. Unfortunately, the troop log books covering the 1930s were lent or gifted to past members at a reunion during the 1990s. As a consequence, no photographs of these camps have been recovered to date, and the details of each camp are sketchy - based purely on a short summary that was written in the 1990s when the log books were available. Fortunately, many of the log books written during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s still survive and have provided more detailed information of summer camps during these decades. Photographs taken by Bob Millar and Robin Crawford have also provided a greater insight into camps during the 1960s.
2. Summer Camps (1933-1939)
The annual summer camp was an integral part of Scouting during the period covered in this website. During the 1930s, there were no televisions or computer games to amuse youngsters during the summer holidays. Families also had more restricted horizons in terms of holiday destinations. There were no cheap package holidays abroad and most family holidays were determined by where one could go by train or ferry. Only the very well off could afford to fly and go to exotic destinations. Similarly, very few families owned cars. Therefore, the Scout summer camp offered an opportunity for Scouts to camp and explore new locations. Greenock Troops were particularly well placed in terms of potential destinations. From Gourock and Prince's Pier, the ferries visited numerous destinations on the Clyde or its adjoining lochs. The only limitation was the availability of piers, but, unlike today, there were plenty to choose from. It is no surprise then, that the 70th's initial summer camps went to places like Ardrishaig, Carradale, and St. Catherines. It should be noted that summer camps were held in any old field that could be 'borrowed'. As a result, there were no standing toilets or washing facilities. The former you dug yourself, the latter you planned carefully so that you would not have soapy water in your water supply. This was usually a stream or a river!
2.1 Ardrishaig July 1933
The 70th were quick off the mark in organising their first summer camp, which took place within the first year of the group's existence. At that point, the Troop had only 1 Bell tent and precious little other camping equipment, Moreover, the Scouts were young and experienced. Therefore, Scout Master Sam Faulds took the wise decision to have a joint summer camp with the 1st Gourock Scout Group (6th Renfrewshire) at Adrishaig near the entrance to the Crinan Canal (Fig. 1). The camp was held during the first two weeks of July 1933 and was attended by PLs Eoin Steel, D. Black and Alan Hardie. Second Ronald Grant was also present, along with Scouts Ian Blake and Lawrence Harvey. The Gourock Troop provided 1 Leader and 20 Scouts, who camped in four 'Scoutmaster' tents owned by the Gourock troop. Unfortunately, there is very little information about that camp, other than that one of the highlights was a visit to a Guide camp four miles away. The second week of the camp was very wet and the Gourock Scouts had to sleep in a church hall. The 70th's Bell tent stood up well to the conditions and the 70th Scouts were spared that humiliation. Unfortunately, the exact location of the campsite is not known.
Figure 1 Ardrishaig and surroundings.
Figure 2 Carradale and surroundings.
2.2 Carradale 14th-30th July 1934
Carradale was the first summer camp run solely by the 70th (Fig. 2). Three leaders and five Scouts attended at a cost of £1-7-6 per person.
Leaders: GSM Sam Faulds; ASM A. Ian Dunlop, ASM J. B.(Ian) Hardie
Scouts TL A. Colquhoun, PL Alan Hardie, PL D. Black, J. Park and Ian Blake
The wet experience of the previous camp had clearly not affected the enthusiasm of Alan Hardie, D. Black and I. Blake who were on their second camp. It was stated in a secondary source summarising the Troop Log that the troop now had 2 Scoutmaster tents as well as the Bell tent. However, it is more likely that the two Scoutmaster tents were borrowed from the 6th Renfrewshire Scouts. The happy campers sailed from Princess Pier on the 'Davaar', carrying with them a large quantity of kippers and herring which were donated by a Mr. Buchanan of the kippery. An A J. Buchanan appeared in the troop in 1937 and one wonders if there was a relationship there. The only information on activities is that the two PLs did an overnight hike to Grogport 7 miles each way - possibly a hike for their First Class badge. The camp ran at a substantial profit (£4.14) - no doubt helped by the generous helping of fish provided. This profit came in very useful for purchasing more equipment. Once the camp was over, the campers sailed back on the 'Dalriada'.
Note that Troop Leader A. Colquhoun was probably a troop leader from another troop who offered to help out at the camp.
2.3 St. Catherine's, Loch Fyne - 2nd-16th August 1935
The Troop's third Summer camp was held at St. Catherines on Loch Fyne with ten Scouts and two Leaders attending. Presumably, the word had got around that the 70th could survive reasonably comfortably, because the Rev. A. R. R. Reid paid a visit and spent 3 days under canvas. This even got a mention in the Greenock Telegraph. The Rev. Reid was minister at Finnart Church and had been instrumental in starting up the 70th Scouts. Indeed, it was one of his first actions when he took up his position at the church.
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Leaders: ASM Ian Dunlop, ASM J Ian Hardie
Scouts: TL A. Hood, PL Eoin Steel, Lawrence Harvey, John Telfer, Ian Munro, Sandy Campbell, Bill Inglis, Victor Clark, Archie Brown, James McNeill.
Note: Troop Leader A. Hood was probably the Troop Leader of another Troop and was helping out.
The camp was held at a farm and was the first camp run solely by Ian Dunlop and Ian Hardie. Sam Faulds had just got married and was going to resign after the summer, and so the reins had to be taken up pretty quickly by two young leaders aged 21 and 20. Further camping equipment was purchased for the camp. This consisted of a small Icelandic tent (78/-), 2 primus stoves (11/- each), 2 naval dixies, 1 army dixie, 1 Union Flag and 1 Scout pennant
The group sailed from Prince's Pier on the King George V. Two PL's got off at Dunoon and cycled to the campsite - possibly to make it more of a challenge. The main party arrived at Inverary and then took a ferry across Loch Fyne to St. Catherines. Unfortunately, it was a very wet camp with lots of midges. Perhaps because of this, the Scouts went swimming every day since they probably couldn't get any wetter. There were also some hikes organised and even a report of catching a trout in the river. Despite the weather, summer camp was reported to be successful at the September meeting of the Court of Honour. The account in the Telegraph read as follows:
"The 30th troop returned home last Friday from St. Catherine's, Loch Fyne where they had their annual camp. Apart from midges and torrential rain, the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There were several bathes every day and much time was spent at cricket and football. Some Scouts preferred walking and climbing, others went fishing and secured trout in a nearby stream. During one particularly wet day, there was a mock trial when a Scout was charged with putting water into the milk on the way from the farm. He was found guilty. There were in all 12 Scouts under canvas and two officers in charge."
Note: Alan Hardie was a keen fisherman and it is likely that he was one of the Scouts who went fishing.
Note: The specific farm where the camp was held was not specified, but it may have been owned by a Mr. John Weir (Ardno Farm), since the Gourock Troop camped there on a different year.
Figure 3 St. Catherine's and surroundings.
Figure 4 Balinluig and surroundings.
2.4 Balinluig 2nd-16th July 1936
At the beginning of 1936, a camp committee was set up consisting of G.S.M. Ian Dunlop, S.M. Ian Hardie and Rover Scout J. Dunne to organise summer camp. Later, Troop Leader Alan Hardie was elected to the committee as the Scouts' representative. The 1936 summer camp broke with the seafaring tradition of previous camps and headed inland to Balinluig in Perthshire (Fig. 4). Perhaps the Leaders and Scouts had tired of rain and midges, and were looking for more favourable conditions. The camp cost 30/- and was attended by two Leaders and eight Scouts. The Rev. Reid was clearly not put off by the rain of the previous year and put in another three-night camping visit, dressed in his khaki kilt.
Leaders: G.S.M. Ian Dunlop, S.M. Ian Hardie
Rover: A. Brown
Scouts: T.L. Alan Hardie, P.L. Eoin Steel, Second P.L. Lawrence Harvey, Richard Leggett, Hamish Steel, D. Ramsay, Alistair Allan.
By now, some of the Scouts had gained quite a bit of experience. For example, Alan Hardie, Eoin Steel, and Lawrence Harvey had all been to two previous summer camps and were veterans of a successful Shannon Cup Patrol. The intrepid adventurers took a train from Prince's Pier to Glasgow and presumably changed train there to reach Ballinluig. There may also have been a change of train at Perth. Changing trains with lots of camping equipment has always been an interesting challenge! On arrival at Ballinluig, a pre-arranged lorry was present to transport them to the campsite at the junction between the River Tay and the River Tummel (Fig. 4). The decision to move away from the west coast proved well justified because the camp was blessed with good weather, and so swimming featured frequently in the fortnight's activities. Even the Rev. Reid had a dip. Pioneering projects were constructed including a diving platform. There was an evening train trip to Pitlochry for the pictures, which proved popular with the boys, while troop leader Alan Hardie stayed to guard the camp. He seems to have passed the time fishing for trout and managed to catch one for supper. The County Commissioner Lord James Murray (later to be the 9th Duke of Atholl) visited the camp and was favourably impressed. The camp ran at a slight loss, but this was a small price to pay for a fortnight's camp without midges. A short account of the camp was printed in the Telegraph at the time the camp was in progress;
"Bathing in the river is excellent and the boys have been dipping every day. They have only had one day of rain and most of the time has been spent in sunbathing and walking the surrounding district. The boys also made a raft of logs. On the wet day, a mock trial was arranged when one of the boys was charged with poaching a salmon from the river. There have been several visitors including the minister A.R.R. Reid who spent several days with the troop. The boys are thoroughly enjoying themselves."
Alan Hardie remembered this camp for the many happy hours fishing with Lawrence Harvey.
2.5 Balinluig 2nd-16th July 1937
Considering the success of the previous year's summer camp, it was natural for the Troop to return to Balinluig in 1937. This time there were 2 Leaders and 14 Scouts - probably inspired by the reports of good weather and no midges. The price was the same at 30/- each. A new Niger tent and tarpaulin were purchased for the camp, no doubt due to the increased numbers attending.
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Leaders: G.S.M. Ian Dunlop; S.M. Ian Hardie
Scouts: T.L. Eoin Steel, P.L. Ronald Grant, P.L. Lawrence Harvey, Second P.L. Archie Brown, Tennant Harvey, Duncan McKenzie, Hamish Steel, George Kinnell, Ian Munro, Sandy Campbell, Victor Clark, Nicol Smith, Dick Leggett, I. McFarlane.
Eoin Steel and Lawrence Harvey were the most experienced campers having been to three previous summer camps, while this was the second summer camp for Hamish Steel and Dick Leggett. Unfortunately, the first week was very wet and the site was almost flooded; however, the second week was much better. The Greenock District Commmissioner (H. Butter) travelled up to visit the camp and camped for the weekend. Lord James Murray also visited.
Many of the boys cycled to Blair Atholl and visited the castle. Their route would have been along the old A9 - not an activity that is advisable or even possible nowadays. It is intriguing to know whether they took their own bikes to camp or hired them in Balinluig. The latter seems rather unlikely, which must have made the transfer and movement of camping equipment even more difficult than the previous year. It is also worth speculating whether one could repeat a camp such as this nowadays. In the thirties, trains had goods vans where one could load up equipment and bikes. That would probably be an impossibility on today's trains. At the September meeting of the Court of Honour, the camp was reported to be a success and Ian Dunlop was praised for his organisational and administrative skills.
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2.6 1938 and 1939
No Summer camps were held in 1938 or 1939. As far as 1939 was concerned, it was stated in the Court of Honour Minutes that in view of the impending hostilities, it was neither practical nor desirable to have a summer camp at this time. It is also possible that no summer camp was held during 1938 for the same reason. During the summer of 1938, war seemed inevitable and was only avoided by the Munich Agreement of September 1938. On the other hand, there was a big Scout rally at Ibrox in 1938, as well as the Empire Exhibition at Bellahouston Park. It is possible that the troop chose to focus on these events rather than organise a summer camp.
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3. Summer Camps (1940-1949)
3.1 A Difficult Decade
At the start of the war, rules and government regulations were introduced which restricted free movement and activities. Camping was banned in sensitive areas such as the Clyde area, although official youth camps such as Everton were eventually made exempt. However, other difficulties such as rationing, transport and tent camouflage clearly discouraged the 70th from any camping during the first two years of the war. It was not until the end of March 1941 that a decision was taken by the 70th's Court of Honour to restart camping activities at Everton. A box for storing camping equipment, the equipment itself, and the trek cart were taken down to Everton farm at the start of August 1941 and stored there ready for forthcoming camps. Free transport for this logistical task was provided by Second PL Alan MacFadyen. Thus, weekend camps at Everton became possible from August 1941. Two weekend camps took place at Everton in the summer of 1941, and five weekend camps during the summer of 1942. The five weekend camps organised by Scout Master Wilson Hill in 1942 were a substitute for a full summer camp; the latter may well have proved impractical for leaders involved in the forces or the war industry, as they were probably constrained in choosing when they could have holidays. For example, Wilson Hill was a researcher at the torpedo factory. However, an 8-day long summer camp at Everton did prove possible in 1943 run by a Mr. Chalmers. Unfortunately, there is a lack of documentation covering 1944 and 1945 and so it is not known whether any summer camps took place during those years.
In the years immediately following the war, there was a dearth of leaders. The servicemen based at Greenock who had supported the troop during the war years were transferred to other bases, while a phased demobilisation of the troops meant that ex 70th Scouts in the services did not return to Greenock until a year or two after the war had ended. Three 70th Scouts were able to experience a summer camp with an English troop, but there were no 70th Summer camps. The lack of leaders meant that the 70th was temporarily amalgamated with the 59th Scouts - probably from Autumn 1946 to the summer of 1947. At that point, Victor Clark restarted the troop, but numbers were initially small and no summer camps were organised from 1947-1949.
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3.2 Everton Summer Camp (26th June 1943 to 3rd July 1943)
It has been generally assumed that the 70th had no summer camps during the 1940s. However, the discovery of a patrol log written by the Peewit Patrol (a patrol that was formed during 1943-1945 for Scouts living in the Cardwell Bay area) has revealed that a summer camp took place in 1943. Unfortunately, it is not known who attended the camp, but it is probable that Mr. Chalmers ran the camp as he was Scout Master at the time. Here are excerpts from the Peewit Patrol Log.
"At the beginning things went a bit bumpy. On the Sunday about 4 people went down with sun-stroke through the excessive heat. After this, we began to have more fun; we had to catch some rabbits with snares, our only success was a baby one which had been spoiled by a weasel or stout."
'We had some lovely wide games in the woods behind the campsite. One particular laugh we had were Mr. Dally's 'Red Tins' which we pinched. Mr. Dally, with the help of 'Wee Bertie', tried to regain them but they were unsuccessful."
"We were lucky for our camp as we had the hottest week of the year. This was Mr. Chalmers last acquaintance with the troop."
There are no clues about what is meant by 'Red Tins' or "Wee Bertie", although one could speculate that the latter may refer to Bertie Morrison who was Camp Skipper at Everton during the war. The Greenock Telegraph for 1943 also stated that several Greenock troops chose to have their summer camp at Everton rather than further afield. This was in response to a wartime slogan 'Is your journey necessary?' Since fuel was a precious commodity during the war and had to be imported by convoys, all efforts were made to try and ensure that it was used where it was really needed - for the war effort.
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3.3 Summer Camp (1945 or 1946)
In the summer of 1945 or 1946, Anthony Williams (a serviceman who was based at Greenock during the war and took on the role of Scout Master) took a small party of three 70th Scouts to Corfe Castle near Weymouth in the the South of England in order to camp with English Sea Scouts from his home town in Banstead. The three Scouts concerned were Matt Neilson, James Neilson and possibly Lamont MacKay. By the following year, Anthony had been demobbed and had returned to Banstead to be Scoutmaster of the Sea Scouts, but he invited any 70th Scouts who wished to participate in another joint camp. It is thought that the three same 70th Scouts availed themselves of the opportunity and camped on the Isle of Wight.
4. Summer Camps (1947-1959)
4.1 1947-1959
As stated above, Victor Clark restarted the 70th Troop in 1947. However, according to those who were in the troop at the time, Victor's strengths lay more in administration than in practical Scouting. In terms of camping and Scouting skills, Victor relied on his assistants, especially Brian Hodgson who was reported to be troop leader in 1950. Brian came from north east England and was a Scouting enthusiast spending many hours training the 70th Scouts in camping and Scouting skills. There is good circumstantial evidence that Brian organised weekend camps at Everton during the late 1940s and early 1950s, but it is not known whether any substantial summer camps took place. The absence of any records covering the period 1947-1949 makes it impossible to prove whether any form of camping took place during this period or not. There is some circumstantial evidence to suggest that 70th Scouts might have attended summer camps organised by other troops during 1948 and/or 1949. Specifically, a log book entry for 9th June 1950 stated that 'no fortnight's camp has been fixed this year' while the entry for the 31st March 1950 stated that three members of the 7th Renfrewshire Scouts arrived at the troop meeting to ask 'who was intending to visit their camp at Dumfries' that year. These entries seem to imply, but do not prove, that 70th Scouts attended another troop's summer camp in 1948 and/or 1949.
However, log books survive from the 1950s that provide some evidence for weekend camps at Everton. Evidence for summer camps during the period 1950-1954 is weaker. Having said that, there is an entry in the troop log which states that camping was 'a major part of the troop's activities', while another entry written during the summer of 1953 stated that 'No troop camp was held this year because no warranted Scouter was available' and that 'many weekend camps.... were held' instead. This does seem to imply that there may well have been a number of summer camps lasting a week during this period that were never recorded. It is quite likely that these camps took place at Everton, and it is known that Brian Hodgson was keen to find alternative campsites as he disliked the rules at Everton. According to Douglas Brown, there was an attempt to have a week-long camp on the south side of the Gryffe reservoir during May 1951. However, this had to be abandoned on the first day. According to the log book, this was because somebody told them that they could not camp on the site. However, Douglas was of the opinion that Brian's father vetoed the camp because of a poor weather forecast and the fact that the tents were unlikely to be properly waterproofed. Although it cannot be proven that any summer camps took place during the period 1947-54, Brian Hodgson was certainly responsible for training the Scouts with all the camping skills that were needed for summer camps - a legacy which bore fruit during the Ian Blake years (1955-59). Brian may or may not have organised summer camps during his spell with the 70th, but he certainly did organise a substantial Easter camp in 1954. Full details of this camp are provided on the website by clicking here. The Court of Honour Minutes also indicate that a substantial summer camp was intended near Perth for 16th-25tg July, 1954, but that this had to be cancelled. Instead, a 4-day summer camp led by Troop Leader Douglas Brown was run at Everton.
When Ian Blake took over as Scout Master in the autumn of 1954, he organised regular summer camps from 1955 to 1959 as described below. Ian was one of the very first Scouts to join the 70th when it was first started in the 1930s. Although he had not been involved in Scouting since 1934, he stepped in to fill the breach when Brian Hodgson resigned. Ian was an elder at Finnart Church and would have been aware of the 70th's need for a new S.M. Although Ian had no previous Scouting experience as a leader, he was supported by highly competent assistants such as Bob Miller, Douglas Brown, Ian McFarlane and Sandy Whiteford. This was particularly important as the troop was dominated by younger Scouts, especially in 1955 and 1956. Thus, several Scouts were promoted to PLs at the age of 13 and remained PLs for 3-4 years.
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​4.2 Inverary Summer Camp 1955
Leaders: S.M. Ian Blake; A.S.M. Bob Miller, A.S.M. Douglas Brown
Scouts: P.L. Sandy Whiteford, Scouts Kenneth Conway, Trevor Jones, Archie Brown, Ian McKenzie, Hamish Rankin.
This was the 70th's first summer camp following the end of the war. Unfortunately, there is no known written account of the camp or of its exact location. However, photographs were provided by Hamish Rankin and Douglas Brown. Douglas Brown has also provided oral information that identified exactly where the camp took place and who was present. The camp took place in the grounds of Inveraray Castle directly south of the Tower at the edge of the trees (Figure 5). Although there was only 1 patrol of Scouts, the camp proved highly successful. Click here to see the photographs and Douglas Brown's recollections.
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4.3 Tarbert Summer Camp, 3rd - 18th August 1956
Leaders (70th): S.M. Ian Blake; A.S.M. Bob Miller,Sandy Whiteford, Ian McFarlane.
Leaders (1st), A.S.M. Douglas Brown and A.S.M. Andrew Whiteford
70th Scouts: Hamish Rankin, Jim Blair, Alistair Nichol, Brian Elliot, Kenneth Johnson, Ian Inglis, William Harkness, , Ian Millar, Kenneth Conway, Scott Soutar, Trevor Jones, John Nisbet (part of the camp), J. Ham?, M. Wilson? M. McKenzie?
1st Scouts: Ross Macmillan, Roy Thomson, Sandy Reddie, Ronald Irvine,
​​​​​​​​​​​It is known that a summer camp took place at Glenralloch Farm, near Tarbert between the 3rd-18th August 1956 and that a small number of 1st Renfrewshire Scouts were also present; Douglas Brown and Andrew Whiteford had recently moved to the 1st as ASMs and were also present. Unfortunately, the Troop log book covering March 1955 to February 1957 is currently missing and so there is no account of the camp in the available records. However, a list of those who had paid camp fees has survived identifying those present from both the 1st and the 70th.
The following is a summary of the camp report from the missing log that was included in a brief overview of 70th summer camps prepared by Dr. George Anthony on the occasion of the Troop's 60th anniversary.
"Three Scouters and two patrols set off from Gourock on the St Columba. Each patrol had lashed their gear to a table and then carried the table onto the boat – ingenious idea. Pretty wet trip, but by the time the boat got to Tarbert, the sun had come out. The gear was transferred to a lorry for the trip to the campsite. The second day was very wet and Skipper decided to move the younger boys into the hay loft as a precaution. Free time in Tarbert helped to keep the boys from getting too wet."
"Weather improved and next day skipper again gave time in Tarbert in the hope that they would be fed up with the bright lights and then the Scouting could begin!"
"Captain Campbell (the farmer) gave permission to fish in Lily Loch – six trout were caught. Some of the older boys helped to bring in the hay.
A day hike to Eskit Bay was popular as it is very good for swimming. Two of the PLs spent a night at sea on a Tarbert fishing boat – one slept through most of it while the other found the trip very interesting."
"Monday the 13th was an unlucky day. The site was flooded about 4 AM; all evacuated to the hay loft and it was decided to send the younger boys back on the St Columba that day. A few of the older ones stayed on until the tents were dry and then they packed up and came home."
The location of Lily Loch and Eskit Bay have still to be determined.
The following is an account from the 1st Renfrewhire Troop Log that defined exactly where the camp was held at Glenralloch Farm (Figs. 6 & 7).
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"Three Scouts, Ross Macmillan, Roy Thomson and Sandy Reddie were present at a joint 1st (Mountpleasant) - 70th (Finnart) Renfrewshire camp at Tarbert, Loch Fyne due to be held from 3rd to 18th August 1956. Unfortunately, the 1956 weather was very much against camping under canvas and with wood-fire cooking. The result was that when A.S.Ms Andy Whiteford and Douglas Brown arrived on Saturday 11th August, they found the troop in good spirits but rather wet after a week of showers and wet nights."
"Worse was to come, however, for on Sunday night, after a morning church parade to the church in Tarbert where we met Boys Brigade also camping in Tarbert and an afternoon of cricket and baseball, it started to rain. And it rained and rained and rained. At. 2.30am on Monday those in the Scouters Bell tent (2 from 1st and 3 from 70th) awoke and discussed the situation. It was decided to continue attempting to sleep on damp grounsheets and with odd leaks in the tent (the canvas, although good quality, had by this time given up the unequal struggle) at least until daybreak."
"At 4.30am, however, the position worsened and the decisionw as taken to evacuate the camp to a hay-loft which had been in use earlier in the week because of rain. The boys were assembled in one tent and then the order was given to "get out". There followed a rush down the slippery to the farm in assorted night clothes (including top boots and oilskins) and a warm sleep in th hay until about 9 o'clock. Meanwhile, the Scouters, who were already soaked and past caring, made good thick porridge (which passed the vertical spoon test with flying colours) and tea. After breakfast, as no improvement was seen in the weather (and it could have done nothing but improve) it was decided to take the boys home. The 1st's A.S.M., Andy Whiteford, stayed in charge of 4 seniors from the 70th to clear the camp by the next Friday."
"A bus was hired to take the boys to the steamer "S.S. Saint Columba" at Tarbert Pier, as the rain was still torrential. The 3 1st boys and A.S.M.-back-to-work-Brown were therefore sent with the rest and arrived at Gourock at 5 o'clock in the afternoon."
"The decision to break camp was afterwards proved correct as the weather didn't improve until Wednesday. Here emdeth the report of a wet annual camp."
Author: Douglas Brown (A.S.M.)
A postscript to this account revealed that Ronald Irvine of the 1st Renfrewshire had been at the camp for the first few days before going on holiday with his parents.
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4.4 Pitlochry Summer Camp, 6th-17th August 1957
Leaders: G.S.M. Victor Clark; S.M. Ian Blake, Q.M. Robert Miller, A.S.M. Jim Harvey, A.S.M. Ian McFarlane (weekend only).
Troop Leader: Sandy Whiteford
Patrol Leaders: John Nisbet, Trevor Jones, B. Elliot
Scouts: R. Howison, R. Harvey, Hugh Paterson, Jim Blair, Tommy Dow, Alistair Cram, I. Miller, and Stuart Scott .
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The troop and its equipment travelled by Doig's coach to the campsite at Pitlochry and set up camp at Dunfallandy on the western bank of the River Tummel (Figs. 8 & 9). This was a different campsite from the one used by the 70th in 1936 and 1937, which was further south at Balinluig.
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During the week, there was a hike to the Pass of Killiecrankie. Stuart Scott and Jim Blair also constructed a tree house, and a 'transporter runway' was built with a Bosun's Chair that proved entertaining for spectators when anyone on the runway hit the ground at the bottom. The Scouts also managed to beat the Scouters in a game of cricket. It's not known whether there was an ascent of Dunfallandy Hill as the camp report finished rather abruptly and did not cover the whole camp. However, there was a hike to the Black Spout Waterfall to the east of Pitlochry
The account given in the troop log can be seen by clicking here. The website page covering the camp can be accessed by clicking here.
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4.5 Benderloch, 5th-18th July 1958
Leaders: S.M. Ian Blake, A.S.M. Robert Miller (2 nights only), A.S.M. Jim Harvey, A.S.M. Sandy Whiteford.
Troop Leader: John Nisbet (2 nights)
Patrol Leaders: Brian Elliot, Ken Conway, Kenneth Johnston, Hamish Rankin
Scouts: Ritchie Muir, R. Harvey, Laird McFarlane (1 week), William Harkness (1 week), Philip Dry (1 week), Sandy Miller, Jim Blair, Tommy Dow, Alistair Cram, Ian Fraser, Peter Fraser (1 week), and John Gatherer (1 week).
Wolf Cub: Martin Blake
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This camp took place during the 5th-18th July near Benderloch, but it is not yet established where exactly the camp was located. There were frequent visits to the beach which must have been very close, and both Benderloch and Connel Ferry south were within walking distance. There was a 1007 foot hill close by to the east of the campsite which was climbed by the troop on one of the evenings. This was Beinn Lora which was identified as being 1007 feet in the OS map published in 1947, then modified to 1010 feet after the 1954 survey. From this evidence, it is proposed that the campsite may have been between the A828 and the coastline just south of Ledaig. During the camp, various tests were passed towards the 2nd and 1st Class badges. There was also a walk from the campsite to Lady Margaret's Tower on the west side of Ardmucknish Bay. Various campfires were held during the camp, and Sandy Whiteford bagged a number of rabbits that were cooked and eaten at campfire. Hamish Rankin and Jim Harvey also left the camp for a couple of days in order to climb Ben Nevis. Throughout the camp, the four patrols were self sufficient - camping and cooking independently from the others. There is evidence that the patrol fires were built in the open rather than under kitchen shelters. Although safer in terms of the fire risk, it meant that it proved extremely difficult to light fires and cook meals when it was raining. The worst weather was possibly experienced on the second Sunday with the Scouts confined to their tents in the morning. It was perhaps unfortunate that this coincided with the parents visiting in the afternoon as the dismal morning probably was a big factor in five of the Scouts returning home with their parents that day.
A report on the camp was provided in the troop log and can be accessed by clicking here.
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4.6 Tarbert, 22nd-30st July 1959
The troop returned to the Tarbert area for 22nd-31st July 1959, but camped at a different campsite on the east side of West Loch Tarbert (Figs. 11 & 12). Two patrol log books have survived from the camp (Rattlesnake and Mouse Patrols). The leader team consisted of the following;
Leaders: S.M. Ian Blake, Robert Miller, Douglas Brown (weekend only), Sandy Whiteford (weekend only).
Troop Leader: John Nisbet (late arrival)
There were 4 patrols of Scouts at the campsite plus a Midge Patrol - so called because Martin and Ronnie Blake were aged about 10 and were deemed to be small and annoying.
Rattlesnake Patrol: P.L. Jim Blair, Sec. Sandy Miller, Philip Dry (Wet), Alistair Robb, Ronald Russell (Gorm)
Mouse Patrol: P.L. Trevor Jones, Alastair Cram, Tommy Dow, Ian Lee, David*, Alan Conway
Patrol 3: P.L. Ken Johnson, Robert Harvey, Albert Runcie, SK*, Ronald Lind, Allan Taylor
Patrol 4: P.L. Hamish Rankin (Tweet), Billy Phillips, Laird McFarlane, Michael Hodge and 'John'*
Midge Patrol: Martin and Ronnie Blake
*The David that was present might have been David Friedman or David McQuat. The 'John' night have been John Moore or John Gatherer. However, it is not known who SK was. Michael Nisbet also attended the last few days in camp, but it is not known which patrol he joined
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Figure 8 Campsite location at Dunfallandy (blue dots).
Figure 9 Enlargement of campsite area (blue dots).
Figure 10 Benderloch area
Figure 5 Location of the campsite used at Inveraray Castle - situated directly south of the tower close to the southern edge of the forested area.
Figure 6 Location of the campsite used at Glanralloch Farm (underlined in blue).
Figure 7 Sketch Map of the campsite location from the 1st Renfrewshire Scouts Troop Log.
Figure 10 Benderloch area
Figure 11 Location of the campsite near Achadacale at Grid ref 836647
Figure 12 Location of the campsite near Achadacale at Grid ref 836647
The troop travelled to Tarbert on the 'Loch Fyne', then the camp gear was loaded onto a lorry and transported to the campsite which was about 3 miles south of Tarbert. Bikes may well have been an innovation at this camp and came in useful when making the journey into Tarbert and back. There was even a 'garage' for the bikes at the camp (a tent perhaps). On one occasion, the police stopped a couple of bikes as the riders were providing 'backies' for another Scout. The Scouts were told off and warned that if they repeated this heinous crime, their Scout Master would be informed. Ten minutes later, Ian Blake appeared on a bike giving his son, Martin, a backie. Activities included swimming in the loch, and a raft was constructed which provided ample entertainment. There was also a blindfold rope trail set up by the Scouters for the Scouts to try. The Scouts then reciprocated and set up a blindfold rope trail for the Scouters which went over a pothole, a high rock and ended up in a cave. There were a large number of camp activities including football, baseball, ringstick, tracking, rope swing, plate racing, gadget making, races, campfires etc. Towards the end of camp, an aerial runway was set up across the river, with at least one Scout falling into the water. Training and testing was not neglected and two Scouts (Ronald Russell and Michael Nisbet) gained their 2nd Scout Badge, while Philip Dry gained his 1st Class badge.
Out of camp activities included a visit to Tarbert where the Scouts hired boats and fought sea battles, guzzled chips and ice cream at the Cafe Ca'dora and visited the Regent Cinema. There was also a return trip to Tarbert for an evening church service. A couple of hikes took place, one of which involved hiking to a chapel that is marked on the map as a historic site. The other hike involved a hill climb, but the hill was not identified. Two Scouts (Ken Johnson and Robert Harvey) experienced an overnight trip on a fishing trawler - an activity that was repeated in subsequent Tarbert Summer camps.
On the last full day of camp, Alastair Cram and Sandy Miller were jointly awarded the Cup for the Best Camper of the Year.
Reports on the camp have survived in the Troopo Log, and the patrol logs written by the Rattlesnake and Mouse Patrols. These can be accessed on the web page covering the camp which can be accessed by clicking here.
5. Summer Camps (1960-1966)
Summer Camps from 1960-1966 were organised by Bob Miller. Bob had been to a Blair Atholl Jamborette during the 1950s and came back from that camp with all sorts of new ideas on camping picked up from many of the European Scouts that had been at the Jamborette. The details of what that involved are not known, but it is likely that many of the assumptions on how summer camps should be run during the 1970s, 1980, and 1990s stemmed from Bob's innovations during the 1950s and 1960s. In essence, this involved patrols camping as self-contained units, cooking for themselves over wood fires, and developing camp kitchens with gadgets constructed from natural materials.
5.1 Tarbert 19th-29th July 1960
No written account of the Summer camp held near Tarbert in 1960 has been identified to date, and there are only a few photographs. Therefore, very little is known about the camp itself, or the Scouts and Scouters taking part. It is known, however, that the same campsite (Woodhouse) was used as in 1959, and that 17 Scouts and Scouters were involved. A short article in the Greenock Telegraph reported that there was some concern about how the campers would get to Tarbert. This was because there was a strike of seamen during the summer of 1960. In the end, the troop sailed to Tarbert in a private boat. No details were provided of what that involved. Surviving receipts from the camp identify the dates of the camp and also show that a launch was hired from Ritchies to get to and from Tarbert. The photographs from the camp indicate that another raft was constructed to explore West Loch Tarbert. A substantial skylon flagpole was also built. The only people identified from the photos have been Bob Miller, Tommy Dow, Albert Runcie, Alistair Cram and Sandy Miller.
Other possible attendees might have been VJASMs John Nisbet and Ken Johnston, and Scouts TL Jim Blair, PL Ian Fraser, Robert Harvey, Ronald Lind, John Moore, Billy Phillips, and Alan Conway.
5.2 Arduaine, 1st-11th August 1961
The Summer Camp of 1961 was held near Arduaine - the first (and only) time that the troop camped here. This followed a long debate by the Court of Honour lasting several months over possible campsites. Indeed, the decision to camp at Arduaine was possibly only taken in June following a recce of the site. For the first time, a small mini bus was hired for the camp and was driven there carrying camping equipment and Scouts. It has not been established whether all the Scouts were driven to the campsite or not. At the end of the camp, the 'wee men' sailed back to Gourock from Ardrishaig, but it is not recorded whether they also took the ferry to get to Ardrishaig at the start of the camp. Bob Miller and John Nisbet were in charge throughout the camp, with John taking on the role of quartermaster. Ian McFarlane was also present for a week of camp. The Scouts were organised into three patrols as follows:-
Hippopotamus Patrol
T.L. Alistair Cram, Sec. Ronald Russell, Michael Hodge, C. Davy, Raymond Berry
Cuckoo Patrol
P.L. Albert Runcie, Sec. John Moore, Bobby McCallum, R. McKelvie, Billy Phillips (from Sat. 5th)
Fox Patrol
P.L. Ronald Lind, Sec. Michael Nisbet, Ian Paterson, Alan Jeyes, Robin Crawford.
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The exact location of the campsite is believed to have been at Grid reference 812112, due west of Kames Farm (Figure 13).
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Figure 13 Proposed location of the Arduaine campsite at Grid ref 795106.
In general, the camp were dogged by bad weather and the mini bus proved useful in allowing the younger Scouts to be taken for a bus trip when it was raining. Other activities included a trip into Oban to visit the cinema, an ascent of Beinn Chaorach behind the campsite, a visit to a nearby seaweed factory, swimming and paddling, games of baseball, a 10-mile midnight hike, a treasure hunt, a blindfold rope trail, a tracking and observation trail, campfires that included communal campfires with English and Perthshire troops that were camped nearby, and an aerial runway that ran from the shore into the sea. Training and testing were also part of the programme, and Raymond Berry was one the very few 70th Scouts (perhaps the first one) to be invested into the Troop at a summer camp. At the beginning of each day at camp, a Scouter or a PL gave a talk on one of the 10 Scout Laws. At the very end of the camp, Bob Miller and Ian McFarlane decided to have a swim in the sea before setting off for the drive back home.
Click here to see further information (including photographs and log reports) on the 1961 summer camp.
5.3 Tayvallich 1962
Virtually no written records survive for the Summer camp held in 1962. The only indications that this camp took place was from a record card for John Lyle which stated that he spent a 10-day camp there in 1962, as well as brief references to the camp in the troop log covering 1963. However, a number of unlabelled transparencies obtained from Bob Miller might well be from this camp. If so, they suggest that 13 or so Scouts were present, including Alan Conway, Billy Phillips, Ian Fraser, George Conway, Bobby McCallum and John Lyle. Others that might have been present include Ronald Lind, Robin Crawford, Alan Jeyes, Billy Gunn, Gifford Lind, Ronald Russell and Ian Paterson. The exact location of the camp is thought to be the same as that identified in 1963 below.
5.4 Carsaig, Tayvallich 6th-16th August 1963
The Summer Camp of 1963 was held at the same campsite as in 1962, namely Carsaig Bay, near Tayvallich. Unfortunately, very few photographs of the camp have survived. However, accounts of the camp were provided in the Troop log covering 1963, as well as the Curlew Patrol Log that was written during the camp. The exact location of the camp was not defined, but photographs taken from a recce on the campsite (possibly carried out in 1962) indicate that it was located on a low ridge on the south side of Carsaig Bay, and east of the track leading south from Carsaig Bay to Barnashalg (highlighted by the blue dots in figures14 and 15).
Those attending the camp were as follows
​Scouters: Bob Miller, Albert Runcie and Alastair Cram (long weekend only)
Eagle Patrol PL Billy Phillips, Gifford Lind, Gordon Paterson, David Flockhart, Douglas Clements, Robert Morrison
Bear Patrol PL Ian Faser, Billy Gunn, Philip Dalgleish, John Martin, James Ramage (weekend only), Alan Jeyes (weekend only)
Curlew Patrol PL Michael Nisbet, Charles Davy, John Lyle, Roderick McArthur, Jim Barr
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The 70th Scouts and the camping equipment sailed from Gourock on the 'Lochfyne' to Ardrishaig, and were then transported by bus to the campsite at Carsaig Bay, about a mile west of Tayvallich. During the camp, several tests were passed towards 1st Class and 2nd Class badges and there were several games of baseball and football at the 'car park'. It is not known where exactly this was, but it was probably close to the shore. The patrols also constructed bivouacs, camp ovens, an aerial runway and a monkey bridge. One of the patrols had to deal with a wasps nest next to their campsite, which involve trying to burn it out. The patrols were allowed to plan their own activities on one of the days, and one patrol (the Eagle) hired a rowing boat in Tayvallich to row round the islands. The other two patrols went for a hike. On the Sunday, many of the Scouts were taken out for a meal by their parents and the Troop went to Tayvallich Church in the evening. There was also a day visit to Lochgilphead in order to go putting, visit cafes, and spend pocket momey. In the evening, the troop visited the local cinema which was described as a flea pit. It is believed that this was the Empire Cinema, which was originally constructed to show films at the 1938 Empire exhibition held in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, and was then transported and rebuilt in Lochgilphead. Throughout the camp, there was a keenly fought contest between the Curlew and the Eagle Patrols to win the Camp Patrol Championship. The Curlews initially gained a large lead before the Eagles slowly whittled it down over the rest of the camp and eventually edged ahead in the last couple of days. Roderick MacArthur and Douglas Clements were joint winners of the GSM's Cup for their performance at camp.
Figure 13 Proposed location of the Tayvallich campsite within area defined by blue dots
Figure 14 Proposed location of the Tayvallich campsite within area defined by blue dots
5.5 Tarbert 11th-21st August 1964
Figure 15 One possible location of the Tarbert campsite of 1964 within area defined by blue dots
Figure 16 Second possible location of the Tarbert campsite of 1964 within area defined by blue dots
The exact location of the campsite used for the 1964 summer camp to West Loch Tarbert has not been defined in the Troop records. One possibility is that it took place at the same campsite used in 1959 and 1960 (Figure15). The campsite was reported to be about 5 miles south of Tarbert and the activities carried out during the camp indicate that it was on the east side of West Loch Tarbert. This matches well with the previous campsite, or a location very close to it. One such location is believed to be close to Achnacarnan (Figure 16) - about one mile south of the 1959/1960 campsite. The Achnacarnan campsite was used in 1965, and it is quite feasible that the same campsite was used in 1964, 1965 and 1966.
According to the Troop's annual report for the Church, this was the first summer camp where five patrols of Scouts were present - an indication that the troop was prospering.
​Scouters
SM Bob Miller, ASM John Nisbet, ASM Albert Runcie and ASM Alastair Cram (weekend only)
Junior Scouters
Billy Phillips, Alan Jeyes and Michael Nisbet (weekend only)
Curlew Patrol
PL Ronald McKnight, Sec. Roderick McArthur, D. Clements, Jim Barr and John Martin
Eagle Patrol
PL Bobby McCallum, Sec Raymond Berry, Robert Morrison and Robert Beattie
Falcon Patrol
PL Billy Gunn, Sec. John Lyle, David White,Jimmy Duncan and Gordon Morris
Seagull Patrol
PL Gifford Lind, Sec. Alex Aitkenhead, Peter Robertson and Andrew Pearson
Fox Patrol
P.L. Robin Crawford, Sec. George Conway, David Flockhart and Stewart Ross
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The Scouts boarded the 'Lochfyne' at Gourock, the troop equipment having been loaded the day before. Packed lunches were eaten on the boat. Bikes were taken to the camp by the older Scouts, and a couple of minibuses were used to transport the camping gear, equipment and younger Scouts to the campsite.
AActivities at camp included football, baseball, swimming in West Loch Tarbert, and seaweed fights in the vicinity of an ‘island’. The island was not identified but it is likely to be a small, unnamed island to the east of the island of Eileann Eoghainn to the south of Rhu Point.. On one occasion, several Scouts played football in their swimming costumes as there had been torrential rain that morning. A couple of pioneering projects were also completed in camp. One of these involved Billy Phillips and Alan Jeyes building a bridge, then ‘ducking’ Peter Robertson for daring to try it out before it was officially opened. Later, during the camp, a tree house was constructed by Billy Phillips and the PLs, and it is known that Billy Phillips, Billy Gunn and Robert Crawford spent a night in it.
On the 14th, the troop ascended the hill behind the campsite (Cnoc a’ Bhaile-shios, 1383 ft) in order to find the source of the river that flowed through the campsite. After visiting the summit, the Scouts descended via a small lochain where some of the party went for a swim (Bob Miller, Raymond Berry, Robert Morrison and possibly one other).
On Saturday 15th, the Scouts visited the cinema in Tarbert to see the Peter Sellers film "Heavens Above". A few days later, the troop returned to the cinema to see a film called ‘Flight of the White Stallions’. This was paid for by the local grocer, who might well have repeated the treat during the 1966 summer camp. On the Sunday, the troop caught a mini bus into Tarbert then paraded to church for the morning service. In the afternoon, parents came for their customary visit to inspect the campsite and to take their offspring out for a meal.
On the Monday, there was a treasure hunt, but this did not appear to be all that successful. Most gave up, but five Scouts persevered and managed to track down two of the clues. However, their efforts came to naught. When they eventually returned to camp, they discovered that they had missed supper. On the 19th, most of the troop were involved in a service project as a ‘thank you’ to the farmer on whose land they were camped. Unfortunately, the nature of that projected was not described. Campfires were held most evenings and included the mandatory cocoa and Bob's speciality - the camp dumpling.
On the 21st, the Scouts and their equipment returned to Tarbert by bicycle and mini bus. The equipment was loaded onto the ‘Loch Fyne’ when it arrived on its outward journey from Gourock, then the Scouts remained in Tarbert for a leisurely lunch before boarding the ‘Loch Fyne’ when it returned in the afternoon on its ‘inward’ journey.
Photos of the camp were taken by Bob Miller and Robin Crawford and can be viewed on the website by clicking here.
A report on the camp was also provided in the Troop Log and can be accessed by clicking here.
5.6 West Loch Tarbert 17th-28th August 1965
The exact location of the camp has still to be determined and it is not known whether the same campsite was used in 1964 and 1966. The log book reports that the site was in the vicinity of Achnacarnan farm on the east side of West Loch Tarbert (Figures 17 and 18). There is also a photograph that shows that the campsite was accessible from the A83 by means of a track leading up to Achnacarnan.
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This year, there were four patrols and half a dozen Scouters attending summer camp. However, there was a fair bit of ‘to-ing and fro-ing’ and the only members of the Scouter team to be present throughout the whole camp were Robin Crawford and Michael Nisbet. Similarly, several Scouts only attended part of the camp. This was intentional as far as Duncan Malcolm, Alan Anderson, Roy Fraser and Graham Patrick were concerned as they had only recently moved up to the troop from the Cub Pack the previous May, and it was judged that 4 days would be a sufficient length of time to spend in camp. However, it is not known why Eric Taylor and Graeme McBride only stayed for a few days. As far as Charlie Stewart was concerned, he had an accident on the ‘transporter’ and probably returned home early as a result.
The full list of those attending was as follows
Scouters
S.M. Bob Miller (5 days), ASM John Nisbet (9 days), ASM Alastair Cram (5 days), ASM Michael Nisbet, ASM Ian Fraser (7 days), JASM Robin Crawford.
Curlew Patrol
PL R. McKnight, SEC. John Martin, Jim Barr, Ian Galt, Duncan Malcolm (4 days)
Falcon Patrol
PL Billy Gunn, SEC David Flockhart, Derek Phillips, David White, Peter Robertson
Seagull Patrol
PL Bobby McCallum, SEC Robert Morrison, Robert Beattie, Graeme McBride (5 days), Roy Fraser (4 days), Alan Anderson (4 days)
Seal Patrol
PL George Conway, SEC Gordon Paterson, Stewart Ross, Eric Taylor (5 days), Charles Stewart (9 days), Graham Patrick (4 days)
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As in previous years, the Scouts and the equipment sailed on the MV Loch Fyne to Tarbert and were then transported to the campsite by a couple of vehicles that might have been hired locally. Several of the older Scouts had brought bicycles and cycled to camp (as in previous years).
This year, there was a significant emphasis on pioneering projects. A substantial footbridge was built across a stream, and a tree house was also built. A Commando bridge consisting of 2 ropes was constructed, and there was also a transporter (aerial runway). However, the most substantial project of the camp was a signalling tower, which was probably the largest scale pioneering project ever created at a 70th summer camp. An interesting feature created this year was a ‘drinking water pool’. It is not known just what that involved and why it was considered necessary. One possibility is that the stream through the campsite was quite small and that it would have been difficult to fill water containers.
Apart from the pioneering projects, there were various games of baseball and football. On one occasion, an ‘International’ football game was organised against an English Troop that was camping about a mile or two away. The 70th won quite convincingly. There were at least a couple of swims in West Loch Tarbert, probably close to the ‘island’ described in the 1964 account. There was also a campfire most nights. A special event which might have been organised for the first time was a tea party for those Scouts attending a full summer camp for the first time. This came to be known as the GSM’s or GSLs tea party, and became a standard part of the programme for future summer camps.
There was a trip to Tarbert on the Saturday with some Scouts visiting the cinema, and others spending their time in a café. When everyone returned to camp, the PLs went off on a night hike (presumably with the Scouters) which may well have been the kind of overnight expedition undertaken at previous camps where the hikers eventually got back to camp at about dawn. A couple of days later, there was a day hike to explore an ancient chapel that was marked on the map, and an elaborate ceremony was carried out on arrival to appease any spirits in the area before entering. It is also known that there was an overnight fishing trip – presumably involving a small number of the older Scouts sailing on a fishing trawler overnight. However, no details of this were recorded.
Finally, the Curlew patrol had a bit of unexpected excitement when their kitchen shelter caught fire. This was reported in a rather matter of fact fashion in the troop log and it is not known how this happened or whether the shelter was completely destroyed or merely damaged.
The Seagull Patrol won the camp championship and were treated by the Scouters to the cinema back in Greenock.
Photos of the camp were taken by Bob Miller and Robin Crawford and can be viewed on the website by clicking here.
A report on the camp was also provided in the Troop Log and can be accessed by clicking here.
Figure 17 Approximate location of the Tarbert campsite of 1965 within area defined by blue dots
Figure 18 Approximate location of the Tarbert campsite of 1965 within area defined by blue dots
5.7 West Loch Tarbert 16th- 26th August 1966
Scouters: GSM Bob Miller, SM Alastair Cram, and ASM Robin Crawford.
Troop Leader: Billy Gunn.
Patrol Leaders: David White, Jim Barr, John Lyle and Alex Aitkenhead.
Scouts: Peter Robertson, Robert Beattie, Robert Morrison, Charles Stewart, Jimmy Duncan, David Shearer, Gordon Morris, John Martin, John Tait, Alan Anderson, Alex Christie, Stanley Anderson, Russell Reid, Duncan Malcolm, Kenneth McKenzie.
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For the third time in three successive years, the troop visited Tarbert for their Summer Camp. This was to be the last summer camp attended by Bob Miller, and the first summer camp where Alastair Cram was Scout Master. There were four Patrols present at the camp and the camp programme was in line with what had taken place in previous camps with the emphasis on patrol camping and cooking over wood fires. Activities included swimming, hiking, football, training and testing, stunts, aerial runway, visits to Tarbert, GSMs tea party, campfires etc. Unusual events included gnumph hunting , a ceremonial respect to 'Totie', and the adoption of a squirrel as a camp mascot. Another unique event was the promotion of a Troop Leader and a Patrol Leader during the camp.
Photos of the camp can be accessed by clicking here.
A report on the camp from the Falcon Patrol Log can be accessed by clicking here.
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