Troop Log entry for the 1964 summer camp can be viewed by clicking here.
Summary of Summer Camp at West Loch Tarbert (1964)
Attendance
Scouters
SM Bob Miller, ASM John Nisbet, ASM Albert Runcie, 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 J. 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
Although the exact location of the campsite used for the 1964 summer camp was not defined in the Troop records, it is possible that it was the same campsite used in 1959 and 1960. On the other hand, the campsite used in 1965 at Achnacarnan is equally plausible. This year, five patrols participated - representing the largest number of Scouts ever to attend a 70th Summer Camp.
The Scouts sailed on the 'Lochfyne' from Gourock to Tarbert, then travelled the 5 miles to camp by bike and mini bus. Activities at camp included football, baseball, swimming, and seaweed fights in the vicinity of an island that is believed to a small, un-named island to the east of Eileann Eoghainn and the south of Rhu Point. 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 the PLs, and a number of Scouts spent a night in it.
On one of the days, there was an 'expedition' to trace the source of the river that flowed through the campsite. This involved climbing Cnoc a’ Bhaile-shios (1383 ft) and, during the descent, a number of Scouts swam in a small lochain. There were also a couple of visits to the cinema in Tarbert, where the Scouts saw aPeter Sellers film called "Heavens Above", and a Walt Disney film called "Flight of the White Stallions". The second visit was a treat paid for by the local grocer. On the Sunday, the troop paraded to Tarbert church for the morning service, then, in the afternoon, parents made their customary visit to inspect the campsite and to take their offspring out for a meal.
On the Monday, there was a difficult treasure hunt, with only five Scouts persevering. Although theymanaged to track down two of the clues, they returned empty handed and, to add insult to injury, they returned to find that they had missed supper. Towards the end of the camp, a service project was carried out for the farmer as a 'thank you' for allowing the troop to camp on his land. Campfires were held most evenings and included the mandatory cocoa and Bob's speciality - the camp dumpling.
On the final day, the Scouts returned to Tarbert by bicycle and mini bus, then took the 'Loch Fyne' back to Gourock.
Photos of the camp were taken by Bob Miller and Robin Crawford and can be viewed on this page.
A report on the camp was also provided in the Troop Log and can be accessed by clicking here.
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