Our third National Venture Camp brought together 150 Ventures from 21 Units from all parts of the country. Some units were returning for a third year, plus several new units, including units from the Island, all of whom had heard reports of the previous two successful camps.

Units arrived all day Thursday, and the Opening Ceremony was attended by the Island Commissioner, Paul Rock.

Following the official opening the camp commenced with a Disco during which old friendships were renewed and new acquaintances made. Following the Disco there was a Camp Fire.

A Round the Island Treasure Hunt took the Units from Godshill to Chale, along the Military Road to Brook, through Brighstone and Calbourne to Corfe where they took part in Abseiling and Juggling and a Barbacue was laid on. There was also an unscheduled water fight, which saw Michael and Mark come off the worst. From there they went via Havenstreet to Puckpool for Archery and back to camp via Culver.

The Games Evening saw Paul Rock taking part in Musical Chairs, and there was a giant game of Twister, and many other games. Following this there was a Camp Fire.

Due to numbers the Units were split into four groups to take part in Wight Waters at Shanklin and Clay Pigeon Shooting at Shorwell. A Barn Dance in the evening was followed by a Camp Fire in which there was a discussion as to the life of fire.

The day commenced with a Treasure Hunt round Blackgang Chine.

It was back to the Camp Site for a Tea Party and Bun fight, and then on to the evening’s entertainment - a Karaoke. During the course of the evening Michael’s Birthday was celebrated as he was gunged - yellow and green and covered in shredded paper to look much like a funky chicken

The closing ceremony included an Awards ceremony in which the characters of camp were remembered.

Then it was time for the final Camp Fire, which in true traditional style saw the arrival of dawn and beyond.

Saw everyone packing up to go home - they all want to come back again!

We must be doing something right - and so its back to the planning stage - and