This was the third home based 'Red Rose' International Camp that the troop had attended at our County Scout Camp Site at Waddecar.

I have to admit that this was probably the best-organised camp that I had attended as a leader. There were over 1300 Scouts camping from many different countries and the week was none stop action from start to finish. A lot of the emphasis was on meeting Scouts from other countries and as there were at least 2 Norwegian Guide Troops on site this did not prove to be an obstacle!

The lads had many opportunities to try out new activities both on and off site and besides, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, canoeing a new venture was undertaken by one set of lads, namely Ghyl Scrambling which was undertaken at Coniston and sounded great fun.

Every night the big marquee in the centre of the site was buzzing with atmosphere and in the week we were there some of the entertainment put on had to be seen to be believed. Bearing in mind that this was August the 'Christmas Party' was so successful that the 'Ormskirk Crew' organised a New Years Eve bash for the next night. While all this was going on the leaders were discussing the meaning of life etc. over a quiet pint in the leaders' bar!

As a camp it could not have been bettered - good weather, good food, new friends, plenty to do and a new name for our Group!!!

LANDGRABBERS

As a Scout I had always been taught to mark out your camping area and then anything within that roped off area was your responsibility. Being first to arrive at Red Rose 2000 we were shown the field we were to set up in and got on with it. However, by the end of the night when most of the others allocated the same field arrived it was obvious that it was going to be a bit squashed when all the canvas went up. We did move one boundary rope but this left an open area in front of our tentage that no one else had! One leader was heard to say that Rufford were a load of landgrabbing so and so's and Pete Bullen and myself looked at each other , smiled and 'Landgrabbers' were born.

As soon as we returned the merchandise was designed and ordered and Scouts now become a 'Landgrabber' as soon as they have camped one night with the Troop.
It was this camp that was responsible for the eventual trip to Switzerland in 2002 as Pete and myself had so much free time to discuss the future that a camp abroad was one of the items considered.