Viking Adventure 2008
Updated: 24/07/08 : 08:50
News from Denmark
Click on the link below for updates from the contingent as the adventure unfolds.
www.cambridgeshirescouts.org.uk/districts/ely/denmarknews.html
24 July 2008: The Adventure takes off
The 45 member contingent of Scouts, Explorers Scouts & Leaders (38 from Ely & District, 7 from 14th Cambridge Troop) arrives in the Ribe area of Denmark for their summer expedition to be hosted by our friends in Ribe-Hviding Scout District. The age range of the Scouts & Explorer Scouts (7 girls, 26 boys) on the trip is 10 years - 18 years.
The main contingent (of 33) leaves the Ely area by coach late morning, travels to Stansted to take the 90 minute flight out to Billund (Denmark). Met there by Kurt Rahr, Danish Scout Leader, the contingent travels by coach to its log cabin base near Ribe to link up with the advance parties & back up vehicles by 20.00 (DK time); 19.00 BST.
The itinerary over the 9 days includes learning about the Danish culture & history, a guided tour of Ribe (Ely's twin town), climbing/abseiling, 2 full days of Danish Style Scouting, the Wadehaven centre & a guided coastal safari/visit to MandØ Island, Legoland, Esbjerg, Viking Centre & falconery display plus many other opportunities. Extra activites are being lined up by our Danish scouting friends, so there are bound to be many suprises for the UK Contingent
23 July 2008: Advance parties & Back up vehicles sail to Denmark
Contingent one left the Ely area shortly after midnight (Tuesday), to catch a P&O ferry from Dover to Calais.
Text received from JW at 06.35 (Wednesday) "nous arrivons france". The 600 miles through beautiful country side passed without much improvement in their french. The contingent arrived in Degnetoften (DK) around 8pm (local time) where they are working on their Danish over a Danish meal as well as aiming to have a good night's rest before shopping for the main contingent's arrival Thursday evening.
Contingent two leaves the Ely area around 20.00 hours to catch the overnight sailing from Harwich, arriving at The Hook of Holland around 07.00 hours (E.S.T.); Thursday. 450 miles later they arrive in the Ribe area around 17.00 hours (Thursday).
22 July 2008: International check-in
All contingent members who are flying Ryanair, to attend the designated check-in (with a parent/guardian in the case of under 18's).
Check-in opens at 6pm, closes at 9pm (earlier if possible).
Please remember to bring with you all of the following:
- "original" passports & EHICs
- Packed Ruck Sack, for weighing (must be under 15 kg)
- Any Danish Krone to be placed in a camp bank
- Payment for any amounts owing for Contingent garments.
We will issue final information to parents & also need to double check some information with you.
Forms and resources for Parents
Kit list [download size 333 kb]
Travel insurance details can be found at: http://www.unityins.co.uk/scouts/travel.html
19 July 2008: Health forms
All completed health forms have now been received by Contingent Leader. Thank you.
29 June 2008: Contingent & Parents' Briefing Meeting
With only 4 weeks to the event contingent members and parents met at Littleport Scout centre for final information, issue of DK contingent clothing, passport checks, Barbeque & photocall.
During the afternoon Inge, a Danish speaking Beaver Scout mum, led a very positive summary session on everyday Danish phrases to assist the contingent when they travel to DK next month.
20 April 2008: District St George's Day Parade
Today, the contingent together with other Explorers Scouts, erected version 2 of the Viking boat on Palace Green decorated with flags and Group shields, attracting interest from the many hundreds of parents, tourists etc. who had gathered to watch the District's Scouting parade. (photo awaited).
Due to a late surge in bookings the event is now regarded as fully subscribed, and we are unable to take new bookings.
Sunday 30th March 2008 - Team building afternoon - Witchford
17 of the Scouts & Explorers Scout contingent members took part in a practical (outdoor) team event during which they constructed a viking ship, under guidance from Explorer Scout Leaders Jeff Parker, John Wells & Scout Leader Mike Philbey.
Later in the afternoon parents came along to view the result, meet the contingent's leader team, hear an overview of the expedition and the successful fund-raising to date, the planned programme of activities and clarify points of interest.
21st & 22nd March 2008: Fund-raising event at Waitrose Store, Ely
On Good Friday & Easter Saturday contingent members helped pack Waitrose customers' shopping bags at the checkouts raising £1,733 towards reducing the cost of the International expedition to the Youth members attending.
Contingent Leader: David Briston (District Commissioner)
