Sixers’ Camp

The first reference found in the District records that relates to a camp being held specifically for Sixers is in 1936. That record though states that the proposed camp was cancelled due to bad weather.

It is not known if there was a camp in 1937, but there are two notes in the records that confirm that a 1938 camp was held and attended by about 40 Cubs.

According to the records the camp in 1939 was supported by all the packs bar one, and held over the first weekend of July at the Camping Ground. The number of Cubs that camped, which included Seconds, was 54.

The records for 1940 mention a Social for Sixers but there is no reference to a camp being held. In fact, it appears that there were probably no camps during the war years.

36 Cubs from 8 Packs attended the camp held in 1946, a full report of which was given in the local press. The press also provided a substantial report of the 1947 camp, with the weather providing ideal conditions. On that occasion there were 60 Cubs from 10 Packs.

The 1948 camp was held over the weekend of 10^th – 11^th July at the Camping Ground with increased support, there being over 80 Cubs from 12 Packs. The increase in the number of Cubs that camped was partly due to the fact that it had earlier been agreed that each Pack could take a maximum of 2 boys from each Six, provided they had an adequate number of Scouters. It had further been agreed / confirmed, in advance, that each Pack would be responsible for their own catering arrangements at the designated meal times. Cub parents and friends were also invited to the campfire on Saturday evening. A much shorter report was provided by the press.

Very little is known about the 1949 camp that was held over the weekend of 9^th – 10^th July, although it is recorded in the minutes that Scouters were reminded that Cubs could only attend if they were over 9½ years of age. It was also agreed that the Curate of the 15^th Finchley (Christ Church, North Finchley), would lead the Cubs’ Own on the Sunday and that the camp would finish at 4.30pm, so those wishing to go to church could do so.

There were two changes to the format of the 1950 camp held over the weekend of the 8^th – 9^th July at the Camping Ground. The first was that 2 or 3 Packs joined together for their catering arrangements and that permission was given for Packs to camp on the Friday night if they wished, despite the fact that the event did not officially start until Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately there is no press report about the camp, attended by 90 Cubs and 38 Scouters.

In advance of the 1951 camp (7^th – 8^th July) there was some concern that, if wet, there was a lack of undercover accommodation at the Camping Ground. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that the camp would be held at Well End, the Scout Activity Centre in Hertfordshire. Another discussion then followed about how some Packs were going to transport their equipment which ended with arrangements for a lorry to collect their gear from one of three locations on the Friday evening. As a result of the change in venue only 68 Cubs and 24 Scouters were present. Nevertheless, after the camp those that did attend agreed that despite some organisational problems and the fact that the wood supplied for the fires was unsatisfactory, everyone had enjoyed themselves.

Discussions prior to the 1952 camp (5^th – 6^th July) were dominated by where it should be held. In the end it was decided to return to the Camping Ground. Consideration was given to hiring a marquee but that did not happen, although a lorry was again used to transport the equipment for some Packs. Plans were also made to include a wide game and treasure hunt in the programme. Although the local press did not cover the event some photographs have been found as well as a short report in the 4^th Finchley history book.

The 1953 camp was held slightly later in July than usual, 18^th – 19^th, but followed a similar format to previous years, and was also referred to as the Cubmasters’ Camp. Of the 15 Packs that were present 11 still required help with transporting their equipment, so a lorry was again utilised. The others were quite happy to make their own way, including the 4^th Finchley who used their trek-cart. Once again there is no press report, but it is known that 105 Cubs, 27 Scouters, 17 Cub Instructors and 5 Rovers spent the weekend at the Camping Ground. Although the Camp was only briefly mentioned in the District AGM report there are more 4^th Finchley photographs.

There were nearly as many Scouters and helpers (56) as there were Cubs (83), at the 1954 camp held over the weekend of 17^th – 18^th July. There is a very brief press report which does not detail the weekend activities. It is known though, from the planning meeting, that there was to be a special Pack meeting run by Miss Cosgrove (6^th Finchley), a nature talk on birds by Derek Warren (15^th Finchley), an activity run by the District Commissioner for Edmonton, a wide game and an opportunity to pass badges. Most Packs were also able to transport their own equipment so there was no need to hire a lorry.

Little is known about the 1955 camp that was again referred to as the Sixers’ and Cubmasters’ Camp. The organisation was left principally to Arthur Notini, the ADC, and Arthur Withey who were later thanked for their hard work. Minutes from the Scouters’ meeting say ‘everyone expressed appreciation for the efficient running of the camp’ and ‘it had been exceptionally well run’. At the same meeting the ADC said that he would like more Packs to join together to save time and space in cooking, and that if boys went down the road to the shops in Mill Hill East they should be accompanied, and be in uniform.

More to follow

Gallery

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