The summer months provide an opportunity for Scouts to enjoy adventures without the constraints of the school term. We’ve seen plenty of international travel with Project Africa in Malawi and Roverway in Scandinavia, but there have also been contingents visiting the UK from overseas.
One such visit was from 3rd Kolding Scout Group in southern Denmark, who were hosted by their long-time friends at 1st Burghfield and Sulhamstead at a special camp at Buddens Activity Centre in Dorset.
The relationship between the two groups dates back to 2018 when 1st B&S visited the Houens Odde campsite in Denmark and wanted to spend time with a local Scout group. An exploratory email led to a response from one of 3rd Kolding’s leaders – Matthew Earnshaw, an Englishman who is known by the nickname Cheese – whose reply led to a meeting between the two groups. The young people played a traditional Danish game called Pind Pind (literally meaning Stick Stick) and spent time socialising and eating together.
From there, communication between the two groups continued and led to a second Jamboree in Denmark where they joined forces once again. This year, it was the turn of 1st Burghfield and Sulhamstead to play host to their guests.
The Danish Scouts flew in on Friday 26 July, camping initially at 1st B&S headquarters. The day after, 82 people – 38 UK Scouts, Explorers, and Leaders and 44 Danish Scouts and Leaders embarked on the trip.
An action-packed week including coasteering, a visit to Monkey World, and a day visiting the birthplace of Scouting – Brownsea Island. The older Explorers completed an overnight hike, staying under a traditional Danish shelter at a Scout hut in Bridport before returning home.
The Scouts and Explorers enjoyed teaching each other games and songs, as well as learning each other’s language. They also got to experience some Danish food including an Open Sandwich lunch. It was a very hot week, and the Scouts enjoyed building their very own pool and water slide to keep cool.
Feedback from the Explorers was universally positive:
” If I could rate it on CampAdvisor – I would give it 5 stars”.
“The Danish scouts were really cool, and we are still in touch with some of them.”
“I loved the Danish way of camping under the tarpaulin – I think it was the best night’s sleep I have ever had at camp.”
” It was brilliant, loved learning Danish words and making new friends.”
Plans are already afoot for a return visit to Denmark for their Jamboree in 2026!
