The Huddersfield Scouts hit Adventure Base!

I was never part of the Brownies. Or the scouts for that matter! But I got the chance to make up for that when a group of 50 Huddersfield Scouts descended on Chamonix for a week of action packed excitement with us at Adventure Base.

The planning started back in October, almost an entire year ago. The criteria was simple: 50 beds, including catering facilities, and all on a tight budget. At first this seemed to be hard to fulfil. On the last count, I’m sure our central Chamonix chalets only sleep 28! Andy has always astounded me with his ‘fix it’ ability, but turning 28 beds into accommodation for 50 was surely beyond even him. I clearly underestimated him …

As I pulled into the car park on Monday morning I was faced with a perfect row of 50 Scouts, lined up like Russian dolls, all sporting their orange woggles and repeating the chorus of ‘a drunken sailor’ at the top of their voices! Behind them, in the garden joining our three chalets, was a neat row of ten tents.

Like magic -28 beds turn into 50 for the Huddersfield scouts Chamonix adventure.

I gingerly stepped out of my car, slightly concerned that I may be roped into a solo of the next verse, only to see them marching off down the road at the command of Huddersfield’s effective Scout Leaders. They were off to rise to the incredible height of 3842m via Chamonix’s famous Aiguilles de Midi cable.

This was just one of the many activities they got up to during their week with us. They were swept off down the white water torrents of the Arve on canoes, they were marched up into to foothills of the Mont Blanc Massive, and they ripped through the trails of the valley on mountain bikes. Back at head quarters in the evening, they were entertained with a talk by high altitude mountaineer Kenton Cool, bbqs and treasure hunts!

The Adventure Base Scout Camp - from wedding receptions to scouts, our garden's seen it all this summer!

All my respect goes out to the incredible work done by the North Huddersfield Scout leaders who benevolently work their socks off to ensure these kids have a fun and safe week! Look forward to seeing you all again next year.