Phoenix Troop at Ardwhallan

Sixteen Scouts, three Leaders and two Young Leaders from 2nd Onchan’s Phoenix Scout Troop spent the weekend at Ardwhallan Outdoor Pursuits Centre over the 5. – 7. November 2010.

On the Friday night after a quick briefing and sorting out of rooms, it was off to the nearby plantation for a Wide Game, most of the Scouts covered their faces in genuine army camouflage for the activity. Once back at Ardwhallan we released Chinese Lanterns into the clear night sky, our way of celebrating Guy Fawkes Night without scaring all the nearby farm animals. We then had supper around the fire in the Viking Longhouse, which resulted in us all smelling of wood smoke.

On Saturday morning after breakfast and room inspection we were out taking part in the various activities and challenges that are available in the Ardwhallan Grounds. These included the Assault Course, Low Rope Course and lots of problem solving challenges. After lunch we did a six mile hike which took us over some of the wettest footpaths on the hills up to Brandywell. In the evening we popped into Douglas to watch the Fireworks before heading back to Ardwhallan for some night time orienteering followed by a movie before heading off to bed.

Sunday mornings activities were Archery and the Cheese Crane. Most Scouts then went off to Peel for Swimming and the few that stayed behind did Backwoods Cooking. After lunch we managed another session on the Assault Course before giving the centre a good clean out before the Scouts headed off home at 3pm.