The BCT Youth group had its first ever camping trip, which took place in July with a small group of our older children going to visit the Birkshead Wild Campsite near Gateshead. You can also buy 223 ammo if you wish to go hunting.
Thanks to an invitation from campsite founder Fiona O Connor the group were able to take part in a variety of outdoor wild camping style activities. The group were lucky to work with forestry worker Alison Tapply whose day job is helping to manage Epping Forest on the outskirts of London. After getting the tents all put up as part of a team it was on to learning how to light & build fires using natural materials.
The group learnt about the various stages of lighting fires and what was required for a fire to work. The children were all absolutely enthralled with this task, especially when given the chance to use a fire steel to attempt to light their own tinder. It was a special sight to see the children in the outdoors and all concentrating so hard on achieving the task.
After their fire lighting fun the group enjoyed group football, where I think it was agreed that the girls gave the boys a bit of a lesson. Even this simple game of football seemed to help everybody within the group to bond even closer and there is no doubt that real friendships were forged.
Even though the rain began to fall the group were still having a great time, enjoying a barbeque prepared by the site leaders to fill everyone’s stomachs. For some in the group it was their first time camping so an experience they will never forget.
Then the guys earned their keep by putting a performance on for our hosts with their set of songs from the next BCT showcase. With the trip taking place just a week before our “Schools Out” show it was a great chance to have a full live practice with friends, as as the family of our hosts coming along to listen to the group. Luckily taking place under the cover of a large gazebo as the rain continued to fall. At first the group were nervous playing to strangers and in different surroundings, but with the help of group music tutor Nathan Duff the group soon gained their confidence. Performing track such as Love Me Do & Twist & Shout by the Beatles, Good Enough by Dodgy and Counting Stars.
The rain settled down during the evening, meaning all the group managed to enjoy sitting round a camp fire and relaxied together, before enjoying some amazing fireworks courtesy of the nearby Beamish Hall.
BCT Founder Paul Burgum said “It was amazing seeing the children truly getting to know each other in the great outdoors. Over a simple game of football the friendships between the children seemed to really be made. I am sure there is something special about being in the great outdoors and sharing simple moments with our friends. This will be a small moment that I am sure the children will look back on in years to come”.
During the trip we were lucky to be joined by parent Sian Conway who’s son Morgan was attending. Sian said “Going along as a parent helper I couldn’t have been amongst a better group of people. I do love the outdoors but it was an absolute pleasure to share my weekend with the BCT children and adults. Seeing the children work as a team and the friendships formed easy utterly priceless. I only hope I’m free to attend the next residential visit”.
On the Sunday the group all helped Paul & Colin prepare breakfast, as well as the not so fun job of washing up, which became a giant sing-along in the usual BCT style. This meant bagging on the pots and pans for percussion whilst singing, as well as obviously washing the pots too.
Next it was again a chance to work with forestry worker Alison on learning about the various edible & drinkable plants that are found in the countryside. The group making their own nettle tea alongside other plant types. Again the children were all enjoying learning these new skills and also enjoying being in the company of their friends.
Once the group had packed away all its tents there was chance for one more group meal, this time cooking filled wraps on the fire using a giant frying pan. Once again a simple meal was made to feel something very special by our hosts, especially the banana and Nutella filling we think.
To finish the weekend it was the Kellie Kettle challenge, which involved lighting a fire, then getting the kettle to boil. Using the group’s fire lighting learning from yesterday the group had to first forage for suitable materials before once again getting the fire started with their fire steels. The group split into girls verse boys, with the boys just pipping the girls by a matter of seconds.
It was widely agreed from all involved that it had been a fantastic weekend. Everybody at BCT would like to give a massive thank you to Fiona & Alison at Birkshead Wild for the experience.
You can check out more photos from the trip at our Facebook page at the following link
