Scouts enjoyed an incredible Summer adventure in the Yorkshire Dales. Based out of our campsite at Appletreewick near Grassington, scouts relished the opportunities that Summer Camp brings!

Arriving at the campsite on Saturday, scouts were met by an empty green field, rolling down to the river wharf in a beautiful valley which stretched as far as the eye could see.

The first challenge was to turn the empty field into a campsite for the week, scouts had to work hard in their patrols to get their site ready, pitching tents, making patrols boundaries and connecting stoves. Scouts worked well together, and although rain was threatened, the heat meant it was soon time to cool off in the river. It was also the first opportunity to get our water slide out, which is a brilliant way to refresh on a hot day! It was so popular, even some members of the public walking on the Dales Way decided to have a go.

Monday was our first big offsite activity as scouts headed out to Aerial Extreme to brave the high ropes course. This activity really pushed the limits for some young people and adults in the group as the challenges got harder and higher including two zip wires and around 25 balance beams, tightropes and swings. The best new addition to the course was that scouts were given a water pistol at the bottom to squirt everyone who followed down the zip wire!

The sun continued to shine on Tuesday as scouts headed out to Grassington for ice cream, taking in the sights of the Dale along the way, crossing the Hebdon suspension bridge and stepping stones as well as the Linton Falls on the way into the town. The reward for enduring the heat on the walk was a delicious Ice Cream. Tuesday also gave us the chance to show some guests what we get up to at camp, and with everyone who came down immersing themselves in the Summer Camp experience, Jack's mam came out unlucky in the leaders washing up card game - the fickle fingers of fate.

Wednesday was one of the most thrilling days of camp as the group headed to Light Water Valley for rides and roller coasters. Scouts were free to make the most of their day, going on as many rides as possible, from the swan pedalos to the Ultimate roller coaster. One of the highlights of the day was undoubtedly scouts our afternoon trip on the Ultimate where scouts filled an entire train. The Eagle's Claw and Whirlwind also provided a huge amount of stomach churning!

The most adventurous day of camp was Thursday as scouts tackled How Stean Gorge. The day started with via ferrata in the gorge, before scouts put wet suits on to go gorge walking. In order to go gorge walking, scouts had to complete a 50 foot abseil to the bottom of the gorge. Gorge walking was great fun with scouts having the opportunity to jump into the freezing cold river from the sides of the gorge as well as having to clamber over some difficult water falls in the stream. After a little bit of caving, scouts were back out into the sun. The rest of the day was spent canoeing on Scar House Reservoir, scouts worked in teams of 3 to paddle their canoe across the dam and up along the North side of the reservoir where they got out to skim stones and enjoy the sunshine.

The last day of camp was much more chilled with scouts spending the morning in Ilkley, buying presents to take home and exploring the historic town, before heading to Ilkley Lido to cool off in the afternoon. After the Lido came the traditional huge end of camp BBQ and campfire, before scouts spent the night sleeping under the stars.

Scouts left the site on Saturday with so many new memories and new experiences, with highlights including everything from our day at the gorge, to having an awesome time with new friends, to the Sunday morning jog and dip into the river, to cooking a meal for themselves for the first time. Scouts formed memories which will live on with them for years to come!

You can check out photos from our week long adventure in the photos zone.

Summer Camp 2014 was made possible by adult volunteers and young leaders offering their spare time to support the event, working as a team to plan and run the camp. Find out about how you can become one of the growing number of adults who give some of their spare time support scouting in Washington. You don't have to make a weekly commitment, but a couple of hours a month can go a long way to making a difference to the lives of young people in the area.