8th Mag - Issue 11

2016 XI

ALL INSIDE: Easter Camp, Cubs go to visit May Camp, and during June Camp Scouts go on a hike

Making ‘100 Years with the 8th’ Page 2 & 3

Cub Sports Night Page 4

The Garden Fete Page 4

8th Darlington Scout Group

Senior pioneering projects at

PAPE”R”MAIL editor-in-chief

Making ‘100 Years with the 8th’ AFTER THE SUCCESS of ‘The Camp’ (the Senior produced documentary about summer camp 2014), I wanted to set myself and the Seniors a bigger film project so in January 2015 we started working on ‘100 Years with the 8th’; another documentary film shot over the course of one year which captures what the Group does.

Planning was fairly easy. We knew that the combination of filmed events overlaid with interviews, and a tear jerking, slow music montage at the end, worked (as that is what we did in ‘The Camp). That basic vision offered a perfect foundation for the film which could easily be built upon.

By April, that skeleton had expanded to include scripted interviews. These were sometimes for comic effect but sometimes simply

You can find ‘100 Years with the 8th' as well as behind the scenes and outtakes here:

www.youtube.com/8thDarlingtonScouts

events which were covered in the film and ensuring that there was some sort of continuity throughout was something identified early on.

We didn’t want the movie to seem

a fictional prologue set in the year 2082 which included spaceships, walking sticks, and dodgy moustaches so information could be given in a concise but natural way. By November, we had written and shot a fictional prologue set in the year 2082 which included spaceships, walking sticks, and dodgy moustaches. And by December, the voice overs for the fast-paced 100year history section had been recorded.

Making the film feel smooth and not sporadic was an initial challenge. There were over twenty 8th

like 20 separate short films stitched together so I did two things: 

In January, I made a hybrid linear/modular timeline.

This meant telling the story of the centenary year in chronological order (from January to December) but making chapters for each section (for example the Cub sports day, laser wars, and Jay’s animals are in the

same chapter although they happened months apart). 

I conducted most of the interviews at the end of the year so even when footage of different events is shown, the interviews have some continuity as the interviewees are sat in the same location with the same people.

Recording the plethora of events and activities that the 8th Darlington Scouts were doing to celebrate their centenary year, as well as their usual programme, was easier than you’d expect. It entailed just shooting random things on our smartphones, point-andshoots, or the camcorders that the group purchased during the summer and praying that we can edit them together later in some orderly fashion. In the twenty-first century, it would appear, equipment is not an issue.

Descending: Poppy and Maddie record voice overs, Liam and Maverick take a quick selfie before filming the prologue

When I first pitched the opening scene set in 2082 to the leaders they were somewhat sceptical. I envisioned an 84-year-old member of the group returning to the Den to reminisce and finding the 2015 log book. He opens the book and what he reads is illustrated in the footage from 2015 making the actual film some kind of prolonged dream-sequence of what he is reading in the book. In November 2015, a basic storyboard was sketched, spaceships were generated over the den using an 89p movie effects app, and the 84-yearold man was created by giving Maverick a pound-shop moustache and a walking stick. Seeing the surreal opening sequence, rather than just hearing a pitch for it, convinced the leaders that it was appropriate for the film and we were allowed to keep it in.

Editing some 40GB worth of raw footage was a five-month task which began in December 2015. It was a gruelling job which was frustrating at times for example when someone had said something dynamite in an interview but was being shouted over by someone else rendering the footage unusable. Nevertheless, the editing was a joy. Most of the editing happened at home with the exception of three days that happened at the Den. The days at the Den were also when the voice overs were recorded. This sometimes meant listening to Poppy and Maddie attempting to pronounce unexpected tongue twisters such as ‘at Oxford’ and ‘Harrison’s laundry’ dozens of times until they got it

right. Despite the slow progress at times, it was good fun.

The pre-premier was in April 2016, this was an opportunity for me to show some leaders and the Seniors a first draft of the movie to

jected onto the wall behind the stage. One day later it was released on YouTube and it has thankfully met a warm reception.

Since the release, viewers have called it ‘fantastic’, ‘excellent’, and

Editing some 40GB worth of raw footage was… frustrating at times get their feedback before the final cut. Unsurprisingly, they asked me to remove lots of swearing, some inappropriate bits, and some scenes which dragged on too long.

Though, on the whole, they seemed to like it.

The actual premier was on May 4th at the Scout HQ. Over 50 people turned out to watch the 43minute-long movie which was pro-

said ‘It really shows what a great Scout Group the 8th is, always has been and hopefully always will be.’

More on page 12

news

the

Too Soon? 8th members go on Lion Hunt only 9 months after Cecil’s death

DURING MARCH, the 8th had an Indoor Campfire at the headquarters the first in two years. 8th members and their families piled into the den to sing some of their campfire favourites including 'If you're happy and you know it...', 'The Great American Railway', and 'The Grand Old Duke of York'. All sections performed their own songs. The Beavers played with their baby bumblebees, the Panther pack told everyone the story of their meatballs, and the Squirrel pack declared "Nobody likes me; everybody hates me". The small group of Scouts sung 'We Will Rock You' whilst drumming the beat into water carriers and the Seniors, instead of performing a song, recreated Monty Python's spam sketch.

Cub Sports Night

Another successful Garden Fete ON SATURDAY 18th June 2016, the 8th Darlington Scout's 65th annual garden fete took place on Cockerton Green. Yet again, the months of planning from the committee, the efforts of parents, and leaders on the day ensured it was once again a success. The rain even managed to stay away for a couple of hours which encouraged a turnout of over 1000 people.

At the fete, there were the usual stalls including 'Splat the Rat', 'Don't Ring the Bell', and 'Ringo'. There was also a PR tent - a stall which has been added in recent years and has proved itself valuable. And, for the first time this year, Darlington Building Society and the Co-op were there giving out free food samples!

The day made over £3300 which will go towards the upkeep of the building for the coming year.

Watch the NEW Garden Fete explainer video here: www.youtube.com/ 8thDarlingtonScouts

DURING JULY, there was a joint Squirrel and Panther Sports Night at Cubs. They were split into three teams and partook in various relay races including an egg and spoon race, a chain race and various other running races.

They then tested their strength in a tug of war, which Holly’s team emerged the winners of, before going for a quick run around Cockerton Green and then returning to play football. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended.

Descending: Cubs and Scout sell programmes, parents and Cubs help out on stalls, the bric-a-brac stall, committee member Anth welcomes punters with open arms

Pictures by Adam Carter and Lynne Pape

8th in 8

pictures

Last year, the 8th Darlington (Cockerton Green) Scout group celebrated their centenary.

To remember that amazing year (and because we’ve got a spare page to fill) here is 2015 in 8 pictures.

The 8th in The Northern Echo

Tree Planting in Cockerton

In April 2015 some of the 8th’s vast history was reported on in the ‘Weekend Memories’ section of The Northern Echo.

As part of the centenary celebrations, the group planted a Cypress Oak next to Cockerton Green.

The Garden Fete

Open Day In April 2015 the Den was opened to the general public where there was a mock camp kitchen, a screening of ‘The Camp’, and the official opening of the museum.

As usual, the Garden Fete in June 2015 was a massive success with hundreds of attendees.

Sponsored Walk

Summer Camp Summer Camp is one of the highlights of the year and in 2015 it took place at Kings Meaburn.

The week included a Super Scout competition, a hike up Skiddaw, PL’s choice, and more.

Over 50 members of the 8th participated in the sponsored walk in July. The 12.87 mile hike took then all over Darlington.

The Alumni Camp (1/2)

The Alumni Camp (2/2)

In August 2015, ex and current members of the group went to Kings Meaburn for a weekend of reminiscing.

On the schedule was a huge BBQ and a campfire. The weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

not so

Low Moor, Dinsdale

TWO weeks after Easter, on the evening of Friday 8th April 2016, a medium sized group of campers set off for ‘Easter Camp’. Amongst them were six Scouts, six Seniors, one Cub, one Rover, and seven leaders. They were spending the weekend at Low Moor, in Dinsdale, however not in their usual

one another “Is that a double airbed?” and saying “If you shine a torch through your belly, you can see it on the other side.”

corner of the field near the river but in the woods above because of the marshy ground.

their loud conversations from the night before. There was a lot to cram in before bacon and egg could be cooked for breakfas t ; kit che ns needed to be set up, pits needed to be dug, fires needed to be lit, and everyone needed to wash in the limited fresh water available (because the river was inaccessible). Despite the odds being stacked against them, the three patrols had finished breakfast by midmorning allowing the planned activities to commence.

Given the limited amount of flat ground and with the sunset drawing ever closer, tents were pitched at skewwhiff angles to prevent Scouts from rolling out of the end of their tent during their sleep. The odd layout of the campsite didn’t stop a confident cow from strutting through the centre of camp whilst everyone was still setting up.

Scouts were the first to rise on Saturday morning and they continued

a modern art sculpture rather than something of any use

There was an assortment of pasties, pies, and rolls for supper before Scouts were sent to bed however, although they went into their tent, they were far from quiet. Oblivious to the surprising fact that canvas isn’t actually soundproof, they could be overheard asking

The Scouts learnt how to make and operate pulleys whilst the Seniors marched up to the top of the hill to pioneer an hourglass watchtower which Poppy described as “super awesome”.

Though it didn’t take long until the

knots loosened and the staffs caved making it look more like a modern art sculpture rather than something of any use.

Fish finger sandwiches were for lunch.

However, the Scouts started to take liberties by taking advantage of the

surprise bright weather and sunbathing on a groundsheet whilst leaders slaved away in their kitchens.

Everyone then got some free time which the Scouts spent horsing round in the hay bales.

The afternoon also played host to a game of ultimate Frisbee. In the end, Tom’s team thrashed Neil’s team approximately 726 goals to five however Tom remarked that anyone who didn’t fall in cow pat was a winner. Neil made up for his huge loss in Frisbee by winning the Grand National.

There was a scrumptious sausage pasta was for tea before everyone gathered round the Scouts’ kitchen for a campfire. The usual hits were accompanied by new ‘Quartermasters Stores’ verses and a Monty Python parody sketch by the Seniors entitled “What have the Committee ever done for us…”

Shattered Scouts were quicker to drop off to sleep on Saturday night allowing them to arise bright and early on Sunday morning for bacon grill and eggs for breakfast. Before that though, they needed to light the fire. Despite having suitable kindling, dry weather, and many of them being experienced campers with more than two summer camps under their belts, it took them well over 40 minutes to get their fire lit.

#WETPIT

An inspection subsequently followed where the Scouts were walked through the camping standards expected from them in their kitchen and tent. Meanwhile, during the Seniors’ inspection, a whole frying pan was found hiding in their wood pile.

For Scouts, the morning activity was practising their fire lighting skills in five specially dug fire pits. The smoky lungs and watering eyes which followed meant that they had all successfully managed to light fires.

The notorious ‘camp soup’ was made for lunch and it was surprisingly good.

Liam rated it a solid 3.5/7 and Neil placed it in his top four camp soups he’s ever tasted.

a whole frying pan was found hiding in their wood pile

Sunday afternoon was spent slowly dismantling camp before a last gathering round the flag where John made some final remarks. He addressed the purpose of Easter camp — which is to train the older Scouts and potential PLs for the year ahead. John said “I hope you take something away” (presumably referring to actual some camping skills rather than the plethora of midge bites which covered Scouts’ arms and legs in a polka dotlike fashion).

Unpacking the van back at the Scout HQ, it was clear to see that what was predicted to be a dreary and glum camp had instead left some with sunburn! Scouts hoped the good weather would continue for May camp.

Descending: A hourglass watchtower or modern art? cooking food, a cow in the sunset

O

Croft-on-Tees ·

n Friday 20th May 2016, a group of over 25 met at the Scout HQ in Cockerton for a weekend camping at Croft-on-Tees.

Once the van was packed, the campers set off to the site which the group has used consecutively for the past

20/5/16 - 22/5/16

three years. On arrival at the campsite, estate manager Matt was kind enough to take the equipment down to the field in his pick-up truck and trailer.

backwards. They were very embarrassed that they had made this beginner’s mistake since it is so easy to identify the front and back of the symmetrical tents.

Halfway through pitching their tent, the girls realised that they’d put it up

After that set back, it didn’t take long until three kitchens were erected, the marquee walls were strung up the wrong way, the marquee walls were re-strung up the right way, and Scouts were sent wood collecting so it would make fire-lighting easier during the bad weather that was predicted for Saturday.

Top left: The front of an Icelandic Top right: The back of an Icelandic (obviously) Above: Camp by night Left: A brief informal inspection Opposite top left rotating clockwise: String trail, three-way football, cheating at the string trail, the Senior washing-up sweat shop.

The drizzle seemed to cease as soon as the campers emerged from their tents on Saturday morning. Bacon sandwiches were served for breakfast and then a brief inspection took place where PLs were informed about the importance of explaining camping procedures to Scouts who were camping for the first time. Then the Cubs and Beavers arrived for a day of races, games, and activities.

The four teams — including one Scout team this year — were named Maverick’s Madagascans, Sam’s Scots, Liam’s Leprechauns, and Jenel and Holly’s Jazzy Hawaiians. Their war cries varied from singing “I like to move-it move-it” to simply yelling “Aye”.

It was during one of the relay races when the heavens opened so everyone rushed back to the marquee to put on a waterproof. A slightly bored Cub was overheard remarking “This proves that God hates relay races”.

Leaders from the 7th Darlington Sea Scouts were also visiting camp for the day as part as the 8th’s efforts to make friends with other Darlington Scout groups to enable the possibility of future joint events.

As the rain got heavier, lunch was dished out by the Scouts and ate inside of tents. Leaders, Seniors, and guests huddled in the marquee to avoid the rain. John said “This is what camping is all about” whereas others were less optimistic and complained about their bean juice getting wet and needing to wring out their bread buns.

In the afternoon, the visiting Cubs and Beavers headed into the woods for a string trail. Whilst blindfolded, they carefully manoeuvred themselves along the sisal, conquering ditches, trees, and prickly plants which laid in their path. Everyone then headed back to camp for a tug of war.

A game of stalker was then played before the Cubs and Beavers departed and Scouts got some free time, in which most spent playing around the river.

“This is what camping is all about” ~ John Newton Pasta Bolognese was cooked for dinner and then Scouts had a game of rounders. The game, which was arguably a draw, saw Marcus change batting hands more times than anyone could count, Neil create new rules every few minutes to suit him, and Reid try to catch a speeding tennis ball with his face — which didn’t end well.

As the sun set on an exhausting day at camp, everyone gathered around the Senior kitchen for a campfire.

Scouts played musical instruments to the Music Man, Alec sang of a Wild Rover, and John reminded everyone that one day they are going to die.

The evening was rounded off with some 20 verses of Quartermaster’s Store where every Scout was men-

tioned. Ben and Fen were “living in a pen”, Dave was “having a rave”, Charlie actually turned out to be Bob Marley, and Goose was “hanging from a noose”; all this in the Quartermaster’s Store — behind the door.

Scouts were eager to get up on Sunday morning and get on with the usual routine of fire, flag, food, and faffing about before inspection. They then went for a walk which took them 1.5 miles on a circular route whilst Holly C boiled a soup for lunch and the Seniors started dismantling camp.

All campers including the visiting Cubs and Beavers will probably remember May Camp 2016 for the bizarre weather it played host to. One minute campers were sheltering in tents to avoid being drenched and the next they were applying factor 50+ sun cream to avoid sunburn.

You can watch the clips of May camp here: www.youtube.com/ 8thDarlingtonScouts

Words by Maddie Simpson · Pictures by Holly Carter and Neil Duncan ON A RATHER SUNNY Friday 24th June, four Seniors, twelve Scouts, two Rovers, and seven leaders departed from the headquarters to make the 20-minute journey to Boldron where they were camping for the weekend. After the van was unloaded, all campers were split into their patrols to set up camp. This included: pitching tents, setting up kitchens, digging pits, and assembling the bog tents. Whilst setting up camp, the Seniors came up with the motto “Make it happen” which remained with them the entire weekend.

ble on the top of Tom’s rucksack.

Once the Scouts reached the farm at the end of the track, they turned off for a walk through some fields and trees to head back to the river.

Whilst stopping for a break under an old railway bridge, the heavens opened so the break was extended to see if the rain would ease off. It didn’t.

Nevertheless, the Scouts finally decided to make a move and continued along the river in the rain, finally emerging across a small bridge they had seen when they deviated from the river earlier on in the morning. Some of the Scouts were frustrated that they had just walked for hours to end up at the same place - forgetting that they would eventually end up back at camp. With the rain picking up again, the Scouts resorted to sheltering under some rather large trees for a bit to let the rain ease off. Once it did, they walked back through Barnard Castle with only one minor slip-up from Neil and then they walked back up the road into camp. On returning, the Scouts hurried to their tents to change out of damp clothes and stay out of the rain.

Make it happen

After asking ‘why are you wearing a Christmas tshirt in June?’ to Neil, the Seniors came to the conclusion that half way to Christmas should be called Junemas! Once camp was all set up, pies and pasties were served up for supper before campers were sent to bed.

After being woken up on Saturday morning, fires were lit ready for breakfast. A brief flag break was next, which included a rather inspirational preach from Tuesday night Cub leader, Christine.

A quick wash followed this before bacon sandwiches and cereal was served for breakfast. All campers needed to make a quick exit as the Seniors were doing their 8-mile hike which goes towards their second class badges and the leaders and Scouts were also going on a hike.

The Scout walk - through the eyes of James Simpson The Scouts set off from the field then headed along the road towards Barnard Castle. The group walked through Barnard Castle, crossed the bridge then followed the river, meeting the lost Seniors along the way. They then deviated away from the river and headed toward some fields. After a short walk along a small section of road and alongside a golf course, the Scouts emerged onto a track. It was part way along this track that a lunch of sandwiches, crisps, and Kit Kats was eaten along with a bit of sunbathing from the leaders. After lunch James, Erika and Christine decided to entertain themselves by balancing as many rocks as possi-

The Senior walk – through the eyes of Maddie Simpson The Seniors’ 8-mile hike started as we left the field and walked along the road leading to a bridge. At this point, the river was full of ducks.

As we are modern teenagers, we decided to take a selfie with the ducks to capture this moment. After climbing over the bridge, we followed a path that led us to Barnard Castle. The instructions told us we needed to ‘take the left hand fork and continue along the side of the river’ and although we did take a wrong turning here, it didn't take us long to realise our mistake and get back on track. At this point, the Scout group were taking the same turning. Our walk followed the Teesdale way through a wood. We got lost here because we couldn't find a gate to pass through into the field but luckily a lovely couple with a dog helped us and we continued walking through the fields until we found a spot where we could stop for lunch.

After eating our sandwiches, we continued walking through fields until we encountered a problem. We needed to pass through a gate but a herd of cows were guarding the it. Luckily, fellow senior Sam McKenzie volunteered to go first and managed to scare the cows away so we could successfully walk through the field.

In Cotherstone, a very bizarre event was taking place. Each house in the village had a scarecrow in their front garden. This confused us Seniors. However, after speaking to a local resident, we discovered that this event happens every year and this years’ theme was famous songs. We saw everything from ‘Over the Rainbow’ to ‘Going Underground’.

Our route took us through this small town and then onto a main road that lead us to an old railway track that we walked along.

Until this point, the weather had been very warm however, as we were walking through the wood and the old railway track, torrential rain began. Luckily, we could take shelter under some trees.

The old railway track led us to a footpath which lead to where we began our walk at the bridge. This familiar location meant we were almost back at camp all we had to do was go over the river and follow the path.

Descending: Harry inflates his lay-bag, Erika discretely places rocks on Tom’s bag, a heartless, brainless, spineless figure and a scarecrow

Once everyone had returned from their walk, we had some free time. The Seniors spent their time sitting (and falling off) lay-bags. For tea that night, the Rovers did a barbecue for the rest of camp with

the Seniors helping to prepare the salad.

This is an annual event at June camp.

Later on, Senior Liam showed up at camp and declared to everyone that he was no longer a vegetarian after only lasting ten days. Everyone was disappointed. As the weather was still a bit miserable, all of the Scouts and Seniors gathered in the marquee to take part in a quiz ran by Neil. In the end, the Seniors won the quiz. After this, everyone was sent to bed.

why are you wearing a Christmas t-shirt in June?

On Sunday morning, everyone woke up to light fires and prepare for the destruction of camp. Much like Saturday, at flag break, Christine gave another motivational preach to start the morning. Bacon, eggs, and sausages were eaten quickly for breakfast after a wash before each patrol prepared for a quick inspection. Following inspection, the Scout patrols were tasked with making a chariot out of staffs and sisal. The leaders and Rovers also decided to make one to show the Scouts how it should be done. After an hour of chariot building, they were complete and ready to race. First, the two Scout patrols raced each other with Holly’s patrol winning after Reece’s patrol’s chariot fell apart almost instantly. Holly’s patrol then raced the Seniors who used the leaders chariot. Holly’s patrol won again. Then, reluctantly, a team of James, Harry, Tom, Neil, and Carrie took on Holly’s patrol, this final race ended with James on the floor and a broken staff after Carrie dropped her corner of the chariot.

After a lunch of tuna pasta was eaten, kitchens were dismantled, pits were filled, tents were dropped, and everything was packed away in the van to be taken back to the den in glorious sunshine.

“Dancing displays were given and many side shows (about 25 in all) were run by the Scouts, Seniors, Rovers, group committee and helpers; 110 in all. Skip was the main organiser and he is reputed to have had at least 20 more grey hairs due to the 7 weeks of work of a mounting climax before the big day.”

Following are some transcribed snippets of interviews with Scouts from the filming for ‘100 Years with the 8th’ Interviewer: Tell me about the cooking competition.

Fenn: The puddings were nice.

Josh: Yeah, they were gorgeous.

Matthew: Yeah, absolutely delicious.

Interviewer: What were the puddings?

Fenn: I can’t remember.

Interviewer: Why did you put your shoe in the wet pit?

Fenn: Do you know how it’s got grass over; you can’t see it.

Interviewer: What did you think of the carol concert?

Marcus: Personally, boring. My phone went off half way through when we were supposed to be singing.

Interviewer: Was it an interesting call?

Marcus: I didn’t answer.

Interviewer: Why do you think the group has survived 100 years?

Sam: Because the building is sturdy.

Interviewer: What quality is it about the group that has been able to make it last the past 100 years? Or what things about it?

James: We haven’t been here the last 100 years…

Interviewer: What things would you guess: Kieran: Leaders.

Interviewer: What about the leaders?

Kieran: They were good leadersInterviewer: ‘They were good leaders’… Sly. Interviewer: Describe summer camp in one word.

Kieran: Our patrol made a bench.

To celebrate the centenary of the 8th, we are looking back over past reports from the original ‘8th Mag’ and log books to reflect upon some interesting moments from the group’s vast history.

This issue’s extract is from the 1956 log book

Interviewer: Tell me about camping.

Caitlin: It’s cold.

Kieran: The ground is hard.

Caitlin: Sometimes it’s soft.

James: Sometimes it’s a mixture of hard and soft.

Caitlin: Same with the difficulty level of camping. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it’s soft. Sometimes it’s a bit of both.

Interviewer: Maybe tell me a little bit more about the style of camping.

Interviewer: Do you have any favourite memories from your time at the 8th?

Kieran: What’s an 8th?

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'” ~ Muhammad Ali

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Copy Editors: Neil Duncan and Ben Hewins

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From the Archive

Silly things Scouts say