Activities
The Group
History
Camping
Camping is an integral part of Scouting. The current
thinking for Scouts at Clayton West is that camping should be used as an
activity, giving access to other activities. Camping for camping's sake is
not what we aim to be about. This currently rules out what is known as
"green field " camping. The digging and servicing of latrines is not a
task
we include in our activity
list.
We use our own grounds for basic camps in winter, as service camps for galas, and as introductory camps for younger members. We also use our local campsite,Whitley Beaumont, a natural site, with woodland, a training hut with kitchen, and a toilet block. the site is in the course of being upgraded but is planned to remain "basic".
Bradley Wood is our County campsite, and is well used. It offers activities, plus is an ideal base for accessing West Yorkshire. It is close to the M62 though and the noise can be invasive. We have been using this site less and less in recent years as whilst its activities have developed, the site has become somehow less appealing - your mileage may vary.
The other ground we are in close proximity to is Silverwood. This is a clean, open site with basic facilities. Ideal for cub weekends, and well supervised. It is adjacent to woodland, so plenty of firewood is available for their excellent altar fires.
A fourth site,Woolley Edge, lies above the M1 less than 8 miles from base, but we have still to sample its delights. This is a small campsite surrounded by woodland and operated by Batley District.
We have also discovered the delights of Walesby Forest. It is a little further afield, but still only just over an hour from the HQ. It is wide open, clean and has activities laid on, and plenty of coutryside round about - and next to no traffic noise.
We did try out Hebden Hey, but although set in secluded countryside the midges are monstrous.
We have recently started using Blackhills and Sconce campsites by Bingley and Baildon.