Summer visit by St Petersburg Scouts

By Invitation of Bill Turnbull, Alexey Kruchinin, Anna Grigorieva, Luidmila Primachenku and Oleg alakhovsky bought 21 teenage children to visit England and Scotland. Some are Scouts whilst others are in training, of which this camp was part of their instruction.

left to right: Alexey Kruchinin (contingent leader), Oleg Malakhovsky, Anna Grigorieva, Jim Milburn (from West Herts. Scouts who talked to the Russians about Scouting history much to thier delight - he has even recieved the Kings Award presented to him by BP!) and Liudmila Primachenku

They herald from Alexey’s own "Nutty Island" group and two newly forming groups. They enjoyed various activities and visits to several cities including:

Phasels Wood Scout Activity Centre, Hertfordshire The Docklands Scout Project, London Lochernhead Scout Activity Centre, Scotland Sights and destinations in London, Oxford and Cambridge

The children commented that they were greatly enjoying their trip, especially the shopping plus archery and caving (which they hadn’t done before).   Two young leaders also be spent some time at Hesley Wood. They write,

 

"During our staying in Hesley we've learnt some things about organising camps, activities, time schedule of staff, etc. It was usefull for us, because we've made new friends and learnt english language more. Now we have a lot of ideas to use in Russians camps, we'll try to do our best. One more thing, in our opinion it would be better if next time there would be something like work schedule for Russians (as your staff has). And maybe include russians not only in help but in real activities too. To give them some responsibility even for small things. To let them feel that they are needed for camp (not only cleaning toilets and painting walls or floors). Thanks to everybody, it's a good project indeed, a lot of new good impressions and knowledge."

"I’ve spent 10 wonderful days at Hesley Wood and I would like to say without exaggeration that this has been the time of my life.

I’ve learnt a lot about Scouting, about activities and the way of doing them. I’ve done all activities: archery, climbing, canoeing, swimming, caving, abseiling and cycling. The most important is that I have had a chance not only to watch all these activities but also participate in them a lot. I was able to see the way English Instructors work with children keeping their attention all the time (it’s really very difficult because children can be very naughty and noisy sometimes) and these methods will help me in my work with Scouts.

Firstly I realised how important it is to do activities attractive for Scouts. While doing activities, English instructors play with children, joke all the time. All instructors know a lot of songs and rhymes and Russian Instructors and Scout leaders can learn a lot from them. I try my best to learn as many songs and games as possible. When I returned to Phasels Wood I had an opportunity to sing some songs and to play some games with Russian scouts and they enjoyed it.

Secondly, by my own experience I could evaluate the quality of safety during activities. I’d like to say that the safety at Hesley Wood is very high and I can understand why Nikita and I were not allowed to instruct activities for children for you must learn a lot and should be examined before you start instructing. But I used every chance to communicate with Scouts to know more about their life, their interests, their preferences in Scouting. Majority of them are for camping and friendship. I was impressed how friendly English Scouts were to each other during activities. They always encouraged those who had some problems and never laughed when someone failed. I think that their Leaders deserve respect and praise.

Thirdly, I did not only participate and watch the activities but I belonged to the camp. I tried my best to live according to the rules of the camp and realised that it wasn’t a burden to me – on the contrary – it was a pleasure. And once again, I realised how important it is to have the feeling of belonging to one big family, when everybody shares your joys and sorrows. In Hesley Wood I understood deeply the meaning of the words that all scouts are brothers.

Fourthly, I understood the difference between Scout Camps in England and in Russia. N Russia Scouts from different areas come to a camp on their own and it takes a long time to turn them into one team. But in England Scout Groups come to camp with their Leaders and it’s easier to work with them and the life at camp can be very active and productive from the very first day. I hope that not far in the future we’ll be able to set the same system at our camps.

Of course I’ve made lots of good friends at the camp and it’s also very important for me. I have been treated really friendly at Hesley Wood. The staff did their best to let me experience and learn as much as possible. I was encouraged in all my attempts to do activites and to learn their methods.

One of the things that impressed me most of all was Sunday Service. The camp fire was also very impressive and I really enjoyed it’s atmosphere.

Lastly I would like to thank all people who let me come to Hesley Wood and enjoy staying there. Special thanks to bill Turnbull and Paul & Jo Findlay."

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