On 22nd March 2026, the Northfields Guide Centre was buzzing with excitement as 33 Guides and Rangers came together for a fantastic Fundraising Activity Day—and what a day it was!
Set in the heart of the outdoors, the event wasn’t just about raising money—it was about learning new skills, building confidence, and having plenty of fun along the way.
Getting Stuck Into Bushcraft
The day focused on completing the Bushcraft Paw Print badge, with a variety of hands-on, nature-based activities that got everyone involved. The Guides and Rangers explored their creativity and survival skills through:
· Making their own camp candles
· Whittling carrots into whistles (a definite highlight!)
· Creating beautiful mandalas from natural materials
· Taking part in a nature scavenger hunt
· Experiencing the calm of forest bathing
· Singing round the campfire – plus three new Guides making their promise!
Each activity encouraged teamwork, patience, and a deeper connection with nature.
The Ultimate Outdoor Cooking Challenge
One of the most exciting parts of the day was the outdoor cooking challenge. Working in small groups, participants picked random ingredients from mystery bags and were tasked with cooking their own dinner over an open fire.
The results were seriously impressive! Meals included:
· Homemade meatballs and tomato sauce
· Delicious chicken burgers
· Creative pitta pizza pockets
· Hotdogs with noodles and baked beans
And of course, no campfire meal is complete without dessert. Using the embers, they baked bananas or apples with toppings like chocolate, sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
A Sweet Finish
The day wrapped up with a cake stall, generously supported by Guides, Rangers, and their families. It was the perfect ending to a full day of activity—and a great success too!
In total, the event raised over £250, all of which will go towards supporting the ongoing running of the Centre.
Why the Guide Centre Matters
The Northfields Guide Centre is more than just a venue—it’s a vital space for Brownie, Guide, and Ranger units. Many groups don’t have access to outdoor areas at their regular meeting halls, which limits opportunities for essential Guiding experiences.
The Centre provides:
· A safe outdoor environment
· Space for camp craft, scavenger hunts, building fires and team-building
· Opportunities to complete outdoor focussed Interest Badges, Skills Builders and UMAs!
Run by volunteers, the Centre relies on fundraising and donations to cover maintenance and ensure it remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone.
A Big Thank You!
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who attended, supported the cake stall, and helped make the day such a success. Special appreciation goes to the leaders, whose hard work and commitment made the entire event possible.
If anyone would like more information about the Guide Centre, please contact: northfieldsguidecentre@gmail.com.