In February, a group of Young Leaders and Rangers from across the county came together for our fourth annual MNW Ranger and Young Leader Winter Event! Participants had the option to either join us on the Saturday for a day of adventurous activities or to extend the fun and stay the whole weekend. We had a great mixture of Rangers and YLs from across the county with lots of first timers to a County event.
It was a really fun weekend where we tried lots of different activities including high ropes, zip lining and archery. We also completed a skills builder and made lots of new friends!” – Ranger (Ealing South District)
“Great and enjoyable experience that I would highly recommend if you’re looking to try something new or have a nice experience away from home.” – Ranger/Young Leader (Stanmore District)
“I enjoyed seeing my old friends and meeting new people and trying new activities. One of my favourite trips ever!” – Young Leader (Northwood District)
The young members arrived on the Friday evening and straight away started working on their Explore Stage 5 Skills Builder, we then had pasta and garlic bread for dinner before heading out on a night hike. After the hike we all had cake and then had a relaxed evening getting to know each other, playing games and relaxing.
Amazing, the food is lovely every time, Piper takes everyone’s preferences into careful consideration, and Paccar is a beautiful sight!” – Ranger/Young Leader (Hatch End District)
On Saturday morning, we were joined by our day attendees and set out for a day of activities. The morning activities consisted of Archery and High Ropes, with a break in the middle of the morning where some participants did Orienteering and the others visited the shop and had some free time. Paccar has some great instructors meaning evening those who started off as beginners at Archery were hitting the target by the end of the session. We also saw some immense bravery on the high ropes with some participants overcoming their fears to make it the whole way.
My favourite part were the High ropes, Zip line and making hilarious memories with my friends.” – Young Leader (Ruislip Victoria District)
After Lunch, it was time for more activities, Axe Throwing and the Zip Lines. It was the first time a lot of the young members had done Axe Throwing and it was great to see how much some of them improved in their first session! They also all enjoyed the Zip Lines which is always a favourite at Paccar! There was also a break mid afternoon with those who didn’t do Orienteering in the morning getting to have a go.
My favourite activity was zip lines, the event was an interesting experience which I enjoyed very much” – Young Leader (Ealing North District)
We then said goodbye to our day attendees, and the young members had some relaxation time before fajitas for dinner.
Food was tasty and the facilities were good especially the pancakes and the Mexican wraps. The location is nice as well and I liked all of the activities.”– Young Leader (Stanmore District)
“An amazing experience, with super fun activities and amazing Paccar staff (especially Daisy and Sammy)” – Ranger (Hatch End District)
After dinner, they spent the evening playing games and doing some crafts. The diamond painting were particularly popular. They enjoyed having an evening chatting, playing games and getting to know each other further.
An opportunity to try new things, meet new people and take a break from outside stresses. Every single person involved is so lovely and welcoming, and every location is so exciting.” – Ranger/Young Leader (Hatch End District)
In the morning, we had a purposely later start to allow everyone to have a lie in there was a light breakfast out ready for as they got up. We then spent the morning working on the rest of the Explore Stage 5 Skills Builder, the first activity consisted of getting outside (in the rain) and using the trees and surroundings to work out which way was north. For the second activity, the participants had to collect natural materials to create a water filter, with some successful results. After this we had an amazing pancake brunch followed by all hands on deck to get everything cleaned up and packed away. We then a lovely closing ceremony and everyone headed home, exhausted but having made new friends and having a great weekend.
It was all really good- the food was great, especially the pancakes at the end!” – Ranger (Ealing South District)
A massive thank you to Rachael, Piper and Ciara for volunteering over the weekend and to Hannah who joined us on the Saturday, we could not have done the weekend without you!
I enjoyed making amazing, funny memories with my friends that I will never forget” – Young Leader (Ruislip Victoria District)
“Thank you again to the amazing leaders, all of the girls look forward to these camps and we owe it all to you❤️” – Ranger/Young Leader (Hatch End District)
“Thank you to the leaders for making this weekend so enjoyable!” – Ranger (Stanmore District)
Alice, Ranger and Young Leader Advisor – Girlguiding Middlesex West
