Operation camp cockerel 2012. The fifth annual Operation Camp Cockerel was the biggest to date, and definitely the most enjoyable!
The Explorer Scout Camp began with its traditional mingle disco on Friday night, with a hundred strong Congo and Gangnam-style... Or newly named Explorernam- Style. It was marvellous to witness the enthusiasm, excitement and expectation of 182 Young People all at once.

The Catering team once again provided  an exceptional level of food, with a full roast pork dinner followed by homemade cake and custard, to keep us warm on Saturday! It is indeed true that an army marches on its stomach, and the Explorer Scouts have been doing some marching!

The day bases required much team effort, and provided heaps of amusement for the leaders and good old fashioned fun... In the mud. This year we had a massive 35 teams competing to win the coveted cockerel trophy, with 4 teams from Kidderminster & District the pressure was indeed on.

With a twist on the previous year’s competition the precious cargo, of an egg, had to be carried for the full competition, with things becoming heated in the lead up to the intense night hike.

With the day bases scores secret until the morning it was all to play for as the teams were deployed along the night hike route. The route was as challenging as ever this year, with plenty of teams needing to rely on crucial map reading skills. As the evening progressed few teams dropped out, with many collecting bonus points for completing both the 14.7 kilometre hike and all 10 bases within the time frame.

The pinnacle of teamwork this year was seen by a team from Worcester  who led a visually impaired member around the day and night bases; they were awarded the Terry Dovey award for outstanding teamwork.

On the fifth anniversary of the camp, Kidderminster & District Explorer Scouts successfully won both the night bases and the overall competition. Roy Field Kidderminster & District Explorer Scout Commissioner and Camp Leader said “Congratulations to the 'Trophy Stealers', it's fantastic that after five years we've managed to win the whole competition! It shows how well Kidderminster & District Explorer Scouts are doing. 

 

The camp was extremely successful with the leaders enjoying the event as much as the Explorers. There were plenty of pranks, photo moments and pride as teams strived to do their best and enjoy the challenge of Operation Camp Cockerel. Congratulations to all those who took part, and to the winners of 2012's event!

Thank you immensely to all those leaders who manned bases and marshal points from visiting teams and to our own camp organisers- you did us proud.
We look forward to a fabulous meet next year, with more challenges and twists.  So to you organisers, the challenge is on!