1st Pontefract Scout Centre
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FRANCE 2005
Le Chateau d'Ebblinghem
Our expedition to France was an enormous success, we took twenty Scouts mostly Cubs. We set off early Thursday morning for the four drive to Dover making a couple of toilet stops on the way. The atmosphere on the the coach was brilliant, there was no time for boredom, we watched a couple of DVD's which allowed the long journey to pass quickly.
The Ferry Crossing was with P&O, our safety rule was
simple Scouts weren't allowed on the outside deck, but this didn't dampen the spirits as
each small group of scouts dragged the their assigned Scout Leaders around the gift shops
and amusement arcade.
Having the same Polo
shirts made spotting the scouts easy for both Scouts & Leaders.
We arrived in France an hour early than planned thanks to clear roads and room on the ferry. It was a nervous time for the leaders as we approached the Chateau not really knowing what the accommodation was going to be like, but where're Scouts can't be as bad as some sites we've stayed on. To say we were impressed is an understatement. The accommodation for youth groups was exceptional, all rooms having en-suite. It was spotless, both the Scouts and leaders took little time to "chill" out as temperatures hit the 30's during the evening. Energy stored from the journey soon dissipated as the evening activities kicked in with a game of football on one of the two football pitches we had the choice of.
The hot night soon turned out to be a flash in the
pan as the heavy rain and thunder storms moved in to the area causing flashed flooding in
the area, and temepratures dropped to 17'c. 
But we were prepared with coats and hats.
Our first planned excusion was to La Couple a war museum, the Scouts were given headphones
and a questionaire per group and off they went.
The odler Scouts relaxing outside the Games room
There are no age boundries on this expedition, as both Cub Scouts & Scouts enjoy each others company.
Breakfast was at 08:00 and then room Inspection by Ark & Chil. The Scouts had a small song dance routine for Ark & Chil to try and get those extra points, where as the Cub Scouts went for good old fashion bribery, the sweets were great and helped gain them the extra points, however the girls were on this occasion were more domesticated and came sailing through with 9 point on the first morning.
Our first planned excursion was to a war Museum followed by a
visit to a couple war graves. Most where moved by the visits and the realisation to
the Cub Scouts that war isn't like what they see on the TV. 
We had lots of water fun too at Aqualud water park in Le Touquet, unfortunatley I'm not allowed to take photos for child safety reason but after the splash about we had some fun on the beach too.
The evenings where fun too, the staff at the Centre Poppy & team arranged a Scavenge Hunt one night, followed by a disco on the last night.
Disco
Our Accomadation block
Journey Home on the Ferry
In total 97 photos where taken, a planned presentation evening will take place soon after the school holidays.
We are now taking names for FRANCE 2006 16-20 August £235 (ish) we require a £50 non returnable deposit now, followed by two more payments after Christmas then one final payment, once fundrasing is completed to lower that final payment. The 2005 fundraising helped to reduce this expedition by up to £100 for some Scouts that attended all the fund raising events.
Payment methods will be announced soon.
The world's too small for 1PSC!
Last updated: 25/11/2005