The weekend of the 18th and 19th of April saw me carrying out woodland walks and campcraft skills in cooperation with West Lancashire Scouts. The weekend consisted of several bases, such as axe and knife skills, campfire cooking, large shelter construction and greenwood working.

The weekend was aimed at up-skilling existing Scout leaders to ensure they pass this very important and fundamental knowledge onto groups of Scouts and young people. Tawd Vale Scout camp was the venue for the skills weekend and I was impressed with the site especially the varying tree and plant species, along with an impressive array of bird and mammal life.

I felt humbled at being invited to the skills weekend and was very impressed with the enthusiasm of all involved. In my eyes the aim of the weekend was to bring back what I consider to be the heartbeat of Scouting and all the instructors involved delivered this with gusto... great to see.