WINGSPAN Wednesday, August 5 2009 Issue 5
Let’s get physical, physical A plethora of activities await including circus skills, space hoppers and the trek cart challenge
BY KATE SMITH-CRALLAN As you arrive at the Physical Zone you will no doubt notice a mouse on a space hopper. This is an indication of the fun and frolics that await after you are invited to ‘get physical’ in the zone at the far end of the site, behind Morland Sub Camp. Have you ever wanted to dismantle a solid oak cart, haul it over a range of obstacles and then build it again? Never thought of it? Well, starting thinking now, becuase that’s exactly what you will be doing as a team at trek carting. The record to beat so far has been set by 2nd Saltash Scouts Tamar troop, at 2 min 22sec. 2nd Saltash teamed up with girls from Bradford South Scouts so the three girls could have a go. In circus skills, you’ll learn to juggle, use a Diablo and test your balance and nerve on the tight rope. Luke from 18th Maidenhead Scouts was looking like a pro on the unicycle, “it just takes practice” he told me. Across from circus skills is the serious sport of space hopper football. A fast-paced game saw 1st Ascot Scouts win despite team member Ryan getting several red cards including one in the first 30 seconds of the game – for a hand ball! In the Crystal Maze games, participants are marked on team work, as well as how well they communicate with their team and how well they can do in the multitude of challenges found in the area. The stilts were proving popular. With a starting height of 60cm Izzy from Bradford South Scouts had moved up in the world to the 3ft stilts, and was a towering 8 1/2 ft tall. If you can match Izzy’s height and make it onto the 6ft stilts you could win a necker for your achievement. David from 5th Cork was enjoying the pedal cart racing, “this is definitely my favourite,” he said. There as a huge range of activities going on in the physical zone, so get on down there, join in and see if you can beat the cart trek record or become 6ft taller on the stilts.
From Left: Heather, Emily, Hayley and Lizzie from 1st Kidlington Guides
Above: William Nicholson and William Reiss lead their team in the cart challenge
1st Wraysbury Guides get creative with the communication challenge
Above: Izzy Bradford South Saints takes to the stilts
Today’s Highlights Page 2 - Meet the Washington Girl Scouts
Page 3 - Socks away
Page 4 - Behind the scenes at the retail tent
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Wednesday, August 4 2009 - WINGSPAN
Celebrating international friendships BY SOPHIE MADDOCKS
IN the magnificent surroundings of St Leonard’s mansion at Legoland in Windsor, representatives of each country gathered for an international celebration. Guides and Scouts walking through the ornate oak doors were met with an Alice in Wonderland-esque scene: row upon row of cakes and chocolate delicacies piled high, as participants wandered in the garden, admiring the Lego statues nestled in the vast grounds as the Lego train chugged past. Two representatives from each international unit were invited to the evening celebration; an opportunity for participants from far flung corners of the globe to celebrate the international friendships being created at WINGS2009. The room filled with people, dressed in a dazzling array of Scouting and Guiding uniforms. Over refreshments, Jorge Damas, a Portuguese leader from just outside Lisbon, discussed how his WINGS2009 experience differed from other units. “We have been twinned with the UK-based Wellington Scouts for four years, and are camping together as
a unit.” Jorge added: “We’ve made friends with the Egyptians, and have two Kenyans camping with us – we’re truly international”. Although language barriers could have been a difficulty; participants found any way they could to interact with each other. Making use of a French–English dictionary, Parisian participant, Justine said: “WINGS has given me another perspective on people from different countries.” Her leader, Jean Capelain from Aire-sur-la-lys was eager to compliment the WINGS2009 team on their preparation for the camp: “We did lots of preparation, and the WINGS team were amazing at sorting out our queries – I appreciated the friendliness of the staff.” Many participants had been at similar events before. Kenyan leader Mary Wambui on Archimedes Sub Camp discussed why she is drawn back to jamborees year after year: “I love interacting with people from different countries, meeting people from all over the world and sharing ideas - making scouting stronger.” The evening highlighted acts of international friendship that had already occurred here at WINGS2009. “The Dutch group cooked for us because we arrived late and our bags
Conrad and James from Colrado with a new found friend
got lost in Copenhagen,” said Analisse Miller-Wells, from Seattle. The night culminated in a speech from camp chief Sam Knight; where a representative from each unit collect-
ed a small momento – but only after everyone had introduced themselves to the audience; speeches ranged from humorous to calm and sincere. As the evening was brought to a
close, participants took the opportunity to spend the last few minutes in the garden before returning to the campsite to continue their WINGS2009 experience.
Get wet and go wild on the Windsor welcomes the Washington 44 water on the WINGS lake BY EMMA PARKER WHETHER you are a seasoned sailor, keen canoeist, regular rafter or nautical novice, the Water Activities team is here to offer challenge and adventure. The WINGS2009 water activities take place off site at the Wraysbury Sailing Club, not far from the jamboree site. The 45-acre lake has been home to water activities for more than 50 years. And the award-winning location is delighted to welcome the Scouts and Guides for the week. Like every other activity, each participant will be able to spend half a day messing around on the water. And as well as the more traditional activities like kayaking and rafting, participants will have a chance to try
new water activities. Bell boating is all about working together in teams of 12, to sail a Catamaran canoe around the water. Kata Kanu, another chance to do something different, is an orienteering activity working in teams of six. There will also be the chance for 50 participants per session to spend time at Windsor Leisure Centre, with many different aspects to enjoy, including a 25-metre, six-lane racing pool and a wave machine. Offering aqua thrills for everyone; with two giant slides, Wild Water Creek, Olly the Octopus and his water cannons, the umbrella fountain and even a chance to relax in the poolside bubble tubs. The aim of the water activities is to get wet, so make sure that you take dry clothes with you and be prepared for lots of fun.
IMAGINE a trip to WINGS2009 that’s blighted by delays, lost luggage and rain. Well for the Girl Scouts of Western Washington that became a reality. But then the Scouting spirit came to the rescue. Charlotte Donnan, Christina Long, and Emily Froelick take up the story.
Eleven hours on a plane can do a lot to a group of 44 exhausted people. Travelling to London from Seattle, Washington, USA, is a gruelling experience, complete with seven lost bags (containing tents, sleeping bags, and clothing), 44 hungry stomachs, and the desire to just rest. To top it all off we got to camp late, still had to set up tents, prepare, eat, and clean up dinner, all before the opening celebrations. We would not have made it without all the help of Great Hollands Guides and Downshire Senior Section Rangers, who made our dinner and supplied us with cold food supplies. But without the help of the Discovery Explorer Scout Unit from Slough we wouldn’t have had a place to put the food supplies which some people kindly brought for us. Two of our leaders, Kathi Hamilton and Cheryl Stewart had arrived the day before to ensure everything went smoothly when we got to camp. Due to the fact that we were late, someone from the Discovery Explorer Scout Unit was kind enough to gather people to help put up the white marquees and went to get some of our food.
The Washington Girl Scouts pitch camp after a gruelling journey
Caroline from the Great Hollands Guides and Downshire Senior Section Rangers noticed that Kathi was sitting alone in the marquee, waiting for us to arrive. She offered to collect the rest of our food and have her girls help prepare our dinner. It was at the airport, the problems had begun to arise. We had landed at London Heathrow, and went through the immense hassle of immigration, and keeping 44 grumpy and sleepy people together. We headed towards the baggage claim with high hopes of leaving quickly with our luggage intact. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the case, as we soon found out. We were missing seven pieces of luggage, and had to spend about 30 minutes identifying and reporting the lost baggage.
The seven that had lost their luggage returned sullenly to the group, saddened by the fact that they would not be wearing clean clothes anytime soon. We all boarded the bus and soon came to camp, finding ourselves in usual Seattle weather – it was raining, and raining hard. Trudging through the rain all the way to our campsite, we, and our suitcases all became rather damp. We finally arrived at 6.45pm, an hour and 15 minutes later than planned. After that, we put up our tents, ate dinner, and made it to the opening celebrations. At long last, our lost baggage was returned. And so, we thank the courteous people who made our first night here tolerable.
Watch WINGS2009 Highlights Watch video highlights of WINGS2009 so far at www.wings2009.org.uk or on our You Tube channel wings2009tv
WINGSPAN - Wednesday, August 4 2009
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Youngsters descend on camp for fun
WINGS participants brighten up the main arena during the neon disco
BY SOPHIE MADDOCKS
Young people do their bit to change the world BY KATE SMITH-CRALLAN THOUSANDS of new black socks have been collected at WINGS2009, and not for any strange modern art installation, but for a purpose - the UK charity Crisis. Crisis is a national charity for homeless people, aiming to end homelessness and transform lives. It was one of 19 charities chosen by Girlguiding UK for the Changing the World project. Guides around the country have been learning about and supporting these charities in preparation for the 100 years of Guiding celebrations kicking off in September. Newbury Senior Section girls chose to support Crisis, and they have learnt about the challenges that homeless people face, and how little things like a pair of socks
can make a big difference. The socks you bought to camp and have given in at your sub camps will all be sent to Crisis and will offer a homeless person a little extra warmth. Katy Birch from Newbury Senior Section said: “I think I have changed the world, for a few people. Having a pair of socks can make a big difference.” Crisis agrees, saying: “The Guiding community has been amazing in its efforts to help homeless people. “We are extremely grateful to you all; thanks to your efforts we will be able to give a couple of pairs of socks to all the guests that visit us this Christmas.” So, thanks to all the Guides and Scouts who brought along a few pairs of socks for the collection – don’t forget you can continue to donate after the camp.
IF you thought the site was busy now, just wait till later on today, as WINGS2009 is about to be invaded by almost 200 Brownies and Cubs. They are in for oodles of fun touring the campsite, meeting Guides and Scouts from far flung corners of the world, and will even catch a glimpse of Wednesday night’s WINGS Factor. The young visitors will receive the grand tour of the WINGS2009 site; visiting each sub camp gate accompanied by sub camp members. The evening will be an excellent opportunity for Cubs and Brownies to experience that ever-memorable camp tradition - the opening ceremony. You may not be able to see their opening event, but you’ll definitely be able to hear it! After splitting into smaller groups and journeying to each sub camp, Brownies and Cubs will enjoy an authentic WINGS camp meal with international units, learning about their hosts and absorbing the unique camp atmosphere. Cubs and Brownies can take away a souvenir of their trip to WINGS – their very own WINGS2009 passport. This visit will hopefully create a “forever memory” for each Cub and Brownie; motivating them to remain in Guiding and Scouting and get involved in the next WINGS adventure. Organiser Ian May said: “We want them to get a flavour of Guiding and Scouting; to go away with one memory of WINGS. “A small thing like the taste of the camp food or the vibrant camp flags, will make them feel like they were part of the camp.”
BOOK YOUR GROUP/TEAM PHOTO Appointments require a time, date and location
Girl Guides celebrate the thousands of socks that have been collected so far
The Information Centre is open every day during WINGS2009 to buy framed photos and order your copy of the event DVD.
WingsFM Broadcasting live 24-hours a day Web: www.wingsfm.org.uk
Email: studio@wingsfm.org.uk
WINGSPAN - Wednesday, August 5 2009
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Grab a souvenir quick
Badges, fairy wings and doughnuts top the best-sellers list in the camp shop BY KATHI HAMILTON
Rocket Twisters. More of the Twisters have been ordered as they have proved very popular. The most requested items WINGS2009 souvenirs and clothing, so far are the sub camp badges – get sweets, fizzy drinks, personal care items and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Just some of the whole set of six for £4.80. What don’t they have – so far the the items available at the Retail Centre at camp. And all thanks to a brilliant crew from only two requested items not in stock are woggles and a shoe horn. Who Girlguiding Windsor. needs a shoe horn for sneakers or And it seems to be clothing sales which sandals? are proving the most popular with some Forgot your toothbrush, left your items already selling out. But fear not as shampoo in the shower, running low on more supplies are coming. So if you have your heart set on a T-shirt, polo shirt, fleece, batteries? A visit to the Wot I Forgot Shop in the Retail Mall can solve your hoodie or sweatshirt don’t despair just yet. problem. More than 200 of every size of hoodie Do you have postcards to mail? Take are on order and it will be first-come, firstthem to the Retail Centre and they will served. If you have pre-ordered clothing post them for you. Later in the week, or merchandise before camp opened, take they will even have postcards for sale, your paperwork to the Retail Mall to collect so you can let mum and dad know your items. what a great time you are having at Hungry? Thirsty? Check out the array of WINGS2009. sweets and fizzy drinks for only 50p each. “We’ve got a great team and are Krispy Kreme doughnuts are on hand every working together to meet the needs and morning at £1 each or 12 for £7.95 – 600 are delivered fresh each morning. The store wants of the participants. Come by and has sold so much chocolate that “the entire see us” said Judy Grey, one of the retail A Scout stocks up on doughnuts at the Retail Maill managers. camp must be on a sugar high”, observed the retail staff. Get your fairy wings in time for the disco for only £3. Need Glow Sticks for anytime, this is where you can find them at 40p each. Itching to find out the latest score for your favourite football or cricket team? A selection of newspapers are delivered daily and available for purchase – but remember that WINGSPAN your camp newspaper is delivered free every morning. WINGS2009 logo merchandise includes sub camp badges, coffee mugs, scarves, pin badges, drink cups and the Whizzy
WINGS Say
Alan Owens, 23, Morland Water Sliding
Oliver Webster, 14, De Havilland Climbing
“I’m a slippery sort of person, you can’t catch me! Like a gingerbread man.”
“I dance back home. I am passionate, romantic and outgoing.”
“I love the challenge and fortunately Iím not scared of heights”
Today the programme continues with a host of fun things to do and new friends to meet.
Plus the Communications team are on the hunt for a teapot to make tea breaks all the more enjoyable. If you have one you are willing to donate, pop into the Communications Team Base and ask for Richard.
Today’s Forecast Sunny intervals Temp 24
Tomorrow’s Forecast Sunny intervals Temp 25
Tonight’s Ents
Tonika Swailes, 11, Ben Steels, 10, Bell Bell Playing on Canoeing inflatable slides “It ís an exploratative “It’s full of hot air sporty activity with and funny.” loads of adventure.”
Main Stage WINGS Factor final Parthenon Games Night Acropolis Requests Night Bell Cinema Night
Leave your mark on a work of art THE International Centre has a challenge for all of you. Drop in and help out with the Embroidered Standard. Volunteers are needed to drop by and give a little time to cross-stitching the flags. The centre also has displays by most of the countries represented here at WINGS2009, make sure your unit has ensured your country has put up a display. You can even mark where you have travelled from to be here in Windsor. There is a list of units, take the string to where you live. You are welcome to go and natter, have a look round, view the displays and sample the flavours some units have made available.
What’s On Today
And don’t forget to extend the hand of friendship to our young visitors tonight and lend a hand if you can to make the Cubs and Brownies visit to WINGS2009 the best possible.
If you could be an activity what activity would you be and why?
Emily Coulthard, 15, Archimedes Dancing
Daily Round Up
De Havilland WINGS Factor Morland WINGS Factor
Rebecca Bush 15, Archimedes Washing up
Josef Nickerson, 13, Bell Bungee jumping
Sian French, 26, De Havilland Eating chocolate.
Andy Hickey, 15, Morland Dancing
“I don’t mind getting my hands dirty but washing up shows my gentle side and I’m really bubbly.”
“I have mood swings concurrent with the yo-yo motion of the bungee jump. It’s adrenaline fuelled and exhilarating.”
I love chocolate! I’m naughty but nice, everyone needs a treat and I am that treat.
“Dancing is my thing; I’ve loads of energy and liveliness whilst being very flamboyant.”
Katy Birch, 16, Harington Bungee trampolining “You can have fun on the ground and in the air making me a good energetic all rounder.”
Harington WINGS Factor
Happy Birthday to.... Ellie, from De Havilland, Happy Birthday from Amy. Tasha M, from Morland, Happy Sweet 16. Love you from all your friends at Morland.
WINGSPAN was bought to you by Antony Weller, Sarah Paget, Emma Parker, Sophie Maddocks, Richard Shepherd, Kate Smith-Crallan, Kathi Hamilton, Katherine Broomfield and Matt Robinson. Photography by Becky Smith, Becky Tompkinson, Graham Smith, Claire Holland, James Hage, Dave Brookes, Cheryl Stewart, Ed Jackson and Andrew Hawke.