MORE than 4,000 scouts flocked to Gilwell Park to celebrate 100 years of the campsite and activity centre.

Gilwell Park became the home of scouting and guiding groups in 1919, so centenary commemorations began last month with Salisbury scouts taking a trip to the site to celebrate.

Scouts from all across the UK united in the park for the weekend (January 11 - 13), to learn important camping and survival skills including cooking, putting up tents, and looking after each other in cold weather.

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Additionally the scouts had the opportunity to try activities including abseiling, white water rafting, driving and climbing.

During the trip, ten-year-old Grace Delaney from Salisbury said: “We have just completed the high ropes platform challenge. Four of us had to climb to the top of a post with a small platform at the top, when we were there we linked hands and leant back, it was very scary but we did it.”

Ten-year-old Katie Delaney added: “When I was climbing up the post my legs couldn’t stop shaking. I just kept thinking about chocolate to take my mind off of the climb.

"This challenge really helped us develop our teamwork skills.”

Close to London, the 108-acre park has become a home to scouts with a range of skill training activities on offer, and the winter camp was the first of many events to celebrate a century of hosting and helping scouts.

Adult volunteer Matt Sutton said: “I give up weekends like this to see young people enjoying learning new skills and making friendships.

"Getting to see them all buzzing after completing a challenge is what keeps me scouting.”