Thousands of scouts were treated to a visit by TV survival expert Bear Grylls during a weekend camp.
Youngsters from across the region – including six groups from the borough – gathered at the Bowley International Scout Campsite and Activity Centre in Great Harwood where Grylls arrived by helicopter.
The adventurer, who is known for his television series Man v Wild, stopped at the campsite during a whistle-stop tour of the UK called ‘Bear in the Air’.
During the visit Bear Grylls met about 2,000 Scouts and opened a newly built area at the site called Running Bear Tipi Village, assembled by Darwen District Explorer Scouts with donations from United Utilities and Lancashire County Council. Up to 180 children and adults represented local groups Great Harwood Parish, Great Harwood St Wulstans, First Baxenden, St Paul’s Oswaldtwistle, 109 Loyola Oswaldtwistle, and St Paul’s Barnfield, Accrington at the event, which also featured a laser quest and a Cube-style challenge area.
Tony Cousins, district commissioner for Hyndburn, said one of the highlights was the bush tucker trial where many youngsters managed to ‘Beat the Bear’ by tucking into tripe.
He said: “It was a phenomenal weekend – muddy but otherwise enjoyable. It was great to see everybody coming together from all the districts and it was great to have chief scout Bear Grylls there as well. He said we all showed the spirit and endeavour you expect in scouting.”
Chris Taylor, of East Lancashire Scouts, said most groups from the county attended the event and helped make it a great weekend. Grylls also conducted presentations of chief scouts awards to several youngsters.
