Network go green for campsite

Posted 21 October 2008

When the local campsite stood in disrepair, members of the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Scout Network started the Network Campsite Project (NCP) to provide a much needed site service.

Network member Gareth Johns takes up the story: ‘We’ve done a lot of work over the years to bring the site up to scratch. When we first started, the grass was three feet tall and chock-full with brambles. Parts were flooded and the toilets were a nature of their own. We faced the challenge head on, purchased petrol strimmers and got to work.

Drainage ditches were dug, bridges rebuilt, toilets renovated. Gradually, bookings at the campsite increased.’ Gareth acknowledges the role played by the Area Executive in supporting the Network project. ‘The executive committee granted us £3,000 to purchase more tools and equipment, which let the project continue. We’ve got more adventurous since, installing sinks and even solar-powered lighting.

It’s rewarding as we can now use the campsite for linking weekends with Explorer Scouts, helping us to recruit new members.’ It goes to show that when you look after nature, nature has a habit of looking after you.

Article taken from the October/November 2008 issue of Scouting magazine.

More information about CATVOG Network is available on their website.