Rosyth District Scout Council

District Explorer Scouts

Oslo 2006

On Friday the 2nd of June 2006, fourteen sleepy explorer scouts set off for the quiet Norwegian town of Sandefjord. A little after 12pm, the 14 took off from Glasgow Prestwick bound for Torp international airport. The plane touched down in just less than two hours later. The 14 (and monkey) then passed through the various airport checks and baggage reclaim before heading for their rather swanky minibus that would take them to Sandefjord Scout House.

On arrival at the Scout house, the group were given a guided tour of the 1st Sandefjord group's home. Most of the 14 were surprised at how large the three-story scout hall was. After settling in, the group set off to explore the surrounding area and buy in the essential provisions. Before returning to the hall for a quiet evening of entertainment and a Norwegian style dinner.

After less than eight hours sleep, for most of the explorers, the group went off to explorer all the delights that central Sandefjord offered, including:

• The whaling museum
• The whaling ship Southern Actor
• The asparagus festival

And last but by no means least the shopping district, much to the delight of all.

On the Saturday evening the group headed up to the Vest fold Forest, where the Sandefjord Scouts own a cabin and 14 acres of land, and enjoyed:-

• Traditional pioneering and bivouacking
• Swimming (ice age style!)
• Canoeing (no one capsized!)
• Hill climbing

After a return to Sandefjord on Sunday evening, the explorers (and leaders) had their first and much needed shower of the weekend, thanks to the city's town hall.

Monday was reserved mainly for the cleaning of the hall and the packing up of all of the kit. However our explorers managed to do what many think the section is all about! We went and did a little more exploration of the town. This walk around was one like no other - we marched in perfect formation around the town in our kilts attracting many odd looks and also a few smiles from the locals!

Once the party arrived back at Torp International, there was time for some last minute shopping and what many believed to be the best hot dog they have ever had, before boarding the plane.

Everyone who went had a fantastic time and made many new Norwegian friends.