Nottinghamshire Guides and Brownies celebrate special anniversary with virtual camp in their own homes

More than 1,350 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers marked the 90th anniversary of Elton campsite, near Orston in Rushcliffe, over the weeked of July 4-5.

The event had originally been planned as a get-together at Elton but leaders were forced to get creative by social distancing restrictions.

Girlguiding spokesperson Sarah Clarkson said: “We were looking forward to being together to celebrate all the fun and adventure we have at Elton but instead 1350 people will have special memories of our stay at home camp."

County commissioner Jackie Brocklehurst officially opened the camp on Facebook in a message welcoming members to the event.

The youngsters then took part in a series of tasks using kits which had been sent to every home.

The weekend included singing Happy Birthday in Makaton, making a birthday card, setting up tents or making indoor shelters, having a campfire and also enjoying some birthday cake.

Sarah said: "Thanks to everybody who joined in and everybody who had a hand in organising and promoting it.”

Elton campsite, close to Orston, was gifted to Girlguiding Nottinghamshire in 1930 by a Colonel GN Pearson.

The property covers around 11 acres of grass, woodland and a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), and has hosted hundreds of camps and happy memories for generations of Guides.

All those current members who took part in the celebration earned a unique badge produced to mark the occasion.

Proceeds from sales of the badge will go to the Children’s Bereavement Centre in Newark, which supports children aged 3-18 affected by the death or terminal illness diagnosis of someone close.

Sarah said: “The charity offers services across Nottinghamshire and it was agreed that in these difficult circumstances it would be something that resonates with our members.”

For details on how to become a member of Girlguiding Nottinghamshire, or volunteer as an adult, call 0115 987 7220 or visit www.girlguidingnottinghamshire.org.uk.