The Subcamps

Jackie Gibson

Green Subcamp Leader

I’m Jacky and the new Green Sub Camp Leader. I am a GSL in Edinburgh and the Scottish Commissioner for Scouts section.

As a relative newbie to Adventure camp, this is my 3rd year attending. For the last two years i have helped on Green sub camp at Meggernie and Kinnaird castle. Both camps have offered different experiences but the ethos has been the same - Scouts from all over Scotland gather to camp together and have fun. My favourite thing is seeing Scouts meeting friends that they have made at previous camp.

My advice for Adventure camp (and in all things Scouting) is to be kind, look out for your fellow Scouts, offer a helping hand when you can, speak to new people and be prepared to try new things.

It will probably be chilly, there will be lots of instant noodles (possibly even for breakfast..) and somebody will forget tent pegs! But whatever happens remember your sub camp team is there to help and support you.

Andrew Sharkey

Blue Subcamp Leader

I am Andrew and i am currently an Explorer Scout Leader in Lanark.

I have attended the Adventure Camps since 1995 on Arran. I have filled a number of roles at the camp from instructing rock climbing, leading walks and leading a group on the massive challenge hike activity at Tomintoul in 1997.

I have been a subcamp leader since 2008 and my favourite site has been either Mull or Dalmeny House.

Steven Riddell

Yellow Subcamp Leader

I’m an assistant scout leader at the 9th Dunipace scout troop in Falkirk district.

My first adventure camp was in 2007 at Strathallan castle, yip the T in the park place. We were there first! I missed the next year on Mull and have been present since.

I ran lots of different activities my first few years at adventure camp. From scuba diving at Dalmeny house in 2009 to indoor ice climbing at Spean Bridge in 2010 and power blocking the last time we were at Arran in 2011 and back at Dalmeny 2012.

Since 2013 at Kincraig ive been involved with running subcamp i was in the purple subcamp 2013 and 2014 and in 2015 was given the chance to take over the yellow subcamp.

My favourite location was at the Glen Taner Estate in Aboyne in 2016

I love the excitement of the ferry for island camps i like the anticipation of the road trip for a highland camp and the accessibility of a lowland camp. All the adventure camps have their own personalities and challenges but all offer brilliant opportunities to meet new people and have great fun. The best peice of advice i can give u for camp is bring lots of warm socks cosy feet means happy scouts Im looking forward to welcoming you to the mighty yellow subcamp for what will become one the highlights of your camping year.

John Rafferty

Orange Subcamp Leader

I’m John and an Explorer Scout leader from Motherwell.

I am new to the subcamp leadership team at Adventure camp, but don’t worry I have lots of experience and together we will make the Orange Subcamp the loudest and the best.

I have supported various camps over the years, but now due to a change in jobs I can attend and support the camps over the bank holiday weekend.

My favourite memory was the Strathallan camp, based next to an airfield where we got the opportunity to see parachutist perform stunts and touchdown in the same field as we were camping.

My top tip is to pack well for all weathers and meet as many new Scouts as you can. Practice cooking on your stoves so you can get the meal over quickly and clean up to maximise the fun times.

George Walker

Purple Subcamp Leader

I’m George and the new subcamp leader for Purple Subcamp.

After visiting Lowland at Dalmeny House in 2012, I was immediately "hooked" on the Adventure camp idea, and have attended every camp since 2013. Duart Castle at Mull (2014) was my favourite location despite the poor weather.

I am Group Scout Leader at the 5th Dundee (Downfield) and am delighted to have the chance to be a part of Purple Subcamp once again, having previously assisted in White, Red and Green . Hopefully that experience along with that of a Sub Camp Leader at Blair Atholl will help!

"Be prepared" for all weathers, keep your tent and surrounding area clean and tidy, and most of all enjoy yourselves and make new friends!!

Alan Anderson

White Subcamp Leader

I'm Alan and I'm a Group Scout Leader up in Lossiemouth. I'm delighted to be asked to be the leader of White Subcamp.

My first adventure camp was in 2019 and I think it's safe to say I caught the adventure bug! It's a great camp, great fun, great activities and you make great mates but it is also a great challenge. The weather can still be quite cold and cooking on lightweight stoves all weekend is a challenge for some but there is a great sense of achievement in overcoming these challenges!

See you all in a few months, don't forget a warm sleeping bag and a sense of humour!

Dougie Woodrow

Red Subcamp Leader

My name is Dougie and I have the pleasure of looking after Red subcamp.

We have all been to adventure camps before and my first adventure camp was on the island of Bute which I attended as a participant in... sufficed to say it was a while ago.

I have been to adventure camps all over Scotland but my favourite location was Meggernie in Glen Lyon where I ran the pioneering activity and wide game. We built a working drawbridge and introduced the world to 'love your log' and '999 log rescue'.

I have seen all types of weather at adventure camps so come prepared for the worst and we will make sure you have a great time whatever nature throws at us. Plenty of food is the key... and spare socks... and waterproofs, and a good tent... you get the picture.

Bev Mcnab

Pink Subcamp Leader

My first Adventure Camp was a freezing cold 2002 weekend in Braemar where I was on the activities team helping with Grass Sledging and supporting Sub Camps outwith activity time.

That weekend I learnt the importance of layering up and ensuring I was well prepared with lots of warm clothes, a warm sleeping bag and lots of spare blankets! Despite the cold it didn’t put me off and I’ve been lucky enough to help out almost every year since at some beautiful sites including Glen Tanar Estate, Strathallan Castle and Dalmeny House.

Adventure Camps are great fun and a good opportunity to develop your teamwork and independence skills under the watchful eye of your subcamp teams.

Come prepared, give everything a go, make lots of new friends and have a blast!

Frequently Asked Questions

Some common questions and answers about the adventure camp are below, we hope these are of some use

1) Do leaders need to attend the camp?
No there is no requirement for leaders to attend however, they are responsible for transporting scouts to and from the site (or ferry terminal for island camps). Leaders who do wish to attend can only do so by completing the staff application form.
2) When do I need to Pay?
Once your application has been accepted, you have 14 days to make payment via bank transfer or cheque to secure your places.
3) If leaders don't need to attend who will look after the scouts
All scouts attending will be split into 6 subcamps. Each subcamp has a subcamp leader with a team that are responsible for looking after the scouts. When on activities we have activity leaders in place who will look after the scouts.
4) What are the catering arrangements?
Scouts are expected to supply food and cook for themselves, this is why the age limit for the camp is 11+, however soup is provided after activities as well as supper on Saturday & Sunday evenings.
5) Will cooking equipment be supplied?
Cooking equipment must be brought as part of the group kit list which is distributed a few weeks before the camp.
6) Will Scouts attending get a choice of activities?
Unfortunately not. However, we will aim to give all scouts a balanced and varied programme, there will be drop in sessions each evening which will give scouts the opportunity to try some activities they have not been allocated to.
7) One of my scouts is under 11 will they be able to attend?
This is a decision you as the leader really needs to make! The camp is advertised as 11+ because the scouts should be self sufficient but if you feel the scout under 11 will cope then we will accept them.
8) Is there a kit list?
Yes, this is issued a few weeks before the camp and will be available on the Downloads page after the closing date.
9) I have forgotten to apply and it is passed the closing date, can I still send scouts?
Unfortunately after the closing date no more applications will be accepted.
10) I have Young Leaders who want to attend as staff can they come
Young leaders can not attend, all staff need to be 18 at the time of the event.
11) One of my scouts needs to leave early or arrive late is this a problem?
No not at all. As long as transport is arranged to and from site they can join in when they arrive or finish an activity early. Please ensure you let us know so we can ensure the scout is allocated to an onsite activity.
12) Do i need to book the ferry / pay ferry ticket for Island Camps?
No the camp starts at the ferry terminal
13) What if one of my scouts drop out?
If you have scouts drop out we encourage you to replace within your group however if you are unable to do this we can offer a refund up until 31st January. After this date we will only accept replacements.