On the weekend of May 26-29, 2000, Scouts all around the United Kingdom will be camping as a way to celebrate the Millennium. This was the driving force behind Wimbledon and Merton District Scouts' choice to hold their camp in Wimbledon Park.
The Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venture Scouts, aged between 8 & 20, will be camping along with their Leaders and adult supporters in an area adjacent to the Athletic Stadium. The Beaver Scouts, aged six to eight, will be visiting to take part in the activities during the day time.
The planning for the event has taken into account that the minimum impact should be made on the environment. All refuse is being recycled, we have also consulted with various authorities, to ensure that all that is left behind are the memories and thanks to all concerned. We have even considered the impact we will have on local parking.
So what sort of things will you see taking place during the weekend? Come along and see Scouting as it is today, a vibrant, active Movement that encourages young people to develop to their potential. There will be activities taking place on the lake, in the tennis courts, on the bowling green, on the playing fields and inside the sports arena there will be a large marquee erected, enabling the activities to continue come rain or shine. A tethered hot air balloon will be providing high views over Wimbledon and parachutists will be dropping in to start the weekend off. A camp fire and music concert will be taking place and a fireworks display,
One of our prime concerns in the planning of the Millennium Camp has
been that as well as a Scout camp it has to be an 'experience' which
residents of Wimbledon can share in. Hopefully this will lead to both
a greater awareness of modern Scouting and to an appreciation of the
facilities available within Wimbledon Park.
Should you have any spare Lego hanging around the house, we would love to take it off your hands. Everyone loves playing with Lego (young and old) and during the weekend we will be making the largest Lego camp site possible, we even hope to have some professional Lego builders there all the way from Legoland Windsor. After the weekend we hope to identify worthy causes, such as children's wards, to receive the Lego. Just telephone me and I will arrange to come and collect it.
I do hope that we will see you during the weekend, helping us to celebrate the new Millennium in style.

Ron Crabb  Group Scout Leader,  8th Wimbledon Scout Group
Telephone:  (020) 8642 9834