Kent County Show 2015
77,000 visitors over the three days of the Kent County show and it seemed like most of them visited us in Murrain Woods or on the KM stand.
58 Volunteers on our stands over three days ensured that visitors went away having had a totally amazing time. The adventure passport, devised by Simon Corrigan was very popular and young people took part in four different activities to get their passports stamped. The prusiking and climbing tower were inundated with people - all excited at the prospect of climbing and hanging about in trees! The kayaking using green screen technology ensured everyone stayed dry - except when the water pistol came out and then a few got slightly wet!!
On the first day the Red Arrows did a spectacular display which lasted about 20 minutes - although a lot of people saw it in Gillingham as well as we did as the turning circle for the display team is 6 miles!
The tea tent did a roaring trade keeping everyone supplied with drinks and a friendly chat - and gave out the prizes for the passport completion.
On the KM stand children were able to have their faces painted by our experienced team (well some are!!) and many took the challenge to go into the caving system in the dark. Twisting tunnels and a slide to exit all provided some fun and adventure.
The shade of the trees was much needed for the first two days of the show and the rain on the third day dampened down the dust - so all was well.
Kent Scouts were thrilled to accept the first prize for the voluntary and charity trade stands - thanks to the entire team for the part they played - we couldn't have done it without you. The KM stand won third prize for the best interactive stand and we hope we played our part in that too!
Pat Marsh and Erica North from BBC Radio Kent interviewed some of the team about their experiences in Scouting; Rob Gill told them all about the next World Scout Jamboree in Japan and Charlotte Pursey said she enjoyed being a Scout because of the adventurous activities. As always our Big Beaver made an appearance - but one child spotted the zip at the back and wasn't convinced it was real - surely not!!
On the final day of the show Kent Scouts were challenged to compete against Kent Guides for the Kent Omelette Challenge - Ali Ross saved the day and managed to be the quickest so the honour was ours!
Thanks to everyone who came along and visted the stand which was a credit to Kent Scouts. Thanks to all the volunteers who set up, managed, installed electrics, put up large banners, tidied up, fed everyone and most importantly cleared up - we couldn't have done it without you.
The dates for next years show have been revised recently and are now 8th, 9th and 10th July 2016 - see you there!
Beccy Martin - County Projects Manager
