Scouts, Guides and adults from Farnham district joined more than 6,000 others from Surrey for an action-packed weekend at the Surrey Scoutabout.

Boys and girls aged from ten to 14 took part in more than 150 activities from June 28 to 30 at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex - the only site that was big enough and close enough to house the Scouts and Guides of Surrey for a weekend.

Activities included bus driving, car driving, bungee running, kayaking, archery, air rifle shooting and caving, with the aim of trying something new in a safe environment, gaining life skills and making friends.

It was staged by 1,500 adult volunteers from across Surrey, who included cooks, a doctor, fire teams and computer engineers.

On the Friday night Sour Kix played for the camp at the opening ceremony, and on the Saturday night Doubting Thomas and The Ariston played on stage.

Explorer Scouts presented shows on the camp radio station Scoutabout FM, and there were competitions to win prizes from Guildford Flames, Bentley Copse Activity Centre, Airfix and Surrey Sports Park.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “A special message for all of you at Scoutabout 2024 at Ardingly showground. I really hope all of you have a brilliant weekend together, look after each other and most of all have fun. So proud of what you all do, helping other people always, showing the true Scouting spirit, you are all amazing.”

Marcus Martin-Burns, county youth commissioner for Surrey Scouts, said “Seeing 5,000 Scouts and Guides all together for one weekend at Scoutabout has been truly awesome, giving them the opportunities to learn skills for life, make new friends and discover new activities. From archery to zorbing, Scoutabout had it all and a big thank you goes to all the leaders and service crew who made this weekend possible.”

Zeeshan, 13, from Farnham district (12th Farnham), said: “The best bit has been the slippy slide because it was really fun and exciting.”

Jasper, 11, from Haslemere district (1st Camelsdale), said: “We liked the driving experience because we got to drive at age 11.”

Sam, 11, from Godalming district (4th Godalming), said: “I liked the variety of activities and there was something for everyone.”

Rosalie, ten, from Woking district (7th Woking), said: “I liked the dunk tank because it was nice getting wet in this hot weather.”

Jack, 13, from Surrey Heath district (4th Frimley), said: “I liked being at Scoutabout because I could be with my friends and do the activities with them.”

Sophia, 12, from Guildford West district (1st Jacobs Well), said: “I liked the water activities because the reservoir was refreshing in this hot weather.”

Katie, 11, from Guildford East district (1st Cranleigh), said: “I really liked the craft activities because there were lots of different options to make.”

Joey, 12, from Dorking district, said: “The best bit is going round all the activities, which gave opportunities to try rock climbing and driving a car.”