THE ROMANIAN CHALLENGE CAMP

THE HISTORY

How it all began

Fylde District Scout Council Chairman David Kennington, and his wife Joyce (District Secretary) saw the Challenge Anneka programme Christmas 1990.

They were so moved by the plight of the children in Romanian Orphanages

that they decided that we as a youth organisation should try to help in some way.

This eventually turned into a Fund Raising idea to raise money which could be

used to buy badly needed equipment (such as industrial type washing machines).

The way in which the Scouts could raise money would be by having a "Gang Show" for one night.

They asked the neighbouring Districts of Wyre and Blackpool if they would like to join in this idea and they readily agreed.

This idea was then put into reality with interested people from each District meeting to formulate the programme.

The show was performed on 23rd May 1991 at the Lowther Pavilion in Lytham, the three Districts taking some material from their own shows to put into this show.

No money to be spent on new costumes, scenery, etc. as all the monies coming in from the sale of tickets etc. would be used for Romania.

There was a joke book produced by the Cubs and Scouts, the monies again going to

the Fund. On the night of the Gang Show there was a raffle and a tombola, all prizes being donated from various sources.

We managed to get sponsors to pay for the theatre, for both the rehearsal and the actual show itself

Rehearsal commences At Lytham St AnnesHigh School A Cheque for £1600 is Presented by Derick Batey To Michael Covasa The Draw by Tom Westall President Fylde District Scout Council

From this initial interest some people wondered if there was more' that we could do to help in a more practical way.

This again led us to investigate possibilities of actually going out to Romania and doing some work out there.

David & Joyce with the help of Paul Whitehead (District P.R.) managed to get in touch with Monica McDaid ‑- the challenger who Challenged Anneka ‑- who helped form ideas of what was actually needed.

We suggested that we take some of the children camping, as many do not know how to play, etc. The very limited staff in these Orphanages cannot cope beyond the basics of life, therefore, Monica suggested that we could more good by teaching games and give them some support and perhaps purpose for the future.

The seeds were sown, and by now many people were interested in doing this.

Monica came to give us a most riveting and vivid talk.

A committee was formed to look into the practicalities of this venture.

WHAT HAS TO BE DONE ‑-

First a small working party has to visit Romania, the Orphanages concerned, and determine the locality of the camp.

We needed to find out what facilities are available ‑- this has been arranged, and David and Joyce with Jean Morton (as keeper of the records) going on the 13th May.

We knew from talking to Monica that the main problem will be water, as it is in short supply (2 hours morning, 2 hours at night) and is not fit to drink.

All food must be taken with us ‑- Camping equipment also must be taken with us.

All cooking will be on open fires (no gas).

A ten year passport is required and a visa (can be arranged through Monica).

Injections required will be Tetanus, and Hepatitis "A".

It is envisaged that the camping area will be large enough to hold sub camps of 30+

with adult helpers. Then a central area for activities. Latrines, stores etc. to be located nearby.

A large pantechnicon (say 40 tonner) will be necessary to take the equipment etc. to the camp. It will be required to start travelling sooner so as to arrive before a small advance party. They will require ferry, overnight stops, etc. to be taken into account. Also fuel, oil, spares, arrangements to pick up water in say Austria, etc.

It is hoped to get various sponsorships for this undertaking. These can cover ferry costs, fuel, food, camping equipment, games, etc. either in cash or goods. This will keep the costs down for the helpers going out for the two weeks.

Next the challenge is assessed?

“The advance party”?

“IS IT POSSIBLE”?

“can it be done”?

Come with us on an experience of a life time

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