‘A Scout has courage’ is a key principle of the worldwide youth movement’s special promise and law, but the bravery on display on Sunday was probably not what Founder, Robert Baden-Powell was thinking about, as nearly 2,000 young people and adult volunteers enjoyed the thrills of the rides at Pleasurewood Hills theme park, near Lowestoft.
The Scouts takeover day, gave the youngsters aged between 4 and 18 the opportunity to meet other Scouts from across Norfolk and Suffolk and do something very different to their normally weekly programmes or regular camps.
Excitement was high as the group we’re some of the first to try the refurbished ‘Wipeout’ ride, unique to UK and the region’s biggest rollercoaster, reaching up to 5G of forward force.
Clara and George, aged 8 from Bowthorpe both rode the Wipeout. George said “Wow, that was the most fun ride I’ve ever been on, I really liked the six loops! It felt really special having the park to ourselves. It’s really fun being here with my Scout friends and not my parents!”
Clara added “I was nervous before I went on the ride, it was fantastic, but it made my belly wobble a little bit!” The event, which was organised entirely by adult volunteers, wasn’t all high adrenaline, everyone took time to enjoy the great weather, eat picnic lunches together and make friends. As the day concluded everyone was awarded a special badge to commemorate their day.
“It’s brilliant to see so many Scouts having so much fun” said Jane Warden from Norfolk Scout “it’s so special to have the whole park to ourselves, our young people are really lucky to be part of such a large organisation that is able to do things like this. We’re known for teaching young people skills, teamwork and practical things, but having fun is essential to our success!”
