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District Camp at Griebal Scout Centre
July 16, 2022 – July 21, 2022
16th – 21st July 2022
British Scouting Overseas Southern Europe District (BSO) is excited to announce a District camp to be held in the Spanish Pyrenees in July 2022, at a site owned by the Spanish Scouts Organisation in and around a restored medieval village in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The camp will last for six days / five nights and be available for Explorers, Scouts and older Cubs from all groups in the District. It is likely that we will have attendance from six of our groups, including young people and adults from France, Spain and Italy. Leaders from all groups sending young people will be attending. Activities during the camp will be safe and exciting and aim to include canyoning and via ferrata provided by professional guides in the mornings, and volunteering and traditional scouting activities such as games and community service around the village in the afternoons and evenings.
Apart from having fun, the focus of the camp will be on camaraderie with other young people from BSO and other scout groups who will be staying on site at the same time in separate private camping areas.
History
The centre is located in a reclaimed village named Griebel, established around the year 1100 to farm olives in the surrounding hills. The village itself consists of a church and a number of houses and buildings, and is steeped in history. The village is steadily undergoing restoration by the Spanish Scouts. The centre of the village, approximately the size of a football pitch, is fully restored, with other buildings around the site being repaired.
Buildings located away from the village centre that are awaiting restoration are behind fences of the sort used to restrict public access to building sites. In 1964, a reservoir was created in the valley at the bottom of the village, leading to the farming becoming unviable and the area being abandoned. In 1989 the village was gifted to the Spanish Scouts, who have been restoring it bit by bit ever since and have turned it into the camp that it is today.
The current state of the site consists of the village centre, surrounded by a number of terraces and camping sites on flat dry ground. This is a typical camping spot.
Activities
Activities will be split into three daily time periods:
- 1000 – 1300
- 1700 – 1900
- 2200 – 2330.
The long break over lunch from 1300 to 1700 is designed to allow rest during the hottest part of the day.
The daily plan would be to partake in adventure activities in the morning when it is cooler and community work and games in the afternoon. Adventure activities will be provided by a respected local team with qualified guides who speak English. Activities are expected to include canoeing, canyoning, guided day hikes and via ferrata. In the afternoons, camp staff and BSO leaders will lead a site volunteering program of cleaning, maintenance and renovation tasks for the scouts. In the evening the focus switches to games and activities that promote cooperation and socialising among scouts from the different groups staying at the centre, with shows and talent contests in small amphitheatres around the site. The proposed timetable is:
Location
The centre is located close to two major tunnels, facilitating access from both the French and the Spanish sides of the Pyrenees.
The site is in the middle of the countryside on a large area of fenced land privately owned by the Spanish Scouts. The town of Aínsa with a public health centre can be reached in around 10 to 15 minutes by car. Views are breath taking from most locations on the site, with the high Pyrenees visible on clear days.
The centre has capacity for around 450 Scouts in total, with an estimated total of 200 scouts to be at the centre during our camp, including around 80 BSO Scouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Camp?
Any Cub (over the age of 9), Scouts and Explorers, along with leaders and, if necessary, some additional parents/volunteers.
Do adults need to have a UK Disclosures Check and/or a Local Check form the country in which I reside?
In line with TSA/BSO requirements all adults, who have lived in the UK at any time since the age of 10, require both a UK DBS and a Local Country Check
Who will be the Leader-in-Charge and who will hold the necessary Nights Away Permit?
James Scott, the Beaver Section Leader from 1st Madrid, will be both the Leader-in-Charge and the Nights Away Permit Holder. We will announce who will be the other leaders attending in due course.
As a parent but not a Leader or Section Assistant, may I also attend the camp?
We will look at this on a case-by-case basis especially if there are concerns about a younger Cub attending a camp so far away from home. However, please bear in mind that this is a Scout Camp and not a family event.
What are the transport arrangements?
We have looked at the best way to minimise the costs of transport and some groups will be sharing transport. Each group will make the final decision and we will update details on the website page and directly to the parents.
What is the cost of attending the camp?
This is fixed at €290 per young person attending for the camp, accommodation, food and all activities (including transport from the Camp to the activities). Cost for the transport to and from your home location to Griebal will be confirmed by the end of February.
What are the payment terms?
We will be asking for a deposit of €35 per head to be paid by 14th March and the cost of the transport in line with the requirements of the transport company(ies). We will inform you of the timings for payment of the transport costs by the end of February.
We are afraid that unless the camp is cancelled for reasons outside our control, such as COVID lockdowns, the deposit and transport costs will be non-refundable.
To who do I pay the fees?
You will pay the fees to your own Scout Group.
What are the cancellation rules?
Once you have booked and paid the deposit, we will then require payment for the camp and transport eight weeks before the camp. Cancellation policy will be:
- Deposit and cost of transport – Non-refundable.
- Between 8 and 4 weeks prior to the camp – 50 % of camp fees refundable
- Between 4 and 2 weeks prior to the camp – 25% of camp fees refundable
- Within 2 weeks of the camp – No refund
What are the rules with regard to vaccinations?
Looking ahead we need to plan for ever-changing COVID-19 regulations but we will follow the rules in the Communidad de Aragon and the campsite as at the start of the camp. At present everyone over 12 years of age must be fully vaccinated and be able to show a Covid-19 passport or QR code. A negative COVID test carried out by a professional practitioner with a valid up to date certificate will be required for presentation on arrival. Please be aware that these rules could change.
We are under obligation to abide by the rules. If you are unable to provide any of the above we cannot accept your booking.
New legislation, such as triple vaccination or even a reduction in requirements is possible, so please be sure you are willing adapt accordingly. Once your child/children’s places are confirmed we will be unable to refund fees.
However, if you or your children attending, test positive within seven days of the 16th July, a refund of the camp fees will be paid on proof of a positive test. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to refund the transport fees at such a late stage and parents/carers should ensure they have travel insurance in place to cover such an eventuality.
Why is the activity programme only tentative at this stage?
Since the camp is not until July, it is difficult to confirm these activities will definitely take place. However, it is our intention to do Kayaking, Canyoning, Hiking and Via Ferrata and, if any of these activities cannot take place, we will ensure a similar activity that offers our young people fun and adventure in a safe manner.
How will you ensure that these activities are safe and my young person will not be hurt?
All the activities will be led by a professional company and/or a leader with the relevant permits. We will ensure that comprehensive risk assessments are in place and the necessary insurance. Obviously, we cannot guarantee that no accidents or incidents will take place but the risk will be minimised.
What kit should my young person bring to the camp?
We are currently writing a detailed kit list for each young person and adult to bring to the camp. This will be issued 6 weeks prior to the camp. However, each person should have sufficient kit to wear for 6 days plus sleeping bag and mat. Tents will be provided. They will also need their own plate, mug and cutlery, plus items like sunhat, sunscreen etc. Since we will be doing water based activities please make sure that your child(ren) have clothes and footwear that can get wet.
Are laundry services available at the camp?
No – each person attending must bring sufficient clothing to last the six days.
Do I need to make sure that all clothing is labeled with my child’s name?
Yes please
Do I need to provide any safety equipment or such items as wetsuits?
No – all safety equipment and wetsuits will be provided by the Activity providers. This will ensure all equipment has been checked and is of the required standard to keep your children (and adults) safe.
My child has an allergy. How will I ensure that this causes no issues on the camp?
Your GSL needs to be told about any allergies and medications which your child needs prior to the camp so that we can manage this on the camp.
My child needs to take regular medication. How will you manage this?
We need to know about the medication and when it needs to be taken. A leader on the camp will be responsible for holding that medicine and dispensing it as necessary. No self-medication by minors is allowed.
What happens if I need to get in touch with my child during the camp?
Each group will set up an in-touch system so that we can contact you in the event of an incident or issue and that you will be able to contact us. This in-touch system will be communicated to you prior to the camp.
Do you have questions?
Consult our Frequently Asked Questions further down or contact your Group Scout Leader.
Cost of Camp
The price for attending the camp with all food and activities is €290 per young person in line with a local summer camp except with the added bonus of exploring the Pyrenees and meeting with other young people from across our district. Transport will be on top of this and we will confirm that price before the end of February.
Transport Arrangements
Each group will be organising transport arrangements from their location to Griebal Scout Centre. In a number of cases this will mean a sharing of transport. Current arrangement are as follows and this will be updated as arrangements are confirmed:
1st Madrid and 1st Majadahonda will share a coach(es) from Madrid to Griebal
1st Maison-Laffitte will fly to Madrid and then join the coach(es) arranged by 1st Madrid.
1st Fuengirola will travel by coach direct to Girebal Scout Centre.
1st Naples are currently planning how they will travel to Griebal
Accommodation and Facilities
The site has safe drinking water along with enough indoor showers and toilets for everyone. In addition, in the event of bad weather (which is unlikely in July) there is enough indoor space to accommodate the whole group. The site also has a cafe where the kids can buy snacks, drinks and souvenirs. Alcohol is banned across the entire site, with anyone found breaking this rule being asked to leave.
Accommodation is to be in good quality tents such as the Decathlon Arpenaz tents used by BSO. These sleep between four and six people and have been tested and shown able to survive adverse weather conditions well on previous camps. All those attending will need to provide their own personal sleeping gear including a sleeping bag and mat. Note that young people will where possible be sharing tents with other members from their local groups and other young people of a similar age. There will be no mixed gender camping arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Once you have booked and paid the deposit, we will then require payment for the camp and transport eight weeks before the camp. Cancellation policy will be:
- Deposit and cost of transport – Non-refundable.
- Between 8 and 4 weeks prior to the camp – 50 % of camp fees refundable
- Between 4 and 2 weeks prior to the camp – 25% of camp fees refundable
- Within 2 weeks of the camp – No refund
COVID Policy
Looking ahead we need to plan for ever-changing COVID-19 regulations. At present we will follow current rules in the Communidad de Aragon and the campsite. Please be aware that these could change.
We are under obligation to abide by the rules. If you are unable to provide any of the above we cannot accept your booking.
However, if you or your children attending, test positive within seven days of the 16th July, a refund of the camp fees will be paid on proof of a positive test. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to refund the transport fees at such a late stage and parents/carers should ensure they have travel insurance in place to cover such an eventuality.