Downe Scout Activity Centre

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Downe

Campsite data
Owner The Scout Association
Location Orpington,
Kent
Country United Kingdom
Founded unknown
Founder unknown
Scouting Scouting portal

Downe Scout Activity Centre is a campsite of The Scout Association in Downe near Orpington, Kent. Set in woods and open grass, it provides camping and indoor accommodations for Scouts and Guides.

The Downe site is 86 acre large.

Contents

[edit] History

Downe Camp opened in 1933, just outside of Orpington in Kent.[1] The site offered camping and some activities when it first opened, including swimming. This was possible by the construction of a swimming pool which was funded by the proceeds from the very first Gang Show, which was organised by Ralph Reader for this very purpose.

Greater London South East Scouts assumed control and management of the site in 1987. However, in 2005, the site was renamed as Downe Activity Centre and became one of the National Scout Activity Centres under the direct control of The Scout Association.[2]

The site was used as part of a Blue Peter special which aired on 20 February 2007 to promote the Scouting 2007 Centenary. Over 100 Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts were present on the camp, along with the TV crew who joined in with all of the activities.[3]

[edit] Locations

Downe is only 16 miles (26 km) from the centre of London, and is near the Biggin Hill airfield in Kent.

It is within easy access of Orpington and Chelsfield train stations, both on lines from London.

[edit] Facilities

[edit] Campsites

Downe covers 86 acres, and has a mixture of open grass fields and woodland campsites.

[edit] Indoor Accommodation

There are three accommodation blocks at the site, each with kitchen facilities. Toilet and shower blocks are located near each building.

  • Jubilee has 8 rooms of two and six beds apiece, allowing 32 people to sleep indoors. There is also a Leaders' lounge.
  • Pembroke has 14 rooms of two.
  • Bridger can accommodate up to 38 people, with the rooms split on either side of a central dining area.

[edit] Activities

Downe offers a number of activities both on and off the site:

  • Archery
  • Air-rifle Shooting
  • Climbing and Abseiling
  • Swimming Pool
  • Grass Sledges
  • Pedal Go-Karts
  • Adventure Course
  • Orienteering
  • Hiking

It is also possible to arrange guided tours of the nearby Biggin Hill airfield.

[edit] Campdowne

Campdowne is an international Scout and Guide event held at the campsite, and is open to all members of the Scout Movement over the age of 10 and a half years.

The last Campdowne was in 2004 and was attended by Scouts and Guides from all corners of the globe. Campdowne is happening again in 2008 and they have officially launched their website to deal with all the inquiries that they'll be getting.

Set in both woodland and open grassland in London's greenbelt, Campdowne 2008 offers an opportunity to make new friends from around the world through an exciting and unforgettable ten day programme of events and activities. There will be centrally organised entertainment from camp fires and stage productions to parties and discos, not forgetting the opening and closing ceremonies.

[edit] References

  1. ^ A Scouting Timeline (html). The Scout Association. Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  2. ^ A brief history of the Scout County of Greater London South East (html). Greater London South East Scouts. Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  3. ^ Weekend Report: Blue Peter goes to Scout camp (html). The Scout Association. Retrieved on 2007-04-04.

[edit] See also

Scouting Portal

[edit] External links