TWO Barry sea scout groups took steps towards earning their secret agent badges when they took part in a summer camp code-named Spy Camp.

Cubs and scouts took part in the joint summer camp at Collard Bridge Scout Site, near Barnstaple, this month.

The scouts, or agents, were set various challenges and tasks for completion throughout the week.

Flag poles were installed and a camp gate built before rain bombarded the budding James Bonds.

Cubs enjoyed a three-hour hike through woodlands - climbing over and under trees, logs and obstacles.

Scouts, on site, did pioneering and built a bridge as well as backwards cooking, lighting their own fire and cooking on them.

Scout leader, Neil Murray said: “On arriving back from the hike some of leaders joked about having an inflatable hot tub in their tent. Their words soon came back to haunt them when a little while later they found that their tent, the oldest one they had on site, did indeed have an indoor pool, just not one they planned on. They then evacuated their tent and moved in with other leaders.”

Torrential rain resulted in a waterlogged ground with cubs taking shelter under the canopy of the onsite explorer to make tent pegs using knives and pieces of wood.

Heavier rain later in the evening led to evacuation of the camp pitch, under eight inches of water, with tents left floating.

The groups slept in the hut with the adults sheltering under the canopy.

Joe Thompson, a sectional assistant with 11th Barry, said: "It was my first week camp with the group. It does seem a little unfair that I had to move not once, but twice on the same day and my kit being soaked. That said I thoroughly enjoyed myself, particularly sleeping rough under the canopy with all the other leaders."

Continued rainfall the next day meant some activities had to be cancelled – including the climbing wall.

One cancelled activity was the climbing wall, so the cubs and scouts travelled to cinema in Exeter to watch Finding Dory.

Mr Murray, the camp lead for 11th Barry, said: "We travelled down in two mini buses with Joe and I driving them. We both expected to have to sit in them whilst the others watched the movie as you can't park a mini bus in a multi-storey. However the duty manager at the Stagecoach depot in Exeter came to our rescue and allowed us to park there for a few hours so we could join the others at the cinema. We both spent the next two hours catching up on missed sleep, although if anyone asks we did watch the movie."

The camp highlight was the day trip to the Big Sheep park near Barnstaple.

Cubs and scouts experienced the new rollercoaster, the sheep race, tag archery, Battlelasers and the Giant Pillows.

Improved weather later in the week saw onsite activities including the assault course, crate stacking, tunnels, low ropes and a zip line.

Phillip Williams, scout section leader for 6th Barry, said: "Great camping experience, which tested many different skills of all leaders as well as the Cubs / scout.

Day one, agents (the cubs and scouts) scope out the unknown territory, day two agents do the fitness test of doom, day three agents emergency evacuation plan tested, reserve camp now operational. Day four agent scope out for intel at secret local (cinema) day five agents test new modes of transport, day six spy training continues with wet and wild day. Day seven agents promoted and have completed spy school.

“It’s been a pleasure working with 11th Barry again and we both continue to actively work together in partnership to developers the youth off Barry. Role on the next joint camp."

11th Barry cub leader Harley Worthy thanked the three young leaders saying she knew how hard it was at that age to take on the extra responsibilities and make the transition between being a participant and leader.

She said: “Despite tears and tantrums (from the leaders) and putting more wood on the fire than was needed, these three were a credit to their groups and show the future of scouting is in very safe hands. A big thanks from the leadership team to Aaron from 6th Barry and Charlotte and Nathan from 11th Barry. We couldn't have done it without you."

To volunteer with 6th or 11th Barry, email gsl@11thbarryscouts.org.uk