MORE than 320 Scouts climbed trees, whizzed down zip wires, cooked on a traditional campfire and competed in a ‘cannon race’ at the weekend.

The mass camp at Boxford Spinney was held over three days to celebrate 100 years of Scouting in the Sudbury district.

The ‘Sudboree’ centenary event involved Scouting groups from all over the area including Acton & Waldingfield, Bures, Clare, Great Cornard, Lavenham and Long Melford, as well as Haverhill, Nayland, Leavenheath and Hadleigh Sea Scouts.

The children arrived on Friday night and enjoyed activities throughout the bank holiday weekend ranging from pioneering, canoeing and archery to orienteering and abseiling.

They also cooked pastry twists over a campfire and took part in a race where they dismantled imitation cannons.

Assistant district commissioner adult support for the Sudbury district, Gordon Edgar, who has been involved with Scouting since 1972, said there had been lots of changes in the district during the past 100 years. But he added: “Scouting seems to be more popular than ever, and we have seen membership in the Sudbury district rise from from 800 to 1,200 members during the past 10 years.”

“When I started out, members only used to be offered one or two activities – hiking or camping – but now the whole thing has become a lot more ‘activities’ based.

“I think having a chance to try out so many different things certainly appeals to youngsters and at the end of the weekend, many of those who attended the centenary camp asked if we could do it all again next year.”

According to Mr Edgar, the highlight of the celebration was the traditional campfire on the Saturday night, with the 323 Scouts singing and waving glow sticks. “It was a really amazing sight,” he added.

Parts of Boxford Spinney are now set up as a permanent activities centre for the Scouts. In order to prepare the site for the centenary event, people on a Community Payback scheme helped with clearance work.

Despite the burgeoning number of Scouts joining in the district, Mr Edgar said they still had a shortage of adult leaders to help with regular meetings and activities. Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a helper can call Mr Edgar on 07800 921582.