Organisation
Although the information in this article is based on what happens at the London Agoonoree, most of the other Agoonorees have a similar set up, so the information should stil be relevant and helpful.
The London camps are held at a different location each year and move around the country. The locations are usually schools or well-equipped sites that can offer such vital facilities as dormitories for those who are unable for medical reasons to sleep under canvas and showers or baths for those that need frequent washing.
Campers are encouraged to sleep under canvas if at all possible, using camp beds or inflatable mattresses if required. Where this is not an option, the indoor facilities are used. A combination of sleeping arrangements is also possible, for instance tent one day and dormitory the next. As far as possible the camps are modelled on traditional Scout lines. The participants live at camp as any Scout would: eating, sleeping, and playing together.
The camp is staffed by a large number of helpers from Explorer Scouts and Scout Network to leaders and past participants. This group includes general staff for duties such as cleaning and rubbish disposal, companions and supporters, cooks, quartermasters, a nurse for immediate medical needs and entertainments staff to supervise the daily programme of events.
Programme
The programme will be familiar to anyone who has been on a Scout camp. It usually includes a hike, an outing, activities such as backwoods cooking or sailing and a campfire.
Each day begins after breakfast with Inspection and flag break, followed by an activity that usually runs until lunchtime. The afternoon could be one or two sessions or activities followed by an evening meal and an evening activity. Other programme items include daily kit inspection and washing up!
Sometimes the participants enjoy visits from local performers or craft specialists to enable the campers to widen their experience and skills.
All events are geared to ensure that every participant gets the maximum enjoyment and benefit from the experience.
Eating arrangements
Most meals are cooked in a central kitchen by the catering team and then collected by the Patrols. On some occasions Patrols cook their own meals. Patrols do their own washing up!
Finance
The camps are funded by camp fees, donations and fund raising events, coupled with the support of the many Scouts and Scout Leaders who give their time and effort to staff the camps. Obviously, the costs are high and, in order to allow as much access to those who need them, extra funds are always being sought.
Participants
The camps are generally open to all members of the Scout Association with particular needs: Scouts, Explorer Scouts or Network members. They also welcome offers of help from Explorer Scouts, Network Members and Leaders who wish to help with the camp, either directly with the campers or as part of the service crew. The number of campers varies from year to year.