Beavers from Prestwick’s 14th Ayrshire Scout Group have been finding new ways to have fun and learn skills amidst the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

The Beavers had been due to take part in the annual group camp to Dumfries House, on Saturday, May 9, which had to be cancelled.

But rather than abandon the idea altogether, the children participated in The Great Camp At Home, a virtual overnight camp from their own homes.

Beavers and their families all joined in by packing a bag, designing and building a shelter or den or tent to sleep in, assembling a campfire, creating and making a camp flag and taking part in a Beaver Group video call to do some scouting activities and games.

Beaver Sandy said: “It was great fun, really enjoyed it! Loved seeing everyone’s faces again. May not have been our Dumfries House camp, but definitely still great fun and great memories we can keep. Wish we could do it again!”

Beaver Thomas said: It was great to see my friends from Beavers and it was good fun doing the scavenger hunt. I toasted marshmallows on my campfire and slept in my tent all night with my dad and my big brother too.”

Beaver Harris said: “The camp out was amazing… I spent the day with my mum, dad and little sister setting up my camp and collected lots of wood for a fire. I loved making my flag, toasting marshmallows and the best bit was my late night feast and chat with some of my Beaver friends on Zoom.”

The aim of the virtual camp was to connect young people, learn new skills and to take good care of them by getting involved in fun challenges and have an adventure to plan and enjoy in the safety of their own home.

Harris’s dad said: “Harris has loved the various badge challenges set by Fiona and Adam (the Beaver Leaders.) These have been a welcome distraction and have added lots of fun and life skills to our days together as a family during Lockdown. It’s also been a lot easier getting him to focus on these challenges than his schoolwork.”

Avril, Sandy’s mum, said: “What a brilliant experience for all the boys during this really unusual time.

“Lifted their spirits, being able to see each other, chat, play games and still take part in a camp. The excitement gave them all a well deserved boost.”