Sun, Skills, and S’mores: SO Junior Camp 2025 at Knowlands Wood
Over the weekend of 28–29 June 2025, ten of our enthusiastic juniors, aged 9 to 17, took part in the SO Junior Camp at Knowlands Wood - and what a weekend it was! With glorious hot weather, plenty of outdoor adventure, and a strong team spirit, the camp was a fantastic success.
Tents were pitched in the meadow and the forest came alive with laughter, training, and the smell of campfire cooking. Despite the heat, the juniors tackled a full programme of orienteering training.
From basic setting out to simplification, pacing, orienteering courses, and even a relay race, everyone threw themselves into learning and improving their skills.
We also provided an orienteering maze - a fun and fast-paced challenge that had everyone navigating twists and turns with great enthusiasm.
The evening was a highlight too. With dinner (and dessert!) cooked over the campfire, marshmallows roasted and round after round of 40-40 echoing through the woods (as well as some music from a nearby village), it was the perfect mix of hard work and fun. Of course, no camp is complete without plenty of cake, and we definitely didn’t go without!
A huge thank you to all those who made the weekend possible:
- Coach Rob, for leading the training sessions with his usual energy and expertise.
- Ed L, for his excellent session on simplification.
- Steve B and Karen, for sorting out permission and event safety.
- Anna, our brilliant organiser and camp chef, who kept everything running smoothly and deliciously.
- Kasia and Ian, for designing and setting up the orienteering maze.
- Pete and Ed W, for their help wherever it was needed—thank you!
The juniors all agreed: this camp was a highlight of the summer, and they’re already asking when the next one will be. We’d love to make it an annual tradition!
Until next time - happy orienteering!
Bea (camp organiser)
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