Scouts and Leaders from Crofton Oak Scout Group and 5^th Orpington Scout Group spent the weekend of 20^th-22^nd May, 2005 as guests of the DC Sea Scouts or ‘Admiral’ for Rotterdam, with his group, Caland Group, 5^th Rotterdam Sea Scout Group.

After collecting our luggage and transfer to our hosts’ barge, the ‘Odysseus,’ it was soon time to settle down – eventually!

After breakfast the next day we prepared to sail on the ‘Odysseus’ for a lake north of Rotterdam, the  ‘Bergse Voorplas’.  Even a local waterway closure due to a rowing event could not stop our progress – we received a special escort from the River Police – an ex Sea Scout who visited the ‘foreigners’ on board the ‘Odysseus.’

After meeting the Dutch Scouts and raising of the Dutch colours, our Scouts were divided amongst the boats and we all had a great time during water games which enabled all patrol leaders to show off their sailing skills in the squally conditions. After the excitement of the sailing we moored at a jetty near to shops, where all had an opportunity to spend their euros, followed by hamburger and chips.

After collection by the motor tender ‘Telemachus’ we enjoyed an international football match – Orpington vs Rotterdam.  Who won?  No idea!

The forecast rain finally arrived in the evening, so the planned trip around the local lakes had to be cancelled in favour of a DVD – be prepared! Then on Sunday there was further sailing, rowing and sculling, and even the most reluctant boys now wanted a go, in spite of the sometimes fairly windy conditions. After cleaning and tidying up the boats we safely returned to Caland Group’s HQs on the ‘Odysseus’ for an Indonesian rice table, followed by washing up, tidying up and cleaning. 

The return transfer and flight was relaxing and pleasant, with Rotterdam airport staff even handing out lollies to those foreign lads!