Each year, we run an exciting programme of county events, catering for our members aged 6-25 across the county. Whilst most events are run on an annual or bi-annual basis, other events may be a one-off. County events range from weekend camping opportunities to fabulous fun days; but no matter what they are or when they take place, they always provide young people with the chance to try something new, make friends, and learn skills for life.
Aqua Camp
Subject to restrictions Aquacamp is back in June 2022, 17th – 19th June 2022
We have a new venue in Dorchester on Thames.
Aqua Camp is a County event open to all Scout Troops in Oxfordshire. It provides beginners and the more experienced Scouts the opportunity to:
- Take part in a wide range of water activities, which they may not otherwise have access to
- Experience a large Scout section event, with the chance to meet hundreds of other Scouts
- Enjoy a weekend camping with their Troop, that contributes towards their own badge work
This year we expect to be offering kayaking, open canoes, raft building, sailing, gig pulling and dragon boating, alongside some additional land activities and, of course, evening entertainment too
- Booking Applications are available from Monday 7th February 2022.
- Completed Bookings can be accepted from 7th March 2022.
- The closing date for all applications is Monday 14th March 2022.
Further details for those Troops wishing to apply https://sites.google.com/view/aquacamp-2022
For further details, email the team here.
As ever we are looking for as much support particularly from water permit holders as possible and if you are willing to assist please register using the same link as Troops above but the select the instructors page
The perfect chance to get out on the water whilst enjoying the summer sunshine. Normally held in June, Aqua Camp offers Scouts the opportunity to try their hand at sailing, dragon boating, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and more. After a busy day on the water, Scouts enjoy an outdoor disco and games to keep the fun going even once the sun sets.
Aqua Camp is open to members of the Scout section. Young people camp with their Leaders, who also arrange catering for their young people. Prior experience of water activities is not required, and non-swimmers can be accommodated.
CPCW
The dates for CPCW 2022 will be Friday 7th October – Sunday 9th October 2022
One of Oxfordshire’s longest running events, the County Patrol Camping Weekend is an annual competition where patrols battle it out to showcase their camping skills, teamwork and cooking prowess. As part of the competition there are a wide variety of wild and wacky activities – previous years have seen everything from llama trekking to JCB handling! With the fun carrying on late into the evening, this is a weekend not to be missed!
CPCW is open to members of the Scout section, and usually takes place on the first full weekend in October. Scouts camp in patrols, without their Leaders; however, they are always supervised by our experienced Zone Leaders. Scouts cook for themselves on open fires throughout the weekend, so therefore should have some camping experience prior to attending the event. For more information, email the team here.
For more info & to register your Patrol NOW, visit
CESAW
Oxfordshire’s annual camp for Explorer Scouts brings together young people from across the county to enjoy a variety of activities ranging from mop hockey to escape rooms. Sunday sees the arrival of the colour run, where Explorers tackle an obstacle-filled route around the campsite, all the while being showered with paint by our willing adult volunteers. A fantastic opportunity to socialise with young people from across Oxfordshire at a relaxed but extremely fun weekend camp.
CESAW is open to members of the Explorer Scout section and takes place in March. Young people can attend as individuals, or as part of an Explorer unit. Leaders are encouraged to come and support the running of the event. The weekend is fully catered. For further information, contact the team here.
RaidOx
The wildest, wackiest, and most imaginative competition you will ever face! RaidOx offers a weekend of challenges for Explorer and Network units to tackle. Can you make a hiking boot from cake, track down obscure objects, or take part in the largest flash mob Oxford has ever seen? Who will showcase their creativity and skill, and take home the prize?
RaidOx is a weekend event for Explorer and Network members and is held in November. Teams are responsible for arranging their own food, transport, and accommodation. The event finishes at a venue close to the centre of the County. For further details, email the team here.
Beavers into Space
A new event for Oxfordshire, Beavers into Space offers Beaver Scouts the opportunity to journey to the furthest reaches of the galaxy! After blasting off, they will discover the mysteries of the solar system, explore the beauty of constellations, and learn about the science of space. With a range of activities on offer to suit all interests, this event promises to be fun for all involved.
Beavers will attend with their Leaders, who will be responsible for them throughout the day. If you want further information, then the team can be contacted here.
Oxfordshire Scout & Guide Gang Show
Every February half term, the Radley College Theatre echoes with music, songs, laughter and friendship as Scouts and Guides from across Oxfordshire come together for a week’s worth of performances. Each year the show amazes its audiences with a wide variety of acts including singing, dancing, comedy sketches and more. Sell-out performances are testament to the exceptional quality and diversity of talent on display. The Gang Show offers young people a brilliant opportunity to perform on stage, to learn new skills, and make friends to last a lifetime.
The Gang rehearse weekly from October to February, supported by an extensive team of adult volunteers. The Gang Show is open to Scouts and Guides aged 8-25, and new adult volunteers are always welcome. The next show will be in February half term. For more information, the team can be contacted here.
Winter Challenge
An 18-mile hike. Almost 1,000 participants. Whatever the weather!
The Winter Challenge offers young people from all sections the chance to take on the winter weather and push themselves to tackle an 18-mile hike along the ridgeway. Come snow, rain or wind, this event always sees young people exceeding their expectations, and having fantastic fun whilst doing so.
The Winter Challenge is held in February/March each year and is open to all sections. If you have any questions about the event, then the organisers can be contacted here.
County Awards Day:
Every May, Oxfordshire Scouts come together to recognise the achievements of young people across the county, with a fun-filled day of celebration. Award recipients are presented with a commemorative woggle and certificate, whilst they and their families can also enjoy a wide variety of activities to ensure that this is a celebration to remember!
Any young person (from all sections) who achieves a top award can be nominated by their Leader to attend the County Awards Day. Nominations close in March each year, with invitations then sent directly to award recipients shortly after. For further details, email the team here.
OxonJam
Every four years, the whole of Oxfordshire Scouting comes together for one giant weekend of fun – OxonJam! From Beavers to Network, this weekend promises adventure and fun for every age, and the chance to be part of Oxfordshire’s largest Scout camp.
During the day, experience thrilling activities such as high ropes and gyroscopes, chill out with some craft, or try your hand at new skills such as African drumming or rope making. In the evening, relax in the cinema tent, or party the night away at the main stage, where live acts will keep the fun going long after the sun has set.
OxonJam is open to all sections. Young people will camp with their section/Group, who will organise their own catering and adult supervision. The organisers can be contacted here.
International events
International events – Oxfordshire run and WOSM events (WSJ & MOOT)
July 2022 – Bosnia Summer Expedition – Jajce & Sarajevo
August 2022 – Sweden
August 2023 – World Scout Jamboree – South Korea
International expedition fund
A County Expedition Fund is available for Adult Volunteers and Young People thinking of undertaking an International Experience, Further information can be found here.
IST Grant
A County Expedition Fund is available for Adult Volunteers thinking of undertaking an International Experience. Further information about the grant can be found here.
Events linking to programme
The aim of all Oxfordshire’s county events is to support adult volunteers to deliver an exceptional, high-quality programme for their young people. By providing activities and opportunities which may be impossible to achieve within a single Scout Group, they help enrich the experiences of young people across Oxfordshire. Each event works closely with the county programme team to ensure that the event will not only be lots of fun, but also help in the delivery of a quality programme and meet any gaps which have been highlighted by section leaders. Where possible, events provide section leaders with details of which badge criteria young people may have met through their participation in an event.
