County Events

Each year, we run an exciting programme of county events, catering for our members aged 4-24. Whilst most events are run on an annual or bi-annual basis, other events may be a one-off. Events are open to young people from across the county. 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. 

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.

Aqua Camp

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 (County Patrol Camping Weekend)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

International Events

August 2023 – World Scout Jamboree – South Korea

A County Expedition Fund is available for Adult Volunteers and Young People thinking of undertaking an International Experience. Details of the grant can be downloaded here.