Chapter Text
"Alright guys, we're about 10 minutes away from the campsite." Pat called out to his Scouts from the front of the minibus. Assorted noises came from the back of a van, ranging from an ecstatic squeal from Kitty to an exasperated 'finally' from Julian. Pat chuckled and focused back on the road. The journey had taken a good 5 hours, but he knew the campsite they were going to was worth it. He had stayed there once when he was a scout, and thought that his troop would thoroughly enjoy it just like he did.
"Sign say we here," Robin murmured from beside him. Pat smiled and turned into the gravel path leading to the campsite. His assistant scout leader didn't speak brilliant English, but he was always very helpful and the kids loved him. He pulled up at their allotted site and put the handbrake on.
"Now, Scouts, we need to set up all the tents before we do anything else. There's 2 patrol tents - you will work in your patrols to set those up. Mary and Julian, you are the patrol leaders and therefore in charge. If you need us, Robin and I will be setting up the mess tent and cook tent, which we will need your help with at some point. The older scouts should know how to put up a patrol tent, but if you need any help just come and ask one of us. Got it?" There was a collective 'yes, Skipper'.
"If finish quick, you get explore." Robin added.
"Right, let's start unpacking the van." Pat got out of the minibus, followed by the others and headed towards the van which his mate Morris had driven up for them. They were scouts together all those years ago, and had stayed firm friends despite their... differences.
A couple of hours later, everything had been set up. The flagpole was in place, the scouts had put all their bags inside their tent and were now standing at ease in front of Pat and Robin.
"Well done kids. Get changed out of your uniforms and go and explore. Julian's patrol needs to be back here by 5.30, Mary's by 6. Now go and have fun!" He said dismissing them.
Pat went to set his own tent up next to Robin's. Julian had forgotten everything he had been taught about patrol tents, so Pat ended up helping them more than anticipated. His tent was a simple lightweight one, nothing fancy. It could fit two men at a push, but had plenty of space for one. Robin had one similar. He dumped his bags inside and sat down on his camping chair facing Robin, who was connecting all the gas canisters to the cookers.
"Once you've done that would you mind putting the kettle on?" Robin gave him a thumbs up and headed inside the cook tent.
Pat sighed. These camps took a lot more out of him than they used to. He wasn't a massive driver, so the 5 hour journey had left him whacked. He thanked Robin as he handed him a cup of tea. Just as he settled down into his chair, Mick and his gang came running towards them, followed by Julian and Thomas bringing up the rear.
"What are we cooking, Skipper?"
Around half an hour later, all the troop were seated at trestle tables in the mess tent, eating their spag bol, chatting and laughing. Pat smiled softly. There was the odd spat between them, but on the whole they were a good bunch of kids who got on with one another.
"This food good." Robin mumbled, hoovering in his dinner like he had never been fed.
"Spag bol's a classic. Never fails. Especially when it's out a tin." Pat chuckled and dug into his own dinner.
The first day was always quiet, Pat mused as he helped Robin light the campfire. The kids hadn't got sick of each other yet, and they were kept busy doing lots of jobs around the site. He stood up and gave each of the Scouts a skewer with two marshmallows on. Any more than that and nobody would be getting any sleep that night. Robin sang a couple of campfire songs, followed by Mary. Pat had to cut Julian off when he realised where his song was going. They all sang that classic campfire song - Bohemian Rhapsody. One year, the minibus they had hired had only taken tapes, and Queen's greatest hits was the only one Pat had with him. Needless to say, it was listened to a lot. Ever since, the scouts barely ever let anyone play anything else. Pat had never listened to an album as much.
The kids were off key, but where's the fun in singing it properly?
"Skipper, what are we doing tomorrow?" Jemima asked quietly.
"Good question! Alright guys, tomorrow we're doing kayaking. Now, we're joining a CCF - combined cadet forces, Kitty - group for this activity, so behave yourselves, okay?" There were affirmative nods from everyone, apart from Julian who simply tutted. Pat rolled his eyes. Julian was the oldest - he was technically not a scout anymore, being 14, but since his birthday had only been two weeks before the summer camp Pat had made an exception for him.
"Right, off to bed you lot. Mary, your patrol needs to be up at 7 tomorrow, Julian, you lot up at half past." He waved them away to their tents and took a sip of his tea.
"You good with them. They like you." Robin commented, watching the fire.
"I guess I'm just like that. I like to think I'm helping them in their lives. Giving them good memories."
"Why scout leader? Why not teacher?"
"Eh, don't have the talent. My skills lie in knot tying, not algebra. I find it rewarding watching them grow up. Turning into the people they're going to be. Cliché, I know."
They sat there watching the fire for a bit, before dowsing it in water and retiring for the night. Lying in his sleeping bag, Pat couldn't help but wonder what the CCF would be like tomorrow. He'd never joined himself, much preferring the Scout world. He was sure the kids would be pleasant enough - it was the leaders he wasn't so sure about. He knew military people could be a bit... pompous.
"Oh well, we'll see what tomorrow brings," he murmured, rolling onto his side and quickly falling asleep.