The tents were pitched, the BBQ lit and the flag was flying at Bridge Haven care home when the Nailbourne Scout Group arrived to spend the weekend camping out with residents and care staff within the grounds of the home.

Bridge Haven, owned and operated by Avante Care & Support, provides care for elderly people, including those living with dementia, and is situated in the picturesque village of Bridge, Kent.

The camp was set up on Friday evening ready for the opening ceremony on Saturday morning where the Nailbourne scout flag was raised to open proceedings. The day was full of activities for all ages and abilities to take part in, including archery, flag making and woodwork. A full day concluded with a BBQ dinner, marshmallows around the campfire and music.

The Nailbourne Scout Group have become regular visitors, holding a monthly meeting at the home. The Scouts have become extremely popular with residents at Bridge Haven as many residents were either Scouts, Scout leaders or Guides themselves.

Kim Drury, Home Manager at Bridge Haven, said: “Across the country, the National Scouts Association are supporting a range of initiatives to help people with dementia. The Scout camp on the 6th July exceeded all of our expectations.

“All ages were involved in the day and everyone rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in! One lady, who used to be a Guide, enjoyed the woodwork activity alongside Scout leader Nick Gore. She spent ages whittling away and spoke about her days as a Girl Guide.

“The Scouts certainly made a positive impact on many of the residents, especially with those who have been less inclined to participate in previous activities or engage with others. These residents engaged more with other residents and were up and motivated on the Sunday morning to go back outside and have breakfast with the Scouts. We know that intergenerational care has a positive impact on people living with dementia and this is a perfect example of that.

“We believe a Scout camp has never been hosted with people living with dementia outside in the grounds of a care home setting by any other care provider and we are delighted we were the first to do so.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Nick Gore and the Nailbourne Scout Group- without them this wouldn’t have happened. And to our supporters, Bell Group, TJ wholesale, Morrisons Canterbury and Bidfood, who all kindly donated food and supplies to the event.”

www.avantecare.org.uk