We started Scout Scoop by meeting at Lunderskov Train Station. This was particularly exciting for me because I was able to see my fellow Danish exchangees, most of whom I had not seen since the airport. Once everyone had arrived and checked in, we were welcomed and put into groups. With these groups, we then set off on our hike to Houens Odde Spejdercenter, where Scoop took place. This was a fairly long hike and due to the fast pace of the Danes hiking and the presence of ice on the roads we walked on, it was tough for me, though I was able to get to the end without significant damage. One of the more random things from the hike for me was the fact we had to ask a random person if we could sleep in their barn overnight, which we did. For me, it is normal to have tents with us while hiking, but in Denmark it is supposedly normal to ask random people if they can sleep at their house for the night. Once we arrived at Houens Odde Spejdercenter, we were welcomed with a lovely cup (or two) of hot chocolate and settled into our rooms. Once we had lunch, the real Scout Scoop then begun.
The activities at Scout Scoop were really good fun. The first activity we did when we got there on the Monday was a Christmas themed activity where we went around to different parts of the centre to do different activities, which was both a great way to relax and have fun after the hike plus get a feel for the centre. We then made our own patrols' elves or "nisses" as they are called in Denmark, which was very amusing. The next day, we did a whole day activity similar to a big wide game, where we were a village in an authoritarian country like Burma and had to rebuild our village. It worked for a little while but it began to drag on a bit. The day after that, we did two activities: one where we were able to see the differences between old and new technologies in certain areas, and the other basically an activity where we could see a lot of things from different countries. Both of these were lots of fun, especially the ones that involved making food. We also did a few little activities at night time like singing together (lots of fun), watching Don't Mess With the Zohan (funny movie, a session about dreams which took me back to the joys of Venturer Retreat and an international campfire where we sang songs and watched quality acting on the part of the staff. These activities made Scout Scoop a lot of fun.
The coolest part of Scout Scoop for me however was the New Year celebrations, which as participants we were able to plan ourselves. Because it was up to us to organise everything for the night, we were split into four different teams: decorations, food, entertainment and the New Year's sign. I decided to help out with the entertainment team and it was so much fun to be a part of. A few of the things that we organised were a joke about a toastmaster, a game of Substitute from Spicks and Specks, plus a milk drinking competition. All of this proved to be great fun. Before all the celebrations however, we saw a live feed of the Danish Queen's New Year's Eve message, though we knew this wasn't live as we had a visit from her Majesty along with her French husband, which was very funny. The decorated room where we held the celebrations was great and the food was very delicious, with a German influence about it. We also saw a stop-motion movie made at Scout Scoop which was very funny (search "scout scoop" on YouTube and go down to Scout Scoop 2009; The Final Day of Mr. Scoopie [stop motion], this is the one from the Scoop I went to, there are others which are also worth watching, they are all very clever and funny). As midnight drew closer, we watched the Dinner for One sketch that is tradition to watch on New Year's Eve (it's on SBS in Australia if you're wondering for this year), which as always was very funny. Then the moment arrived. We all stood up on our chairs and as the clock struck midnight, we all jumped off and into the New Year. After this, we got some special cake and then we went outside to see the 2010 sign burn (into the New Year), plus see some fireworks. After this, it was pretty much just enjoying the New Year with a few songs and good friends, though a couple of people also took a dip into the sea as well which I decided was not the best idea for me. I have to say that I had the best New Year celebrations in my life here.
To finish off, I thought I'd just mention the best part about Scout Scoop for me; the other people there. Over the course of Scout Scoop, I made so many friends that I hope to keep in contact with because they are amazing people. It was also great to catch up with the fellow exchangees and find out how their experience is going. The staff were really, really nice and made the week truly wonderful. I think that I will certainly go back to a Scout Scoop in the future, probably as a leader, because it was so much fun. Until next time, stay safe and have a look at a few photos from New Year's Eve at Scout Scoop.
All masked up and ready
Celebrating New Years in Adelaide
The NYE dinner setup
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