Thorrington Scout Camp has now issued a ban on all open fires and disposable BBQs from Thursday 9th July, until further notice. This will be reassessed at weekly intervals and further updates given if required.

The site does not provide Altar fires. However if you have your own their use is permitted, but confined to specific areas, please contact your duty warden for further information

Whilst water fights are a great way to cool down in the heat please be aware that it can lead to cold water shock and the use of water balloons introduces micro plastics in to our environment and are not permitted at any time.

Over recent months, a dedicated team of volunteers has worked tirelessly to bring the tower back to life. The refurbishment has included the complete renewal of all wooden boarding, the installation of new climbing holds, and the purchase of updated climbing and safety equipment. The result is a high-quality, safe and engaging facility ready to support young people in developing their skills, confidence and sense of adventure.

This project has been made possible thanks to the commitment and generosity of our volunteers, alongside a £1500 grant from the Steven Eagell Toyota Group. Their support has played a key role in enabling us to complete the work and reopen this much-loved activity.

The climbing and abseiling tower is now available for bookings:

– Climbing sessions: £55 per hour  (maximum 15 participants per session)

– Abseiling sessions: £55 per hour  (maximum 15 participants per session)

The tower offers an exciting opportunity for Scouts and other youth groups to challenge themselves, build resilience, and experience adventure in a safe and supportive environment.

To make a booking or find out more, please get in touch with the Thorrington Scout Camp team.

We look forward to welcoming you and supporting more young people to gain skills for life through adventure

Plan ahead and save on your next adventure!

Thorrington Scout Camp is offering an exclusive 20% discount on indoor accommodation when you book two or more nights between 24th April 2025 and 31st December 2025 — valid for stays right up until the end of 2025.

Thorrington’s indoor accommodation includes three large, well-equipped buildings, offering a warm and comfortable base for your activities. Whether you’re running a training weekend, a group camp, or a leader retreat, our spaces are designed to make your stay easy and enjoyable, whatever the weather.

Set within 29 acres of stunning Essex woodland, Thorrington Scout Camp is the perfect place to build skills, strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories. Indoor accommodation puts you right at the heart of the action, with easy access to adventurous activities and beautiful natural surroundings.

Please note, this offer is only applicable to local scouting and girl guiding groups only.

 Don’t miss out! Availability will fill up fast — secure your 2025 dates now and take advantage of this fantastic saving.

 Find out more and book your stay today: https://thorringtonscoutcamp.co.uk/booking-portal/

Adventure. Skills. Friendship.

#SkillsForLife #ThorringtonScoutCamp #ScoutsAdventure

We’re incredibly excited to share that climbing and abseiling are finally nearing their return to Thorrington Scout Camp! After a break since before the pandemic, the climbing tower is nearly ready to welcome Scouts and groups once more – and it’s coming back stronger, safer, and more exciting than ever.

What’s been done?

Over the past months, our iconic climbing tower has undergone a complete transformation. The upgrade includes:

• Fully replaced climbing panels, giving the structure a refreshed, modern finish
• New climbing holds, chosen to provide variety, challenge, and fun for climbers of all experience levels

This isn’t just a rebuild – it’s a rebuild with heart.
Every panel installed, every bolt tightened, every safety check completed – all done by volunteers who have given their time, skills, and energy to make this dream a reality.

The entire project has been taken on by our incredible team of volunteer wardens, whose dedication and experience have been nothing short of inspiring. Their attention to detail, technical know-how, and sheer passion for Thorrington have made this long-overdue comeback possible. It’s a true reminder of what Scouting is all about: people coming together to create opportunities for others.

We know how much the climbing tower has been missed. It’s been one of the most asked-about activities at the camp since the pandemic, and we’ve heard your calls loud and clear. While we can’t confirm the reopening date just yet, we’re thrilled to say it’s not far off. Final touches and safety checks are now underway, and we’ll be shouting the reopening from the rooftops (or maybe the top of the tower!) as soon as we’re ready.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support – and to our incredible volunteers, thank you for everything. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.

Get ready to climb, abseil, and reach new heights at Thorrington again – very soon.

Take a look yourself…

We’re always looking for ways to make your adventure at Thorrington Scout Camp even more memorable. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new exclusive discounts for three fantastic local attractions! These offers are only available to those with an upcoming booking at Thorrington, giving you even more reasons to explore, learn, and have fun.

The best local attractions and experiences…

Wyvernwood

Step into a magical world of adventure! Enjoy exclusive discounted rates: £15 per child and £5 per adult. Perfect for young explorers looking to embark on an exciting quest through an immersive fantasy world filled with storytelling, challenges, and interactive experiences. A great way to unleash creativity and enjoy hands-on activities.

Curve Water Sports

Take to the water with 10% off for all visitors, with even bigger discounts available for groups of 20 or more. Whether you’re looking to try paddleboarding, wakeboarding, or take on the thrilling inflatable aqua park, this is the perfect way to build confidence on the water and develop teamwork skills. A fantastic group activity that brings excitement and skill-building together!

Colchester Castle

Discover history in one of England’s most iconic castles. Enjoy entry for just £10.50 per adult and £5.95 per child. Wander through centuries of history, explore fascinating exhibits, and learn about the Roman and medieval past of Colchester. Whether you’re uncovering the castle’s hidden secrets or completing a discovery trail, this is an enriching experience for all ages.

Badge opportunities and adventure awaits!

Looking to earn some extra badges while having fun? These activities are great opportunities to complete badge requirements! Here are just a few ideas:

• Wyvernwood: Scouts Adventure Challenge Badge / Girlguiding Express Myself – Storytelling Badge
• Curve Water Sports: Scouts Paddle Sports Stage Badges, Water Activities Badge / Girlguiding Water Safety and Water Sports Interest Badges
• Colchester Castle: Scouts Local Knowledge Badge, History Activity Badge / Girlguiding Explore – Local History and Culture Badge

Please note: Transport to these activities is not provided by Thorrington Scout Camp.

We can’t wait for you to experience these amazing activities during your stay. Book your adventure today and make the most of these exclusive offers!

We’ve got some fantastic news from Thorrington Scout Campsite that we just have to share. Our awesome wardens have been hard at work upgrading the Slingshot Shack, and it’s now better than ever!

First off, they’ve installed brand new targets that are sure to test your aim and provide hours of fun. These aren’t just your average bullseyes – we’re talking interactive and creative designs that will keep you entertained and challenged.

But that’s not all! The wardens have also spruced up the entire shack with a fresh coat of paint, both inside and out. The new colors make the whole area look brighter and more welcoming.

If you haven’t visited the Slingshot Shack yet, now is the perfect time. It’s an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and unique outdoor activity. Whether you’re part of a Scout group, a youth organisation, on a school trip, the slingshot activity at Thorrington is guaranteed to be a hit.

We’ve recently completed a new welcome area for visitors, featuring a brand-new noticeboard and a detailed site map, designed to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Located centrally in the main car park, our newly updated welcome area serves as the perfect starting point for your adventure at Thorrington Scout Camp. The new noticeboard will keep you informed about all the latest camp news, upcoming events, and important updates. No more wondering what’s happening or where you need to go – just check the board for all the essential information.

We’ve also installed an enhanced site map to help you navigate the camp with ease. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned camper, the detailed map will guide you to key locations around the site, from the activity zones to the accommodation areas, ensuring you find your way effortlessly.

A perfect meeting spot

Our new welcome area is not just for information – it’s also a convenient meeting point for drop-offs and pick-ups. If you’re dropping off your scouts for an exciting day of activities or picking them up at the end of their visit, this central location will make the process more organised and efficient. No more wandering around trying to find the right spot – just head to the main car park and you’re set!

Tell us how we’re doing

We’re always striving to improve and provide the best possible experience for our campers and visitors. To help us achieve this, we’ve placed a QR code at the welcome area that links to a brief survey. Your feedback is invaluable, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions. Whether you have ideas for further improvements or just want to let us know how we’re doing, we’d love to hear from you!

Our archery range just got a seriously cool makeover, and we’re excited for you to check it out!

Our archery range now looks like a giant target—literally! We’ve painted it up with bright, bold colors that make it look like a massive archery target. It’s super fun and makes aiming even more exciting. You’ve got to see it to believe it! We think it really refreshes the archery range and provides a fun new area for young people to try out archery.

We didn’t stop with the range. Our spectator area got an upgrade too! We’ve given this area a fresh lick of paint, and added in some murals so you can kick back and watch all the action. It’s now a perfect spot for cheering on your friends.

A big thank you

This work has been undertaken by our volunteer wardens who give up their spare time to make Thorrington what it is today, and we’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who helped out, your dedication made this possible, and we really appreciate it!

Come and give it a go!

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re a seasoned archer or just want to try something new, come down to Thorrington Scout Camp and see our revamped range for yourself. It’s colourful, fun, and ready for action!

Keep an eye on our blog and social media for more updates and upcoming events. We can’t wait to see you at the range—let’s hit those targets and have a great time!