In the second of her regular articles, Laura Heatherley talks to Andy Stafford, Scout Organiser for Charnwood 2006.

So the organisers have chosen the site, they’ve even set the date, price and logo but at the time of going to press, the theme is yet to be confirmed.

Self confessed chocoholic and Scout Organiser Andy Stafford, whose favourite biscuit is “anything with chocolate on”, says “A lot of people associate Charnwood with Stanford Hall, but in actual fact it has only been held there three times.”

And the reason for the change this year? Stanford Hall has been sold off. I asked Andy whether moving site was more difficult or a welcome change - he says “The only problem is that we can’t decide where to put anything!” After all, he has got 88 acres to play with.

Andy says “It will be very difficult to me to put my mark on Charnwood as the others have been great. What will make it work for me is to ensure that the young people have input and that the activities are exciting and rewarding for the young people. Thinking "outside the box" for programme ideas and events is important. Everyone can expect excellent value for money with bigger and better off site activities than ever before.”

“A theme park day will go ahead, which may be a different venue to last time. There might even a visit to a specialist water sports centre for the water activity day. An international day is being planned during the camp which should involve a true international experience.”

“The main point to bear in mind is that the young people are the most important element of any camp and their needs should always be taken into consideration, so we are asking young people what they want from the camp, rather than giving them what we think they want, and the website is helping us to do this. If you have any suggestions make sure you get along to the message boards.”

Like Maggie, Andy is also keen on bizarre activities, and suggests water polo in a washing up bowl, as well as “Extreme Ironing” to make sure he takes his pile of ironing from home to camp - he says as well that “The opening and closing need to be outstanding and extra special. We are open to ideas!” When putting forward your ideas, bear in mind that he is not that keen on the Purple People Eater or the Finger song.

Andy has been involved in Scouting for 24 years and during this time he has held many different posts. He has a strong interest in the International side of Scouting, having visited the International Scout Centre, Kandersteg over 15 times, as well as going on many other trips to various European countries. “I became an Organiser this year because I really wanted Charnwood to go ahead and it was whilst I was at a county meeting that I showed my passion for Charnwood. I have never organised a camp this size before, but I wanted to give young people the chance of an International camp. How and why the county commissioner chose me, I am unsure. The only other job I have done at other Charnwood's was Sub Camp leader in 1996 but I had to pull out after 6 months because of a young family- twin girls. I hope they will be attending 2006 as they should be in the Guides by then.”

Andy has lasting memories of the camp he attended at Bardon Hill back in 1980 as a young leader – he says “My personal best memory of way back in 1980 was the fun we had in the disco's each night , singing along to Jeff Beck, ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’. Charnwoods are a time to make friends and you are always meeting up with people that have been to Charnwood.”