The Sunderland boys camp which reaches 100 this summer and here's how to join

The Woodsmoke event has been held every year since 1912 with only the war years interrupting the record. Now the camp, which attracts up to 100 boys, is planning its 100th meeting from August 16.

The ten-day camp, which was the brainchild of clergymen at St Gabriel’s Church, Sunderland has continued without a break – apart from the war years – since 1912 with numbers ranging from 50 to 100 each year.

Children gathered for the first time at a site near Saltburn but the camp moved to Seaton Point on the Northumberland coast until after the Second World War when the Tyne Valley near Riding Mill became its base.

It was launched as a boys camp with boys sleeping in bell tents each led by a tent officer. A large marquee is used for meals and entertainment. There is a cookhouse with high quality food prepared by two ex-campers. The daily routine has not changed much since those early days with similar sporting competitions.

Tent trophies are competed for and one, the ‘Camp Pot’ was introduced in 1921. Soccer, Tent Tidying and an unusual game called Podex are also held.

This year’s activities will include white water rafting, laser quest, archery, rock climbing and mountain biking.

Sunderland man George Ford, who is involved in the event, said the age range of the youngsters involved will be from 10 to 17 and the latest government guidelines will be followed to keep all campers safe.

To find out more, email woodsmokegroup@gmail.com

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