Kirby Shield

The Competition

The Kirby Shield is Blaydon & District’s traditional Scout camping competition, held each summer at Dilston Scout Campsite. Patrols camp independently over the course of a weekend, working together to build and run their own campsite using practical Scouting skills.

Throughout the weekend, Scouts take part in challenges such as firelighting, backwoods cooking, pioneering, camp gadget construction, site layout, camp hygiene and cooking for the patrol. The event places emphasis on teamwork, responsibility, and developing confidence through working together in the outdoors.

The Kirby Shield is not only about technical skill, but about the spirit of patrol camping: planning together, supporting each other, sharing tasks, and demonstrating pride in the campsite they build. As the weekend progresses, leadership skills develop naturally as Scouts learn to rely on one another and work as a team.

History of the Kirby Shield

The Kirby Shield has been part of the district’s Scouting tradition since 1951, making it one of our longest-running and most recognisable competitions. Over the decades, the competition has taken different forms, adapting to new approaches in camping and Scouting — but the core idea has remained unchanged:

Scouts camping as a patrol, working together in the outdoors.

The competition continues to provide opportunities for Scouts to:

• Learn and apply practical camping and cooking skills
• Share responsibilities and build teamwork
• Develop independence and leadership through real experience
• Enjoy the challenge and adventure of the outdoors

The Kirby Shield celebrates the heart of Scouting:
carrying out everyday tasks with care, creativity and pride, learning by doing, and discovering what a patrol can achieve together.

Latest News

1st Chopwell take win in Kirby Shield Competition

A team of 4 Scouts from 1st Chopwell won this year's Kirby Shield Competition. The ...

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