Please be aware we are currently experiencing issues with our booking system partner, and cannot regrettably give you a timeline on when this will be rectified at present.
Please send all enquires to bookings@thorringtonscoutcamp.co.uk at present.
Apologies for any inconvenience.
Please be aware we are currently experiencing issues with our booking system partner, and cannot regrettably give you a timeline on when this will be rectified at present.
Please send all enquires to bookings@thorringtonscoutcamp.co.uk at present.
Apologies for any inconvenience.
Over 29 Acres...
Meet Thorrington...
With plenty of woodland to explore, what will you do on your next visit...
Thorrington is located in the north-east of Essex, just 7 miles outside of the historic town of Colchester. It is well situated to explore the south-east of the UK, with quick access to local transportation.
Although the site has been continuously developing over the years, it has been maintained as a traditional camping site, allowing for individual camping styles to be learned.
Thorrington is made up of 29 acres of woodland, containing 14 sites and 3 buildings. The sites vary in size, from a few hike tents, to a dozen patrol tents.
Campers are welcome to book several sites if they wish to spread out, or maybe can't get onto one of the larger sites.
It’s not just for residential visits for Scouting and Guiding as we often hire out the buildings for other uses such as School Residential trips, Leader training, Duke of Edinburgh, and many more. We're sure you'll find what you need, but If you’re not sure, just ask!
'Every child has the right to adventure. Life is about grabbing opportunities...'
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Our History...
It all started in 1938...
Our founding's first originate in 1938, when a Lt. Col. David Pelham Papillion purchased 23 acres for the use of the Colchester and District Local Boy Scouts Association. When the campsite came into scouting hands it's facilities consisted of a large hut and small toilet block fed from water hand pumped from a well; drinking water came from a spring and there was no electricity.
In 1948 the land was then conveyed over to the Boy Scouts association and Thorrington Scout Camp was born, In 1973 a further 6 acres was conveyed to Thorrington and from this the modern day campsite you see now was born.
We didn't always look this good...
We've come a long way from our beginnings, but if you look closely there's a few nods to our history if you look closely around the site. Bet you wouldn't believe us if we told you that we once had a swimming pool would you...
In the main area of the campsite you'll find the camp shop, famous for its supply of sweets, and camp badges, but as you sit on the picnic bench next door enjoying a can of fizzy pop, if you look down you'll notice a concrete pad. This was once home to the wardens accommodation from the 1970's until the late 90's.
The wardens bless them have been on the move a few times (don't worry they've settled down now...), but if you've ever stayed in Papillon, this was once the wardens accommodation too!
We've got a small army of Volunteers...
Ever since our beginnings way back in 1938, Thorrington has been run via the kind-hearted spirit of volunteers. We've got to admit they've achieved a lot over the years, but most importantly did you know that Alpha House was built entirely by our wardens...impressive ey!.
We've got a lot to thank the wardens for, they've created the Thorrington that we've come to know and love, and a large amount of wardens visited during the younger scouting days, so it's safe to say its a place close to their hearts.
Hang on, Do you even know who we are..?
We figured we're such an awesome team its about time we let you know who we are! First up you've got the management committee, they're in charge of all the big decisions around site...
The Management Committee
This team meets at least once a month alongside our Wardens, discussing the latest plans for Thorrington...
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Its one thing having a management committee but nothing get's done without boots on the ground, and for that we have our trusty volunteers, now these are the cool ones and are responsible for making sure you have an epic visit to site...
The Volunteer Team
Where we'd be without this team, well it certainly wouldn't be the epic campsite it is today..!
