Scouts Meet Jungle Jim — Knives, Bottles & Near-Death Stories

Seventeen Scouts descended on 6th Allerton Scout Group's campsite at Kettlenook Garston this weekend for a masterclass in bushcraft, bottle rockets and — quite possibly — how to survive a bear attack on Mount Fuji.

Their teacher? Jungle Jim, a Skills Instructor with Merseyside Scouts and Cheshire West Scouts, whose CV includes jungles in Java, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, India and Nepal, plus more near-death experiences than most people have hot dinners. Giant redwoods falling beside him in France. Bears on mountains. Being shot at in a café in Memphis. And when asked what he does on his days off? "I go to car boot sales." Obviously.

Between the adrenaline-fuelled stories, our Scouts got hands-on with some serious skills. Water fights kicked things off, followed by bottle rocket launches (always a crowd-pleaser), then into the serious stuff: knife skills and safety, two-person saws, Turk's head knots, spoon carving, felling axes, whippings, and shoe horns. One Scout carved their name on everything. Another made a sword, a staff, and a shoe horn. One admitted, "Not sure my mum would want to see me using this tool." Another proudly declared, "I now know what a hazel tree looks like."

By the fire pit, things got reflective. "I am have a great time by this fire pit," said one Scout, mid-moment. Another called the sticky toffee pudding "the best ever!" — high praise in a world of campfire desserts. As one leader departed, a Scout waved them off with, "Bye Jane. Hope you have as good a time as we are!" Spoiler: unlikely.

And Jungle Jim's stories? "Jungle Jim's stories are amazing! How is he still alive?" asked one Scout. Fair question.

Huge thanks to 6th Allerton for the use of your Scout hut, field and woods, and to our leaders and helpers for keeping seventeen Scouts fed, watered and whipping-knot ready. And to Jungle Jim — Superman in disguise, we reckon.

**Want to meet Jungle Jim for yourself?** He'll be our guest at the 75th Anniversary Family Camp, 18–20 September. Ready to have a go at knife skills? We thought so.

Questions or fancy volunteering? Drop us a line at info@25th-allerton.com

Get in touch

Address

The Scout Hut,
St Mary's Road,
Grassendale
Liverpool
L19 0NE

Contacts

info@25th-allerton.com

Discover the 25th Allerton Scout Group in Liverpool, Merseyside, where young adventurers can explore, learn, and grow together.