MORE than 1,000 Scouts from Ipswich and Felixstowe will join with 200,000 other members across the country to stage Centenary Camps to celebrate 100 years of scouting this weekend.

MORE than 1,000 Scouts from Ipswich and Felixstowe will join with 200,000 other members across the country to stage Centenary Camps to celebrate 100 years of scouting this weekend.

The scouts - aged six to 25 - will be camping at the Hallowtree camp site near Nacton, with the aim is to get as many members of the movement under canvas at the same time.

The Orwell and Wolsey Scout Districts, which cover Ipswich and Felixstowe, are at the site from today until Monday with a wide variety of activities planned.

The camp kicks off with an opening ceremony tomorrow evening with the release of 100 balloons to mark the centenary.

On Saturday dozens of activities will be split between Alton Water and Hallowtree camp to provide a both a wet and dry experience.

Tim Parnell and Graham Parker, the district commissioners of Orwell and Wolsey, said everyone from the youngsters to adult leaders, helpers, and members of Scout Fellowship, were looking forward to the weekend.

“The camp has been a year in the planning and has been a massive undertaking - we just hope everyone has a fantastic weekend,” said Mr Parker.

“At Alton Water Scouts will have an opportunity to experience sailing, kayaking, canoeing and raft building.

“On site at Hallowtree scouts can choose from a huge selection of activities, climbing, abseiling, shooting, archery, fire lighting, orienteering, survival skills, water rockets, amateur radio and much more.”

Mr Parnell said on Saturday evening there would be an It's a Knockout competition followed by a camp fire and then a massive fireworks display.

At 8.30pm, along with all other Centenary Camps across the UK, they would light a Beacon to the Future.

“The main point is the symbolism and unity - lighting the way to the future with every other UK Scout,” he said.