1 May 2026, 12:38Blandine Damtse; edited by SM CommunicationsDundee, Dundee City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Master Guides in Training Develop Leadership and Outdoor Skills at Dundee Camp
Building confidence, faith, and practical outdoor skills, Master Guides in Training met in Dundee for a skills camp.
From 17 to 19 April 2026, 25 Master Guides in Training (MITs), leaders, and trainers gathered at Larick Campsite, Dundee, for the second Scottish Mission skills camp of the current MIT cohort. Travelling from across the country, participants spent the weekend strengthening their faith while enhancing their practical outdoor and leadership skills. Working in teams, they were actively involved in leading various parts of the programme, taking responsibility for worship, presentations, storytelling, and group activities.
Training sessions covered a wide range of essential outdoor and ministry skills, including the Christian Storytelling honour, where participants developed skills in communicating Bible-based messages in engaging and meaningful ways. Campcraft instruction included firewood preparation, campfire safety, and the safe use of stoves. This was followed by a practical cooking activity, where each participant prepared a one-pot meal using their own ingredients and equipment. The shared tasting session encouraged creativity, teamwork, and fellowship.
A central focus of the weekend was orienteering, with participants learning map reading, compass use, and navigation techniques. These skills were put into practice during a six-mile hike through Tentsmuir Forest, where teams navigated using maps and compasses. The activity highlighted orienteering not only as a valuable outdoor skill but also as a meaningful way to connect with nature and reflect spiritually.
Additional workshops included basic rescue techniques and knot-tying, reinforcing preparedness and practical problem-solving. Evening activities centred on a campfire programme, where teams demonstrated different fire-building methods before taking part in games, storytelling, and fellowship.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the participation of a young Pathfinder who, despite his age, confidently completed orienteering tasks and supported others during the hike, inspiring many of the participants.
The weekend concluded with pioneering activities, as teams used lashings to construct practical camp equipment, such as sinks, emphasising teamwork and resourcefulness. A closing ceremony brought the camp to an end, with participants expressing gratitude for the experience, the friendships formed, and the skills gained.
Organisers highlighted that the programme is designed to develop well-rounded leaders equipped for service within both the church and the wider community. The cohort, which began its journey in April 2025, will meet again in June in Glencoe for their final skills camp ahead of investiture in October 2026.
Acknowledgements: Thanks to all volunteers and leaders for their support throughout the weekend. Special thanks to Mthokozisi Ndlovu, Yvonne and Paul Kanjewe, David Hatch, Thabani Moyo, and Siphetho Ndlovu for their leadership and contribution to the camp programme.Building confidence, faith, and practical outdoor skills, Master Guides in Training met in Dundee for a skills camp.
From 17 to 19 April 2026, 25 Master Guides in Training (MITs), leaders, and trainers gathered at Larick Campsite, Dundee, for the second Scottish Mission skills camp of the current MIT cohort. Travelling from across the country, participants spent the weekend strengthening their faith while enhancing their practical outdoor and leadership skills. Working in teams, they were actively involved in leading various parts of the programme, taking responsibility for worship, presentations, storytelling, and group activities.
Training sessions covered a wide range of essential outdoor and ministry skills, including the Christian Storytelling honour, where participants developed skills in communicating Bible-based messages in engaging and meaningful ways. Campcraft instruction included firewood preparation, campfire safety, and the safe use of stoves. This was followed by a practical cooking activity, where each participant prepared a one-pot meal using their own ingredients and equipment. The shared tasting session encouraged creativity, teamwork, and fellowship.
A central focus of the weekend was orienteering, with participants learning map reading, compass use, and navigation techniques. These skills were put into practice during a six-mile hike through Tentsmuir Forest, where teams navigated using maps and compasses. The activity highlighted orienteering not only as a valuable outdoor skill but also as a meaningful way to connect with nature and reflect spiritually.
Additional workshops included basic rescue techniques and knot-tying, reinforcing preparedness and practical problem-solving. Evening activities centred on a campfire programme, where teams demonstrated different fire-building methods before taking part in games, storytelling, and fellowship.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the participation of a young Pathfinder who, despite his age, confidently completed orienteering tasks and supported others during the hike, inspiring many of the participants.
The weekend concluded with pioneering activities, as teams used lashings to construct practical camp equipment, such as sinks, emphasising teamwork and resourcefulness. A closing ceremony brought the camp to an end, with participants expressing gratitude for the experience, the friendships formed, and the skills gained.
Organisers highlighted that the programme is designed to develop well-rounded leaders equipped for service within both the church and the wider community. The cohort, which began its journey in April 2025, will meet again in June in Glencoe for their final skills camp ahead of investiture in October 2026.
Acknowledgements: Thanks to all volunteers and leaders for their support throughout the weekend. Special thanks to Mthokozisi Ndlovu, Yvonne and Paul Kanjewe, David Hatch, Thabani Moyo, and Siphetho Ndlovu for their leadership and contribution to the camp programme.
