Merkenveld campsite is situated in an excellent location for nearby towns and beach areas approximately 10km from Bruges, 25km from the coast and 30km from Brussels. Merkenveld is set in a natural reserve of 17 hectares of forest and playing fields.

The campsite is quaint, mostly forested area. With its 17 campsites spread over 22 hectares of forest, Merkenveld has more than enough space to provide groups with an unforgettable camp. Sanitary installations are provided near to the campsite.

The campsites are located behind the main building and there's a small stream running through the site. There's a toilet and shower block (4 toilets, 3 showers and sinks). There are two plug sockets in the toilet block. There is also a campsite area where groups who are camping can cook.

The main building is set around a central courtyard, which has some outdoor seating areas. the reception and a small shop are in the main building. In the reception area has a computer with internet access, which groups can use free of charge. The shop sells snacks plus hot and cold drinks.

www.merkenveld.be

You must arrive at the Scout HQ at 5:00am (UK time) to load your bag and board the coach. This is a 49 seat executive vehicle equipped with reclining seats, seat belts and DVD player. We will be picking up a group of 8 adults from Swindon Venture Network at Clackett Lane Services who will be sharing the coach and campsite with us although staying separate. We will be crossing the channel using the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais and are due to arrive at the campsite at midday (French time).

www.hillscoaches.co.uk

You will be allowed to explore the city in the morning in small groups and we will meet up in the afternoon for a boat trip.

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Walking around the maze of winding cobbled alleys and canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of the city's stirring history. The current city boundaries still coincide exactly with those of the medieval city centre, and the spaces and structures that were so typical of Bruges in the past have been preserved.

All year round the rich aroma of chocolate wafts through the World Heritage city and countless creative confectioners make hundreds of kilograms of the city's most famous chocolate, the 'Brugsch Swaentje' (Bruges Swan).

www.bruges.be

Located approximately 20 km from Zedelgem is the De Kijkuit Outdoor Sport Centre.

On arrival, we will be directed to the changing rooms which are located in a marquee on the field. You will need to bring suitable clothing for all the activities with you. The centre will provide all the instructors who will give a brief safety talk and introduction before each activity starts.

We will be taking part in high ropes, zip wire, climbing wall, archery, low rope course, bmx and kayaking.

 www.dekijkuit.be

Situated midway along the coast of Belgium, Ostend has for a long time been a major harbour, with passenger ferries and fishing boats its main traffic. Originally a small fishing village, it gradually developed as an important port due to its strategic location and often saw turbulent times as a result, being occupied by various foreign powers vying for control of the seas. It rose to prominence in the mid 19th century with the building of the railway line to Brussels and the opening of the passenger sea crossing to Dover, and was given a further boost when it became the favourite holiday destination of Kings Leopold I and II, subsequently attracting aristocratic travellers from all over Belgium. This earned it the nickname ‘the Queen of the Belgian Coast’. It’s still as fashionable as ever among Belgians and is now visited by millions of British holidaymakers every year.

The beach - on the north side of the city - is long and sandy. There is a promenade along the beach front (the Albert I Promenade), and a pier which extends out over the sea.

In the North Sea Aquarium you can discover some 60 living sea animals in 13 aquariums, as well as stuffed rare fish and a collection of North Sea shells, crustaceans, and echinoderms. For kids, there is an informative and fascinating encounter with the fauna and flora of the North Sea.

In the Kapellestraat you will find local branches of most of the large shopping chains, the Adolf Buylstraat is known for its exclusive boutiques. You will discover many nice shops in the side streets of the two traffic free shopping streets, (e.g. in the Christinastraat, Vlaanderenstraat). And you should definitely have a look at the renewed indoor Ensor gallery.

The abject failure of British and German campaigns in Flanders meant that the positions held by these armies in the autumn of 1918 were within yards of those held during the first skirmishes around Ypres in 1914. This means, that groups can visit in a day the key sites relating to the three great battles of Ypres.

Examples of trenches remain in the Ypres area and so Sanctuary Wood will appear on the itinerary of virtually every party visiting the Salient. Amongst the new growth of trees the visitor can still distinguish the shattered remains of the original forest.

Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest British cemetery on the western front with 11,500 graves. Within this cemetery are the graves of two interesting V.C. winners, Sgt. L. McGee (Plot XX, Grave E1) and Captain C.S. Jeffries (Plot XL Grave E1). They lie buried near the German pill box which they died attacking. The memorial wall at the rear of the cemetery bears the names of 34,888 soldiers, who were killed between 16 August, 1917 and the end of the war.

Strong shoes or Wellingtons are recommended for battlefield trips. Please note that dangerous souvenirs have been sold at these sites - please beware.

The new multimedia interactive WWI museum in the cloth hall in Ypres focuses on the experiences of people during 1914 –1918. There are accounts from soldiers, nurses, children and refugees, and there are 18 different sections which each shed light on a particular aspect of war. The use of advanced technology, lighting and sound effects really enhances understanding. Named after the famous John McCrae poem, the museum aims to keep the ‘stories’ alive for younger generations, and encourages its visitors to input their stories into a memory bank so that they can never be forgotten.

The Menin Gate in Ypres bears the names of 54,896 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost between 1914 and 15 August 1917 and with no known grave. It is best viewed before the last post ceremony which takes place at 20.00 hours each evening.

www.inflandersfields.be

Located 25 miles from Brussels, Walibi Park is the new name for Six Flags theme park.

With over 50 rides, including the only wooden roller coaster in Belgium, Walibi Belgium offers without a doubt the best challenge for heroes of all ages. Are you looking for the ultimate thrill? Then you have come to the right place, in Walibi even the boldest heroes will tremble with excitement.

Walibi Belgium is not the place for the fainthearted. You won't get time to catch your breath between the seven roller coasters and otherrides: Breakneck speed (Werewolf, Turbine), excitement high up in the air (Dalton terror), head spinning loop the loops (Cobra), breathtaking drops which make your stomach churn (Screamer), uncontrollable speeds, turning the scenery around you into a blur (Vampire), a mini-roller coaster experience (Coccinelle) and racing at mind boggling speeds through the bowels of the earth experience (Calamity Mine). We can only advise you to hold on tight, take a deep breath and ... scream!

www.walibi.be

Half the group will stay on site while the others go biking in the morning then we will swap over in the afternoon.

Bikes are a popular option for groups. They are delivered to Merkenveld. There are numerous cycle routes in the surrounding area.

The neo-gothic style castle of Loppem is home to many works of art and much of its interior is still in its original state. The castle is set in beautiful grounds and there is also a labyrinth in the garden - try it if you dare!

The same shuttle coach arrives every week at midday (French time) and will be ready for us to board at 12:30pm (French time). We will be crossing the channel using the Eurotunnel again. We will drop Swindon Venture Network off at Clackett Lane Services then arrive back at the Scout HQ at 5:45pm (UK time).