Epsom and Ewell Youngsters Join Thousands for Day of Outdoor Adventure

Over 2,000 Beaver Scouts and Rainbows take part in Surrey’s Bazzaz event

Young adventurers from Cuddington, Epsom, Stoneleigh, and Ewell were among more than 2,000 Beaver Scouts, Rainbows, and volunteers who gathered at Merrist Wood in Guildford last weekend for Bazzaz – Surrey’s flagship activity day for 6- to 8-year-olds.

Held every three years, Bazzaz offers a rare opportunity for children to immerse themselves in over 100 action-packed activities, ranging from caving and rock climbing to tomahawk throwing, circus skills, go-karts and inflatable obstacle courses. The event aims to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience through fun and challenge.

Despite soaring temperatures, participants were well-prepared with sun hats, sunscreen and plenty of water. A midday highlight was an unexpected treat as the Red Arrows flew overhead, returning from the King’s Birthday celebrations in London.

Feedback from the young participants was as bright as the weather:

“I had lots of fun and I liked the train ride,” said Sam, aged 7, from Epsom.
“Caving was the best because it was challenging and I made a new friend,” added Matthew, 7, from Guildford.
Emily, aged 5, from Woking, said: “It was awesome! I enjoyed climbing because I haven’t tried that before.”
Milly, 6, from Haslemere, shared: “I liked making my dad a Father’s Day card.”
And Noah, 7, from Banstead, summed it up simply: “I liked doing all the activities with my friends.”

The event was supported by an army of adult volunteers, without whom such experiences would not be possible. Richard, a Beaver Scout leader from Surrey, said: “It was a brilliant day for everyone. Some activities were pure fun, others focused on building #SkillsForLife — all of them gave the children something special to take away.”

About Beavers and Rainbows

Beaver Scouts (ages 6–8) and Rainbows (ages 5–7) are part of the UK’s long-established Scouting and Girlguiding organisations. Together, they offer thousands of children a safe and inclusive environment to learn through play, develop life skills, and enjoy the outdoors.

Nationally, the Scout Association offers over 200 different activities — from abseiling to coding — supported by more than 100,000 volunteers. But demand continues to outpace capacity, with nearly 30,000 young people currently on waiting lists across the UK.

To find out more about volunteering with Scouts in Surrey, visit surrey-scouts.org.uk