SCOUTING is alive and healthy in the North-East, with plenty to offer teenagers in the modern world.

That was the message from the weekend's annual camp for scout groups across County Durham.

Almost 700 young people, backed by more than 100 scout leaders, took part in the 32nd annual "Confido" camp at the county scout organisation's Moorhouse activity centre, at Rainton Gate, near Durham.

While some of the more traditional images were evident, with the youngsters camping under canvas in wet conditions, newer features were added to appeal to the current crop of scouts.

Activities included canoeing, dragon boat racing, climbing, crate stacking, abseiling, off-road karting, clay pigeon shooting, and tree climbing.

Survival skills came to the fore with "backwoods cooking" round the camp fire, while agility and balance was tested with a rodeo bull machine.

There was much to amuse the youngsters away from the scouting activities, with professional street entertainers and artists ensuring their creative side did not go unchallenged, and a cyber caf for those missing their computer games.

Assistant county scout commissioner Jonathan Chicken said the weekend offered the chance to see the changing image of scouting in the post-Millennium years.

New uniforms have been introduced, more in keeping with the modern world, and he described the feel of the weekend as, "almost like a pop festival".

He said: "This year's event is special because it marks the launch of the new face of scouting. It gives young people we support the chance to show the opportunities scouting creates for them.

"The atmosphere on site is electric, with more than 800 young people and their leaders sharing in a common buzz."

Outside bodies are encouraged to make use of the facilities at the activity centre, which can be booked on 0191-386 4192.