BROWNIES learned some new tricks when they went on their first camping trip near York.

Although a few Guiders were on hand to help out, more than 70 Brownies from the York area soon got into the swing of camping, an experience usually reserved for the older girls.

During the weekend in a field and barn at Holtby, courtesy of local farmer John England, girls aged nine and above learned circus skills, played games, and generally had fun in the sunshine.

Janet Simpson, county pack holiday advisor for North Yorkshire South County Brownies, said: "We had a go at doing some juggling and other circus skills.

"This is different to Guide camp because not many of our Brownies have been camping before.

"It's totally different because Brownies like to spend their time making things and playing games and enjoying themselves.

"Putting the tents up was a bit of a struggle because we're not experienced campers, but the Guiders came along and showed us how to do it, so we feel as if we've learnt something.

"It's all new to everybody here and we're showing everybody how it's done. A lot of people don't think that camping is for Brownies, but we're showing them that they're wrong."

Updated: 11:16 Monday, July 09, 2001