TRADITIONAL Scout camps consisted of sing-songs and frying sausages on the campfire.

But the modern boy scout is much more likely to be indulging in extreme sports or enjoying a concert.

More than 600 young people gathered at Moor House activity centre in Rainton Gate, Durham, this weekend, for Confido, the biggest gathering of Scouts in the North-East.

Youngsters took part in a crate challenge, where they were attached to safety ropes and competed to stack the highest pile of crates.

On Saturday night, the main marquee was transformed into a dance arena for Glo. The scouts swapped woggles for glo-sticks and ultra-violet whistles, to dance the night away to the latest sounds from a DJ.

Traditional activities included canoeing and climbing. But the only campfire was a virtual one, projected on to a large indoor TV screen.

The assistant county commissioner for Scouts, Jonathan Chicken, said: "This is the face of Scouting that is not often seen.

"Each year Confido grows and grows. It gives the young people we support the chance to show the opportunities Scouting creates for them.

"The atmosphere on site is electric - over 700 young people and their leaders sharing in a common buzz."