CUB’S SKILLS CAMP….

Finally, our first camp for two years was upon us – 22 cubs, 1 scout, 4 leaders and a large number of parent helpers had all been waiting for this weekend to begin.  Everyone assembled eagerly at Pyrford Church to begin the hike into Birchmere campsite. Cubs were walking for 10 kilometres and were carrying their own kit.  Luckily the rain held off and conditions were perfect for walking.  The cubs had previously learnt how to use a compass and how to orient a map and they were able to help with the navigation in their groups.  They were all really enthusiastic and managed the hike with ease, a feat that was even more admirable considering it was the longest hike we had done with them since the start of lockdown.

Eventually, both hiking groups arrived at Birchmere.  The cubs were in amazing spirits and still full of energy (we might make the hike a bit longer next year).  After a quick drink and a snack it was time to put up the tents.  This was the first time most of the cubs had done this but you wouldn’t have known as all 7 tents went up smoothly.  After unpacking, the cubs were then able to have some free time before dinner.

Finally, we were able to introduce the cubs to the beauty of cooking on trangias.  They had been desperate to see how 2 saucepans, a frying pan, a kettle, a cooker and fuel could all fit into such a small container.  Once the miraculous nature of the trangia had been revealed, the cubs eagerly set about cooking their dinner – chilli with rice, nachos and cheese.  There was even apple crumble and custard for pudding.  Washing up was perhaps not as enthusiastically received as the cooking, but it was no less noisy or chaotic and eventually everything was finished.

We couldn’t let the cubs go to bed without the obligatory campfire and we were lucky to be joined by some explorers who were completing their D of E.  The cubs made up some of their own songs and skits and were then treated to hot chocolate and cake afterwards.  They settled in for the night really quickly and managed to get a good night’s sleep ( we won’t mention the tent that was up at 5am! ).

Possibly the highlight of the camp, for some of them at least, was cooking bacon rolls on the trangias the next day – even more washing up wasn’t enough to dampen their spirits!  Camp was packed up quickly and efficiently and it was then time for the hike out.  This time we were going a shorter distance – to The Anchor in Wisley where we finished camp by investing the new cubs.

It was a real pleasure to have the experience of a cub camp for the first time in two years, not least because the cubs were so enthusiastic and we were also very lucky to have a large group of parent helpers who helped with a variety of tasks.  So – thank you cubs for being amazing and thank you parents for all your hard work – we can’t wait to do it again!

The Cub Team