This month 20 Cubs from Collins Pack enjoyed the glorious sunshine at their annual Cub Camp at Hope Hill Scout Camp in Meopham. For most, this was their first ever Cub camp and for some, the first time away from their families.
After the Cubs arrived on Friday evening they were divided into their sixes, with a senior sixer, all of whom have been on camp a couple of times before. Once all their bags were placed in their tents, they were informed of the rules of the camp and were taken for a guided tour of the site before they started playing some games on the field. As we were trying to keep to a traditional camp, the cubs were then invited to sing around the camp fire, which they all enjoyed.
Saturday saw the Cubs emerging bright, early and eager to enjoy the sunshine and what the camp had to offer! After breakfast, the Cubs were split into two teams, one were taken into the woods and had to follow a string trail through the trees. Firstly, this had to be done with full sight and then undertaken with their eyes covered up by their neckerchiefs. They all seemed to enjoy this and wanted to keep completing the trail again and again. The other team went into the woods to collect fire wood and, under strict supervision, enjoyed three types of saw cutting to reduce the wood into manageable logs. The cubs then had to use the axe, once again under strict supervision, to split the logs. The Cubs also enjoyed a selection of wide games and using the parachute. During the early evening the Cubs went into the woods and enjoyed a game of manhunt and were joined by Father Steven from St Anselm’s Church in Dartford. Vicky and John prepared and cooked a great BBQ. Then the Cubs joined Father Steven in the Chapel for Mass. More wide games were to follow whilst we started our own camp fire using the wood the cubs had prepared earlier.
On Sunday the Cubs arose somewhat later than Saturday and, after breakfast, played games of cricket, frisby, footie, man hunt and even a water fight.
The Cubs seemed to have a brilliant time and enjoyed some great meals prepared by Pauline and Collins Pack’s very own Scout Helper, Matthew. A big thank you to all the Leaders; Delia, John, Pauline, James, Vicky, parent helper Graham and during the days, parent helper Steve plus Matthew, of course.
Darren (CSL 5th Dartford Collins Pack.)
