Some of our cubs attended a camp at our group HQ over the weekend 26-28 August. 

Many of them had never camped or been away without their parents before and all did very well indeed. 

The theme of the weekend was camping skills and they certainly had a go at quite a few. 

They learned how to put their tents up correctly and how to put them down. 
 

			I don't think they believed this would become a tent when we started
			Putting the flexible poles into the tent
			Nearly done, this cub is getting to grips with guy ropes

They also had to put up a large patrol tent as well. 
 

			Starting to put the patrol tent up, I think they were trying to decide if the dome tents were easier
			The four main guy ropes in, now it is time to do the door up so when they put the four corner guy ropes out they can still shut the door
			Main guy ropes are out ok, now time for the smaller side guys
			showing them how to use a piece of rope to get all the pegs in a nice straight line
			All done, time for a rest and some sweets in the comfort of the tent

Next they learnt the art of a kit inspection learning that they lay out their clothes tidily on their sleeping bags in a certain manner.  On the Saturday they were tested again on this and the two winners for best inspection were Joseph and Sophie.
 

getting ready for kit inspection, This is when you realise how much you packed!!!

 

They tested out their knots and lashings by making a washing up stand out of bamboo sticks.  This looked fantastic when finished and it was sturdy enough for them to do their washing up on for the whole weekend. 
 

			start with the basics of the clove hitch (below) so you are ready for making the camp dresser
			the frame is nearly made, just needed a few extra supports to make it stable
			The finished item, Not perfect, but an excellent job as it was their first time making anything like this ever.
			The camp dresser in use. it lasted all weekend with no problems and supported a full bowl of water and several cubs plates and bowls WELL DONE !!!

 Some of the older cubs, with the guidance of the scout leaders using lashings made a brilliant swing which all the cubs, and some of the leaders all had a swing on and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
 

			The leaders at play, the excuse was they had to test it was safe. but they seemed to take a long time to test it!!!!
			then the other leader had to test it as well.
			Finally the Cubs get a go, they had great fun for about 30 minutes playing on the swing, but it showed them why it is important to learn you knots and lashings, as you can play on some things that you build

 

On the Saturday evening the cubs cooked their evening meal and hopefully enjoyed it!  I know the leaders did.  They were also shown by the scout leaders how to start and light up a fire and keep it going.

 

On Saturday night they were treated to the dulcet tones of Akela's singing voice and joined in a campfire singsong.  They knew some of the songs and learnt a few new ones.  Mind you, the scout leaders kept giving us funny looks when we sang the songs about the chocolate eclairs and bumble bees!  Can't imagine why!

 

In-between the camping skills the cubs also worked on their communicators badge and have still to write a report on their weekend which will be sent to the cubs in Gambia so they can see what we are doing.

 

The cubs all did exceptionally well considering most of them have never camped before and they all enjoyed themselves.

 

Cubs who attended were Joe, Hannah, Sophie, Joseph, Jason, Luke, Nathan, Matthew, Dominic, Alastair, Oliver and Kyran.

 

At the closing ceremony most of the cubs were rewarded with a 1 night nights away badge and a few were given 5 nights awards and all of them gained their campers badge.