2nd Mortlake Cubs Summer of Fun

Matt at 2nd Mortlake Scout Group has filed this report about their summer Cub Scout camp at Ferny Croft in the New Forest:

Photo and video report here (opens in YouTube)

The Cubs arrived at the campsite early afternoon on the Sunday, having sung and played games at full volume all the way in the minibus. They had a relaxed afternoon sorting out their kit and settling in, before going to a film night put on by the site management, where they all enjoyed munching popcorn, and meet other groups who were also staying on the site.

Through the course of the week we had several site-run activities booked and which encouraged healthy competition and teamwork.

The first day was raft building, where the Cubs split into 2 groups and each built a raft. Their memory of knots that we had covered in the term was put to the test, but they passed with flying colours. Once they were all on their rafts the instructor gave them games and tasks to do. The Cubs clearly saw it as a personal challenge to see who could get the dirtiest!

We had 2 activities which challenged the Cubs around being at height. Firstly, Cubs needed a leap of faith where they climbed a ladder up to a platform, whist attached to a rope, and then jumped from the platform to a trapeze. The distance to the trapeze was increased each time. The second was the gladiator course, where they raced up ladders, bars and tyres to the top, racing another Cub. It was good to see the Cubs encouraging those who were nervous, and great to see those Cubs achieve more than they thought they could. They thought that the highlight was being lowered down from the top, upside down like Spider-Man.

Their skills were tested by taking part in archery and rifle shooting. If it wasn’t hard enough to hit the centre of the target, the archery instructor attached balloons to the targets and the Cubs had to pop three, using just 5 arrows. They were all too good, with some Cubs popping all three with their first three arrows.

There were two activities arranged out of the camp. We visited Lymington salt water baths – which was an enclosed area with inflatable obstacles, much like a liquid leisure. The Cubs made it look very easy – but not so easy for us leaders! Another day we visited a beach near Christchurch, where we had a picnic, and the Cubs spent most of the time digging holes and burying each other.

In the evenings the Cubs took turns to build their own fire and they were able to roast marshmallows and make smaws. On one night we had an impromptu singalong and dance off, with the Cubs giving the DJ requests. Akela doing the Macarena is always a sight to behold!

There were so many additional activities available to fill the time; with crazy golf, table tennis, aeroball, and a beach volleyball court to name but a few. The Cubs were always busy. The great thing about the week, was that each Cub had a different highlight, and they were so good at encouraging and supporting each other through the activities.

I’m already looking forward to next year!

You can see what the Cubs got up to through their photo and video report – click here (opens in YouTube)- which ends that it was “Best ever!”