Over the last bank holiday in May, 41 Cubs from 5th Crawley (Three Bridges and Maidenbower) and 2nd Crawley along with 9 adult Leaders and 2 Young Leaders enjoyed a weekend of camping in the sunshine at Stanford Camp Site.
The Cubs took full benefit of the pleasant weather carrying out a variety of activities – pitching and striking a tent, looking after themselves and their belongings, playing wide games such as Hunt the Post Box (which is not easy when it moves), making a towel rail out of rope and stakes and learning about fire safety and how to start a campfire (under close supervision). That evening the Cubs cooked their own dinner and enjoyed a campfire with songs and marshmallow toasting. A busy first afternoon and evening of Camp!
On the Sunday, after a hearty breakfast cooked by the fabulous catering crew and a quick tent inspection, the Cubs embarked on a 5 kilometre round hike to Buchan Park. On the way we practiced the Countryside Code, politely stood aside as others walked past us and enjoyed the scenery. A surprise cake break at Buchan Park was very welcome and the Cubs gamely made sure that every scrap of litter was picked up before heading back to the campsite. Another busy afternoon was had making shelters, which were tested with water and Cubs in them, a scavenger hunt – who knew you could find a canoe in the woods – and a camp party. The Cubs were definitely ready for bed that evening.
Early to rise on Monday, the Cubs took it in turns to set about striking camp and packing up their belongs and going to visit the “Bird Man” to learn about the wild birds he has rescued and reared over the years. The albino raven that barks like a dog was a hit, as was Blue (also a raven) who kept coming to sit on the Bird Man’s head.
Every Cub that came to Camp earned their Outdoors Challenge Award and two nights away towards their Silver Chief Scout Award, as well as ticking off a good few other areas of badge work.
Requests for “another camp soon please” were heard as the young people left Camp.
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