224th and 464th Cubs at 1st Dinting

Camping Cubs.

Finally the Cubs managed to get out on camp this year. After a few false starts we got to go on camp thanks to 464th Cub Group who invited us along with them.

The weekend started in the rain outside church.  Wasn't long before excited cubs started to arrive and by the look of the bags most were struggling with they were expecting to be away for some weeks or we're hiding stow aways.
 
After a slight delay which was caused when Jacks mum exclaimed "are they sleeping in tents" swiftly followed by "but I haven't packed a sleeping mat". Before we got any further she said I will be back in a minute and got in her car a set off like Louis Hamilton arriving back a short time later.  Cars packed we set off for Dinting about 30 minutes away.
 
On arrival we were introduced to 464th cubs who the weekend would be shared with a erection of tents began. 224th boys were allocated a tent and were left to set up camp.  Amy as the only girl bravely shared with three girls from 464th.
 
The evening started with camp rules followed by introductions and some wide games.  This was followed by supper before cubs made there way to tents to change and get ready for bed.  Having been told they could watch a film before bed it wasn't long before a range of pj's and onesies appeared most in Welles or boots covered in mud as the rain had continued with the camp site now starting to look like Glastonbury. Cubs retired to bed about 12.30 and settled quickly which was a first for me.
 
The following morning muddy looking cubs appeared for a hearty breakfast followed by wash and dressed. However judging by the look of some I think the wash part was forgotten. 

The day continued with a range of activities including scrap heap challenge where the object was to make a self propelled vehicle which would carry a egg. Lunch followed soon after and cubs were given some free time.  The afternoon was taken up by challenges and games before making guys for that evenings bonfire.
 
Following a Hearty tea of spaghetti  the fire was lit cubs were then entertained with a host of fireworks chocolate toffee popcorn and the sacrifice of the guys. Luke Mackey then entertained the weary troops with a song followed by the rest of the cubs with a few renditions of singing in the rain and bingo was his name.  Some were by now asking to go to bed which is always the sign of a good camp so following supper they were given the option to watch a film or go straight to bed.
Once again I think most chose to skip the wash part! The film was started but didn't get far before sleepy cubs decided it was bed time. 

After about twenty minutes I was alerted to a commotion in 224 boys tent where various items of clothing and a wash kit had gone astray. On arrival at the tent I could not see most of the inside as it was now filled with a large pile of clothes and Luke's second bag which was so big he could have set up  camp in that. Anyway we decided to fill Luke's bag with the offending pile in took it inside to be sorted later leaving the tent free to allow sleepy cubs in!

Sunday morning was taken up with reuniting cubs with clothes which had become lost and putting tents down. Once this was done we set off for the local swimming baths where the good people of glossop were suddenly inundated with what looked like half of manchester who had been in a mud shower. I did pray the cleaning system of the pool would cope with the resulting slick which it just managed to do. I swear we gained cubs following swimming as there were faces I hadn't seen all weekend (possibly due to mud)!

After lunch games were played but it soon became time for the results of cub of the camp.  Cub of the camp was to be split with a winner from 224th and one from 464th plus a overall winner for the camp. Cubs had all started with fifty points which could be added to by being helpful or having good manners. But they could also lose points for poor behaviour.
At no time were they aware of who had what points as all the leaders awarded points which were recorded on a large sheet with cubs names on it which was kept from there view.

The winner for 224th was Joseph who also shared the overall prize as both winners shared exactly the same  points.
We'll done Joseph your behaviour and keenness to help won you the prize.
 
We all arrived home a short time later tired but content.

A big thank you to 224th cubs yet again you all excelled and also to 464th for making us all welcome and for organising a excellent camp.


Carl
Group Scout Leader