Eastwinds 9th - 10th November
Well we would have dry canvas at the end of this camp. . . as we were to sleep indoors, all of us Cubs, Leaders ex Leaders, helpers, old helpers and Scouts and ex-Scouts.
After weeks of preparation the day arrived, Alison had been given the task of getting the supplies on Friday and they were taken to Eastwinds by Hathi and Akela who also transported all the Cub's kit. There was barely enough time to pick up the last minute things, four planks, some large metal staples and a few refreshers for the evening.
We arrived at the Scutt to find that some Cubs were already waiting, they were ushered into the hall to await the rest of the camping party. Despite notes to parents about a packed tea some had none and there was a slight delay while packed teas were prepared and brought back. Eventually we were all ready to leave the Scutt,
Walkers: Cubs; Alex M, Alex D, Shaun, Bradley, Ben, Ryan S, Ryan C, Dan, Levi, Becky, Charlotte, Jess, Georgia, Aimee, James, Mike and Ex Cub Emma
Leaders; Akela, Abi, Alison and Hathi
The walk down was uneventful apart from some of the Cubs getting ahead of Akela and wandering off in the wrong direction when we were crossing the fields between the Scutt and the main roads. The crocodile of twos were mostly in line. The climb towards the camp site were made worse with Hathi saying if you think this is steep wait until you see the slope on the next hill. The walk down through the wooded area was good as we did not get lost this year. The ground was really boggy due to the fantastic amount of rain we have had recently. The hall at Eastwinds was reached and the campfire embers left by the working party earlier in the day were revived and a substantial fire was soon blazing away. The Cubs were told to sort out their kit and change ready for the first activity a really hard task, go into the woods in fours and find some dry wood for the fire.
So with a good supply of fuel and a short wait for the other adults to arrive the Cubs eat their packed tea. Jill and Sam, Sandra, Martin, Chris and Emma all arrived and Adrian and Ryan were not long after, Adrian had with him the means for our next money raiser. A balloon race. The Air Traffic Control people at Bristol Airport had been informed previously and after some fun getting the balloon inflated and return tags tied on the balloons were ready to release. Naturally as soon as the balloons were released the local Anti Aircraft Artillery opened up and the pyrotechnics were shot into the air, it seemed that a lot of people were celebrating Guy Fawkes night a little late. We can only assume that some of the balloon had made it past the rockets as they disappeared into the damp evening air blowing towards the centre of town and onward towards the Welsh border, perhaps. If we get any replies the info will be posted here as soon as it happens.
While Peg got her campfire sing-along organised Hathi let of a box of fireworks keeping well away from the Cubs but unfortunately upwind the fireworks were obscured a bit by the smoke that poured out of the fireworks. The Stealth Bombers brought along by Jill and Sam were really enjoyed as they made the windows rattle for some distance around.
While Peg and the Cubs sang songs with Adrian on guitar Akela got the barbie working and when the singers finished they all had something hot to eat and drink. Then more fireworks including a rocket that only just got out of the valley we were in and went bang in the road, luckily there was no traffic at the time. A couple more of the Stealth Bomber were set off to round of the evening. Until some more rockets were found and set of and then the Cubs wanted sparklers. That there were no injuries was down to good preparation and careful supervision but it was a relief to end the night without a single burn.
Breakfast was mainly prepared by Sandra with the help of others adults and the Cubs were soon playing some games while the washing up was done.
Despite it being November and the stream being cold a mud slide was organised, the Cubs enjoyed this and the gasps as they entered the water can be safely put down to excitement. After extensive cleaning the Cubs were warmed up with some games.
At 11:00 we observed two minutes silence as it was remembrance Sunday, a time of quiet reflection for those that had given so much that we might be free to do the things we do.
After clearing up the hall, thanks to Martin, Sandra and Adrian, it was time for the Cubs to be picked up, by 12:30 the hall was locked up and all the kit from our Scutt was returned and put away. No debrief this time as everybody was exhausted.
Thanks are due to the people mentioned above for work above and beyond what was expected of them, Sandra, Abi, Jill (whose generosity was magnificent), Ali, Adrian, Martin and Akela; despite the low clouds, heavy and persistent dew, for a memorable camp.