Cubs Hike
Last weekend saw the older Cubs tackle their expedition challenge, this involved teamwork and leadership skills. The planned so that parts of the new Outdoor and Team awards and parts of the old Outdoor Plus could be achieved.
Saturday morning bright and early 11 Cubs and 5 Leaders set off from Broadstairs Station to Herne Bay. First challenge organise the tickets. 11 excited cubs boarded the train and after the 1st stop at Margate “are we nearly there yet” could be heard. On arrival, the first shower started so suitably attired in wet weather gear they set off. There were 4 groups and they each had to navigate a quarter of the way.
The first group successfully got us out of Herne Bay, across the old Thanet Way and into Greenhill.
The second group took over and headed off past the school. Here the road loses its path and was safely navigated with the Cubs admiring the “nice” houses along the route.
Group 3 took over after a snack break on the bridge over the new Thanet Way and they had to navigate us uphill to Blean Woods where the last group took over. The “are we nearly there yet” became less excited and more desperate. After climbing the stiles into Blean Woods and following the track through the woods and admiring the plants and bushes it all went a bit awry with the Cubs leading us into a back garden. However after a short lesson in observation the track was soon found again and amid shouts of “I can see the hut” we soon arrived.
After unloading, the Cubs learnt how to use a Trangia (A cooker using Methylated Spirits). Very soon the Cubs had their water boiling and were tucking into their pot noodles for lunch. After lunch began the task of building their shelters. They paired themselves off and worked hard to make a small area habitable. Some stayed in them during freetime whilst others went off exploring and gathering wood for the fire or playing in the Adventure playground.
Then the Scouts arrived from their expedition and the Cubs were delighted to see them. The Cubs then completed some additional map and expedition work on coordinates and the country code whilst Baggy cooked a delicious dinner. We were soon outside again for more play in shelters, campfire and marshmallows. The Cubs settled into their shelters and polished off their “high energy” snacks that didn’t get eaten on the hike. Later into the evening the Cubs started to feel the cold and realised that they hadn’t layered enough. The weather forecast was appalling with heavy rain due. Decision made, the Cubs returned inside to sleep the remainder of the night. It was a good call as the weather started about midnight and continued to the early hours.
Sunday morning dawned as a miserable day, the Cubs immediately ventured out to see their shelters and all were declared very wet. After a quick breakfast it was outside to cook brunch. However the Cubs soon learnt a lesson in not letting your wood get wet and the fire took ages to light. Shelters were taken down to dry in the meantime. Eventually after some gentle persuasion the fire got going and all Cubs cooked their own brunch, egg, sausage and beans – backwoods style. Sadly comes the clearing up and home time.
The Leaders had a great time as all the Cubs remained cheerful throughout, coped with a difficult hike and worked hard at their teamwork and leadership skills. Much was achieved and many badges will follow.
Well Done Cubs it was a fantastic weekend – thank you from the Leaders.
