With the relaxing of the overnight restrictions, 1st Kettering Cubs were keen to get the pack back under canvas, planning had already started for the camp back in July with the hope that Covid would give us a window of opportunity to getaway. 1st Kettering is one of the larger groups in the County and during the planning stages, we learnt that a tiny Cub Pack, Holcot & Walgrave did not have the resources to offer a camp to their five very eager Cubs. We of course invited them to join us.
Last week it seemed that Covid was testing our nerve, with a run of members throughout the group getting infected or being in close contact our Risk Assessment was continuously reviewed and all parties kept informed. Late on Friday, with half the canvas standing for the first time in two years we learnt that Walgrave School had sent all year 6 pupils home! Luckily the Cubs concerned were in a different class to the outbreak…..
Just before Covid, 1st Kettering had moved their stores, previously we had free storage in a local company’s warehouse, however, we could only access it at very specific times. We had decided to move into a container storage facility. This was our first camp since the move and we managed to load a van with parental help within 40 minutes, a great improvement.
When the Cubs arrived on-site at 7:30, the camp was ready. Even the leader’s air beds had been inflated, a first for us. A quick register and it was on with our first activity, a night hike of about 4 miles followed by hot chocolate and, of course, cake!
The pack was all asleep by just gone midnight and remained in the tents till 7:30 am. A quick breakfast followed by a couple of games and then we had a day of raft building and fun on the water. In the evening we had a wide game as the light faded fast and a campfire. Very tired Cubs all asleep by 10:00.
Of course, the camp was going too smoothly, the weather changed overnight and the rain arrived, after the Scouts Own ceremony we changed the programme and taught the Cubs how to make bracelets from para-cord, I was surprised how all the members enjoyed this activity.
By the end of the camp, it was impossible to distinguish a Holcot & Walgrave Cub from a 1st Kettering Cub, we had merged into one pack and some true friendships had been made. We will be camping with them again soon
