Today, several cubs working on stage 2 and 3 Bushcarft and Camping, gathered at the hall to do some campfire cooking.

The Cubs built the fire, got it burning and cooked sausages with veg in the hot coals. They started baked apples but not all were cooked prior to leaving the hall.

 

It provided the leaders with a chance to trial a way to provide a chance to do some of the hands-on aspects of the program that we cannot always cover during a regular cub meeting time-slot.

 

Under the previous award scheme (badge work

) program, Golden Grove Cub Section had ways of doing sleep overs to help do aspects of the different Boomerang Levels that were not always able to be done during a regular meeting. Cubs generally attended the bronze, silver, or gold level sleepovers, subject to which level they were at.

 

However, as the Award scheme has changed, it has meant that some aspects of the program delivery have also changed.

 

As a part of the Plan > Do > Review process, Saturday’s activity was a learning experience for all, especially the leaders. It will allow us to look at different ways to provide opportunities for the award scheme to be offered to the members of Golden Grove Cub Section.

 

Overall, it provided a valuable learning opportunity to all who attended the afternoon, even the adults who attended.

Peak Award and L3 Bushwalking Hike

Today, we had a hike in Belair National Park. The hike was along the Adventure Loop and was 13km in length, and took 6 hours.

 The main purpose of the hike was to allow one of the Cubs to lead part of it for his Peak Award, as well as getting the 6-hour hike needed for L3 Bushwalking.

 

The group on the hike was small, but determine and they made the full hike in good time. The adults were very impressed with how well the Cubs handled the hike. It was challenging with the hills, yet provided great views in parts and several kangaroos made a appearance.

 

While the weather started out somewhat questionable, it ended up being a nice day, and this added to the overall experience of the hike. 

 

 

Group Camp 2023 Sunday

Another early day, but there was less talking from the dorms overnight, as they were so tired from the previous day’s activities.

Once breakfast was over, it was time to head out and do activities again. We did a quick trip to the Slides and these proved to be a it. Spent quite a bit of time on them and burning some energy. We also did the maze on the way and between the two activities, pretty much filled the morning.

Lunch was had and packing ensured, with final patrol activities worked on getting their final camp cash, in their attempts to be Camp Patrol winners. The Damos Patrol was the final winner.

 

There were many tired youth members heading home and just as many looking forward to next year’s group camp. Details to be confirmed!

 

 

Group Camp - Saturday

 It was an early start to the day, and if looking for a warm shower, it took a while for the hot water to kick in.

 Breakfast went off without a hitch and the youth members grouped into the patrols they were organized into last night. Each Patrol had a mix of sections, Joeys through to Venturers. As a group, we spent the best part of the morning on the course and everyone had a go at climbing, jumping, swinging their way around Challenge Hill.

 

The original idea had been to only spend a hour or two on Challenge Hill. However, it took up most of the morning, and by the time the group arrived back, it was time to clean up and change (for those needing to do so) and prepare for lunch.

 

After lunch (thanks to the cooks!), the youth members got their day packs organized and split into two groups. The Cubs and Joeys (with assorted parents) headed along the Hysen Trail towards Bridgewater, to see how far they got. There might have been a plan to get as far as where the Hysen trail goes under the freeway and this goal was achieved. The Cubs and Joeys certainly made a huge dent into their Km badges, even though the trail was soggy (and muddy) in parts – pretty sure some of the Cubs saw this as a challenge! But it was 6km that was added to the Km walkabout badge for the Cubs and Joeys though. Always a bonus.

 

The Scouts and Venturers made up the other group and headed along the Hysen Trail in the opposite direction. Their aim was to get to Mt Lofty and have a look around over the view of the city. They did not quite make it to where they planned to do so. But they tried and we are sure they had a great time doing so.  

 

After tea, it was time for the campfire and making of damper, which was a hit and according to all who tried it, very nice! Well done to Charlotte, one of the Venturers who helped make it.

 

The youth staggered their bed times, going to bed as they felt. Obviously the Joeys were the first to head to bed, and the others followed in stages. 

 

Group Camp Friday Night

 Tonight, we headed to Woodhouse Activity Centre for the Golden Grove Scout Group Camp. This was our 1^st Group Camp since 2019 (before Covid).

 We are staying in the Bunkhouse for the weekend and have quite a few attending the camp. The Cubs were the biggest section in attendance, and a number were quite excited to be there.

 

There was obviously a walk around the campsite to try and burn off some of the excess energy. As with any camp, the energy from the youth members (especially the cub section), they kept feeding off each other and it took them ages to get to sleep that night.