2016 Cuboree - 100 years of Cub Scouting

Today, was another early start…only because the Scouting human doesn’t sleep much on camps? We had the last couple of activity rotations, before we had a chance to pack up and pull down the activity site.

We didn’t get a lot of photos, but overall it was a great weekend and we are sure everyone had a great time for the weekend. It was certainly a enjoyable activity to celebrate the 100 years of Cub Scouting.

 

2016 Cuboree Day 2

Today, we were up early, doing last minute preparations for the activity.

 

Once these were done, we were able to attending the opening of Cuboree and then the activities were in full swing. It was a full on morning, with a much welcome break for lunch.

 

Then the afternoon rotation through activates  It was a pretty full on day, but overall the Cubs enjoyed themselves

 

South Australian Cuboree

Today, I headed with Sarah and James to Woodhouse, to set up for the Century Cuboree. This weekend’s event is the replacement for the event that was due to be held over the October Long Weekend. However, due to the storm South Australia had (and total power failure and conditions created by the storm in the few days before the original date etc) the Cuboree was shifted to the 1^st weekend in December instead.

Basically, today we were just setting up the activity site for the weekend. The theme for our site is Enviromental and it is looking to be a great weekend.

 

wilbur @ roihu (Finland Jamboree)

About 2 years ago, we bought a second sheep and called him Travelling Wilbur. We sent him off to Canada for the start of his travelling adventures to visit other scouting groups.

While in Alberta, he was taken by the scouts hosting him on their adventures to Finland, to attend the Jamboree there. One of the Scouts involved made the clip above of Travelling Wilbur showing his adventures to Finland.

 Thanks a lot, it is greatly appreciated at this end

Cub Camp at Lones Hut Sunday

Today was a late start to the day, due to everyone sleeping in. This often happens on Akela’s camps and Akela generally mentally plans for the pack sleeping in later than the 1^st day.
 
The weather was really windy and it had rained a bit overnight, but everyone was dry due.

Once everyone’s bedding and personal gear was packed away and breakfast was eaten, it was time to get moving with some morning activities. The pack found a cache this morning, and Akela is glad as it counts towards the BC Challenge of finding 100 caches as a pack. Given there were 5 cubs, times 1 cache, that is 5 caches (as these are collective, not 100 per person). Akela just needs to make a note of it for her records. Thankfully she got a photo of it!

The pack also found the oak tree in their travels this morning and it there are not many in South Australia – there are 2 others known to be in the State. One each in Belair and the Botanical Gardens in the city.

It wasn’t long before it was time to deal with lunch, packing and cleaning of the Lones Hut. Parents started to arrive and cars packed. The extra hands helped keep the cubs focused as the cleaning and packing up got dealt with. All too soon, everyone was on their way home and we are hoping everyone had a great time and that they are looking forward to their next camp.

 

 

July Cub Camp Saturday

Today was the regular early start to the day. Most of the Cubs were up by about 7am. Akela was already up and showered before this, and getting things organised (like breakfast).

Due to the weather forecast for the weekend, the decision was made to do Challenge Hill Saturday Morning instead of Sunday Morning, and push our hike starting time back to the afternoon.

We were at Challenge Hill by 10:30am and spent several hours doing the course. It was a great time, and there was much excitement when a Koala was sighted, which created a stir.

Eventually, the leaders called time on Challenge Hill, which included several trips by all cubs present on the slide down the hill. The Cubs LOVED that and it was certainly the most loved point of Challenge Hill (besides the Koala walking around).

After Lunch back at the Lones Hut, the tents were packed up. The weather forecast was not looking good regarding the wind and potential rain over night. With having the Lones Hut, it meant that the cubs could sleep inside, out of the weather.  Once we had sorted this, we packed our day bags and went for a walk along the Hysen Trail, towards Bridgewater. Due to the needed changes for the program, the walk was shortened, both in length and time. So we only got as far as where the Hysen Trail goes under the South Eastern Freeway. But it was nice weather and we got some awesome photos along the way. But there were still chances for some mapping reading and explaining to the cubs, and opportunities to explore the area.

Once back at camp, it was time to set the fire going, so the Cubs could cook their tea over the hot coals. The wind had certainly picked up by this time, and it the fire was a welcome sight once it was going for all to stand around and talk for a while tea cooked. Showers were a welcome sight and a chance to warm up before the cubs settled to bed.

 

 

Cub Pack Camp Friday Night

This evening, I, Taquim and the Cub Pack went to camp at the Lones Hut, at Woodhouse Scout Campsite. It was freezing cold at Woodhouse, being the middle of winter and a clear night. It was a quick set up of the tents and organising who was sleeping in which tent.

We went for a short walk before heading back to camp for a hot drink before settling for the night. Akela had also bright Charli and Bagherra (Stuffed one, but the leader Bagie was here as well) and a good thing as one of the cubs was on his 1^st ever camp (had never been away from home before) and they helped with the cub’s homesickness.

Cub Leadership Course 2016

Today was another early start. But the program was not as full as it was for Saturday. The program covered some scouting skills, such as tent pitching, compass work and first aid.

 We managed to get a look at what they were doing, after we had swept out the dorm area of Seeonee Hills – the Cubs had already moved their gear out, so it was a good chance to do it while they were out and doing the final activities.

 Once the sessions were over and done with, it was time for a quick check that everything was claimed and final flag parade, just as the parents were arriving. The certificates were given out and then everyone was free to go.

This morning was a bit of an early and cool start to the day. The Cubs were up and ready early, which is quite normal for camp!

 Today on the program, they covered practical skills (Flag rolling and breaking, Running a game, care of Uniform – this was run by our very own Akela, and Grand Howl). They also looked at – What is a Sixer / Second, What makes a Good Sixer / Second, and the promise and law...

 In the afternoon, Working together looked at Circle Game (again, run by Akela and it certainly got the cubs thinking), Problem solving, and we wrapped the day up with a heap of skits and songs, which the cubs all enjoyed and worked really hard on.

 The weather was also reasonable and certainly didn’t rain when we needed to be outside.

It was certainly a full on day and the cubs were really glad to retire to bed, while the leaders had a much needed break.

Cub Leadership Course

Tonight, Akela, Taquim and I headed to Seeonee Hills for the Cub Leadership Course. There was a light fog on the way up.

Once we arrived, it was a case of straight into it into the 1^st activity, which was followed by a night walk. A few cubs were dubious about the night walk, but once it was started, enjoyed the walk and chance to get out and about. It was certainly a experience for several cubs to have a walk at night in strange surrounds.

Once back, it was time to get ready for bed and settled for the night. It took a while for the cubs to settle (it was the 1^st night of camp after all). But once done, it was time for the leaders to finally get into bed and get some much needed sleep before the cubs decide to get up to early in the morning.

100 yrs of Cubs and South Africa

As many people reading this blog will now, 2016 is the 100^th year of Cub Scouts. Many of the activities we are doing this year are in celebration of the 100 years of Cubs.

Akela saw the following link on a facebook group and thought it looked interesting. SO we are sharing here to show what other countries are doing to celebrate 100 years of Cub Scouting around the world.

http://scouts.org.za/category/news/cubbing-centenary/

 

BC Challenge - 100 Trees planted

Today, the Cub Pack went Tree Planting. The aim was to plant 100 trees, as apart of the BC Challenge for the 100 yrs of Cub Scouting. Akela and I have written about this challenge on here. Part Three of the challenge is to do at least two of the following:

• Make a list of "geocaches found", then log 100 entries by individuals
• Plant 100 trees
• Sight and record 100 animals/birds
• Identify and record 100 plants

Today’s activity was achieved – planting 100 trees.

We MUST thank Friends of Pledger Wetlands for organizing the trees for us as well as turning up to support us in this challenge (Akela had said she was more than willing to link into their regular tree planting day, but they were more than happy to organize a extra day of tree planting). The support this group provides to the Cub Pack is truly appreciated by everyone.

Leadership Oppotunities

While we have a focus on Wilbur and his activities with the Cub Pack, it is worth noting the role that adults play within Scouting.

Scouts Australia offers fantastic training opportunities to those that want to become Leaders or Adult Helpers of our Scouting youth.

Once you start your journey to become involved as a Leader or Adult Helper, you will have access to eLearning and Practical courses as well as hands on learning in each Section, supported by others who have a wealth of Scouting and Leadership knowledge.

Following your training and watching the youth in your pack/troop/unit grow as a result of your ability to apply what you have learnt, the next best feeling is watching another adult also learn from you. Passing on your skills and seeing others finally ‘get it’ can be a very rewarding experience, as this article explains.

https://voiceofscouting.org/teach-train-someone-become-trained

Queensland Cuboree

Some of my previous entries have been around South Australian Cuborees (2011 and 2014), and the 2011 ACT Cuboree.

The ACT and South Australia are just two states who have Cuborees. They are also held in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. All are different, but are essentially the same.

For those reading the blog and are interested,  information about the Queensland Cuboree can be found at - http://cuboree-qld.blogspot.com.au/

Hosting Angle Vale Monday Night Cub Pack

This evening, Mawson Lakes Cub Pack hosted Angle Vale Scout Group’s Monday Night Pack for the evening.

It was very exciting to see so many on the pack circle this evening and I think everyone had a great time. I know I did as did Taquim as well. We managed to get one photo opportunity in this evening

ANZAC Day Eve 2016

As many of the people reading my blog will know, I am Australian. Tomorrow is a very important day in our history - ANZAC Day. ANZAC stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corp. It is 101 years since the Australians and New Zealanders landed at Gallipoli in what was a defining battle and turning point in the military history of both our countries.

 2016 marks 100 years since the 1^st ANZAC Day was observed as a day of remembrance in Australia.

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/feature-4/2016/04/22/2016-marks-centenary-of-first-anzac-day.html

Tonight, many scouting and guiding youth are standing vigils at many Memorials around the country, joined by Army and Air Force and Navy Cadets.

 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

 

Salisbury Sports Festival

Today, City of Salisbury Council ran a Sports Festival, and it was a great day out. Taquim and I got to have our photos taken with the mascots from the Adelaide Strikers Big Bash T20 Cricket Team, Adelaide Football Club and Port Power Football Club.

It was a enjoyable day and we had a great time watching everyone enjoy themselves.

 

 

Amazing Race / Try Anything Once

Today, Taquim and I accompanied Akela and the Mawson Lakes Cub Pack on a activity in the city. It was called “The Amazing Race” and it was a good chance to get out and about to see the city with the Cub Scouts from Mawson Lakes Scout Group.

It was a good day out and allowed us to show Taquim some of the sights of the city, while doing a Scouting Activity.

Taquim's 1st AFL Game

Today, Akela and I took Taquim to his 1^st AFL Game today at Adelaide Oval. It was Adelaide Crows vs Port Power and the Adelaide Crows won. It was a great game (for us Crows Supporters of course).

For those who are not familiar with the game of AFL, we have included a link so that you can so you can see what the game is like below

 

AFL explained

 



Scouting helps Embrace Adventure

Scouting Helps Children embrace adventure

Today, Akela saw this article come up in her newsfeed. We had a read and thought it really summed up Scouting and that it provides opportunities for youth that cannot be found in a classroom.

If you are reading this and would like to try Scouting at Mawson Lakes Scout Group, please check out our group website at www.zulutroop.org.au

 

Camp Hello for #cub100

This blog entry is for the Cubs of the Blades and Arrows Cub Packs, of the 1^st South Bersted Air Scout Group.

My name is Wilbur and I am the Cub Pack Mascot for Mawson Lakes Scout Group. The group is located in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia.

I hope that you all have a awesome cub camp this weekend in celebration of 100 years of Cubbing.

 On my blog, my Akela has put up the Branch Commissioner – Cub Scout Challenge for 100 years of Cubbing. I hope you have a chance to look over the 1^st two parts of what has been released and what we have been working on for 100 years of cubbing.

Enjoy your camp and hope you all have a great time.

BC CUb Challenge - Part Two

The second part of the BC Cub Challenge has been released. Read on and learn about what we will be incorporating into our program over the coming months:


2016 SA Branch Commissioner's Challenge

PART 2: FRIENDSHIP

 Scouting provides many opportunities to meet new friends! As a Cub Scout, you can meet new people in your own Group, around the country and even overseas!

To earn this component of the BC Challenge, as a Pack (or combined with another Pack/s) you need to complete three of the following:

• Take 100 photos of Cubs in uniform having fun
• Collect 100 different badges that have been swapped
• Exchange 100 penpal letters/emails
• Cook 100 pancakes or sausages
• Have 100 Cubs participate in one or more camps/sleepovers

And:

Take some photos and send the best three to bc.cubscouts@sa.scouts.com.au along with the 2016 BC Challenge Activity Record form* in order to be eligible to obtain this badge.

Your Pack should be in uniform in photos for any component of the BC Challenge. Be proud to be getting to know people as a Cub Scout!

As an example of activities that might be undertaken, a Pack (or combined Pack) of 25 Cub Scouts might choose to collectively write 100 penpal letters. This could be achieved by each Cub Scout contributing four letters each, however some Cubs may contribute more and others contribute less - every Cub that contributes to the collective effort for each criterion is eligible to receive the badge once all requirements are met.

 

Michael Baden Powell Group Visit

This evening, Mawson Lakes Scout Group had an all section meeting as we had a special guest attend our group. We had Michael Baden Powell (and his wife) visit. Michael is the grandson of Lord Robert Baden Powell and it was a great chance to hear him speak about his knowledge of a name which is well known and associated with Scouting internationally. It was definitely worth it 

Come and Try Canoeing Activity

This evening, the Cubs and Joeys did a come and try canoeing activity at the Glenelg Activity Centre. It was a really good night, the weather perfect for being on the water and it was pleasant, even for those who were not in the canoes and were sitting on the banks.

We think the Cubs and Joeys definitely enjoyed this activity and will be wanting to do it again.