Encouter - winds, early pack up and sleeping on trip home.

 

We survived the night, and so did the youth members who spent the night in the shed. We helped ensure that their gear was all packed away, and that it was all grouped together. It was not long before Breakfast, and with many having had their breakfast cooked by the Catering team (Thanks a HEAP guys. It was appreciated by a lot of youth members!!!).

 

The morning’s activity was an orienteering activity around the local area. The Cubs seemed to enjoy this. There was even a visit to the local cemetery.

 

While the activity was happening, there was a mad rush behind the scenes, as there had been a decision made to close the activity early. This is due to the forecast of strong winds expected in the afternoon and that it was due to hit at the original closing and pack up time. So, there was a mad scramble packing of tents and other equipment while the youth members were out on the activity.

 

Once we had finished the activity, we headed to the oval and had the closing ceremony. Once it was completed, the Golden Grove Cubs headed to the bus, as we had taken the option to travel to and from the activity by Bus. Scouting Human had contacted the parents and advised that we would be returning early, at the pick-up points. So, the parents were aware and waiting for their arrival back.

Unlike the noisy trip down, there was a lot of sleeping youth members on the bus on the trip back. This time, it included a detour to the airport, so we could drop the Port Lincon Scout Group off to catch their plane back to Port Lincon.

 

The parents and youth members were happy to be reunited, and we are sure there will be quite a few having an early night in their own beds.

 

Thank to you the organizers, and to the people who ran activities over the weekend. Also, thanks to the leaders and youth members for pulling together and getting everything done for Encounter. 

 

 

Saturday at Encounter

 Everything started early. Although, the Cubs were not up quite as early as Scouting human and I expected them to be. Certainly not the early start from the Cubs that we have had on previous state camps (or even our own sectional or group camps)!

 

Once we had breakfast, and packed their day packs with lunch, snacks and filled drink bottles, the cubs headed off in their activity patrols. Each patrol had a different day planned; due to the different activity choices they had made.

 

The patrol that I was with headed to the Pt Elliott Historical Museum that was on site. We might have been there a little earlier than needed. But that is ok, gave the youth members in our patrol a chance to get to know each other better. The highlight of museum visit was the youth member who said “Look at this old computer!”. When we went to check it out, they were talking about an old typewriter.

 

After the Cubs had done their time in the museum, we moved onto a bit of free choice activity. Due to the weather, the Rock-Climbing wall was closed. Lucky, some of the Golden Grove Cubs managed to get a climb, but the ones who did not get the chance to do so, decided to head to the line up for the archery activity and joined the line up there instead. 

 

 

The patrol and I managed to get through the archery, before we headed to the buses to get taken into Goolwa. This is where the fun started. Our paperwork was quite clear and stated that we were due to be on a bus to Goolwa. After some discussion and a clear mx up in information sent out, it was decided that the patrol would be heading to the patrol activity that was in Victor instead. This also caused a change of travel plans, as it required transportation to get us to the activity. But we got there and started the activity, spending a pleasant few hour running around, re-creating the photos created by the Rovers running the activity. It was then time to return to the Campsite and some free time.

 

It was not long after we got back, that Scouting Leaders were made aware of weather changes and the impact that it was having on the campsite. We had some strong winds during the afternoon and despite the best efforts of the leaders on site, we had some broken tent poles and a torn fly. Although, compared to some, we were quite lucky with several groups who were more exposed than we were being worse hit. Decisions were being made quickly, but Golden Grove Cubs stayed on sight with the majority. Although, it was a case of shifting to sleeping in the shed with a lot of others who were also staying, but were seeking somewhere a little drier. It really didn’t take long before the youth members settled and were asleep.

Encounter 2022 Arrival

Today, Scouting human and I packed, as we are attending Encounter – the tri-annual state camp for Joey and Cub Sections in South Australia. Previously called Cuborees and Hopporee.

 

This year’s venue was at Port Eliot Showgrounds, with offsite activities in Victor Harbor, Goolwa, and Pt Elliott. This is in addition to on site activities being offered.  

 

We are a bit concerned about the weather though. But the only thing we can do is wait and see how it pans out.

 

Once we had our gear sorted and packed (The Human travel’s light, and I travel extra light), we headed to the bus pick up point, with a printed copy of the bus list. Someone I live with was bus captain – and with a lot of youth from other groups, who we did not know!

 

We were early, but were concerned about everyone being on time etc. Which was not a problem. The bus on the other hand…. got caught in traffic, arriving a little later than planned. But it all turned out well in the end though.

 

It was not long before everyone was on the bus and heading to camp, the noise level was to be expected – loud and high energy levels. But generally, once we got there, and the youth members were off the bus, it was time to find our campsite and get the tents set up and something for tea.

 

We were able to find the campsite, with the Golden Grove Cubs in tow. The tents were put up and had time to explore before the Cubs settled for the night (or rather tried to).

Eventually, it was time for us to settle to bed, after we sorted our tent, and had a meeting with the other leaders to go over the Patrols for the activities over the weekend, and other details needed to ensure the weekend will run smoothly.