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Cub and Beaver Camp Report 2011

Cub Camp 27 – 29th August 2011

Youlbury Scout Activity Centre, Oxfordshire

 

The traditional British bank holiday weather did little to deter 140 Cubs and Beaver Cubs from 1st Finchampstead and 1st Arborfield from attending the annual cub camp.   The event took place at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre in deepest Oxfordshire – or Hogwarts as it became known – as this year’s camp had a Harry Potter theme.  The famous sorting hat was placed on the head of each participant on arrival and they were assigned to one of Hogwarts’ four houses in order to take part in the various competitions and activities on offer during the weekend.  The camp leaders did not get away lightly either as they were each given a character for the weekend from Dumbledore and Hagrid to Professors Snape and McGonagall – although luckily Voldermort was nowhere to be seen.

Cubs attended for two nights while Beavers stayed for Sunday night only as it was the first time the youngest members of the scout family were allowed to camp.   Cubs and Beavers were kept very busy all weekend with a wide variety of activities.  There was a 6 mile hike plus the opportunity to try out the climbing wall, zip wire and crate stacking activities at Youlbury.  The house competition involved tug of war, an assault course and a fiercely fought Quidditch competition.  In the  non-broomstick version of the Harry Potter  game, teams have to score as many points as possible by throwing the ball into the highest hoop while being pelted by wet (and increasingly muddy) sponges. 

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The evenings ended with a talent show and singing round the magic green campfire led by the Finchampstead Guides who were also at Youlbury.
By Monday afternoon most participants (and camp leaders and helpers!) where happy but tired, damp, muddy and in need of a long hot bath.  Thanks to all adults involved with the camp who did a brilliant job as always.