Camping is one of the most exciting activities your child can take part in as a Cub and we have had some amazing camps in the past such as our Dr Who camp pictured above.
Leaders at the 1st work hard to provide opportunities for young people to enjoy nights away on scouting activities. Not all are under canvas. To achieve the highest award, cub scouts need to gain at least two “nights away” in total.
Cub Camp Q&A
Q. What kit should my Cub bring?
A kit list will always be issued for each camp.
IMPORTANT: please label all your kit, or you probably won’t get it back at the end! It is amazing how much kit gets lost at camp. Biros work well on fabric, nail varnish is good for marking plates etc.
Please help your cub to pack the bag so that he knows where each item is. We are always amazed at how many items that “Mum didn’t put in the bag” are really there all the time.
Please don’t let your child bring any electronic gadgets, in case they get lost or damaged. So, no DS’s and no phones!
Q. Should my Cub bring spending money?
Generally, there is no opportunity to spend money on shorter, weekend camps. Longer “Summer Camps” often include a day trip or hike where there may be an opportunity to spend money. Please comply with suggestions in the camp information letter regarding amount as we have had cubs in the past bring far too much which can result in peer envy and / or too many sweets leading to bad tummies.
Q. Can my Cub bring some sweets or treats?
Please, no. They should not need any, as we will make sure that every cub eats a good breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. Cubs that bring sweets tend to eat them all on the first night. They then get no sleep and have a rotten time the next day.
Food in tents can cause a dreadful mess and lots of problems. Squirrels especially will eat through tents/rucksacks/sleeping bags/plastic storage boxes even training shoes to get to food. Leave it in the store tent where it will be kept safe. This is where we will keep the cakes which we ask Cubs to bring so that we can share some goodies as dessert treats after our meals at camp.
Q. What will the food be like?
Fantastic! Our catering team will be brilliant. We promise “good wholesome food” and that your child will not go hungry. Breakfast and evening meal are usually cooked, lunch is generally sandwiches etc.
If your child has an allergy or dietary requirement please ensure you have mentioned it on the Permission To Camp Form.
Q. How cold does it get at night?
It can be pretty cold, so your cub needs a warm sleeping bag. He should also bring a blanket but please be aware that it may get a little muddy. Wearing a hat in bed keeps your feet warm! It is also important to have a foam sleeping mat to lie on, to keep you away from the cold ground.
Q. Who will my Cub be sharing a tent with?
The Pack leaders spend a lot of time working out the best plan for who is in each tent. Their aim is to make sure that each tent has friends in it, and each tent has an experienced Cub who can help the younger ones.
Q. Is there anything parents can do to help?
Talk to your child about what to expect. Let leaders know of any specific anxieties, these can often be resolved. Make sure that leaders have all the information they need about your child. Our general rule of thumb is that in any given situation we will try to act as a responsible parent would.
Q. How can we contact my Cub at the camp?
It really is better not to. If there is an emergency we will be in touch but generally contact with home will only make any tendency to homesickness worse. Talking to Mum or Dad makes them remember what they’re missing! If you have an emergency, then please call our designated Home Contact, whose details are on your camp information letter.
Q. What are washing and toilet facilities like?
All of the sites we use have permanent toilet blocks. Some have both hot and cold water, a few have showers. We try very hard to make sure that every Cub washes and brushes their teeth every day, but do check their soap and flannel when they get home to find out!