County Cub 2011 - 17^th, 18^th and 19^th June

On Saturday, the Cubs went round the other Zones on site as a large Group with their Leaders and worked their way through Bouncy Castles, Zorbs (huge balls you climb into and run around in, really!) and various games with a twist in the Challenge Zone, short shows in the Entertainment Zone, lots of Crafts to try in the Creative Zone, Obstacle courses and Backwoods Cooking in the ‘Back to Basics’ Zone. The Cubs took part in Archery, Air Rifle Shooting and Laser Clay Shooting in the Activity Zone.

The Cubs also took part in the County 5-a - side football competition, but despite entering two teams we didn’t get to the finals. The Beavers joined us for Lunch, Dinner and the Camp Fire Sing Song with the whole County. After the Beavers had gone home the District held its own mini-Camp Fire Sing- Song to go through some old District favourites that were left out! Then it was back to our sub-camp for supper and bed.

On Sunday, we woke up to the warmest (and driest) day of the weekend and the Cubs got a chance to go on the Zones again, this time without hordes of Beavers on site!

We attended the Cubs Own and Closing ceremony in the afternoon. Then it was time to meet Mums and Dads and head off home, tired but happy. The weekend was also the first big catering function for the new SAS section which ably fed and watered everyone all weekend, so the Cub Team would like to give them a huge thank-you along with all the Leaders and Supporters from other parts of the Group who came along to help and the large amount of parents who gave their time and support this year. Its a cliché, but we really couldn’t have pulled off such a large camp without the support of all involved, so that being said, roll on next years big District Diamond Jubilee Camp!

Cub Nando's visit

Both Cub Packs made separate visits to ‘Nandos’ in Kettering on Tuesday 1st February and Thursday 3rd February. The Cubs were able to see how the chefs made the food, and they all enjoyed a chicken burger and chips. They also found out where and when ‘Nandos’ started and then they had a quiz at which they all won chocolates as prizes. At the end of the night they received a Goody-bag and a balloon. A good time was had by all.

Stanwick Sponsored Cycle Ride

Cubs invade the Science Museum in London

On Sunday 19th September, 24 Cubs, 3 Leaders and 1 Helper went on a District visit to the Science Museum in London. All fit and ready to leave at 8am (Sunday morning) the Cubs boarded the coach at 8.15am and headed to Rushden to collect others from the District. As we arrived in London the coach driver pointed all lots of different land marks for all to see. We arrived at the Science Museum at 10.40am. We visited the Space section first, then we moved on to see an F1 racing car followed by “How are we made?” In the “How are we made?” section we got to hypnotise ourselves, and we turned ourselves into Babies, Teenagers and O.A.P's, to name but a few things. We then walked through the Plane section and then went for some lunch. After everyone was fed and watered we moved on to the Launch Pad. This area was full of many different interactive activities for everyone to have a go at.

We even visited one of the teaching shows on Rockets, where we all learned about the Sir Issac Newton’s 3 rules of Relativity and joined in with some experiments. Akela (Donna) even had a go and volunteered (or should I say, the Cubs volunteered her), playing the part of a large mass!

Once we had finished in there we moved on to other areas of the Museum including Ships, the World Wars and ‘changes through the ages’-where we saw Laurence (the AGSL’s) Kitchen from 1960's! - and the very first computer.

After a very hectic visit to the shop it was time to make our way back to the coach. But we had another surprise first! The coach diver took us for a guided tour around London seeing many of the famous sights, including Harrods, The Ritz, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, The Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey and The Swiss Cottage. Then off home we headed, tired but all had a good day.

Thank you to District for another great day out, and to Alison our helper and Leaders who made the day fun for all the Cubs. Also to our coach driver who was full of knowledge about London and gave us a fantastic guided tour, and pointed out may sights we would never have seen otherwise.

Back to Basic Camp 2010 – 90 Years of Cubs in Irthlingborough

Over the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of August, members of 1st Irthlingborough Cubs celebrated 90 years of Cubs in the town by going “Back to Basics” and camping as close as they could to a camp from 90 years ago. The tranquil wooded site of Overstone Scout Centre was the location selected for this momentous camp to take place. Tranquil that is until 20 Cubs along with 10 Leaders and helpers turned up, not to mention Akela and her whistle! The Cubs arrived at 10.00 am looking smart in their uniform and ready for action. After the formality of Flag Break at 10.15am, it was on with the fun. First agenda item of the day was to put the children into their teams for the weekend which were named after surrounding areas; Sywell, Overstone, Moulton and Billing. Each team were to be awarded points during the camp in a friendly competition to be 'Back to Basic Camp Champions 2010'.

The first challenge of the day was to put up the tents. Each group had their own tent and a Leader to help them. The Cubs rose to the challenge and it could be argued that they were hindered by their Adult Helper! One Cub was given the nicked named 'Peg-Man' as all he seemed to do was run around fetching pegs. Once all the tents were up, the Cubs collected their kit and set up the inside of their tents. Next, the Cubs set up the Mess Tent ready for lunch. To follow tradition, this was a piece of ground-sheet hung over string tied between trees and pegged out. Under this the tables and lunch stools were set out. This later proved to be one of the most valued areas of camp! After lunch the Cubs in their groups visited four areas, where as teams where they worked together to solve problems and learn new skills. Each base was run by an adult; • Base One – Burns and basic First Aid

• Base Two – Orienteering

• Base Three – Fire lighting and fire safety

• Base Four – Camp Gadgets and pioneering

The Cubs had 50 minutes at each station to have a go at and where possible complete the activities. Between each station the Cubs came back to base for drinks and snacks.

Once all challenges had been met and points awarded the Cubs played a wide game around the wooded area where they had to go and find 10 different given items. Once again team-work was needed for this as each group only had 1 minute to look for the items they needed to find and remember them.

So far the weather had been kind to us, but things were about to change......... As the camp was ‘Back to Basics’, dinner was to be cooked on the open fire in a backwoods cooking style. The menu was Stew and chocolate bananas. Each Cub had their own foil bag in which they chose what they wanted to have for their meal, this included mince, onions, potatoes, carrots, peas, tomatoes....... which had been painstakingly chopped into small dices by Akela and Rikki taking most of the afternoon. Not to mention the additional carrots which Tony Knott had requested! We had also invited some distinguished guests to join us for tea, David and Kathleen Maddock, who joining us in eating in this back to basic fashion. BUT just as dinner was put on the embers of the fire to cook, rumble, rumble, crash and bang! Down came the rain along with thunder and lightning. Nick (GSL) did an excellent job of keeping the fire going so we could eat!

The dining shelter the Cubs had built earlier proved invaluable for all the shelter under as the rain showed no intention of stopping and eventually, small streams ran past us! All the Cubs, guests and adults got fed and eventually the rain eased off a little, allowing the Cubs to stretch their legs and collect water-proofs and torches from their tents.

Once the rain stopped, the Cubs were entertained around the camp-fire by Lol, his camp blanket and a fantastic medley of camp-fire songs, followed by toasted marshmallows and biscuits. Unfortunately the rain decided to re-visit us - so back off to camp we all went. All the Cubs went off to bed at 10.30 pm with the sound of rain pounding on the tents! By 11pm camp was QUIET and all the Cubs were fast asleep in their nice warm, dry sleeping bags. YES you read it right 11 pm and all asleep! Even the Leaders were in shock!!!

Unfortunately, this was not going to be the quiet evening we hoped. The rain fell and fell and fell (are you getting the picture?) so the leaders checked on the Cubs and because of the sheer amount of rain had fallen, some of it had decided to join some of the Cubs in their tent. It was all hands on deck to evacuate two of the tent at midnight (oh the joys of “summer” camping). With all the sleepy Cubs moved and settled, the adults turned in for the night with the rain continuing to fall until 6am in the morning!!

The first tent of Cubs woke at 4.30am but after quick ‘word’ went back to sleep and nothing more was heard until 7am. Each tent was up, washed and dressed by 8am and ready for breakfast. Cereal followed by sausage, bacon, eggy bread, tomatoes and beans! This significant breakfast went down very well and set everyone up for the day.

With tent inspections completed and flag break performed; it was on with the morning activities.

The sun was out and Cubs were refreshed and ready for action. For the morning the groups were split into two groups. One group was challenged by 'Roys Challenge' a fun obstacle course, while the other group went 'Mud Sledging'. Yes, you read it right -mud sledging. Due to the previous nights weather mud was the order of the day! Fun was had by all. Even our illustrious GSL Nick had a go (as he was pushed in the brook by Rikki). That will serve him right for not having a wash in the morning!

After lunch it was time to get the tents down, the Cubs worked well in their teams and with their Leaders. There was time for a wide game of 'Cops and Robbers' in the wooded area followed by drinks and biscuits. By now camp was rapidly drawing to close. With flag down approaching it was time to add all points together ready to award the 'Back to Basic Camp Champion 2010' award to the winners. The battle was very close; so close in fact that there was only 2 points between 2nd and 1st place. First place went to Billing and second to Moulton. Well done to all. Awards were also given out for best newcomer, support and leadership skills, along with a ‘thank you ‘award. A very special award was also given to Tony Knott of ½ a bag of carrots left over from Saturday night’s dinner, as small reminder from Akela that she never wants to see a diced carrot again!

With parents arriving and the Cubs looking tired, Akela’s whistle was packed away. The camp area soon cleared and was returned to its usual tranquil setting once again. Well......Until next time.................

A very big thank you to all those who helped to make the camp what it was for the Cubs. Special thanks got to:

Andy Hunt and Tony Knott for sharing their skills with us on the bases.

Wayne Fisher for transporting all the kit to and from the site (along with performing 1^st Irhtlingborough’s first alternator change in a camping field!)

Overstone Scout Centre and its staff for their help and support

David and Kathleen Maddock for joining us in our back to basic tea (despite the weather).

Raunds Scout Group for lending us some tents

and especially to all the Helpers and Leaders for their time which helped make this such a memorable (we hope) camp.

Also thanks to those who came back to the Scout hut to help us unpack and put away equipment, allowing Leaders to get home at a sociable hour. Finally a big ‘thank you’ to all the Cubs who attended and to their parents, family and friends for getting them to camp and joining us on ‘90 years of Cub Scouting’ celebrations.

District Cub Camp 2010

This was our biggest camp to date with 29 Cubs and 6 Leaders (Michael, Lol, Shaun, Alison, Karen and Leanne). The weather had been sunny and warm all week until the night of the camp when… Yes, you guessed it, it rained and it was cold. Unfortunately Saturday was just the same, but did we let that dampen a fun-packed weekend?? No of course we didn’t and the Cubs took part in activities including Rifle Shooting, Archery, various craft making, a large Assault Course and many more. The Leaders also got to have a go on the assault course. As I was doing the catering for the camp, I thought I might miss out!!!

Guess what??....Yep, you got it I was wrong! I had to compete against Lol and yes, Lol won (Gosh I must be getting old!).

On Sunday the entire District had a Super Pack Competition where 11 teams compete against each other. One of the Irthlingborough Teams which was managed by Karen came 1st with over 1000 points, of which we understand is a new record!!!

Michael.

District Cub Quiz

On Sunday 7^th February, eleven of our Cubs represented 1^st Irthlingborough and took part in the District Quiz at Rushden Headquarters. It consisted of six different rounds including;

Colours

Scouting

Name 20 objects

Article in a newspaper

General Knowledge

Tools for the job

There were five teams taking part in the quiz and the questions covered a variety of knowledge. Even some of the Leaders who stayed there struggled with some of the questions! But our teams did us proud, worked hard and rose to the challenge they faced.

We came in fourth and fifth place but when you consider that there were only 23 points between first and fifth place, they all did really well and as the Cub Scout motto says ‘did there best’ Well done! - Thank you to all who took part and also a big ‘thank you; to Amanda and Kerry who stayed to help out.

Cubs have a "Flippin’ Good Time!"

Pancake evening came early to the Cubs this year, on the 2^nd and 4^th February. All the children had the chance to make pancakes, with a little help from the Leaders. Tuesday Cubs were under the watchful eye of our GSL Nick who as I hear it, set off the fire alarm on more than one occasion! Still at least we know the fire alarms work (money well spent that) and it looks like he was enjoying himself, get a load of the picture!!

	Nick 'enjoying' himself

The Thursday Cubs didn’t set it off at all. Perhaps the alarm needed a rest from all the exercise it got on Tuesday, ha ha!

Fun games included ‘flipping paper pancakes’ as well as a quiz for all to enjoy.

Everyone went home with full tummies from all the pancakes, not to mention the amount of sugar and lemon the Cubs put on them!

Cubs visit Wellingborough Hindu Temple

On Tuesday 26^th January and Thursday 28^th January the Cubs made a visit to the Hindu Temple in Wellingborough. They had a guided tour around the Temple and were able to see many of the different Gods that are worshipped. There was a variety of colour and the children enjoyed looking at all the different areas of worship.

In the Temple, worshippers give food as an offering to the Gods and the children were all given a chocolate at the end of the visit.

This visit was part of the Cubs Global Challenge.

Cubs Christmas Party

On the 15^th December it was Party Night! All the Cubs arrived in their usual high spirits ready for an evening of games and eating.

Before all this could happen there was one important job to do first and that was to invest four new cubs into the section. The GSL Nick Powell, (who's birthday it happened to be) started off the evening by performing the investitures, this was followed by a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’, then on with the PARTY!!!

Lots of games were played including, musical chairs,

statues as well as the hat, scarf, gloves CHOCOLATE game.

'SIX!!!’ was the calling for the evening, that is, if they got a six they could don the woolly wear and attempt to eat the chocolate, sounds easy but they had to use a knife and fork! Not so easy, but gooooood fun!!!

You really should feel sorry for Kaa who had six shouted at him many times that he may well have had many nightmares that night about the number ‘SIX’.

You really should feel sorry for Kaa who had six shouted at him many times that he may well have had many nightmares that night about the number ‘SIX’.

There were lots of tasty goodies for all to eat, drink and enjoy. All the Cubs got a Christmas present and card before they got ready to go home. A good evening was had by all.

On behalf of the ‘CUB TEAM’ we would like to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and New Year, and thank you for your on going support.

See you all again in 2010.

Cubs flyin' high - September 20^th 2009

The Cubs were ‘flying high’ on Sunday 20th September as they took part in the Nene Valley District trip to the RAF Museum at Hendon. The day started bright and early with the Cubs meeting at the Cross at 8:15am (for once the bus was on time for a District event!) All the Cubs were ready and grateful parents were there to wish us a good trip. After stopping at Raunds we were on our way. A huge 187 Cubs from the District went on the trip. Whilst at the Museum the Cubs had the chance to complete one of their "Air Activities" badges. On arrival, we split our Pack into four groups to help us get around and see the exhibits. The quality of exhibits was most impressive – below is a small selection of pictures just to give you a taste.

All the Cubs enjoyed the Museum. Some of the exhibits were “hands-on” (or should that be “Sit-on”) and the Cubs could actually sit in and play with the controls. After prizing them out one by one we had lunch in the picnic area of the Museum.

After a ‘fraught’ time in the gift shop with one over-zealous member of staff, we just about managed to get back on time for the bus. One bus (funnily enough ‘ours’), had a faulty alternator. Very professionally the District Team managed to re-arrange buses to make sure the minimum people (adults) were on the defective bus! Eventually, we made it back to Irthlingborough only 20 minutes late. Big thanks to parent Mrs.Chhatralia for her kind assistance.

Currently the Cubs are completing one or two requirements for the Badge and every Cub that went will obtain their Air Activities badge whilst enjoying a superb day out.

Cliff

Cub fun day 2009

Sunday 12th July saw twelve members of the Cub section (and four leaders) take part in a Cub fun day. The fun day was held at the counties' Sir John Lowther Centre. There were many activities laid on for the Cubs including a Bungee run, a human football table, laser gaming, archery, rifle shooting, backwoods cooking and many more; Everyone (including the leaders) had a fun filled day (so at least the event didn't break the trade's descriptions act!!) Below are a few photos of what the Cubs got up to.

County Cub Camp 2009 (Overstone, Northamptonshire)

Alan and Dianne (my parents) for support with their van and trailer.

Robert from the Scout section and Colin from the District Explorer section for their support all weekend (this went a good way to helping with the Leader/Cub ratio).

Robyn and Matt from the ‘Rebels’ Explorers who helped with the catering all weekend

Kelly’s parents and brother for preparing and cooking our Saturday barbecue.

Gillian and my two boys for helping with the catering and entertaining the Cubs.

Camp Summary (what we got up to)

The Cubs arrived at camp and after stowing their kit made Carnival Shakers with Gill as this was the theme of the camp. We attended the Opening Ceremony with all the other Packs from the County.

Following the opening ceremony, it was time for supper, then bed. Predictably, the Cubs did not go to sleep until the early hours of Saturday morning. Again unsurprisingly, some of the more lively Cubs decided to get up at 05:15 (do these kids never sleep!!!!!!)

After a good breakfast, the Cubs were free to roam the site. As ever at these events, there were bucket loads of activities to take part in spread all round the field. As the Cubs were the only people on the field this was a safe environment. We formed a group of some of the Cubs to tour the activities as well. Most of the Cubs had not been to such a large event of this nature before.

There were a host of activities on offer for the Cubs and below is a selection of photos showing what the Cubs got up to (and giving Cliff the chance to show off his David Bailey style photography skills!).

Another notable activity was the Saints rugby Youth team. The Saints had supplied a couple of its members to give some training in Tag Rugby. The Cubs spent at least an hour with them.

On Saturday the Beavers joined us at lunch time as they were taking part in the Beaveree which was held on the same site.

Dinner was provided by the Beaver section with a vast array of barbecue food on offer. With so many Young People in one small area, the behaviour of all was commendable.

The Saturday Evening programme included bingo (we even had a winner who donated the prize to his sister!), a campfire and storytelling time.

The campfire was traditional although not as large as the Leaders had expected. An author (Cliff has obviously forgotten his name) had written a special one-off story for the Beavers and Cubs. He had even brought his pyjamas to wear whilst reading the story to the Cubs and invited the Cubs and Beavers to participate at certain times during the story.

The author also signed copies of books in his series that the Beavers/Cubs could purchase.

Sunday was a very much condensed version of Saturday with activities though the Cubs were getting a little tired during Sunday.

Some of the Cubs were able to complete Badge-work to the Outdoor Challenge and Campers badge. All Cubs will have added ‘nights’ towards getting their next milestone ‘Nights Away’ Badge.

In all, a great weekend.

Cliff - Cub Leader

First Cub camp of the Year!! 3^rd - 5^th April 2009

The weekend of 3^rd to the 5^th of April, saw the Cubs first camp of the year under canvas. The entire pack took part in the camp and as the pictures show, they all seemed to enjoy it. The camp was held at the County campsite the "John Lowther Centre".

The camp was run by Michael (Arkela), who is in the process of working towards getting his “Nights Away” permit. Michael had to put a lot of background work in to ensure the smooth running of the camp (honestly, you should see the forms you have to fill in to take the Cubs away these days!!).

The weather reports for the weekend were not encouraging and from the start of the week, the Met office were predicting bad weather for the weekend….but what do you know??? Friday comes and the sun comes out to play!!! How lucky are we??

The Cubs arrived and for the majority of them, this camp was their first time under canvas. All of the Cubs then tucked into supper and this was followed by the inevitable request for bed time by the leaders. As all seasoned leaders are well aware bed time on the first night of camp is never early (well more accurately, the Cubs go to their tents and then talk all night….Just how ARE the leaders supposed to get their beauty sleep???).

Saturday morning came and the first order of the day was breakfast!!! Once all the Cubs had been “fed and watered” the program for the day unfolded. Michael had made sure that as many activities as possible were squeezed into the day and Saturday saw the Cubs take part in Air rifle shooting, bouldering, pedal go-carting, archery, climbing tower, pioneering and a wide game.

In the evening, a traditional feature of Cub camp, the Campfire was held. Michael had been lent a tape for camp!!! The leaders all pitched in, with the enthusiastic Cubs to have a really good campfire.

Sunday was a slightly more condensed version of Saturday with the Cubs taking part in the laser maze, a smidge of pioneering and another go on the assault course.

I think you’ll agree, the pictures speak for themselves and everyone looks like they had a really great time.

Right, time for a few thankyou's

The Cub Leadership team: Leanne, Sue and Cliff

Kit priovission: Andy Linnell (Quartermaster)

Camp Setup: Adam, Lol and Lols lorry, Jason Tai (Beaver Leader)

The inexhaustible supply of catering for weekend: Adam, Robyn and ??? (that's where it ends in the email, but from the photos, i'm guessing Peter is the missing name - appologies if i'm wrong Andy)

Take Down: Adam's team of Explorers

Put away at Hut: Lol, Chris Ward (Exec)

Parents: Una Houghton and Husband

Cubs do Pancakes 24^th February 2009

Tuesday 24th February (although not if you believe the time and date stamp on the photos!!) saw the Cubs indulging in the traditional pancake making evening. Here are a few shots of the Cubs with their (impressive in my opinion) creations

Cubs on tour 10^th January 2009

On Saturday 10th January 2009 the Cubs visited the Sixfields Stadium, Northampton to watch the mighty Northampton Town play Huddersfield Town Before the game we had our picture taken with Clarence the Dragon (although someone mistook him for Cliff). Then it was time for kick off. The section of the crowd that the Cubs were sitting in was very vocal; this included the Cubs and Mr Powell. Half time came and the Cubs were invited onto the pitch to do a lap of honour. They ran all the way around the pitch waving to the crowd and seemed to enjoy it immensely. In the second half Huddersfield took the lead and we had to wait until 3 minutes into time added on for Northampton to score, which turned out to be the last kick of the game.

Thanks to all the Leaders (Michael, Cliff, Leanne and Nick Powell) as well as Lol and Bradley and Fredericks Dad. ....and of course the day would not have been the same without the Cubs themselves.

District Cub Camp 13^th-15^th June 2008

The weekend of the 13^th to the 15^th of June saw 11 Cub Scouts from Irthlingborough take the plunge and join with other Cub packs from Nene Valley for the annual district Cub camp at Waddenhoe.

On Friday evening the cubs started arriving about 6.30pm. For many of the cubs, this was their first Camp and they were greatly excited by its prospect. After sorting out among themselves which tent they were sleeping in, everyone meet in the marquee to find out what was happening over the weekend.

After supper the cubs went to bed at about 11.30pm (but some of them didn't get to sleep until about 01.30am!!!) They were not the last to settle down, but certainly the first to rise. Some claims of cricket being played at 4am were hotly disputed by those needing a comfort break at around that time, but 5.30am was more probable.

Saturday was quite busy for all. After reluctantly having a wash the Cubs had breakfast and then it was back to the marquee for the day's activities. The main activity was making bird houses, luckily the shooting and archery queues were not allowed to get too long. Cubs turned up variously with BBQ'd bananas and chocolate and the hammering from the main tent was incessant. Our local bird population will certainly benefit at nesting time from the endeavours of our Cubs and leaders.

Young Mr Abbott came up with a gourmet spaghetti bolognaise for dinner. Unfortunately the heavens opened and we had a large down pour so the camp fire was cancelled and moved to the marquee. We had the evening's entertainment which involved all the usual camp songs and the leaders making fools of themselves. Following the Camp fire activities the majority of the cubs went on a ghost walk..... Needless to say, upon return from the ghost walk (and following a mug of hot chocolate) most of them were happily snoozing by 11.30pm on Saturday night and few were stirring at 7am.

On Sunday the Cubs went on a round robin of events and came back exhausted and ready for food. We came 5^th and 9^th (/10) in the super-games event and during the closing ceremony credit was given to James and three other explorers/scout helpers for literally running an event for 2.5 hours. The parents came at 4pm to collect their very tired but happy Cubs.

Some of the cubs were a real credit to the pack, Frederick, Charlie and Charlie, Oliver and Josh - exemplary behaviour throughout.

Our thanks to Steve A, Andy H, Cliff, Andy L, Sam Poulton and Adam for all of their help. Last but not least it's worth mentioning the work done by the Cub leaders team, Lol, Sue, Michael, Jackie and Leanne.

Cubs at Centenary Camp

On the weekend of the 15^th to the 17^th June 2007, the Cubs along with the Beavers and Scouts attended the Nene Valley District Centenary Camp. Below are some pictures of what they got up to.

	Cubs Messing about on the River
	Cubs "Climb" into action
	Cubs out on the Range.