CELEBRATING the centenary of Cubs in New Zealand took on a local feel last weekend, when over 70 Cubs from all across Taranaki converged on Eltham's Presbyterian Camp on November 18-19.
Although damp underfoot, the Cubs were in good spirits, enjoying a variety of activities, taking on new challenges and making new friends.
"We were really pleased with the turnout," said Eltham Cubs' spokesperson, Lynette Wyss, "it was a wonderful event, and everyone was very well-behaved. There was a great atmosphere."
Saturday was spent setting up tents, catching up with friends and earning badges across a number of different activities.
Children were put into groups, and each group tried five different activities in rotation: first aid, Maoritanga, art, athletics and science experiments.
"The wet weather didn't permit an actual campfire on the Saturday night, but we created a pretend fire atmosphere in the hall and different groups presented items," said Lynette.
The weather improved on Sunday and so the day began with fun games, before the children cooked their own lunch bacon and egg sandwiches - on hobo stoves. After packing up their tents, there was a final ceremony where badges were presented and the children went their separate ways at 2pm.
Having recently been in recession, Lynette and other Cub and Scout parents and supporters were very pleased to be able to run the event and are once again feeling optimistic about the future of the club in the region.
"We've just started up again with new leaders and things are looking up. We are always looking for people to come along and help out."
"It's definitely a lot easier now for people who want to become Scout leaders because the national programme is done for you. Leaders can choose to do the things they are comfortable with now and take training in the things they want to learn more about. There's plenty of guidance and support and you can learn so much just by being involved."
Cubs and Scouts are always looking for new children to join their groups too, and the programme offers so many valuable life skills and the opportunity for children to make a new wider range of friends.
"Children learn craft, outdoor and survival skills, things about the environment they learn to appreciate the natural world and just how much Taranaki as a district has to offer them."
For more information on Cubs and Scouts check out www.scouts.org.nz or contact Lynette on 764 8285.
Celebrating 100 years of Cubbing
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