Camping fun for Cubs at West Hall

Late June 2022 Cubs from 1st Shiremoor and Backworth Hall joined forces. A weekend of camping fun at West Hall Campsite in South Tyneside, teaching some basics of camping.

Campsite set up for the weekend, time for a tour. Campsite etiquette rules explained to ensure that everyone that was camping on the site was able to enjoy their weekend. Lots of excess energy and wish to play games! A campsite with lots of trees and hiding places could only mean one thing. Wide games! Everyone enjoyed games of camouflage and sardines. The start of a weekend of camping fun

A short break for a traditional first night supper of hot dogs.  Cubs enjoyed a spot of fire lighting with the Cubs teaming up to build a small fire.

Saturday Morning

Most of the Cubs were up with the sun and being just days after the summer solstice that was early. Cubs settled down to cereals with bacon butties to be enjoyed afterwards.

Fun and adventure started with soft archery. The Cubs were hitting the targets, so perseverance undoubtedly paid off for all.

A blind trial was created, mid morning. With trees to climb though and branches to avoid the course was challenging.  The cubs zig zagged back and forward, occasionally they needed to swap sides of the rope and large tree roots and low lying bushes to be clambered round. The Cubs had to put their trust in each other. They took it in turns to be blindfolded and be guided round the course.

Skills of working with knives, axes and saws were new to the majority. They all listened to the instructions and learnt parts of the equipment they were about to use before being allowed to pick up and use. The Cubs chopped and sawed firewood for later, then whittled sticks that would subsequently be used to toast marshmallows. As a result they were able to see a use for the skill they were learning.

Saturday Afternoon

Cubs were challenged to build a shelter big enough for the whole team to fit in. They started by finding their structure’s main support of 2 strong trees a short distance apart then it was off to hunt for more branches to build the shelter. West Hall was great for this as scattered around the site were piles of cut down trees for this purpose and perfect for the task at hand. Great teamwork and problem solving skills were shown during the 90 minute activity. Creativity skills undoubtedly shown with fixtures and fittings added into their shelters.

Cubs enjoyed some time relaxing and playing game with new friends. Games of football and rounders were enjoyed with some leaders joining in. Pasta Bolognese was enjoyed by all with some asking for seconds.

Saturday Evening

A camp is not a camp without an amazing campfire. Durham Brownies joined us as at the campfire and lead us in camp-songs. Although slow to get involved, eventually the Cub were dancing and singing. Marshmallows were then toasted and sandwiched between chocolate biscuits. SMORES, YUM YUM!!

After a late night around the fire it was time for bed, it did not take long for all to be quiet.

Sunday

The plan for the day was a hike to the beach so everyone joined the line and made up their lunch. We walked across the fields leaving the campsite behind. After that Cut Throat Dene (no Cubs were harmed), then it was then a short walk down to Seaburn Beach for lunch, beach cricket was quickly changed to a play in the local playground due to the strong winds making the beach not the most pleasant of places to play.

After a return hike it was time to strike the camp and above all ensuring we left it the way we found it, clean and tidy. It was then finally time to return the campers to their parents who had made the short journey through the tunnel.

Everyone had a great weekend of camping fun. Great campsite and one that will be on the list to return to.

“I loved the camp. My favourite bit was learning to use knives and axes & free time playing with my friends. One of the best weekends of my life. I ❤️ Cubs”  Noah

“I liked the free time playing games. I learned how to chop wood in half, how to saw wood and how to shave wood. Marshmallows around the fire was really good and sleeping in a tent with my friends was really fun. I’m really looking forward to going away with Cubs again.”  Thomas

“At the camp I really enjoyed pitching the tents. I also enjoyed doing the blind trail, and making the dens was very fun. The hike to the beach was something that I really liked at the camp.”  Oliver