Our Cubs kicked off their February Sleepover with huge smiles, boundless energy, and a determination that not even the wildest weather could dampen. Shepherd Park may have greeted us with mud, puddles, and more rain than anyone ordered, but the Cubs embraced every moment of the adventure. From learning new cooking skills to getting gloriously muddy during outdoor challenges, they threw themselves into the weekend with teamwork, curiosity, and plenty of laughter.
Despite the changing conditions, the Cubs rose to each challenge—flipping pancakes, lighting fires, mastering soft archery, and even setting up their tents indoors when the weather had other ideas. Their enthusiasm never wavered, and the Leaders were incredibly proud of how they supported one another, tried new things, and made the very best of every activity.
As you’ll read below, the Cubs themselves had plenty to say about the experience—from the joy of pancake‑making to the thrill of archery and the simple delight of getting muddier than anyone expected. It was a memorable weekend, a brilliant rehearsal for Cub Jam, and a fantastic reminder of what Scouting is all about: friendship, resilience, and fun in every kind of weather.
From the leaders
It was the turn of the Cubs to participate in a very wet and muddy camp this weekend. The Cubs ventured to Shepherd Park, the home of Faversham Scouts. The aim of the Camp was to complete the Chef and Backwoods Cooking Badges along with elements of Outdoor and Adventure Challenge Badges, and parts of the Naturalist Badge.
The weather was against us from the start, on arrival we found the site to be saturated and it was evident that some of the outdoor activities planned would be curtailed.
The Cubs quickly got stuck into their first activity, making pancakes and trying different toppings, whilst learning about kitchen safety and hygiene. They also learnt about food groups and healthy eating choices and made their own table mats. The weather lifted and the Cubs were able to learn about fire lighting then it was quickly onto the lunch preparation and pizzas. Unfortunately, the next downpour came and meant these could not be cooked outdoors as planned.
After lunch the Cubs enjoyed soft archery and during a break in the weather completed a team exercise and created an artwork from natural things. You will see from the photos where the mud came as they posed for the photos in the mud creating their own version of the world badge (fleur de lis) and spelling out 14th.
After a clean up, time to prep dinner and Cubs enjoyed making “rainbow” fruit kebabs whilst the jacket potatoes cooked on the open fire.
The next task was to revert to Plan B and put the tents up indoors, very exciting for the Cubs and lay beds out ready, various teddies made an appearance and lost pjs were found. Sadly again the weather defeated us and we were not able to have our planned campfire so instead, the Cubs snuggled up with their blankets and hot choc and marshmallows to watch “Gnomeo and Juliet” before going to bed.
The Cubs had a good night’s sleep and were awake early (before the Leaders had managed to have their first cup of tea), and were eager to get their tents down so we could cook breakfast on the fire, however it was evident that after the downpour overnight the fire circle was out of action so the Cubs learnt about cooking on a Trangia before giving this a go themselves for their lunch.
Once breakfast was done and the tents were down and packed away, the Cubs then made their biscuits which smelt delicious whilst cooking. The morning was finished off with learning about the Countryside Code. The Cubs then cooked their noodles or pasta on Trangia’s (learning about the safety and another method of cooking particularly for expeditions).
All too soon it was time to clear up and pack up and wait for Parents to arrive where the Cubs enjoyed another soft archery session and a very energetic game of Leavers v Cubs “piggy in the middle”.
The Leaders had a great time and this was due to the great behaviour and teamwork shown by the Cubs on this camp. It served as a dry run for Cub Jam our next big adventure and gave the Leaders ideas and further thoughts to put into the planning for the event. On the whole although we only achieved about 90% of what we had planned (beaten by the weather) it was a very relaxed and enjoyable camp. Karen (Akela)
What the Cubs had to say
Camp sleepover was so much fun! Although it was a bit rainy, it didn’t stop us playing outside and the mud was good fun! I liked flipping the pancakes and hanging out with Rose. Darcey (Cub)
Our Winter Sleepover was incredible! Everyone was included and had fun. Archery was a highlight. We came home muddier than my mum thought possible but had a brilliant time! Luke (Cub)
A few photos from the weekend
A few photos of our Cubs enjoying the weekends adventures.
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