Sixteen Cubs and three Leaders from Snaefell Pack (with two Leaders from Manannan Pack) made their way out to Ardwhallan for a weekend camp over the 26th – 28th October 2012.
The Cubs arrived at 19:30 on the Friday evening and after a quick briefing about the weekend, they were split into their rooms and allowed to familiarise themselves with the house. Once everyone had settled in, we readied ourselves for a hike to St Luke’s Church to search for the letterbox at Cronk Keeill Abban and a spooky treasure hunt around the church yard. Back at Ardwhallan we gathered around a campfire which had kindly been prepared in the Viking Longhouse by the Onchan Explorer Scout Leaders, whilst they were waiting for their Scouts to finish their night hike. Amanda prepared the Cubs some of her famous hot chocolate (revered by our older Cubs after our last time at Ardwhallan) and biscuits. We shared jokes and ghost stories around the camp fire, before the cubs headed off to bed. Fortunately the walk must of tired them out and it wasn’t too long before they were fast asleep.
On Saturday morning the Cubs were up early, so after breakfast and room inspection we made a start on the activities that Ard Whallan had to offer. Staying in their room groups the cubs rotated around three different bases: archery, the low ropes course and a selection of the various challenge bases located in the grounds of the house. After lunch the Cubs were split into two groups as the fun continued with orienteering and backwoods cooking in the Viking Longhouse, followed by a solo and team run of the assault course that even a few of the leaders (Chris and Richard) were unable to escape from. The Cubs had some free time before dinner that evening, which had been cooked by our Assistant Group Scout Leader, Steve White, who brought us some delicious spaghetti Bolognese. We managed to sneak in a couple of wide games before the rain came and we had to head inside to dry off. The Cubs then settled down in front of a movie with Amanda’s homemade chocolate cake, popcorn and hot chocolate. Everyone was asleep before their heads hit their pillows, which made for a very quiet night.
The clocks had gone back an hour over night, so everyone seemed glad of the extra hour and was wide awake on Sunday morning, but this was probably also helped by the smell of bacon and eggs wafting around the house. Unfortunately, the rain had picked up during the night and it was pouring down in the morning, but this didn’t dampen our enthusiasm as we headed outside to take on the assault course for a second time. Carrying cups full of water, the Cubs did well to negotiate the assault course, however not many were able to return with any water left. The Cubs then went back inside to dry off, warm up and pack up their belongings before lunch. After lunch we had a camp debrief, prizes and feedback from the camp. They were then treated to another of Amanda’s homemade delicacies, cake-pops, before being picked up at 14:00.
A massive thanks to all the leaders who helped make the weekend: Amanda, Andrew, Richard and Mark.
Chris Faragher CSL