On 17 and 18 May 2003 18 Cubs spent the weekend at the hall. The weekend was designed for first time campers to see how they got on and also to act as a warm up for Summer Camp. In the end we had quite a range of ages - from one 8 year old who had only been in the pack for a week to some of our most experienced 10 year olds.

On Saturday we had planned to spend most of the afternoon outside. However, the weather had other ideas and gave us a mixture of sunshine and showers.

We went outside anyway and divided into two teams. Each layed some tracking signs for the other group to follow.

• An arrow near a tree
• Somebody was clever enough to find a Y-shaped stick to make this "keep going" sign
• The sign says "this way over obstacle" as the cubs pose on the obstacle itself
• Baloo and team wait by their unusual "gone home" sign made from leaves

After the tracking we tried out an orienteering course in the woods. Akela had been round and put up the signs while the tracking was taking place. Unfortunately we were only a short way into the activity when the heavens opened

• One of the bases was the bench at the top of the field. A group of rather bedraggled Cubs write down the letter.
• Chil and Baloo were waiting near the picnic tables but ended up taking shelter under a tree
• Dawn's rather soggy team eventually made it back after finding nearly all the bases

After tea Chil and Dawn had to go so that left just Baloo and Akela for the night shift. On this sort of camp you don't expect to get much sleep. Some Cubs are much better at sleeping than others but the ones that go to sleep first normally wake up early. As a result the leaders don't get much sleep! This camp was no exception. Everybody was asleep by midnight but the first chattering started at 5am. We've got some pictures taken before the lights went back on.

• Baloo packs away his bedding
• The card school played quietly while the others were waking up
• Not everybody was awake. Does this mean that Oliver was one of the last to get to sleep?

Once up and washed it was time to pack away the kit. Getting the sleeping bag back into its stuff sack is a challenge too far for many of the Cubs who generally ask the leaders to do it. Martin was made of sterner stuff and had a go himself.

Once all the gear was packed away it was time for breakfast. Luckily Chil was back again having woken up early and cooked the sausages at home. The Cubs were all sat down at their tables waiting for breakfast to begin. After breakfast the Cubs have to wash up their own plates.

Before Church Parade we had time for some other games. This one involved transferring Maltesers from one dish to another using a straw. Any that fell onto the floor were removed. The Cubs all started with 3 each but hadn't generally got that many to eat by the time the game was over.