Cubs and scouts offer shared fun and challenges

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 27, 3 December 1984, Page 2

Cubs and scouts offer shared fun and challenges

Learning to take advantage of your surroundings is part of what being a 'cub' is all about and that's exactly what the Ohakune Cub Group did on a recent weekend. Originally the boys had planned an overnight campout in Blythe Hut on Mt Ruapehu. However, gale force winds forced the group to cancel this trip, and instead, called on the assistance of Mr and Mrs Battersby who made available their shearers quarters and woolshed. The boys assembled at the cub den in Lee Street and were taken in Mr FieldMitchell's van — known to the boys as the 'Cubmobile' — to the farm in Mangateitei Road near Rangataua. Although staying in the shearers quarters was not quite the same as a night at Blythe Hut, there was still plenty for the boys to do. One of the main attractions seems to have been the creek

at the back of the farm, which contained little black crayfish and eels as well as having a few old bridges which were fun to cross. Unfortunately the eels and crayfish weren't quite up to standard size for dinner but everyone seemed to be happy with sausages, potatoes and mixed vegetables. Chatting after 'lights out' seems to have been another 'major' attraction of the weekend, so a very tired 'Akela' cub-leader was glad when the weekend came to an end. However, it was felt that a good time had been had by all. Parents with children who might enjoy participating in outdoor adventures such as camping, exploration, learning to follow a trail, tree climbing, discovering nature, bush walking and indoor activities such as entertaining, learning magic tricks and making instruments should contact Jim

Field-Mitchell or Raewyn Pearson. The Ohakune cubs and scouts groups are always in need of new recruits to ensure the continuation of the troop. Cubs and scouts offers a unique opportunity to belong to a team and share the challenges and enjoyment of group activities that are designed to give young people with loads of energy and imagination a sense of adventure, accomplishment, self confidence and self esteem. The next outing planned for scouts and their parents is a bush trip over the weekend 15-16 December. Tents will be provided for parents while Scouts themselves will be making and sleeping in bivouacs. Newlyappointed scout leader, Raewyn Pearson, asks for as much support as possible for this weekend camp from both parents and scouts who should contact her before 1 1 December.