Oliver's first Cub Scout Camp

Scout Camp July 2016

All ready to go!

I've just picked Oliver up from his very first scout camp.  The sun was shining, and it was so hot!  Every one was busy helping to dismantle the tents and haul the equipment to the top of the field.  I was extremely surprised to see how resilient Oliver was lugging camping equipment across the field, he wasn't that cooperative when we camped last year!!

He's exhausted, and dirty. (and smelly).  He hasn't changed his socks or underwear all weekend, he tells me with delight....!  

Oliver upon his return from Camp!

Ollie is 8 years old, he's only just moved up to Cubs, from Beavers.  I am so grateful that he has had the opportunity to have this experience!  I was a little apprehensive at the thought of leaving my son in a field for two nights, but now I just feel beaming with pride.

Bed is made!

When dropping him off on Friday night the atmosphere was wonderful.  I had an excitement building up inside me, as I tried (with ease) to imagine how he was feeling.  The drop off took rather longer than anticipated, but after having set up Oliver's bed, including placing teddy in pride of place, I was somewhat pleased to finally be home at 8pm with a tired Joshua, who went promptly to bed!

I am very used to Oliver being away from home - he has been spending weekends away from me since he was 1 years old.  However he has never been away without his mum or dad.  This made it all a little different... I found myself waking up during the early hours listening to the rain, and feeling anxious knowing that Ollie wasn't tucked up in his bed at home.... I didn't sleep well at all that night, but I needn't have worried, he was well looked after!

The beginning of the Camp!

The following day, I distracted myself with house hold chores, amongst a few other less laborious activities later in the afternoon.  I did have a call from the Akela, which gave me a fright, but it was just to check if Oliver could have another does of his hay fever medicine.

My little boy has had a wonderful time! He drank hot chocolate and ate biscuits on Friday night, but he tells me he had little sleep on the first night.   They were woken up bright  and early for breakfast for 8am.  Ollie enjoyed sausages, baked beans and eggs for breakfast, sounds tasty!  He tells me there was an option of Jam/chocolate spread/ham sandwiches for lunch - take a guess on what Ollie went for? ;)  (Chocolate spread of course!).

Activities including Abseiling and Archery, and they did lots of playing.  I found it very interesting to watch the closing ceremony at the end of the camp where they sang Kum ba yah, and say prayers and watch them bring the flag down.

I don't think I have ever seen Oliver *so* tired.  He has clearly had little sleep.  He's had an amazing experience though, and I am so happy that he is a Cub Scout!