26th St. Helens (Blackbrook) Cubs
2009 Report
2009 started with a number of Cubs and Leaders registering for the District Gang Show, once again. After
a lot of hard work and a long run of rehearsals, they provided a fantastic show and were a credit to the
26th. The rest of the Pack came to watch and enjoyed the show from the opposite side of the stage,
shouting and jeering at the relevant times!
At the end of January we had a joint Pack Holiday with Billinge Cubs, at a fairly new Scout Campsite called
Bibby’s Farm in Chorley. The indoor facilities were excellent and perfect for our ‘Wizard Academy’ theme.
We had lots of fun activities based around the Scientist badge, which all the Cubs received at the end of
the Pack Holiday.
In March, a team of Cubs entered the District Handicraft competition. Each team is given the same
equipment and are then told what they have to make. This year the challenge was to make a volcano.
After they were judged, they had vinegar and bicarbonate of soda added to the top so that they would
erupt – a spectacular sight to see!
The District Cross Country took place in March. We were represented by 3 runners who did exceptionally
well running around Bispham Hall Scout Camp. Rather them than me!!!
At the end of March was the District AGM. This year we had 4 Cubs due to receive their Chief Scout Silver
Award. 2 turned up and were presented their certificates by the Mayor. The 4 Cubs chose to have their
badges presented to them at Old Trafford Football Ground and all 4 turned up, with families in tow, in to
the ground on the 11th July. We presented the badges then had a tour of the stadium (even though 3 of
the families were Liverpool supporters!)
In May we went to camp at Bowley in Blackburn. This time we took the Beavers with us to give them a
taste what we do at camp. This time the theme was ‘One World’ and we found out about Scouting in
other countries and also preservation of water and energy in poorer countries.
Also in May was a new event – a District Skills Day. This incorporated traditional Scouting skills –
pioneering, shelter building, map reading, firelighting etc. Blackbrook had a very strong team in and
eventually emerged winners! Well done team. From this, the team were put forward to the County Skills
competition at Tawd Vale in June. The Cubs did very well and received medals for taking part, even
though they didn’t win.
At the end of May we had a hike to the 9 arches at Penkford. It was a nice walk for the Cubs – but very
hot weather – hence the leaders carrying plenty bottles of water to keep everyone hydrated en route! We
had lunch at McDonalds in Earlestown before walking back home.
In early July we took part in the annual District Cub Camp at Bispham Hall. The theme this year was Super
Heroes. All Cubs were amazing in their costumes but the highlight (and certificate!!!) must have been the 4
adults who emerged as the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles! Many thanks to Nic who organized the 4
costumes at breakneck speed!
Last Saturday was the District Outing to York Railway Museum. We had 14 Cubs go along, who really
enjoyed the day out looking at the trains and even being allowed to climb on 1 or 2.
Once again, it has been a very busy year and my grateful thanks go to Nic, Stu and Dan for all their
continued support and consistently coming back despite all my nagging! I must also thank all the parents
and Grandparents for your continued support. We wouldn’t have such a thriving Cub Pack without you and
we appreciate everything you do. We already have a busy programme planned for the beginning of next
term but look forward to the rest of the next few weeks.
Lindsay
Cub Scout Leader: Lindsay Lowe