Annual Report 2005

Nicola reported that unbelievably the Pack has now been going for three years and there are only two of the original Cubs left. They are at their maximum number of 24 and even so they need extra help if they want to go out in the evenings, so more leaders would really be a help. With the Vikings pack closing at Christmas this has caused pressure on numbers, which is exactly the same position they were in three years ago.

Another full year of activities has included: two camps, one Island Camp at Crossags and their own at Dhoon,, their Global Challenge badge, Olympic Games, ghost walk in Peel, Laxey Firestation visit, thanks to the Laxey Firefighters for all their time, visit by Glen who taught them about First Aid techniques and what it’s like in the emergency control room where he works, the Easter Island Craft Competition leading to their Art badge, Communications badge which included Chinese whispers, code crackers and the use walking talkie radios. Their fundraiser this year has been in conjunction with the Scout Association and the World Wildlife Fund in a challenge called ‘Gimme 5’. The idea was to use global themes echoing their Global Challenge badge to create a fundraising event. The Cubs raised nearly £300 with a sponsored Sleeping Lions event. To follow they had a ‘Tour de Douglas’ event sponsored by local businesses where Cubs and their families cycled over 120 miles up and down Douglas Prom. £375 was donated by local businesses and Laxey Garage lent a van for transportation of bikes. In total £729.50 was raised, £460.85 to Gimme 5 and the balance of £275.65 retained by the Group. The Cubs would like some of this money to be used to purchase cooking equipment for use at camp and ask the Executive Committee for their support.

This summer term has seen the start of their Naturalist badge and after TT a proposed visit to the beach will need additional adult help. A number of Cubs are hoping to attend Island Camp at Crossags, and they plan their own camp for two nights near Silverdale in July, where again additional parental support would be appreciated. They will also attempt their Athletes badge at their own sports evening.

Nicola thanked all the Cubs for their achievements, including George Bavin who achieved his Chief Scout Silver Challenge award. Unfortunately there is still no Scout Troop for those Cubs who are leaving this year. She also thanked Huw & Mez, the two Assistant Cub Leaders for all their help and also the parents and committee for all their support & help. Finally Nicola reminded everyone to check the website regularly.

Nicola Bowker
Cub Scout Leader