Annual Report 2010

Cubs have had an excellent start to our Centenary Year. We’ve had a new and enthusiastic leadership team and have managed to deliver what I can only describe as an excellent programme, including 7 camps and participation in many Island wide Cub events as well an exciting programme of Thursday night meetings.

Numbers have been fairly constant between 20 and 25, and we have not had to turn any children away this year. We’ve had Beavers swimming up as well as new members from outside the Group. Since Hilary and Claire left us last summer, we’ve been fortunate enough to have been quickly joined by Julie and Phil, both of whom have quickly picked up the ropes and have joined in enthusiastically. Julie joined us last year as Parent Rep on the Exec and then decided to become a full warranted Leader. Phil, a former Laxey Cub, has been helping out for his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, although I think we’ve managed to convince him to stay on for a while yet! We have also greatly benefited from Ali Wilkinson’s help both on Thursday evenings and at camp. I’m also grateful to Iain MacMillan for taking on the Parent Rep role and for his support.

The commitment of Leaders and helpers is critical to 1st Laxey Cubs. It therefore seems opportune to mention the immense contribution of Nick Kinrade as Akela. As you know Nick has stepped down as Akela after 8½ years with 1st Laxey to pursue new work challenges off island. I want to personally thank Nick on behalf of all the Cubs, Leaders and Parents for his enthusiasm, commitment and genuine interest in making Cubs the success it has become. Nick is not quite off the hook yet as he is involved in and will be attending the Centenary Camp in August.

I will now briefly summarise the programme and activities over the last 12 months. As you know we have reports and photos of our most important events on the website that has been diligently maintained by Nick. Returning to last Summer – the Summer programme was as usual mainly outdoor based. We had a number of night hikes, the camping skills bases and a focus on the Physical Recreation badge. We also had a great camp at Mullen y Carty, including a trip on the steam train down to Port Erin and a Wet Assault Course through the river on Sunday. One of our Leaders, Claire Hammill / Tabaqui also got married in the Summer and we formed the Guard of Honour for her. We finished the term with the Group BBQ on the Beach.

In the Autumn term we did the Scientist and the Naturalist badge before finishing the term with “Madness at the Beach”, which was effectively a Beach BBQ in the middle of winter – thanks (of sorts!) go to Rikki for the idea!! We also had 2 overnight camps: our Winter Camp at Ardwhallin, where Cubs got to do archery, problem solving and orienteering; and a Litter Pick and Film Night at 2nd Onchan HQ.

Last term we did the Book Reader and Artist badges along with the Community Challenge, which included a trip to the Fire Station. A return trip will need to be organised as the Firemen promised all the Cubs a toffee apple!

This term we have had an outdoor based programme, covering various aspects of camping and outdoor skills as well as cycling. We’ve also had the successful Group Camp, where we camped in Laxey for the first time since the Group re-established itself in 1999. In addition, we had a contingent at the Island Camp last month and have the Centenary Camp to look forward to in August. We also have a number of other activities planned for the latter part our Centenary Year.

Congratulations go to Will and Emma who will tonight receive their Chief Scout’s Silver Award. This is the highest Award in Cubs and we haven’t had anyone achieve this for over 5 years. Well done!

Finally I’d like to thank Nick, Julie, Phil, Ali, George and Iain MacMillan, our Parent Rep, for all their help and support throughout the year and also thank the Executive Committee for supporting us. It would be unfair to take the full credit for this summary of the year, so I’d also like to thank Nick for writing the majority of it!

Although I have taken over from Nick as Cub Scout Leader with the support of the existing team of Julie and Phil, it is vital that new volunteers come forward in the coming months to ensure the Pack keeps going. Please do speak to me if you feel you can contribute as the long term future of the Pack will only happen with continued voluntary support.

My sincere thanks go to the whole team and all past leaders. Thanks also of course for your support of 1st Laxey Scout Group over the years and I hope the children continue to enjoy and benefit from Scouting in Laxey.

Stuart Watson
Cub Scout Leader