A GIANT Sleepover took place at the Crossways scout camping ground on Saturday, 14th June in a new event which was taking place to hopefully gain a place in the Guiness book of records.

  • CUB scouts and leaders from all over the Dorchester District took part in a 24 hours which was filled with activities, eating, singing and funnily enough, very little sleep !
  • PROCEEDINGS got off to a noisy start with a traditional flag break ceremony and the introduction of one or two chants and some impromptu Mexican wave practice led by the assistant county commissioner for cubs Debbie Thomas.
  • THERE is something about the open air which always seems to make people hungry. It certainly seemed to be the case as the young people eagerly opened up their packed lunches as they sat in the glorious June sunshine.
  • YOUNGSTERS were set various challenges over the course of the event to focus their thoughts on the problems which face those in less well off parts of the world. They were asked to construct a shelter which could accommodate their group. Looking at some of the results it was to be hoped that the wind didn't blow too hard !
  • THERE was an opportunity to light a fire in the old fashioned scouting tradition. The boys and girls were challenged to make sufficient heat to boil some water but using only one match.
  • GROUPS were then challenged to follow a string trail blindfolded with a fiendish course which took in a few brambles and nettles for good measure. The beauty of the site was that all this took place without disturbing the neighbours who kept munching grass in the next door field.
  • SPARE time was fairly limited in a packed programme but time was still found for the obligatory kick about with a football and running, shouting and screaming. It was a great opportunity for cubs from different packs to meet and swap stories. Some are class mates from the same schools and many will meet up in senior schools so these can be really good connections to make.
  • FIRE lighting skills perfected it was time to see the master' at work and Brian Young did the group proud with a roaring log fire with hardly a puff of smoke to interfere with the singing voice. It was time for the evening entertainment.
  • SINGING around the camp fire with the obligatory mug of hot chocolate was a great way to end the day. Even though boys and girls gave the impression of being very tired after all the activity they were still able to talk in the tents.
  • FORTUNATELY it was a dry and relatively mild night for those leaders who had volunteered to be on night call.
  • THE Leaders didn't quite look or feel so full of energy the following morning but the children were still enthusiastic and eager to go with more challenges. Each participant was provided with a free goodie bag containing some further activity materials.
  • ALL in all a terrific adventure for this group of youngsters who, if enjoyment can be measured in volume, had the best of times and took part in a worthwhile event.
  • THANKS must go to the leader team under the careful control of assistant district commissioner, Val Latham for organising the event for 70 keen cub scouts. One of them told me he had a wicked' time which is praise indeed.
  • HOPEFULLY there will be more opportunities for similar events in the future and that those who missed out this time will be first in the queue to sample the delights of outdoor camping.