Is this the first time your son or daughter has been offered the opportunity to take part in a week long camp? If so here are some of the common questions asked.
Why is a week long camp being offered?
The activities and events are all organised and run for contingents, meaning the Cubs will have access to opportunities that perhaps aren’t normally available. It is the chance to meet Cubs from across the UK, and beyond, and make new friendships – which in some cases really will last a lifetime. It allows more time for extended activities, completing parts of various badges, helps prepare them for regular week long camps in older Sections and gives a real sense of independence.
What are the basic rules about running a camp?
The minimum ratio for children to adults at such events is 1 to 8 plus the leader in charge, and there must be a Nights Away permit holder. Contingents follow the Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of the Scout Association in all that they do, and would not plan anything they were not happy for their own children to do.
What if they don’t like the food?
Contingents always cater for medically recorded allergies (and do so very successfully) but not always for likes or dislikes, but it’s often interesting what so called "fussy eaters" enjoy on sleepovers and camps! If you have any concerns discuss them with your contingent leader.
How do I know the contingent will cope with the fact my child ….?
There are very few "issues" that most contingent adults have not already dealt with very successfully whilst away. Examples include bed wetting, night terrors, sleep walking, home sickness, allergies, behavioural issues, sickness and… (not to mention some serious snoring!). But contingent adults can only help if you tell them so when asked to provide details please list everything, no matter how minor it may seem.
Equally you may simply have concerns about your child being able to get enough sleep, when there is so much fun on offer. There is normally plenty of "own time" where Cubs can do as they wish, including taking a nap.
What happens if they want to come home?
No child is ever made to stay at camp if they really haven't wanted to, although most contingents have a wide range of tried and tested distraction techniques that normally work well anyway! That’s why they always need an updated contact number for an adult available, just in case they need you to come and collect your son or daughter at any time day or night.
Don’t panic if your contingent leader calls you!
If you do get a call or e-mail from them during the camp please do not panic! Quite often it can be something as simple as your son or daughter can’t find something, and not because of any issue requiring them to be collected.
Grumpy pirate alert
Cubjam organisers give you advance warning now that the Cubs will probably come home tired, grubby and may say very little until they have had a good sleep. The question "What did you get up to?" will probably only be answered with the word "stuff" for at least 24 hours…