Cubs Blog Talk - from CCJ10

www.ccj10.com
5th Aurora Tues.
July 27th, 2010
Campfire last night had a lot of people there, and much fun with skits, songs and cheers. Much warmer sleeping this morning, but still lots of due. Breakfast burritos and continental items where again a hit – lot of youth eating fruit and drinking milk.

First up was crayfishing in the Eramosi river. Ibtissen from Tunisia came walked down with us to see us crayfish. 30 crayfish in 30 min – a camp CCJ record so far says Davis. Mitchell was speechless about crayfishing, just smiles. Nicholas managed to laugh out “great and Fun!” as he scooped another. Bagheera caught the last one. Crayfish taste good if you put it cooked in garlic sauce said OOS (Offer of Service) Andrew. On that note, Steven and Jacob announced that they both want to come back during free time tomorrow!Bird houses blossomed, and we were the first group to be so organised and to get finished everything (Jacob says). No lost fingers or toes, just a few bent nails (ha ha). Lots of independence and experimenting “easy Peasy said Davis and Conrad, quoting Sandy who refused all help and got ‘er done right. Nicholas liked “fun and creative stuff like this.” Baloo says he “helped nature”, and Conrad stated “I found it exciting building this”. Juilian summed it up with “fantastic. ”

The obstacle course was conquered right after we made it over the swinging bridge. Teamwork was the word and Mitchel was able to conquer the balance beam and swinging log with a smile – he even decided to go back and try it again) but not luck on the climbing wall) – another first!. Bagheera climbed over the wall and landed with a thump (worrisome swollen arm), and Akela-the-walking-wounded almost completed the course. What good sports! Kyle got bonus points for sharing brownies with the OOS at snack time.

We hiked up to Banderlog Village where the Banderlog (bad monkey’s that stole Mogowli in the Jungle Book) stole our backpacks and we were forced to fight to get them back, using huge sling shots and toilet paper. Raksha split the Banderlog’s hair into parts (they were really Venturers says Ryan) on the opening shots. Sandy made a direct hit on Baloo, who was a traitor and had joined the Baderlog! Poor Sandy lost his afternoon snack  to Baloo for that hit. The backpacks were retrieved with direct hits, and then the Cubs stormed the Village.

Lunch was a great time to chill out in the forest. Nicholas was so disappointed to leave us until tomorrow. So far the whole day was spent in the shade of the forest. After lunch we had time to hike to Devil’s Pulpit up on the limestone cliff (sorry parents, no cubs lost says Raksha and Baloo). Sandy and Andrew heard a hissing in the cliff as we hiked up from the cave, and Baloo was literally nose to nose with a very calm bat trying to have a nap. Everyone respectfully had a look. Kyle then spotted a salamander, which was black with orange stripes, and everyone got a good look before it dug into the ground. Steven saw the slithering snake and Julian found a centipede. Steven found the water dripping off the cliff refreshing, and Jordan liked catching them in his mouth. We stopped briefly at the Chapel and then headed to the Rope Maze.

At the maze we had to follow through the it by being blindfolded and holding on to a rope. Conrad and Davis said too many dead ends! But flashlights, jumping ropes and kites where our reward for taking our time and getting through. We were all eager to make monkey fists to hold our water bottles, and despite the heat in the shade of the forest and our frustrated fingers, all were successful. Swimming was most welcome, and the cool water felt wonderful. We did not want to get out!

Back in the forest we learned all about paper making.

There was much badge trading in our free time before and after supper, and most were excited to go see snake presentation.