1st Great Bentley Scout Group

Over 1500 Cub Scouts gathered at Skreens Park Activity Centre this weekend for an exciting, adventurous and fun filled weekend for Mega Camp 2015.

The Cubs from every corner of Essex were blast off into a Space themed journey through a glitzy time portal and then were welcomed to their three Sub camps; Time Lords, Storm Troopers and Space Rangers. The site looked spectacular as space paraphernalia adored the growing site, the Sub camp gateways certainly made an impressive entrance to Mega Camp 2015. A group staying on Time Lords Sub camp even brought their very own life sized Dalek, which looked very impressive.

Camp fire songs and dancing started the evening and as the sound of singing and laughter echoed across the arena. Russell Clark, Mega Camp’s chief welcomed the young people sharing his message for the weekend. As he welcomed the Sub camp’s the noise was deafening and each wanted to even louder than the other. After some songs led by the Skreens Park Activity Centre staff the Cubs made their way to bed ready for an epic voyage into space.

Saturday morning brought the start of our Space themed activities where the Cub Scouts were challenged to variety of activities which allowed them to experience new things both old and new. Everyone had their favourite activities, Terry, 8 from 17th Colchester explained ” I really enjoyed all of the things we could do, there was so much choice. My top activity was the water zorbing, that was loads of fun.”

Meanwhile across the site each Sub camp took their turn to challenge themselves on It’s a Knockout. This activity which took 500 energised Cub Scouts, encouraged the young people to make new friends and to work as a team.

We were lucky enough to have some special guests, UK Chief Commisioner, Wayne Bulpitt and Regional Commissioner Matt Mills came to see what Mega Camp had to offer. They spent time walking round the site and talking to staff, leaders and Cub Scouts. They were also treated to biscuits and cake on many of the campsites.

Another favourite activity was the Planetarium, brought to us by ‘Science Dome’ inside the pitch black tent the Space adventurers were treated to an amazing display of our solar system. The Cub Scouts also got to have a go at an Alien Autopsy, exploring to find the Aliens heart!

Old Scouting favourites such as Climbing, Archery, Caving, Canoeing and Backwoods cooking were also highly popular. The Mayor of Chelmsford even took a turn at Archery with our young people.

The fun didn’t stop into the evening as the Space voyagers could choose from a variety of activities including camp fire songs, a disco and light painting. ” I really enjoyed the fire show, it was so cool!” explained Ethan, 8 from Space Rangers Sub Camp.

As the sun set on the first day of Mega Camp 2015 it was clear to see that everyone had, had a brilliant time.

Sunday brought more activities for the Cub Scouts, the craft zone and science zone allowed them to take a quiet few minutes and learn new things whilst Snakes Alive allowed the to conquer their fears. Go karts, Pedal Karts and the bungee fun allowed them to burn off some energy with the slip and slide also being a firm favourite on the beautiful summers day. There was definitely something for everyone and more.

As Mega Camp drew to a close we were treated to a surprise parachute display from The Princess of Wales, The Tigers, Parachute team. This was a spectacular finish to a wonderful weekend, full of fun and new friends. Some of the Cub Scouts even got the chance to meet the parachute team.

We hope that you enjoyed Mega Camp 2015 as much as we did, and look forward to celebrating 100 years of Cub Scouts next year!