The summer term has been an exciting one for the 6 th Ripon (Cathedral) Cub Scouts. In the summer months, they try to go out as much as possible to take advantage of the light and the fine weather and this has worked very well this year.
Activity highlights have included developing their traditional scouting skills and learning how to track and to make a trail for others to follow in the thick woods near Ripon’s Rustic Bridge. They have learned how to light fires safely, to cook hot dogs and to toast marshmallows beside the River Skell. On those occasions, they all returned home covered in filth but buzzing with excitement.

On other evenings, the Cubs have discovered lots of Ripon’s interesting corners through a City quiz and have put their road safety training into action. You may have seen boys on crutches around the City as they have practised on them while they investigated the provision Ripon has for access for disabled people.
After the initial interest, they soon discovered that it is difficult and uncomfortable using crutches and that their friends ignored them when they couldn’t keep up!
They have also practised the skills of erecting tents and map-making which came in useful when they participated enthusiastically in the District Camp at Clotherholme Farm. The Cubs were also able to take advantage of the County’s excellent activity programme, discovering how to canoe and go caving safely. Developing these skills gives them a great advantage when they move up into the Scout Group which has an exciting programme of outdoor activities, including camping under the stars, abseiling, gliding, hiking and water sports, to highlight a few examples from Keith Bassitt’s Scout programme.

At the end of the summer, the whole of 6th Ripon Group of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, parents and Leaders enjoyed a barbecue at Akela’s home. Everyone brought their own food and all agreed that it was fascinating to learn new recipes. The “Find the Famous Faces” quiz hidden around the garden entertained everyone and all were baffled by baby pictures of their Leaders. Andrew Gent was thanked for his valuable help as a Leader over many years.

Janina Harrison, who kindly sent information for this week’s column, reminds us that Scouting would not be possible without the commitment of Leaders and the Group is always looking for new Leaders to join it. If you are interested in becoming involved in this active Group, please contact David Day on 01765 600941 and he will be delighted to offer you all the information you need.