Shipwrecked at Pukerua Bay - Cub Camp

“Shipwrecked at Pukerua Bay” was a Cub Camp that will go down in legend for the youth and Kaiarahi of Ngāti Toa Sea Scouts.

In March we spent two nights under canvas at the Pukerua Bay Scout Den. An outdoor camp was a first for most of our Cubs and organising it was a first for most of our Kaiārahi too. Despite trepidation from both parties, the weekend was a successful, fun packed adventure from start to finish.

 

The theme of the camp was “Shipwrecked” with the games, activities and food all aimed at surviving in a remote location with limited resources and trying to secure rescue. Having a theme was helpful for the organisers and fun for the Cubs. It gave focus to the activities and made space to tell fun stories to each other.

Across the weekend the Cubs:

• Took part in wide games like “Message in a Bottle” and “Blind Buccaneers Trail” – very useful for building small teams and blowing off steam before bed. 
• Learned some bushcraft skills such as shelter building, signaling, and tracking – a must if you are trapped in a remote bay. 
• Conquered a nearby peak to warm up their muscles in the morning and get the “lie of the land” in unfamiliar surroundings. 
• Made flags to mark their territory and use up some creative energy. 
• And spent time learning some campfire skills – lighting fires and cooking chocolate stuffed bananas, smores and a, remarkably tasty, damper – everything a shipwrecked cub might need.

 

The weekend was catered by an incredible crew who managed to rescue some surprising supplies from the galley before the ship went down. We were treated to “Kraken & Seaweed” (Carrot and

Cucumber, “Scurvy-be-gone Juice” (Raro), Ants on a Log, “Cheesy Cannonball Rolls” and a First-Class

Feast at the Captains table. The “Booty Bars” were a real hit with the Cubs and Kaiarahi but the Galley Chief insists that he will take the recipe to the bottom of the briny blue before he gives it up to any Land Lubbers. 

 

In the evenings we enjoyed some fantastic Campfires where Cubs and Kaiārahi alike showcased their top songs and skits. Favourites like “Ging Gang”, “Singin’ in the rain” and “My Bonny” were complimented with more nautical hits like the “Wellerman”. The cubs had prepared skits during the day, and we were treated to excellent versions of “Broken Finger”, “Invisible Bench”, “Ice Fishing” and “Is that a Poo?” The version of “The Bandana skit” that we saw had the camp rolling with laughter and may never be forgotten!

 

Luckily, Pukerua Bay turned out to be a less remote place to be shipwrecked than we had initially feared, and rescue parties were able to collect some tired and happy Cubs at the close of camp. I know they were full of good food, and I would like to think they also took away some new skills, strong friendships, and some fantastic memories. I, for one, cannot wait to do it all over again!

 

Dave Philipson at the NTSS Cub Kaiārahi