Autumn of Adventure for Cambridge Beavers
1st December 2007
Beavers in Cambridge have celebrated the end of the Centenary with an Autumn packed full of adventure. Between September and December, the beavers have been given various opportunities to take part in events all over the city:
20.10.2007 - CamBAD 2007: Beaver Activity Day
Beaver Scouts from across Cambridge gathered at Abington Campsite in October for their annual Beaver Activity Day. The event, known as CamBAD, carried a 'Cowboys and Indians' theme and gave many leaders an opportunity to dress up.
Though cold, the beavers spent the morning navigating various activities in small groups. Tracking and trailing, cooking on open fire, making tribal headdresses, creating cowboy biscuits and lassoing were amongst those offered, and was followed by a nice hot meal of ‘bangers and mash’.
The afternoon allowed for plenty of running about with free time and a ‘wide game’ over the entire site. This managed to tire everyone out before coming together for a traditional campfire sing-song around a raging fire. Voices echoed through the woods, and parents soon followed!
Simon Gates, one of the organisers, had nothing but praise for everyone's efforts;
"It's been an excellent day and both the Beavers and leaders have got a lot out of it. It's been a team effort and it's great to see so many people attending and taking advantage of what we had to offer."
15.11.07 - TriBe Night Hikes
Around 80 Beaver Scouts from the 12th, 14th, 18th and 26th Cambridge colonies have spent two chilly November evenings participating in Night Hikes. The Beavers walked with torches from the Green Dragon Bridge in Chesterton to the McDonalds on Newmarket Road. Half the route follows the River Cam, whilst the other half took the Beavers along backstreets in the Abbey estates.
Due to the fast walking pace and the good behaviour of all paticipants, the Beavers even had time to play in a local recreation ground, utilising the swings, roundabouts and climbing frames with just their torch light to guide them. All those who complete the hike earned a badge and were also offered a treat courtesy of McDonalds!
Simon Gates, event organiser, was pleased by how smoothly the hikes ran;
"These events aren't easy, especially with kids so young, but the Beavers have been brilliant and have taken the challenge in their stride. Also, credit to the parents, leaders and staff at McDonalds who've helped along the way...their assistance has been invaluable!"
30.11.07 - TriBe Christmas Sleepover
Ever wondered what it would be like to celebrate an Australian Christmas, but with the cold, British weather? Well, Beaver Scouts from the 12th, 18th & 26th Cambridge colonies have spent a weekend finding out!
On Friday 30th November, 30 Beavers joined together for a sleepover with a difference. They 'celebrated' Christmas with a host of Australian activities which included making cork hats, boomerangs and a barbequed dinner. And with special guest, Kanga-rudolph and his pouch full of presents, just about anything could have happened...except the warm weather!
Simon Gates, Beaver leader of all three colonies and Kanga-rudolph for the day, commented;
"It's madness gone mad! It's brilliant. The Beavers have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and really embraced the international twist to a traditional Christmas event."
The Beavers were also given some free time to enjoy various games they had made and open their present from Santa, whom they visited at mid-day. Each participant also took home a commemorative teddy to remember the event by. The sleepover ended with the District Xmas Party, which saw an additional 100 Beavers come together to celebrate the end of the centenary.
01.12.07 - District Christmas Party
130 Cambridge Beavers have brought their centenary celebrations to an end with a massive Christmas Party. The 54th Cambridge HQ played host to the event, which saw beavers play various games in massive groups for an hour before tucking in to a plate filled with party food. As a special treat, the Beavers enjoyed 50 minutes of laughs and magic with Mr Marvel, the party entertainer, before a quick sing-song and a visit from Santa, from whom they received a present.
Cambridge Beaver Leader Simon Gates commented;
"We've ended a big year with a big bang. This has been the biggest turnout for Beaver event in Cambridge for as long as I can remember...and what a fitting way to end the year!"
The party meant many beavers left full of Christmas cheer and a present not only for Christmas but also for the end of the centenary. Bring on 2008!
