The Cubs were anxious to tell this visitor everything, yes everything they were getting up to, how great the caving was, and what they were going to be doing later, and asking me if I had tried all the activities. You could tell that they were having the time of their lives! How carefree a weekend they were having!

Of course the Leaders at that point were probably counting the hours until bedtime, which of course would be early as this was the second night!

We all know the time and effort that goes into planning camps, making time in our busy schedule to actually go camping or Pack holiday, but sometimes we forget that the experiences and the memories Cubs get when they go on camps/Pack holidays, stay with them for many years.

If the truth be told many Leaders have lots of great memories of outings such as the camps we have just had. Let’s not forget the OUT in Scouting.

The Groups I visited were the 10th Glasgow and 10th Cumbernauld and I have used some of their excellent programme to give you some ideas for your camps. My thanks to them for their programme.

Meet the Knights
Squires (Cubs) who wish to be Knights are given into the service of one of the following households:-
Sir Lancelot (Blue Knights)
Sir Galahad (Red Knights)
Queen Guinevere (Green Knights)
Sir Gawain (Yellow Knights)
Sir Gareth (Black Knights)
Merlin

Castle Capers: Pea Squawk
Each group of Knights are given animal names: Blue Knights - COWS, Red Knights - DOGS, Green Knights - SHEEP, Yellow Knights - CROWS, Black Knights - DONKEYS. Split peas are sprinkled on the floor. One Knight from each Group is blindfolded, the rest of the Knights find the peas and make their appropriate animal noise to attract the blindfolded Knight who is the only one allowed to pick up the peas. The Group of Knights with the largest number of peas at the end of the time limit wins.

Squire’s Challenge
Largest Cubs carry smallest - Object is to unseat as many other mounted Knights as possible. Last remaining pair gain honour of being allowed to have their household served first at breakfast.

Spinning Plate
All Knights sit in a circle. A leader spins a plate on the floor in the centre and immediately all the Knights pass a ball from one to the other round the circle. When the plate stops spinning the Knight holding the ball is out.

Lights Out - All Knights get ready for bed

Saturday - Reveille
All Knights wash and dress and clear up living quarters for inspection. Breakfast is served (Knights from winning group at Squires’ Challenge, first)

Castle Capers - Suck it and See
Each group of Knights sit in a row - each Knight has a drinking straw and one paper tissue is given to each Group. The first Group in each Group sucks in through the straw so that the tissue is pulled on to the end of the straw. The first Knight turns towards the second Knight who transfers the tissue to the end of his straw. If tissue falls Group must start again. Points awarded to first two groups finished.

Castles in the Air
Each group of Knights makes a collage to depict Camelot Castle with Knights, Maidens, Witches, Monks etc. Each group issued with coloured pens, crepe paper, cotton wool, gum, coloured paper etc.

Lunch

During break, after lunch another group washes up (30 minutes free time)

Natural History
The Monks of Camelot were keen on Natural History and the Knights are going to help them collect items for their museum (or log books).
(A)Collect leaves and grasses, make rubbings
(B)On return to Camelot make plaster casts of leaves. Done by rolling and flattening plasticine to make an impression. Make a cardboard ring to fit round the plasticine and then pour in the plaster. Allow to set then remove the cast.
(C)Study the clouds (if possible) and make cloud shapes from cotton wool.

At Camelot - Armoury
The Knights make helmets, shields, armour for themselves (need plenty of cardboard and string, cellotape, pens and crepe paper etc)

Dinner
30 minutes of free time (Squires pay)

The Devil’s Tail
A piece of string is attached to the back of each Knight. On signal each Knight tries to take another’s tail without having his own stolen (points)

Squire Challenges
Wrist wrestling: Groups face opponents in press-up position. The object to remove one of your opponents arms from under him.
One legged hand wrestle: Each Knight holds his own right leg with his right hand and claps his opponent’s left hand. The object is to make your opponent touch the floor with any part of his body to make him let go his right leg.

Bring on the Jesters
Each Group rehearses a song or sketch for campfire.

Sunday Reveille
Breakfast - wash up - worship

The Treasure of Camelot
A number of cards are hidden around the campsite (colour coded). Each gives a clue to the whereabouts of the others. At the end is a bag of gold. Knights must get this back safely to Camelot before sharing with their Groups.

Knighthood Ceremony and Tournament
All Knights dress in armour made yesterday: Grand Parade of All Knights - Cheer for Merlin:
Tournaments:
(a)Archery Tournament with paper darts
(b)Falcon flying contest
(c)Individual sword fencing challenge
(d)Two-legged races
(e)Knock down the Knight - using ball and skittles