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Blakedown Cub Scouts
40th Pledged Plod Camp 2/3/4 October 2009
To mark the 40th Anniversary of the Kidderminster & District Pledged
Plod, Blakedown Cubs Plodded wearing golden wigs to be part of the fancy
dress theme.
The Cubs started the weekend by arriving on Friday evening with all
their camping gear. We had already pitched tents on the Millennium Green
ready for the Cubs. After settling everyone into their tents we had a
practise run for the Plod and set off on a night hike into the dark
country side around Blakedown – No Torches Allowed! The Cubs soon
discovered that it’s not really all that dark, and that by staying quiet
all kinds of animals can be heard. Lady Pool by moonlight is a special
place to be.
Saturday morning saw us catching the train from Blakedown to
Kidderminster. As we plodded through town a number of people asked Who
We Were and Where Did We Come From? So, we told them. We are Cub Scouts,
and we come from Blakedown. Plodding the 40th Plod.
Joining the Stourport Canal at Tesco’s we saw how the Autumn Season is
starting to take hold with a carpet of golden leaves floating across the
water. We took a slighter earlier then planned break so that we could
take the opportunity of watching a barge and it’s friendly owners make
their way through a lock. The fascinated Cubs learnt how, and why, canal
locks worked. As we Plodded up Linden Avenue everyone’s attention was
drawn to the sight and sounds of a Severn Valley Steam train making
steaming it’s way towards the tunnel. The Cubs were now starting to find
it hard work Plodding their way through the estate, but found their
spirits as they sang their way up to the Check Point. We finished the
Plod at 12.20 - just over 3 hours from start to finish. After having our
lunch, we then went on the rides in the safari park. Some brave Cubs
ventured onto the Black Fly, Twister and Venom rides for the first time.
At the end of the day, tired but happy, the cubs travelled back to
Blakedown by mini bus and train for a fish shop supper.
Special Guest Skip, granted a special performance around the camp fire
for the usual fee. Akela (with his Dragon Breath) assisted in lighting
the fire and there was soon a merry blaze to warm a Cub Pack’s toes.
Eventually, but sooner then expected, the tired cubs needed to go to
bed, and so in the pale light of a full moon they made a weary path back
to their tents. With all Cubs safely tucked up in their sleeping bags
and asleep, the Leaders took a well earned rest around the glowing
embers of the camp fire and discussed events of the past and present.
Sunday morning and Leader Chil is woken by the dawn chorus of a pillow
fight at 6 am. So there we found our volunteers for washing up the
dirty, horrible, greasy breakfast pots and pans. A full cooked breakfast
of sausage, bacon, beans, eggs, mushrooms, fried bread and cereals set
everyone up for packing bags, ready to go home. Akela had arranged for
the weather to hold dry, and so we were able to pack away the tents and
close the camp.
Plod Camp 2009 was a very good camp for us and will be one that we like
to remember.
Akela
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