Tiger Cub Scouts Go to Space

The trip to Hailsham took just an hour. On arrival, the Cubs collected trolleys, hauled their gear to the pitch, and waved goodbye to the minibus driver. With Craig’s help, they pushed the trailer to our site before saying farewell to him too. Marianne and Millie pitched in to help with tent-building before heading off.

Once tents were up and sorted, we had lunch, then toured the campsite to point out the toilets and shop. Back at camp, the Cubs played and gathered firewood for that evening’s campfire.

Dinner, cooked by our camp chef Rama, was bolognese or chicken supreme, followed by Swiss roll with squirty cream or custard. After the first washing-up rotation, the Cubs bundled up in warmer clothes, grabbed torches, teddies, and blankets, and joined SCub Evie at the campfire. During “There Ain’t No Flies on Us,” a nearby group joined in from the lane, much to everyone’s delight.

Morning tent inspection went well—though some points were lost for kit against the tent edge and for “missing” raincoats that later magically reappeared. After a hearty breakfast (with seconds and thirds for some), the Cubs piled into the minibus with driver Wayne for our “space mission” to the Herstmonceux Science Observatory.

There, they learned about space observation, planets, constellations, and satellites. A guide covered much of their Space Badge requirements, and the Cubs toured a telescope dome, watching it open and rotate. They saw telescope images, learned how they operate, and enjoyed a packed lunch in the water park before exploring hands-on science activities.

In the “Mad Professor” show, Rebecca held a pot of yellow liquid that magically transformed into balls under ultraviolet light, and another Cub rode a board propelled by a vacuum. Everyone had their picture taken in a giant Fresnel Lens frame.

After a quick shop visit, the Cubs sang and played games on the return minibus trip. Back at camp, Rama prepared pizzas in the mini pizza oven alongside cheesy mac, followed by apple strudel. While waiting, the Cubs worked on their Space Badge. After washing up, they enjoyed another campfire with Evie leading the songs, plus hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows before bed.

A slow start gave way to my “spoon in billy can” wake-up call at 8 am. After breakfast and washing up, the Cubs played in the field until rain arrived—just as a helicopter hovered overhead. They waved, and to their amazement, someone waved back from inside!

Under the event shelter, they made planet mobiles through a heavy downpour. Evie and Maren found and drained a puddle from their tent before drying it out.

After lunch, we headed to the climbing wall. A storm warning meant only two climbs before moving to the bouldering wall, but the Cubs preferred the nearby low ropes course and happily played there despite thunder and rain. A stop at the camp shop helped them spend the last of their pocket money.

Back at camp, Bagheera demonstrated fire-lighting techniques, including a tower-style build. Evie tried sparking with flint and wood shavings—patience required! Dinner was a BBQ feast with lemon meringue pie. A final small campfire rounded off the day’s adventures.

By 7 am, the Cubs were up, packing, and tidying their tents. After breakfast, they collapsed the inner compartments and laid them out to dry in the sun. Trolleys were fetched for gear, and after lunch, we held the flag-down ceremony. Cubs shared their favourite parts—some loved the observatory, others the climbing or low ropes.

Once the minibus was loaded, we headed home, singing at first, then growing quieter. Back at the Acorn, the Cubs carried their bags into the hall, and Wayne handed out sweets before departing.

Thanks to the parents who helped unload the trailer—many hands made light work. A memorable and thoroughly enjoyable camp for all!