Bunyip Hunting

Well not many bunyips were seen in the bush, but there was plenty of evidence about pointing to their presence!An on time bus, a crowded carpark and tearful parents, must be time for pack holiday once more. This year we packed up and went on a weekend break to Nannas, well that is what the accommodation was like, very comfortable beds, clean and in a pristine bush setting beyond Yarra Junction. Britannia Park was our destination and after listening to the in flight movie – the telly was on the blink, we gritted our teeth as the bus edged along the winding track to Guide House.

A tumble of Cubs scattered as bags and equipment were unloaded and then dragged up to our home for the next two nights, no lost Cubs yet a successful start. Rooms were allocated for the boys, the girls anxious to get settled had to wait a little longer, their accommodation was a surprize! Not enough beds in Guide House meant that the girls had somewhere special to stay, a chalet all their own.

Uniforms carefully discarded and bags erupted, time for a the Cubs to work off a little energy before bedtime. A bunyip hunt was to be had. In the darkness we could see the glowing tell-tale signs left behind by these illusive creatures, but the noisy Cubs scared away any lingering bunyips so it was only their leavings which they could find. A relay and then supper, we are always well fed on pack holiday, and it was time for bed and a chance for the leaders and cooks to settle in……

Dawn. And the quietness was broken by the chatter of expectant Cubs ready to make the most of their weekend away from Mum and Dad, a first for a few. Bagheera and Hathi rustled the early risers outside for some pre-breakfast games while the girls remained quiet and plotted domination with their house rules. A rush of Cubs and breakfast was on for all, flag break and grand howl, time to get the activities started.

Bases, we all love them and with only three leaders on this camp more work for all. Cubs juggled with radioactive liquids and learnt a bit about teamwork, others tried to decipher Akelas cryptic clues and crack a code with an ancient code slide-rule, the rest got their hands dirty (?) making damper for morning tea, which was enjoyed by all when washed down with cool drinks and fresh fruit.

Bunyip tails were fashioned from Mums leftover stockings and decorated with pride, to be worn for dinner on Saturday night, they might have helped keep the flies away as well. I am sure that Britannia Park is near a breeding ground – there were thousands of them ready to crawl all over you.

Lunch and then a chance to try out some activities on offer, we trekked to the flying fox and Cubs hurtled along the flyway, attempted the low ropes course and tried not to get bitten by bullants, enjoyed a marvellous afternoon tea in the bush of fresh scones with jam and cream and watermelon then we tackled the challenge course, a great way to wrap the afternoons activities.

A chance then for the Cubs to prepare for campfire and work on their skits while the dining hall was decorated for dinner.

Dinner by candlelight, possum fillets and roast veggies, fruit cumble and drinks, all with bunyip tails trailling behind. A slow stove put us a little behind time so we moved campfire indoors, which was just as well as many Cubs succumbed to tiredness after a busy day, but the campfire was a hoot with fine songs and acts presented by our clever Cubs.

Sleep.

But not for long, as soon as the birds were awake, so too the Cubs began their morning chorus. The best was yet to come. Following a hearty breakfast of cereal, pancakes and juice yard games were broken out, giant snakes and ladders, connect 4 and jenga, with all Cubs taking the challenge. While this was happening though, the Possum Flyer was being erected.

Not your normal flying fox, or high swing, a Possum Flyer lifts you up into the air where you feel like you are flying, all powered by Cubs and one leader. Judging by the smiles from the flyers it was a fantastic experience.

Cleanup, packup and a BBQ for lunch as parents began to arrive to take their exhasted children home, quiet a few fell asleep on the trip so we must have done something right.

Many thanks to our wonderful support crew, Jane, Craig, Petr and Robin, an army marches on its stomach, so too does a Cub pack, and a big thankyou to the brave leaders who gave up sleep and home

comforts for the weekend, Bagheera, Hathi and Rikki, well done! We survived!

Now, to start planning for Cuboree……

cheers

Akela