RECENTLY, Basingstoke West Cub packs thoroughly enjoyed an outing to Brownsea Island in Dorset.

We took more than 100 Cubs from eight different packs.

Brownsea Island is now owned by the National Trust. It holds a special place in the heart of Scouting, being the site of the first Scout camp in 1907 where Robert Baden-Powell took a group of boys from different social backgrounds.

We visited a commemorative stone of this first camp.

Our Cubs loved a day hiking around the island. During their visit, they had a scavenger hunt, had fun beachcombing, climbing trees (trees designated by the NT for climbing) and playing on an adventure play trail.

Run by our dedicated district adult team, the Cubs were challenged by a blind trail, a craft activity, as well as playing parachute games.

Some Cubs even spotted a red squirrel. Red squirrels are rare in most parts of the UK, but thrive in the safe environment of Brownsea Island.

Some comments from our Cubs were: “I had fun climbing trees”, “I loved beachcombing” and “I loved everything!” Several parents have been asked by their Cub to have family trip to Brownsea.