Puma Pack News - what have we been doing!

What have we been doing !!

Puma Cubs took advantage of the dark evenings last term by working towards the Astronomer activity badge.  They spent several weeks learning about our solar system, constellations, the space shuttle and the International Space Station, and were fortunate to have the opportunity to observe Jupiter and its moons through a telescope. The Cubs completed the Astronomer badge with a trip to Bayfordbury Observatory, where they visited the planetarium, listened to a talk on rockets, saw a real rocket launch (very exciting!), and observed some of the planets through the powerful telescopes. This was a very worthwhile visit which the Cubs enjoyed.

Puma Cubs joined other young people from 1st Braughing Scout Group in attending the Remembrance Sunday Service at St Mary's Church in Standon. Following the service, the Cubs joined the parade along Standon High Street, looking very smart in their Cub uniforms. It was wonderful to see so many young people commemorating this important occasion, and their Leaders were very proud of them.

As Christmas approached, a number of 1st Braughing Cubs attended the Christingle Service at St Mary's Church, where they learned about the origins and valuable work of the Children's Society, and the symbolism of the Christingle candle. It was a lovely service which the Cubs seemed to enjoy, and it gave them the opportunity to contribute to a worthwhile cause.  The lighting of the candles was the highlight of the service, although unsurprisingly most of the candles were missing the 'symbolic' sweets at the very end!

Another annual Christmas event which was well attended by 1st Braughing Cubs was the Carol Concert at Braughing Chapel. After an evening of enthusiastic carol singing, the Cubs and their families were rewarded with mince pies and mulled wine (non-alcoholic of course!). It was a very festive occasion in a lovely setting, and was a great way in which to end the term.

Puma Cubs began this term by going to see the pantomime Aladdin (oh no they didn't!), which they (and their Leaders!) thoroughly enjoyed. They had a challenge evening during which they built structures out of various materials, including impressive (but sticky!) pyramids made of marshmallows and dried spaghetti. More recently, the Cubs have taken part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and spent an evening making bird feeders. The Cubs can look forward to a term of stimulating and enjoyable activities, which include a day trip during half term and a weekend away at a youth hostel.