Cubs cause chaos at Bentley Copse Activity Centre
Hundreds of Cub Scouts from across Surrey and beyond enjoyed an action-packed weekend of adventure, friendship and learning at Bentley Copse Activity Centre's annual "Cubs Cause Chaos" event.
Cub Scouts and volunteers from Guildford, Teddington, Ashtead, Horley, Dittons, Dorking, Busbridge, Bookham, Shalford, Epsom, Southwater, Pyrford, Godalming, Farncombe, Reigate and Hook for a weekend packed with exciting activities designed to build confidence, teamwork and resilience.
The event offered an impressive range of activities including the Leap of Faith, climbing, abseiling, zip wire, archery, air rifles, tomahawk throwing, pedal go-karts, adventure course, cave maze, crate stacking, Jacob's Ladder, Nerf Wars and many more. Cubs also enjoyed a film night on Friday evening, followed by a campfire and disco on Saturday night.
The weekend provided an opportunity for young people from different Scout groups to meet new friends, challenge themselves and experience activities that many local groups cannot provide on their own.
George aged 10 a Cub Scout from Hook said “I liked the Leap of Faith best as it was fun and exhilarating”.
Olivia aged 9 a Cub Scout from Reigate said “I really liked he Zipline because it was like a rollercoaster in its speed”.
Oliver aged 10 a Cub Scout from Godalming said “I liked the film and disco because they were really fun and made me happy”.
Amelia aged 8 a Cub Scout from Farncombe said “I liked the cave maze because you didn’t know where you were going to come out of”.
Muhammad aged 9 a Cub Scout from Pyford said “I liked the cave maze because it was dark and scary and it was funny when you came back out where you started”.
Maya aged 8 a Cub Scout from Bookham said “I liked the high ropes because they were very high and scary”.
Elijah aged 9 a Cub Scout from Epsom said “I liked the rifle shooting because you can take the targets home to show your family”.
Arjun aged 9 a Cub Scout from Guildford said “I liked the adventure course because it was fun as there were lots of obstacles and I liked being able to go into the shop as I got a new badge”.
Allyyah aged 9 a Cub Scout from Dorking said “I liked the Zipline as it was amazing as I have never been on one before”.
Noah aged 9 a Cub Scout from The Dittons said “I liked how many activities there were to do”.
Zara aged 10 a Cub Scout from Shalford said “I liked the zip wire and meeting other Cubs”.
Leo aged 8 a Cub Scout from Southwater said “I liked doing all the activities as there were lots to do”.
The positive atmosphere throughout the weekend was also recognised by volunteers.
One volunteer from Reigate said: "It was great to see all the Cubs getting on and trying new activities. One Cub was scared to do the zip wire, but on his second attempt he managed it. Other Cubs from the pack ran to greet him with pride and solidarity, which was fantastic to see."
Bentley Copse Activity Centre Manager, Nick Cann, praised both the young people and the volunteers who made the event possible.
He said: "Cubs Cause Chaos at Bentley Copse gave young people the opportunity to experience adventure, try new things and make new friends. Events like this help young people develop valuable #skillsforlife while having fun in a safe and supportive environment. A huge thank you goes to the incredible team of volunteers whose hard work and dedication made the weekend such a success."
The event demonstrated the values of Scouting by encouraging young people to step outside their comfort zones, giving them a #placetobelong, support one another and develop confidence through adventure. For many of the Cubs attending, it was their first opportunity to experience activities such as the Leap of Faith, high ropes and zip wire, creating memories that will last a lifetime.