Cub-Stuff!
Cuboree Leader Information

Cuboree Equipment

This equipment list is what we took (or realised we should have taken) to Cuboree for one Mega-pack (aprox 36 Cubs and 11 leaders/cooks), and is provided as a guide for those who are unsure what they may need. It is in MS Excel format, so you can use/modify as you need.

To clarify some items in the list - we were able to use the ridge-poles and tables/stools that belong to NSW Contingent, giving us a 13.5M long, 3M tall frame for our dining fly. The connectors join the top pole, while the Downey Tees are the scaffolding type connectors to join the vertical poles to the ridge pole length. Also, ensure you tie bracing along the ridge pole to ensure it does not pull off the connectors. We were also able to use the NSW Contingent table & seat sets.

A fire extiguisher should also be in your list, although sometimes they are provided by camp admin.
I also recommend that you take an extra tent or two, in case you need to separate an ill cub (or to evacuate a tent in which one has unfortunately been ill).

Whilst it is generally the case that the leaders arrive the day before the camp to set up the tents and kitchen/dining areas etc, it is good practice to get the cubs to pack the tents and help as much in the bump-out as is possible. Of course this depends on the bus schedule for your Pack's departure, which could be anything from 6am onwards.

There are a great many ways to set up your campsite, gateway, kitchen and dining fly etc, and most will work fine. However if you are unsure about any of those aspects, here are a few pages of pictures around recent camps to give you a few ideas.

Lighting your campsite.

Modern LED lighting is your best option, and ideas are discussed here. It is provided as a resource for pack coordinators who have never supplied a Cuboree before.

HELP! – I’m Going to Cuboree….

In some roles you are with the cubs the whole time, while in others the only time spent with the kids is during their time at the activity bases. The position of activity leader is readily suited to anyone, as the activity is pre-planned for you, and you get the evenings free (usually), allowing plenty of time to socialise or relax (recover?).

If you go, you will enjoy being there no matter what role you are involved in. If you are thinking of helping at a Cuboree or Jamboree in any role, but are not sure whether you really want to - JUST DO IT - I can almost guarantee you will have a great time too.

Some Definitions:-

Line Leader	leaders who sleep within the Mega-Pack campsite and look after the cubs throughout the day/night.
Quartermaster	the line leader who manages and runs the catering and cooking etc
Health & Welfare Leader	a line leader who is charged with the task of looking after any heath issues and such rare occurrences as homesickness. If all goes well, this is the easiest role at camp. If it is a “normal" camp then you will often be busy. (A St John Senior First Aid certificate is usually required )
Activity Leader	usually sleep in a separate area from the cubs. Make sure that the daily activity bases run successfully each day of the camp. Parents are usually welcome to assist in this area of the camp.
Mega-Pack	a pack of (usually) 36 cubs, from various groups (generally in the same Region). Cubs particiapte in all activities with their mega-pack, as well as travelling to/from Cuboree and any off-site activities.
Sub-camp	the mega-packs are divided into a subcamp (2 in 2007, 3 in 2011), to make the logistics work better basically. In comparison, a Jamboree may have ten sub-camps.
Activity Base	Generally set up in an area away from the subcamps, each activity base runs one activity all week, with several packs of cubs at a time being scheduled to attend that base for one morning or afternoon. For their next sesion the cubs attend a differnt activity base, while you get a new batch of cubs.

Relaxed and refreshed leaders are those who have not yet left home to go TO Cuboree.

By the end of the camp you will be worn out and desperate to “sleep for a week”, but all the cubs will have had an incredible time, and you will be so glad that you went despite anything else.

Bits & Pieces

Tea/Coffee/cold water is always available.
If you “really need” occasional canned drinks etc, I’m sure there is room in one of the eskies.
However, official rules usually state “no alcohol in camp”, so select the right cans.
An insulated mug with a lid is a good idea for leaders.
Phone charging (for leaders) etc can be done, as power will be available nearby (or use the battery or solar panel for your lights).
Cubs will have some free time each day – if you have suitable games or crafts, please let your mega-pack leader know, and bring them along.
Although you travel there by bus with the cubs, most packs will drive to Cataract a day or 2 beforehand to set up the camp. The more leaders and parents available, the easier the job is on the day. You also have the chance to drop off “extra” gear that day, such as your folding chair etc.
Each day, the cubs will need to air their tents and pack their bedding for health reasons as well as to minimise the risk of spiders etc. We need to encourage them to do so without scaring them. Funnelwebs are seen within the Cataract site during most summer months.
We cook using gas, but since Scout rules generally prohibit use of gas lighting at large camps, packs use battery powered fluorescent or LED lighting.
If your group funds can’t cover the cost of the leader(s) attending Cuboree with the Cubs, try some fundraising specifically for that purpose. (eg. Some groups put 20% of such special fund-raising money to group funds, 20% towards the leader’s cost, and the rest towards the cost of attending for those who were involved in the fund-raising efforts).

A rough daily schedule at Cuboree

Rise & shine etc
Breakie & washup (7or 7.30am)
Activity base (9am-noon)
Lunch (about 12.30)
Activity base (2pm-5pm)
Tea (about 6.30pm)
Night activity (7.30pm-9pm)
Cub bedtime (by 10pm)
Leader’s own time
Bed

Some (hopefully) useful hints

Be firm and consistent
Be approachable and listen
Learn the cubs first name and use them (not nicknames or surnames)
Avoid sarcasm
Even at Cuboree – cubs need a buddy to leave the pack campsite (toilet etc)
Treat all cubs with the same consideration. Avoid favouring your own pack’s cubs (and especially your own child).
Try to give reasons for rules, not just “because I said so”
Yelling at a Cub lowers the dignity of both parties
If you really feel the need to yell etc, get another leader to take over and walk away for a short break
Quote the rule “NO FUTURE QUESTIONS” when Cubs ask “when is”/”what are we ..…” etc
When camping, Cubs have a tendency to wake up about sunrise, and then to talk –loudly, so allow for that when deciding your bedtime

Badge Swapping

While badge swapping is not a necessary part of a Cuboree, it is becomming more prevalent at them. Basically it is a chance for the cubs to take spare badges (from their pack, an event, home region etc) and swap with cubs from other places. For this reason it would be nice if each mega-pack had a badge made as a souvenir, with the option that the cubs could buy a few spares to swap. This is along the lines of a Jamboree where most (all??) troops have a patch made. In my opinion, the biggest advantage of badge-swapping is that is gets the cubs to mix and talk with others they would not otherwise meet.

Cub-Stuff! Cuboree Leader Information