Bassetlaw: Local cubs taking part in major global development day

The Bassetlaw group will be among over 400 cubs, all aged between eight and 10 years-old, who will gather at Sherbrooke Scout Activity Centre for a day of fun and activities all with a global twist.

The youngsters, all from across Nottinghamshire, will be participating in over 50 different activities themed around different continents.

The idea behind the day is to promote global understanding and cultural awareness of a range of issues that young people from face on a daily basis.

Cubs will learn about Chinese writing and will make a bookmark using their name written in hanzi (han” being Chinese for character), make African masks and Aboriginal dot art paintings.

They will also explore faiths and beliefs through creativity as they make totem poles and dream catchers from North America, create their own haka/Maori dance and make African friendship bracelets.

There will also be activities helping Cubs learn about conservation, energy and recycling and have a go at creating their own energy as they try to blend their own smoothies using pedal power and make electricity using their own hands.

They will have to make a shelter from recycled materials, before a tropical storm arrives and lean how to filter their own water to survive being stranded.

Anne Linsdell, head of youth programme for the Nottinghamshire Scouts said, “This day is all about helping young people understand that that their actions really do have an effect in our world, and that they, as responsible citizens, can change the world for the better.”

“With Scouting happening in almost every country in the whole world, it is of such huge importance that our youngsters know that they are part of something millions of times bigger that what they often see.”

Whilst learning about global development the Bassetlaw cubs will also be putting their physical skills to the test with a huge variety of activities, including panning for gold, crossing streams, climbing and tunnelling, an obstacle course, a drop-slide and zip-wire.

Chris Blockley, a volunteer event organiser said, “We’re so grateful for the constant support and generosity of our adult volunteers.”

“Over 100 adults and young leaders have come together to make the day happen and we couldn’t run such amazing events without them.”

Local and national businesses and charities are also supporting the event with ShelterBox are giving the youngsters an insight in to the life-saving support they provide around the world, while energy company Eon will help them understand the importance of alternative energy supplies.

The event also coincides with the start of a search process that aims to find 36 young people from Nottinghamshire Scouts who will represent the United Kingdom at the 2015 World Scout Jamboree in Japan.