Dilemma - Cub Camp

BernadetteN

melancholly wrote: »

just have to say, i drive from nottingham to manchester weekly - and it's not a fun drive - adding on the bit to Blackpool, in tourist season, sounds just pointless! they will spend more time on the motorway than in Blackpool (regardless of whether it's worth visiting or not!). i would not want to be on a coach load of hot, tired cubs/beavers for that length of time lol

You are so correct. I tried talking to the Scout leader about this. The Cub leader just stood there open mouthed and said nothing. The Scout leader laughed when I said that it would take them a minimum of 2 1/2 hours to do this 135 mile journey on a good day, and it would more likely take them from 3 to 4 hours. I tried explaining to them that my sister lives just off the M62 near Huddersfield and every time we have been to see her, the M62 on a good day is slow and she doesn't even live near the worst sections. The plan seems completely mad. I can understand their fear of the queues at Alton Towers but they rejected my suggestions of Lightwater Valley, Flamingoland or Drayton Manor which are all nearer to the camp.

I really suspect that the person responsible for changing the venue has his/her own agenda about wanting to go to Blackpool and that overides the wishes of this large group who were not consulted about the change - I think there are over 50 Beavers/Cubs/Scouts/Explorers and helpers going.

Carmina_Piranha_3

drayton manor is a better plan, but like you say it sounds as if the leader has got their own reasons for wanting blackpool. only been to lightwater valley and flamingoland once but enjoyed them both - i'm not sure about distances though.

part of the reason i much prefer alton towers to blackpool is no doubt the journey time because i get sick. 40 minutes to alton towers or 100 mins to blackpool. by the time we arrive in blackpool i'm already feeling sick and in no mood to enjoy the rides.

i really feel sorry for those kids going on the blackpool trip

are there a lot of kids under 1.4m tall going? if so i can see why perhaps alton towers might cause some jealousy. but drayton manor is a great park for kids of all sizes and it's one they won't get lost in.

morg_monster

It is however broadly christian in its outlook, and if you do not believe in god then you cannot become a scout/cub/beaver/guide/brownie/rainbow leader, however you do not have to prove your attendance to any church.


Just wanted to say - this may have been true once upon a time but DEFINITELY is not now, at least with regards to Guiding! I'm a Tawny Owl too at a Brownie pack and don't remember any questions about my religion when i filled in the various forms to join the Guiding association again. At any rate, I have known Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and atheist Guiders and they reflect the ethnic make up of the girls who are members of the various Guiding sections, at least here in London. Yes it is true that many groups do meet in churches - but this is a reflection of the fact that for many communities the church still has the most suitable meeting room. There are brownie & guide packs in mosques and synagogues too, and plenty like mine just in community centres.

Oh and when girls make their Promise now, it contains the line "..to do my duty to MY god" not "..to do my duty to god" like it was when I was a girl. [Had an interesting debate with a v bright 8 year old "But I don't have any god at all? what should I say?"!]

I realise it is off-topic but just wanted to say this because I wouldn't want anyone to read it and be put off enrolling their daughter in the Brownies, or be put off volunteering. WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS!!!

As Bernadette said though - I would think twice about complaining about the Cub leader to someone else about this unless you think it is a serious problem - you don't want someone to take it the wrong way and ask him to leave, then who will run the groups!!
It is good you got your money back and have managed to book another holiday.

Psykicpup

morg_monster wrote: »

As Bernadette said though - I would think twice about complaining about the Cub leader to someone else about this unless you think it is a serious problem - you don't want someone to take it the wrong way and ask him to leave, then who will run the groups!!
It is good you got your money back and have managed to book another holiday.

I personally feel that is the wrong reason NOT to complain...''then who will run the groups!!'' well maybe OP could or maybe someone else, but the whole mentality of lets stay with what we've got or nothing/worse is just letting our children down IMHO

djtonyb

morg_monster

Thanks for sticking up for us Guiders.

Yes we meet in a church hall, but have had girls from protestant,catholic,muslim,jehova Witness backgrounds in our unit.

I do think that the DC (District Commissioner) of the local scout needs to be made aware of concerns over the change/organisiation of this camp.

winnie81

owner wrote: »

How stuck up are you southerners ? Blackpool Pleasure Beach knocks spots off Alton Towers. Cut off your kids noses to spite your own snobbish face why don't ya ?

I live in the Cotswolds and have also lived in Manchester I have been to Blackpool and thought it was an over priced joke! I vowed never to step foot near the place again :rotfl:

There was far too much Burburry around for my liking :rotfl:

I will very happily go back to alton towers every year with the kids if I could :j