Tuesday Cubs Take on the Great Gleann Na Boinne Orienteering Challenge!

It was a crisp, sunny day when our Cubs headed off to Dun na Rí for the Gleann Na Boinne County Orienteering Event – armed with enthusiasm, a sense of adventure and, hopefully, a reasonable sense of direction!

We split into two teams: The Chicken Noodle Soup and The Sugarloafers. Both teams set off on a mission to find the orienteering points scattered throughout the forest. The Cubs threw themselves into the challenge, navigating their way around the course and, most impressively, managing to find the checkpoints without any help from their leaders! We’re not sure whether the leaders were more impressed or just relieved they didn't have to get involved!
With the orienteering challenge complete and everyone safely back, it was time to put some bushcraft skills to the test. The Cubs set about building a bivvy shelter using whatever natural materials they could find in the forest environment. There were some great examples of teamwork, creativity and resourcefulness.

Of course, all that exploring and shelter building works up an appetite – or at least a thirst! So, out came the Kelly kettle, which was successfully lit using the traditional flint and steel method. After a little spark of inspiration (quite literally!), we soon had boiling water ready for some well-deserved hot chocolate.

A fantastic day of teamwork, independence, navigation and outdoor adventure. The Cubs certainly proved they can find their way through the forest, build a shelter and make a hot chocolate – although we might need to work on getting them to bring some biscuits next time!

Well done to all our Cubs for a brilliant day out!

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