The past 12 months have seen many changes in the Cub Pack with some high moments and some not so good moments. The pack started last year with Martin Fox as Akela, ably assisted by Stewart Hulbert and Jill Smith.

During the early part of the year we were involved in numerous activities including Archery, Back Woods Cooking. Rafting, & Hiking. As always we entered in to the Annual Carnival festivities this year’s theme being Sweets, so on a sunny summer’s afternoon we were lucky not to melt! We also took part in the eagerly anticipated Gun Run, having won the previous years run there was a sense of determination throughout the event leading to a resounding victory in both sections of the run to retain the title for another year. Roll on 2002 for the hat trick.

The end of the Summer Term led to the official departure of Martin as Akela, unfortunately despite much publicity there was no immediate replacement. The new school y and still no new Akela so leaders from other sections of the Scout Group rallied rouhd to maintain the Cub Pack and Martin continued in an un-official capacity. The Quality of the activities suffered because of this uncertainty, but we still managed to have a fancy dress competition on Halloween and fireworks for Bonfire Night. During October a new Akela came forward and at Christmas Martin was finally allowed to retire gracefully and JoAnne Peace became the new Akela. The pack was also fortunate to regain the assistance of Judy Dere when Stewart had to withdraw from the pack due to work commitments, hopefully this may turn out to be temporary.

Throughout this period the numbers in the pack have fallen to the lowest level for many years but are now recovering. A Cub programme has been re-started and badges have begun to be earned. Over the forthcoming months a more varied and interesting programme is being planned with more visits and outdoor activities. We are fast approaching the Carnival season again so parents will be asked to help out with costumes again. Then there is the Gun Run where we will be aiming for our hat trick. To sum up we have had a difficult year, but hopefully we are over the worst, and with support from the boys and parents alike JoAnne will be a success Akela, with lots of new ideas and activities to engage the boys.