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Summer Camp for the PACK : 10/8/2010
Soooo…..what did the Cubs do this Summer camp?
Based on the theme “United Continents”, all the Cubs learnt new things about different countries in different continents, namely Mexico, India, Sweden and Egypt.
When all the Cubs arrived and greeted each other, we all settled down to make the rules that we would abide by during that camp. Then, we started looking for treasure…pictures of famous landmarks in the four countries. The cubs had to find these pictures (that were quite well hidden, but using their scouting abilities, they found most of the pictures =D) and also guess from what country they were taken.
Other activities also included flag making and totem building. Based on their country, the sixes had to make their flag using tiny bits of cloth. But their ability to work as a team paid off, because each flag was very beautiful and well-made. They also had to make a totem that represented their country. Every team had very nice ideas and their totem was very well decorated. The sixes also had to make a skit that was about country, and showed them off during the group campfire. We all had a laugh (at the drunk Mexican and the terrorised guards) and a fright (because of that tiger and also when that kid fell down a well), but we all had fun and were very proud seeing our cubs working so hard.
Apart from all these crafts, all the cubs were divided according to their arrow, and did some arrow work. The Gold Arrow cubs leant a few things about surviving on a raft, and also built one themselves using a knot they had learnt a few weeks before. The Silver Arrow remembered a few things they had done during the past meetings, while the Tenderpaw Cubs spent some time getting familiar with the ‘Jungle Book’. The Moving On Beavers made a few crafts with Akela, so that they could get used to him, and his beard =P.
Of course, every day we all put on our swimsuits and sun cream and went for a dip at Ramla. It goes without saying that we took the raft with us for a spin (or rather, a float), and everyone had fun jumping over and diving under the waves. We all had a sandcastle competition, even the leaders…but the cubs’ castles were WAY better than theirs. A lot of games were also played, of course, and we also learnt a few new ones.
 Everyone was always excited for the next day, and this was seen from the fact that everyone was up early in the morning to start the day. We had a few Tenderpaw Cubs that slept their first nights away from home, and when we came to the point of saying goodbye, nobody really wanted to leave. We had three days full of fun activities, splashing, running, painting and playing, and we definitely aren’t going to forget any of it.
To view more photos from Summer Camp 2010 click here :)
Report written by Dahinda =) Thank you!
BY: WebAdmin Josmar Azzopardi
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Pack Report - April 2010 : 5/26/2010
The month of April was very hectic for cub scouts as they had the much anticipated Easter camp and the unique experience of meeting the Pope.
 On Monday 5th the cubs met at 8:30 near Pergola farmhouses for the start of the Easter camp. The leaders prepared a lot for the camp to be successful. The camp had a space related theme: “Off to Space”. The cubs had the opportunity to work as a six in all the activities, gaining points with every achievement; with the aim of winning the Six of the Camp Award. The most loved activities were the Water Rocket activity, Preparing Skits, a hike and a “Off to Space” Costume Competition. After two exiting days full of fun and learning, it was time for cubs to go back home. Reluctantly the cubs waved goodbye to the leaders and headed home with their parents.
On Saturday the 10th of April the XSG celebrated a historic day as the first beavers joined the pack. In the going up ceremony the colony leaders bid farewell to the children while the cub leaders welcomed them to the pack. The newly invested cubs are: Luca, Christine, Rosie, Michaela, Jacob, Daniel, Carlos and Francesco. As cub leaders we hope that these cubs have a wonderful experience with the Xagħra pack. Meanwhile we waved our goodbyes as Herman, Owen and Matthew left the Pack to join the Troop.
On Sunday the 11th of April, the cubs woke up early to cross over to Malta to celebrate the feast of the patron Saint of all scouts- St. George. Before the parade the XSG had the unique opportunity to take part in the Mass celebrated by the archbishop in the co-cathedral of Saint John.
 On the 17th, another unique experience was awaiting for the cubs as they had the opportunity to go to Saint George’s square in Valletta to meet the Pope. The sheer enthusiasm was evident on every cub’s face as the majority of them never had the opportunity to meet the Pope before. The climax of this meeting was when the Pope appeared in the gallery and all cubs sang happy birthday to celebrate the Pope’s 83rd anniversary.
The tender paw had their first meeting as cub scouts. The meeting covered the Cub Scout promise and law and how these should be put into action. Every scout has the duty to know the scout promise and has to abide to it. Meanwhile during this meeting, Akela had a small meeting with their Parents to explain to them how the Pack runs.
On Friday the 23rd, the Easter dinner was held at l-Ankra restaurant. Events like this help raising funds to the XSG while dining like one big family. All the cubs and leaders had a wonderful time chatting and laughing while eating the delicious meals.
On the 24th, the tender paw had a session on helping others in the community. The silver arrow had a meeting on safety at sea while the gold arrows were taught on cloud formation. Cloud formation allows us to predict the weather for that particular day.
Report written by Stefan Attard, Baloo :)
BY: WebAdmin Josmar Azzopardi
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Pack Report - March 2010 : 4/13/2010
The month of March proved to be interesting as it was full of interesting activities.
On March the 6th, we had the Moving on Beavers who had their meeting with the cubs. The Jungle book story was recounted to them and we discussed topics that were going to be taught in their ‘Tender paw’ period. The Silver Arrow cubs had a session on campsite safety and hygiene to be prepared for the Easter camp. The Gold arrow had a session on Our Country were several interesting facts regarding Valletta were given. These sessions help the cubs to appreciate their country hence acting as good citizens.
On the 13th, the Silver Arrow cubs had a session on knotting thus preparing themselves for the Easter camp where they will surely get handy. The Gold arrow were also given a session on how to pitch up a hike-tent.
On Friday the 19th of March the cubs had a joint activity with the cubs of Hamrun. At 13:00 all the cubs were anxiously waiting in Ghajnsielem Square to meet their fellow cubs.  The first activity was a hike from the square to the ‘Masgar’ underneath Fort Chambray. Here, some games were played and one could easily notice that all cubs were easily integrating with each other especially during the games. The cubs then walked back to the square where the Hamrun cubs were residing. Some pictures were taken and a small token was given to the XSG to commemorate this event. Reluctantly, both packs waved goodbye and invited each other to do another joined activity in the near future.
On the 20th March, a car wash was organised by the XSG to help raising funds for our group. Many cubs took part in this event. The energy and enthusiasm shown by both cubs and parents will fill us leaders with energy to continue working hard in the pack.
On Sunday the 28th of March the cubs took part in the evening procession of Palm Sunday. As leaders we encouraged every cub to take part in this event and as usual the response was fantastic. By taking part in the procession the cubs were acting part of the promise which tells us to help other people.
Report written by Stefan Attard, Baloo :)
BY: WebAdmin Josmar Azzopardi
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Pack Report - February 2010 : 10/3/2010
The month of February proved to be another action-packed month for scouting activities.
On the 6th of February, the Pack had an outdoor activity at Mowgli’s Circle (a piece of open land near our H.Q. near Brochtorff Circle). The Silver Arrow cubs had their nature hike, which helped them develop their senses. For example they told to list as they felt with their hands while they were blindfolded. Meanwhile the Gold Arrow cubs researched on local animals and plants. Afterwards Chil organized a spirituality activity were everyone realised how everything around us is of utmost importance.
On Saturday the 13th of February a Carnival Party was held by XSG in Xaghra’s primary school. After their exams both cub leaders and cubs were in the mood to celebrate this event with great aplomb as they were all dressed up in carnival costumes and some even put on makeup! These parties help children understanding that scouting is not just about learning – fun with an aim is very much the focal point of our meetings.
 The 20th of February was a historic day for us as the first group of beavers joined the pack. The Moving on beavers (the first stage of meetings conducted for the beavers who will be joining the Pack soon) were told the story of The Jungle Book –a book written by R. Kipling. They were also taught the Cub Scout promise. The other sections (silver & gold arrow) did some knotting. The ability to tie knots is an essential part of being a Scout. In campings and many other events (especially scout-relating) there is almost always the need to do important knots. For example, if you have a long rope and don’t want to cut it, a sheepshank will save the day.
On Sunday the 21st, 4 new Scouters and a scout were invested by the GSL and joined XSG and thus the scouting worldwide movement.. After this event, a District Parade was done at Victoria, to commemorate the anniversary of Lord Baden Powell –the founder of scouts. A mass was than celebrated. Almost all of the cub scout participated in the parade, being proud of a polite uniform and their hard-earned badges.
On Friday the 26th, a cinema night was held at the Azzjoni Kattolika. The film “Up” was very interesting and all cubs enjoyed this event. Everyone enjoyed seeing the movie while eating lots of popcorn! This meeting was held on a Friday due to the National Scout Conference which was held on Saturday the 27th.
Report written by Stefan Attard, soon-to-be Baloo!
BY: WebAdmin Josmar Azzopardi
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Pack Report - January 2010 : 9/2/2010
In the month of January 2010, the cubs did the following:
Saturday the 16th of January was the first Cub Scout meeting of 2010. Today, the cubs than had to assign themselves to a six of their choice and elect their ‘sixer’ and ‘second’. As a six they had to write on a chart what they want to do in 2010, what they love about leaders and what they dislike about leaders! The leaders were happy to see the cubs involved in decision-making processes as theses skills are important for their everyday life. Afterwards, the cubs had to choose the topics for the arrow work for the next six months. The cubs played some games before the meeting was dismissed.
On January the 23rd, the all the Pack had decided to do the Spirituality session of their arrow. Fr. Michael Said was invited to deliver a presentation on talents for the Silver Arrow Cubs. The cubs learned to appreciate the talents they have and how to exploit this by making full use of it. The cubs were also encouraged to continue honing their skills in their respective talents. Meanwhile the Gold Arrow cubs reflected on what they feel everyday: their emotions! Afterwards several interesting games were played.
On Saturday the 30th of January  the Commissioner for Cub Scouts Adrian Farrugia was invited by the Xagħra Pack to observe the proceedings of a typical cub meeting. The gold arrow cubs were taught how to prepare a rucksack. This will give the cubs a clear idea when preparing a rucksack for camps and hikes. The silver arrow had the ‘Our Environment’ session. They were taught on the effects of carbon dioxide and other dangerous gasses emitted in the atmosphere which are potentially harmful to the environment. 
After the meeting the leaders had a meeting with the Mr Adrian Farrugia, as a follow up from the Xagħra Pack Leaders’ Forum which was held about 6 months ago, where several techniques of leading and teaching were pointed out. Thanks a lot for the visit C4C Adrian =)
Report written by Stefan Attard, soon-to-be Baloo!
BY: WebAdmin Josmar Azzopardi
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