This long article has been submitted by Janet Perryman who is looking after welfare at the Cuboree. It features lots of interesting suggestions, tips and recommendations on making Cuboree great for you and your Cubs.
It would be a good idea to make sure your Cubs parents have a read through it. Click on the 'printer' icon or the 'pdf' icon (in the top right corner of this page) to format the page for printing or downloading.
The following is an article written by a Mum from Cuboree 3 which has some great ideas to aid children who are young and unsure or who may have some developmental difficulties.
These tips will help, and it is easier for parents knowing that their Cubs are well prepared for the event and able to manage themselves while there. Some of the ideas are specific, but many would be quite useful regardless of a cub’s development, so are definitely worth a look.
HOW TO HELP YOUR “YOUNG” OR ANXIOUS CUB AT CUBOREE
Reduce Surprises
Don’t leave preparing the Cub to the last minute, gently incorporate some of the tips in time preceding the event so that they are comfortable and confident with the strategies chosen.
Keep to the familiar, comfortable & tested – avoid too many last minute purchases – particularly footwear.
Eliminate Fear of the UnknownVolunteer to help setting up the Cuboree tents - your Cub will get an opportunity to see the area they will be staying in, their tents and where the main facilities are located – you can confidently reassure your child, having seen the camp first hand.
Be positive. It will be a great time.
Good Night's SleepIf your Cub will be using a stretcher, get them used to it well before the trip, get them to practice putting it up and packing it away. Knowing they can do it on their own is important for both of you.
Gilwell can get cold at night, avoid sending light weight sleeping bags – a cold child is more likely to start the day with a wet sleeping bag.
Moving Around After DarkTie a loop of brightly coloured (named) ribbon through the end of the torch, long enough for the Cub to wear around their neck. This makes it easier to keep track of during the evening and means that they don’t have to put on the floor at the toilet or bathroom. It can then be hung up with their uniform during the day and at night. Make sure to send plenty of long lasting batteries and that they know where they have been packed – Cubs love their torches.
Health and HygeneWith the advent of dishwashers, many Cubs are not experienced in washing their own eating utensils, give them plenty of opportunity to use their utensils, wash and pack them away before the Cuboree.
A checklist “tag” fashioned out of something as simple as a portion of ice-cream container lid, written on with permanent marker to help them remember what they need to take to the shower. The tag is attached to a bag large enough to take the required clean change of clothes or PJs, toiletries and towel (and carry soiled clothes back to tent).
Ensure that anything that goes to the shower can be hung up – or it will get wet. Consider sewing a ribbon-hanging loop to the corner of their towel(s) and show your Cub how to use it.
Medication – some Cubs will be taking tablets (eg Ritalin or Dexamphetamine) for the duration of the Cuboree. To make life easier for the Leaders, purchase an inexpensive weekly “Pill Case” medication dispenser (available from most $2 type shops). They consist of a tray containing 7 daily dispensers, each with 4 compartments – Morning, noon, evening & bed. The medication can then be precut as required and placed in the appropriate compartments. Each dispenser is named with a permanent marker. Full details of Name, Medication, dosage, time to be taken, side effects etc is written in marker on the back of the tray then sealed in a clip seal bag. It is a good idea to supply some spare tablets in one of the remaining dispensers, seal it with tape and clearly mark it as “Spare”, in case the Cub drops their tablet.
In some cases medication can cause significant disturbances to appetite. If your Cub has this problem it is worth packing some low GI snacks that will provide long lasting, slow release energy that can be consumed with the medication to help the Cub stave off fatigue.
Independence Skills
Living out of a suitcase Involve your Cub in the packing process, don’t leave it to the last minute or make too big an issue out of it but make sure that they know what has been packed and where to find it.
Don’t over pack your Cub’s bag. Make sure there is plenty of free space. Even the most organized Cub will struggle to fit it all back in – allow extra space for their new treasures they will bring home.
Give them the opportunity to pack the sleeping bag away independently well before the event, many Cubs can struggle with this task
Ensure that every thing is clearly labeled if you want it to come home. Clothes and bags need to be clearly marked with the child’s name
Coloured nail polish is effective in labeling aluminum stretchers – remember to label all the components.
Mess is Stress! Help your Cub avoid this by thoughtful packing. Pack clothing in “sets” and seal them in large clip seal bags. Consider writing on them “Warm Day”, “Mud day”, etc or use pictures for children whose reading is still emerging. This makes it easy for them to sort through without creating chaos throughout the tent. It has the added advantage of ensuring the contents of the bag stays dry if it is left in the elements during transport. (If your Cub changes infrequently, you’ll be able to see what was worn and needs washing afterwards – the rest can be returned to their closet .
Some children find the zip slide bags easier to use than traditional clip seals.
Independent DressingReplace laces with elastic laces or elastic that looks like laces, tie and double knot them to create slip-ons –. Most children can handle elastic sided boots and rubber boots independently . Shoes with Velcro tabs are great too.
Longer raincoats with double ended zips can be zipped up to the waist then opened from the bottom so that both zip ends are at about lower waist level, the coat can then be easily slipped on like a jumper – practice this well before hand and it will become second nature to leave zips mid garment when removing it. (If it is a problem – a small safety pin, at waist level, encompassing the zip teeth will serve as a reminder).
Send comfortably fitting (not tight) t-shirts, skivvies & wind-cheaters in preference to items with buttons, zips and ties.
Happy Place
Teddy’s are always welcome at Cuboree – but make sure he has a “teddy ID Tag” so he doesn’t get lost.
If your child is a reader and might need to “escape” send a book – in a clip seal bag to protect it.
Consider putting together a compact photo album of family members and important pets, so that if they become home sick they have their special photos to comfort them.
Coming Home
Your Cub has had a very exciting time at Cuboree and will be very tired – don’t make too many arrangements for them in the days following Cuboree as they might want time to just Veg.
Remember that Cuboree happened because people cared enough about your child to volunteer their time – a simple thank you to the leader will be greatly appreciated.
