Bentley Copse Activity Centre is situated in the most beautiful woodland area of the
South Downs.
The loaded van had set off just before us with all the food and I wondered if they’d
arrived already!
This camp was going to be packed with 147 Cubs and their Leaders plus helpers
and all the wonderful on-site Staff.
As the Mess tent and other sleeping tents were being pitched our splendid site was
bustling with Cubs and parents helping the Cub team.

Water was fetched, the gas urn was lit, sandwiches handed out to “starving cubs and explorer young leaders“. Adults grabbed and scoffed anything going before it was too late.
Reluctantly leaving the site, some of the team were needed and escorted the Cubs
to the first activity – a movie night with popcorn !
Not a stir in the night ! Snores from afar and near, a few owl hoots lulled the camp
into a deep slumber!
What did we do? Was it the food, the movie, the warm weather!
Mmmmm Ben is up and cooking breakfast. Oops so are a few Cubs.
Let’s get them to work!
Most Cubs were on their first camp and so far no tears . Only excitement and
anticipation as the “experienced campers” boasted about their experiences of crate
stacking and zip-lining!!
I’m scared . I’m belaying! I’m still hungry! I listened to the general banter as we
organised the Cubs into two groups lead by Andrew M and “moi” and set off to tackle
the Night Line (blindfolds are worn) and Climbing Wall manned by our very own
Anya, Wyatt and Amelia.
Hotdogs for lunch were gobbled up leaving the remainder of the afternoon to do as
many activities as possible.
“Bye Seb! Bye Lucas!”
“I don’t want to go – it’s not fair Mum!”
“I could stay for a whole month” added another.
“My hands are sore” laughs an explorer young leader who had been belaying all day!
“I’m hungry” was echoed out loud so “mum we had the best ever pasta I’ve tasted”
was served up and greedily eaten.
After a full day of bouncing, climbing, hanging on, aiming and firing the young people
were high on adrenaline. Personal goals achieved! New heights conquered and “I
know what I’m doing now” made a happy ending to the day, in front of the campfire,
with a ridiculous amount of “s’mores” for all.

A small on site disturbance during Saturday night followed by an off site (another
group nearby) incident broke the sleep but not for long twit twoo – hoot – cough!
Eat Up Day Sunday! My favourite! Ben offers “leftovers” for breakfast and including
the breakfast menu. Yummy! Glamping you say !
Two last hours of activities then even more food – fruit kebabs or croissant anyone?
Whilst packing up and loading parents arrive to help with the Mess Tent and all is
swiftly and efficiently cleaned packed and ready to leave.
(I won’t mention the horrendous amount off accumulated dust!)
“Okay let’s go!”
“I don’t understand. Has it finished? Can’t I go on the zip-line again!“ Softly moaned
a very tired cub.

Akela