The 5th Mother & Child Camp was organized again….this time in June. What a relief!! So far this camp was always planned for the month of November, but this year we felt we had to give Mothers some rest from the rain and hold the camp in June.

The camp started on Friday, and was officially opened at 1930hrs by Akela. Mothers and children were already settled in camps with their equipment. Dinner was served after the opening and duties were split between cubs. Being a Mother & Child camp, we try to give mothers some rest from duties. We then headed for our night hike. We walked through Birgu, along the Marina and into Fort St.Angelo. We explored the fort on the lower part and explanations were given. We were enjoying this hike and the views of the Upper Barraka and Valletta when all of a sudden a big bang on our heads scared us to death. Fireworks were fired exactly from below the fort, and in a matter of seconds, our night hike ended up in a re-enactment of a siege….. fireworks banging on our heads and we running through the fort for safety!!! It was such a laugh and parents enjoyed this bit as much as the cubs did. We sat in front of the Casino Di Venezia and there we spent an hour or so watching fireworks and singing.

Activities on Saturday started at 0700am when the wake up whistle blowed. Everyone woke up slowly and flag break was done. Activities started with the Breakfast, followed by crafts and games. Lunch was served, duties were done and a lecture on Safety at home and Recycling was given. Then it was time for the most awaited event of the camp….. WATER GAMES!!!!! While the lecture was being conducted by Rama, some 400 balloons were being filled with water by Chil, Jacala, Akela and our GSL. Obviously having Akela around meant that everyone had to be soacking wet even before the water games started. Well, games started as planned. Different games were played on a mother & Child basis and also team basis. Never ending waterfalls on parents and cubs were thrown by leaders. Well, it was an hour filled with water, balloons and laughter and everyone ended up dripping from head to toes.

The watergames were followed immediately by showers, and afterwards crafts were on the program again, then dinner. After the duties, a spiritual dimension took place in which all participated and then campfire started. Everyone was tired by this time but still participation wasn’t bad. Campfire ended at 1030hrs and everyone went in tents for a well deserved rest.

Sunday started later then expected. The wake up whistle blowed at 0800am and after Flag break , an English breakfast followed. All were instructed to start packing their equipment. At 1000am crafts were again on schedule while some of the leaders struk the tents. Lunch time again and cleaning of the area was done quickly as everyone, including mothers gave a helping hand to prepare for leaving.

Well, it was a very very good weekend, with good company. Mothers seemed to have enjoyed the camp as much as the cubs themselves. Thanks to everyone for making this weekend memorable.

Read Mrs Testa & her son's experience