Akela 2016 kicks off today! Who are the volunteers behind the scene that are making this fabulous event happen? Ian Fell volunteers with the 1st Horizon and 1st Strubens Valley Cub Packs. As one of the Sub Camp Chiefs for Akela 2016 he is very excited!
SSA: How long have you been involved in the Scouting Movement?
I have been involved since 2009.
SSA: Why did you join the Cubbing branch?
I wanted to get my kids into Cubs. I was asked to go into uniform, I thought I would give it a bash and got hooked. It is the best thing that ever happened to me!
SSA: Name one of the most meaningful memories you have of your time in Cubbing?
Wow. So many. I had a special Cub and it took 6 weeks to teach him the Figure of Eight knot. His excitement and his joy when he ran off to show his mom when he did get it right nearly made me blubber like a big girl.
SSA: What drives you to be of service to children?
I never planned to do this and I would be the first to admit that I am not Mother Theresa but being part of the kids and the adults who are involved in Cubs and Scouts has changed my and my family’s lives. I get out so much more than I put in that it makes it pretty easy to keep going.
SSA: What is the nicest thing a Cub has ever said to you?
“And where were you last week???”
SSA: What makes a good Akela / Pack Scouter?
There are so many different requirements but I would try and summarize it as one who knows that it is about the kids and not themselves.
SSA: What are you personally looking forward to for Akela 2016?
Helping the school, being with all the amazing people who give of themselves for the kids, hopefully getting to “cause some chaos”.
SSA: What do you hope Akela 2016 achieves?
Helping those we have targeted and helping at least one person remember that what they do is really worth it.
SSA: Lastly, we asked 100 Cubs what the weirdest thing is that they have eaten whilst on a camp. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten outdoors?
I will generally try anything. But if you mean specifically outdoors then I would guess ants and termites on one of the first hikes I attended with the kids. I have also eaten locusts and the South African “delicacy” – Mopani worms.