Scouts turn junk into shelter

Scouts in Watton have been turning old junk into life-saving shelters, as part of a charity challenge.

Scouts in Watton have been turning old junk into life-saving shelters, as part of a charity challenge.

Wayland Cubs and Scouts are taking part in a series of challenges to mark the 10th anniversary of Shelter Box, the Emergency Aid Charity, along with other Cubs and Scouts across the country.

June's challenge included building a shelter form any type of material. Wayland Cubs and Scouts used junk including boxes, plastic sheeting and cardboard tubes to build makeshift shelters that had to be big enough to fit their troop or Six in.

They then visited Thetford Forest to do the same with natural materials. Combining the visit with a two mile hike and a picnic, the Eagle and Wolves Patrols joined forces with the Cubs to build two shelters that could fit the whole team in. They used fallen branches and materials found lying in the forest.

All of the Cubs and Scouts enjoyed learning to create a shelter, which was meant to provide protection from the wind, rain and also sun.

The activities are designed to make them aware of their surroundings and also show how simple skills can make a big difference in an emergency. It also helps they realise how lucky we are compared to others and discover more about what the Shelter Box charity does.

On Sunday the Cubs and Scouts were able to see a real Shelter Box tent as part of the Watton Carnival Parade. After marching in the parade they all helped man the Wayland Scout Group stand promoting Scouting in the town.