Hundreds of Cubs. One epic weekend.

With visitors from Scouting Ireland and Scotland, it was one of the biggest Cub events Northern Ireland has seen in recent years. And it showed what Scouts does best – giving young people a place to belong and the chance to build skills for life.

A weekend where everyone belongs

From the moment Cubs arrived, the energy was clear.

The opening ceremony brought everyone together – a powerful reminder that Scouts is a community built on welcome, inclusion and teamwork. Cubs were piped in by Cameron Beggs before parading with their Packs, flags and handmade wolf heads.

Across four Sub Camps, Cubs didn’t just take part – they helped shape the experience. They created, led and shared, showing how young people grow when they feel they belong.

Getting stuck into adventure

Saturday started early (thanks to a few seagulls!) and the adventure didn’t stop.

Cubs threw themselves into activities across the site, including:

• abseiling
• grass sledging
• slacklining
• obstacle courses

They learned new outdoor skills too:

• lighting fires
• using Kelly kettles
• backwoods cooking

It was all about trying something new, working together and building confidence – the kind of experiences that help young people grow and thrive.

In the Temple Zone, Cubs tackled team challenges like orienteering, Nerf battles and problem-solving games – learning how to think on their feet and work as a team.

Over in the River Zone, things got messy (and very wet). Water games, rockets and challenges brought laughter, teamwork and unforgettable moments.

Young people leading the fun

Saturday evening’s charity fayre was a highlight – and it was led by the Cubs themselves.

Each Pack created fairground-style games, including:

• s’mores and food stalls
• welly throwing
• racing games
• archery
• sponge “dunk tank” leader targets

Cubs took the lead, welcomed others in and made it fun for everyone – a great example of young people shaping their own adventure and building confidence along the way.

Campfire, connection and confidence

As the sun went down, everyone came together for the campfire.

Led by Colin Clenahan, it was full of songs, laughter and shared moments. These are the times that matter – making friends, feeling part of something and building confidence just by being yourself.

By Sunday morning, after a well-earned sleep, Cubs were ready to go again.

Celebrating achievements

A proud moment came as Cubs were presented with their Chief Scout’s Silver Awards.

It was a chance to recognise their effort, determination and everything they’ve learned — not just badges, but confidence, teamwork and resilience.

A special presentation also saw Paul Meikle awarded the Bar to the Silver Acorn for outstanding service to Scouts — right in the middle of the action, where belonging, volunteering and community come to life.

(And yes… the yellow tutu made an impression!)

Stronger together

The weekend showed something bigger than just activities.

It showed young people:

• making friends
• trying new things
• feeling confident to take part
• and being part of a community

That’s what Scouts is all about – creating spaces where young people feel safe, included and able to be themselves.

A weekend to remember

With sunshine across the weekend, many Packs finished with a walk along Crawfordsburn Beach – still wearing their Cub Jam t-shirts and sharing stories with their families.

It was a small moment, but it said everything.

Cubs laughing together.
Cubs sharing stories.
Cubs feeling like they belong.

Thank you

A huge thank you to everyone who made Cub Jam 110 happen:

• Sub Camp Chiefs
• activity teams
• volunteers and supporters
• Crawfordsburn staff
• and every leader who gave their time

Special thanks to:

• Aidan Devine
• Anna Graham
• Zack Fleck
• Eoin McKernan

What’s next?

Next up is the Northern Ireland Cub Football Finals on 6 June in Cookstown.

And planning is already underway for more adventures – including an overnight experience at W5 in October 2026.

– Georgie Huston (Cub Team Lead)

View photo slideshow here: CubJam 110 Slideshow