What we cleaned up:
Vomit. Again. Outside the main door.
At this point, we’re considering installing a sign that says:
“Please do not deposit bodily fluids within a 5-metre radius of the building.”
Honestly, we don’t even ask who anymore.
We just sigh, grab the mop bucket, and move on with our lives.
Best excuse of the night:
“He was rude to me so I hit him!”
Delivered with the moral certainty of a High Court judge handing down a life sentence.
We launched into our now-weekly speech about kindness, respecting each other, and not solving disagreements with uppercuts.
He nodded earnestly and said, “Okay. Next time I’ll just shout.”
We’ll take the win.
Best moment:
One Cub ran in, eyes sparkling, and yelled at full volume:
“MY BEST FRIEND WANTS TO JOIN!!!”
You would’ve thought she’d announced world peace. Enter.. Best friend! And here it is.
We have twins from a family of asylum seekers. And I am over the moon.
Recruitment strategy?
Apparently just “one kid telling another kid this is the best hour of their life.”
Which, honestly, is probably more effective than anything the Scout Association has ever put in a PDF.
Tonight’s Theme: The Animal Carer Badge
We kicked off their chosen badge this week and despite our concerns the Cubs were actually fascinated.
We invited the local pet shop in to talk about animals:
- how to care for them
- what they eat
- how not to terrify them (we’ll see how that goes)
- why rats are clever
- why snakes do not belong in pockets
The Cubs were full of questions such as:
- “Can a goldfish learn my name?”
- “If I put my hamster on a drone, is that OK?”
- “Can a cat go camping?”
We avoided eye contact with the pet shop man during that last one.
And then… the surprise.
They only went and donated a RAT to the Pack. With a cage thing and everything we need for THE WHOLE LIFE OF THE RAT. Now, let’s think about this…
A real, live, extremely confident-looking rat.
This was not in the agenda.
This was not in the budget (it’s free!).
This was not in the risk assessment we made using a 2011 template we found on Google.
But here we are.
The kids screamed, some from joy, some from fear, one because “it looks like my cousin.”
The leaders exchanged that silent look of:
“Well… who’s taking this home then?”
One immediately said, “NOT ME.”
Another muttered, “My dog will eat it.”
Another whispered, “My landlord already hates me.”
Eventually, one heroic leader stepped forward to accept guardianship.
We shall never forget their (my) bravery.
We also now have to name the rat, which guarantees next week will descend into 25 minutes of shouting and possibly a fistfight over whether it should be called “Ratty,” “Sir Poo Poo Bum Bum ,” or “Mr Poop”.
The Real Impact Beneath the Chaos
It wasn’t just about animals tonight.
For some of our Cubs:
- They don’t have pets because pets cost money.
- They don’t have calm adults who explain things gently.
- They don’t get the chance to nurture anything except their own survival skills.
But tonight they learned:
- responsibility
- kindness
- empathy
- gentleness
- how small creatures need big care
In a community where many kids are expected to grow up too fast, Cubs gives them a place to grow up slowly and lovingly.
And now, with our unexpected Pack rat, they’ll get to learn a lot more.
(Even if the leaders are secretly hoping it doesn’t escape into the hall vents.)
Week Five Verdict
- Vomit cleaned: ✓
- Violence redirected: ✓
- New pet rat: ✓
- Cubs excited: ✓✓✓
This Pack is already changing lives, building friendships, and creating memories that are very on-brand for a council estate Cub group: messy, funny, unpredictable, and full of heart.
Next week:
Naming the rat.
Wish us luck.
Council Estate Cub Pack 