ALTHOUGH divided into World Cup country groups, the 300 youngsters who gathered at Rue Mainguy at the weekend were united in celebration as they marked a double Scouting anniversary. ‘It’s the annual Cub camp but this year both Beavers and Cubs are celebrating birthdays – Beavers are 20 and Cubs are 90 years old,’ said assistant Bailiwick commissioner Wendy James.

The children, aged between six and 10-and-a-half, assembled in their 10 packs and colonies. Each group was given the name of a World Cup country – excluding England and Germany, to limit rivalry.

They found out about the culture and traditions of that country, as well as representing it in a six-a-side competition on Saturday morning.

The youngsters took part in a variety of World Cup country-themed games, such as boomerang throwing for Australia, doughnut eating for America, making Mardi Gras masks for Brazil and origami for Japan. They also tackled an obstacle course, and the Cubs camped overnight, with some of the Beavers staying indoors at the site hut.

Bailiwick commissioner Richard Leale said the weekend was an excellent and fun way to bring the youngsters together.

‘It teaches the kids something and teaches them to get on with each other. That is very important: it teaches them tolerance of other people.’

The 1st Guernsey pack became Brazil for the occasion.

‘We had to make a giant flag and find out stuff about Brazil,’ said group member and Vauvert pupil Liam Upton, 10.

Nine-year-old St Mary and St Michael pupil Ali Higgins became French for the weekend as a member of the 10th Guernsey group.

Despite her team not succeeding at campsite football, she enjoyed herself. ‘It was sad that we lost, but good that we took part.’

Mitchell Smith, 10, was with the 5th St Paul’s Church group, also known as Argentina. He said camping at such a large site was excellent.

The event also played host to the Carrot Roadshow – an exclusive Scout and Guide group experience operated by touring entertainer Phil Atkinson, who played music, ran quizzes and organised games and competitions throughout the weekend.

‘He is your old-fashioned all-round children’s entertainer,’ said Mr Leale.

The camp ended on Sunday with a themed service, at which each group gave a brief overview of their chosen country’s culture before the camp was packed up in time for the real World Cup Final.