Cubs100 throwback – highlights from an amazing year

2016 marked 100 years since Cub Scouts began. We celebrated with Cubs, with our Ambassadors, with celebrities, with the media and people across the UK. We look back on some highlights from a remarkable year of celebrations. 

The Cubs100 launch

Celebrations kicked off with a sleepover at the Bed Bugs experience at ZSL London Zoo. 

A birthday bash on the beach

8,000 Cubs throw the Wildest Beach Party Ever at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It was the first time in its 120-year history that the beach was closed to the public.

HM The Queen sends her wishes

Our Patron Her Majesty The Queen wrote a letter to Chief Scout Bear Grylls to wish (us) a happy birthday, saying: ‘For many years and through changing times, the Cub Scouts have allowed young people to develop their skills, embark on new adventures support their local communities and form friendships… As you reflect on your long history and look to the future, I have pleasure in sending my best wishes to all Cub Scouts, past and present, who will be celebrating this most special anniversary.’

Cubs100 Ambassador Steve Backshall celebrates with Cubs across the UK

Steve Backshall flies to five events from Croydon to Manchester. When talking about #Cubs100 Steve spoke about the skills young people learn at Scouts: ‘Scouting teaches so many young people the skills they need to succeed and gives them a real sense of adventure and achievement. And I’m so proud to be involved with such a fantastic cause.'

Bear Gryll’s launches ‘Bear in the Air’

Setting off with a helicopter tour from Cubjam at Gilwell Park, Bear launched the fantastic ‘Bear in the Air’. Through the year Bear called called for even more volunteers to get involved, saying: ‘I am so proud of all our Packs and all of the leaders who give them so much adventure every week. If you’re an adult and want to experience more adventure in your life, then join us and get involved as a volunteer helping out as a Cub Scout leader. Get ready for a fun, wild and empowering time!’

Adventure camps take place across the UK

Encouraging Cubs to try adventurous activities and spend time with friends away from home, adventure camps took place far and wide.

Cubs100 parliamentary event at Speaker’s House

MPs meet Cub Scouts from every region in the UK to learn about what Cub Scouting looks like today. During the year, we received birthday wishes from Prime Minister Theresa May herself. She said: ‘I am delighted to support the centenary of the Cub Scouts. Cub Scouting has given generations of younger boys and girls an introduction to the Scouting Movement, helping them acquire new skills, discover their talents and learn about the importance of doing your best to help others. We should be very proud of this British innovation, which has rightly spread around the world. Serving others is a fundamental part of how we build a society that works for everyone. So I also want to thank all the volunteers who make Cub Scouting possible. I wish all Cubs and their leaders a great centenary and plenty more fun and adventure over the next hundred years.’

The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton celebrates Cubs100

Joining Cubs in Norfolk, the Duchess ran activities with the Cubs and recited the Cub Scout Promise. The BBC covered this special visit too.

Royal Mail honours the occasion

Royal Mail stamps millions of post with the Cubs100 logo commemorating the centenary.

Sir David Attenborough sends his birthday wishes

Former Cub and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough said: ‘I remember my time as a Wolf Cub very well indeed. We learned a lot of useful things and had a great deal of fun. I hope you all do too!’

The UK (and the world) joins in the celebration

With amazing media coverage in both local and national press, the whole of the UK got the chance to celebrate with us. Cubs100 made an appearance on Good Morning Britain, on ITV, the BBC and Sky News.

Looking back at a brilliant year

We capture the laughs, friendship and celebration of #Cubs100 and round them all up on film. Relive the memories here:  

For even more wonderful memories, watch another celebration of #Cubs100 here.