The sleepover was better than ever before. It's true. Thanks to the terrific leaders and helpers our beavers had an action packed wild west experience this weekend.

Our recent themed camp Kings of the Wild frontier was for the cubs, scouts and explorers, so here was the chance for the beavers to soak up the frontier spirit.

Our own beavers were joined by others from Wadhurst and Burwash. An awesome assembly of cowboys and indians arrived at the hut complete with bows and arrows and more six guns than the magnificent seven and the hole in the wall gang put together.

We made a full sized totem pole, native headgear and played tribal games before a cowboy supper of bangers and beans. Then came a stomping campfire to wake up all the neighbours.

News came in that a bear had escaped and kidnapped one of our helpers. The beavers picked up ropes and torches and headed off into the twilight to track down the dastardly bears before he ate Gerald (or worse made him sing country and western songs). The beavers found a long trail of footprints leading into a muddy waterhole. Brandishing their torches the bear was rattled but did not give Gerry back without might growling and shaking of trees.

The bear was no match for the beavers and was eventually captured and taken back to the hut. Our beavers were rewarded with hot chocolate and biscuits. Gerry survived the ordeal with only minor bear scratches and has since been returned to his family.

All the beavers managed to buddy up well and mixed themselves up in the tents that they had to sleep in at the hut.

The evening was taking its toll on some of the beavers who were drifting off to bed as Gill read a great story. It was not too long before all of them were tucked up for the night leaving the adults a treat of an indian, this time the edible variety from the local takeaway restaurant.

Amazingly everyone got some sleep and were wide awake for the first item of the day a huge treasure hunt for chocolate goodies around the nearby football field. Everyone managed to find something before returning to the hut for a fantastic american style breakfast with hash browns, bacon and scrambled eggs or eggs over easy if you preferred.

More gunslinging took place before the great 2 minute toothbrushing challenge.

We posed for pictures and suddenly the sleepover was over. It had whizzed by and all that was left was for the leaders to wave goodbye to the families as they set off for home.

Thank you Gill, Anthea, Claire Val, Dennis and Andy on catering. Thanks to Tania and Nicola especially for great singing at the campfire.

Thanks to Gerald, Paul and Steve for the bear hunt

Thanks to Steve and Mark for the late night food

Thanks to Mark and Gerald for the treasure hunt

Costumes by parents and beavers, totem by Paul.totem decorating by Gill.

No bears were hurt in the making of this sleepover and any names of bears have been left out to avoid embarrassment.

For pictures click here..