A Cuboree is a standing camp, usually run on a state-wide basis.
For example, The 3rd NSW Cuboree was held at Sydney Olympic Park for 5 days/4 nights in October 2007, and the next one will be at Cataract Scout Camp in January 2011.
Cuboree is the cubbing equivalent of the Scouts' Australian Jamboree. In 2007 one we had about 1500 cubs and probably 500 leaders and helpers.
Cuboree is like a very, very large pack/district camp, but with someone else planning it all, as well as organising and running all the activities. Sure, you probably have to spend a day setting up all the tents(especially if they are Cottage tents) and other gear, and then packing and trucking it all back to the storage halls etc at the end, but overall the pressure of the programming is someone elses.
That of course leaves us with time to cook, run the pack (with about 36 cubs per "mega-pack"), get them to and from activities, send them off to bed several times, be woken during the night by noise and be woken at the crack-of-dawn because they awoke early - but, yes, it's a great time.
Cuboree is open to all cubs that have not yet turned 11 as of the end of the camp.
Scouts, Venturers, Rovers & Leaders can come along to assist. Scouts must be 14, have their Pioneer Badge and have attended a Scout Leadership Course.
Parents may also be able to come along as assistants (eg. as cooks etc).
Generally, on the first night we have an Opening Ceremony, with Closing Ceremony on the final night, (both have some entertainment included). In between are three days and 2 nights of fun & excitement. Activities may include crafts, games, sports adventure and challenges. Then on the final day we pack up and head home.
In addition to the Cuboree, you will need to attend a "practice" camp for a weekend (about Sept Oct usually) with your Mega-pack. This is known as a "shake-down" camp, and is a chance for all cubs and leaders to meet each other before they get to Cuboree.
I was at the 2007 Cuboree as a line leader (camping with the pack, and looking after them much as I would do at a pack Holiday camp), so I was with the cubs the whole time. However in some roles, such as activity leader, the only time spent with the kids was during their time at the activity bases.
If you are thinking of helping at a Cuboree or Jamboree in any role, but are not sure whether you really want to - JUST DO IT - I can almost guarantee you will have a great time too.
I have included a Leader's information sheet (in Word format) which answers a few questions about Cuboree that leaders have asked.
As a guide for packs who have never been to a Cuboree before, here is an equipment list for a Mega-Pack
as well as some info on electric lighting for campsites.
For more information, contact your Region office, or see your State Scouts website