🐿️ Minis Day at Chamboree 2026

The schedule below follows the successful structure used at previous Chamboree Minis events.

This timetable allows plenty of activity time while also making the day predictable and easy to manage for younger sections.

One of the highlights of the day will be a special circus show in the Big Top, just for Minis.

This is the perfect start to the day because it:

• Gives everyone time to settle after arriving

• Creates a shared experience for all Minis

• Gets everyone excited for the adventures ahead

Expect plenty of laughs, audience participation and impressive circus skills.

After the circus, groups will move into the Discover Zone, Chamboree’s Skills for Life area.

To make the day easier for younger participants:

• Minis do not need to travel ALL across the campsite
• Activities from other zones will be brought into Discover, Thrive, Explore and Excel on the field behind the main stage
• Experiences are designed to be age appropriate and quick to join

⚠️ The activity list below is indicative and may change as planning develops.

🌟 EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES

🧗 Adventure

• Climbing
  Scale a climbing wall with safety ropes and trained instructors.
• Bouldering
  Low level climbing challenges that build balance and confidence.
• Caving
  Explore a fun crawl through a simulated cave adventure.
• Orienteering
  Simple map challenges to find hidden markers.

🔧 Skills for Life

• Rope making
  Twist fibres together to create a strong rope.
• Mini pioneering
  Build small structures using poles and rope.
• Clay modelling
  Create animals or sculptures from natural clay.
• Pyrography (wood branding)
  Decorate wood using safe heated tools.
• Henna art
  Traditional decorative designs applied to hands.

🚴 Sport & Movement

• BMX bikes
  Ride small BMX bikes on a simple course.
• Grass skis
  Slide across grass using special training skis.
• Sack racing
  The classic hopping race everyone enjoys.
• Mop hockey
  A very silly but very fun team sport.
• Space Hopper Grand National
  Bounce your way to the finish line.

🏀 Unusual Sports

• Inflatable 4-person basketball
  Teamwork challenge with giant inflatable hoops.
• Boccia
  A precision ball game similar to bowls.
• Padel / Pickleball
  Easy racket sports great for beginners.
• Pillow bash
  Balance and battle using soft padded beams.
• Walking tubes
  Step together inside giant rolling cylinders.

🏹 Target Activities

• Plastic axe throwing
  Lightweight foam axes aimed at targets.
• Archery
  Beginner friendly bows and arrows.

🔬 Discovery & Creativity

• Science experiments
  Hands on experiments to spark curiosity.
• Craft activities
  Creative projects young people can take home.

🌍 Culture & Wellbeing

• African drumming
  Learn energetic rhythms and beats.
• Yoga
  Calm stretching and movement sessions.

Where possible, Minis leadership team should arrange to pair up with groups from their district who are already camping at Chamboree and eat lunch together on their campsite.

This helps younger participants:

• Feel part of the wider camp

• Spend time with familiar local groups

• Experience the atmosphere of a campsite

Leaders are free to arrange catering between themselves. For example:

• Minis bringing packed lunches

• Being catered for by the host group

Picnic Option

If pairing groups proves difficult we will provide a central picnic area, likely:

• The campfire circle, or

• An indoor alternative if the weather requires it

In the afternoon Minis will join the whole Chamboree camp for Scoutchella, our festival style arena event.

Expect:

• Live bands and music

• Stage entertainment

• A Chester Zoo Ranger “Poo Party” show

• Character meet and selfie opportunities

• Lots of festival atmosphere

This is always one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Beaver groups who wish to extend the experience may camp on site the night before the Minis day.

Tuesday Evening

• Beavers arrive on site with their leaders.

• Campsites set up and groups settle in.

• Parents and non-campers depart by 20:30.

This gives Beavers the chance to:

• Experience their first Chamboree campover

• Enjoy a relaxed start to the Minis programme the next morning

• Join the other Minis activities from the beginning of the day.

Further details about camping arrangements will be shared directly with participating Beaver leaders.

The programme has been designed so no specialist equipment is required.

Leaders should use their own judgement when considering the kit list for their Minis and when communicating to parents.

A good starter for 10 kit list might look like:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing – suitable for the weather forecast

• Appropriate footwear for the Cheshire Show ground site.

• Packed lunch (unless catered for with your groups)

• Water bottle

• Sun hat, sun cream or waterproof depending on weather

Activities will not require spare clothes or special kit.