In late April, nearly thirty Scouts from the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group completed their expedition challenge. This is one of the nine challenge badges that are needed to complete the Chief Scout’s Gold Award, the highest award available to a Scout.
They met up on a damp Saturday morning with backpacks full of kit for a one night overnight camp, were broken in small groups and given various eight mile routes to follow between Haresfield Hill and Cranham Scout Centre. For many, this was the culmination of their skills development since their Scouting journey began, needing map and compass skills, resilience, team working and leadership as they completed the hike unaided. For the leaders, they had to walk the routes previously to ensure there were no obvious hazards and position themselves at checkpoints to count them in and count them out again. No one got lost but some did perhaps take the “pretty route” and have their own personal adventure. A special mention to two members who decided to cycle nearly 40 miles from Bradley Stoke to the campsite as their own personal challenge, showing the confidence developed over many years of Scouting.
Cranham Scout Centre was a relief for all and a very beautiful site. Tents were quickly raised and dinner made in traditional billy cans. Whilst the leaders planned a campfire, a light drizzle and tired feet meant an early night for most.
After breakfast they hiked some more, taking a much shorter and circular route back to camp but again using skills from the previous day. Following lunch, dropping the tents and checking the campsite was as we found it, there was time for an afternoon of activities before parents came to pick up very tired Scouts.
Inspired? The group is always looking for more leaders to prepare our young people as they develop skills for life. For more information, have a look at the group’s website at www.bradley-stoke-scouts.org.uk
