The Scouts took on the Outdoor Challenge during the last weekend of September. This challenge is essential for those Scouts wanting to attempt the Chief Scout Gold Award.

Fifteen Scout took up this challenge along with three other who tackled the more demanding Outdoor Plus Challenge. I am delighted to say that everyone met the challenge and obtained the badge.

We started off by pitching our dome tents in the dark, about 8:00, at Phasels Wood. Once complete, we settled down to the traditional hot dogs and managed to get to bed by midnight but as usual, it was later before everyone settle down to sleep.

The Scouts had to cook on at least two different types of stoves during the weekend. Saturday breakfast was cooked on gas and Sunday breakfast on a mentholated spirit stove called a Trangia. Saturday evening meal was cooked on an open fire. I was impressed by the quality and taste of all the meals the Scouts produced.

Axe and knife was covered in a roped off area at the back of the camp, followed by crate stacking. This way a fantastic activity which involved one of the lads being placed in a harness and asked to climb on an every increasing pile of crates. The record was 18 high before total collapse.

However the harness was attached to an inertia clamp, which let the climber down slowly.

A camp fire occupied us on Saturday evening and most disappeared relatively early to bed.

Sunday started off badly with heavy rain, but improved as the day progressed. At lunch time we tackled potholing. Well done to all those that had a go. (Even Nick and Brian ... who some said could not fit through the smaller pipes!!)

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