SIXTY FOUR CUB SCOUTS AND SCOUTS ON THE RIVER!

Cub Scouts and Scouts from Stroud and Tetbury District took to the Water at the Scout Water Activities Centre at Longridge for three days of activities during the May school holidays.

Although the river was very high (and still rising) due to the heavy rains that had fallen, the group was still able to enjoy a range of water and land based activities including kayaking and raft-building, river launches, the new climbing wall and high ropes activities and many more.

Scouts from Nailsworth took to the hills to complete either training or accessed expeditions for the Scout Expedition Challenge Badge. During the weekend they experienced all sorts of weather from heavy rain and strong winds to glorious sun-shine. While walking to the North end of the Malvern Hills they stood on 24 of the 26 summits of the range. The environmentally away Scouts used public transport to get to/from the start/finish of their backpacking adventure.  They set off by train on Friday night from Stroud and then caught a bus to the South end of the Malvern Hills.  Returning by train from Malvern on Sunday afternoon.

SCOUTS FROM ACROSS THE UK ACCEPT THE MALVERN CHALLENGE

Over 3000 Scouts from across the UK accepted took part in the Malvern Challenge event organised by Cheltenham District at the end of June.  From the time the young people arrived they enjoyed a non-stop programme of activities - starting with a huge party on Friday night, including live bands, guest DJ’s and a disco. On Saturday a challenge hike of seven miles will included many stops along the way to take part in a variety of activities including abseiling a rock face, timed obstacle course, team-puzzles, a climbing wall, sports,

laser clay pigeon shooting and many more. Sunday morning presents the young people with another huge choice of activities to take part in and these will include crafts, juggling workshops; go-kart driving; gladiator games; skill tests, t-shirt printing, shows and arena events and music throughout the morning to keep everyone entertained. The Cotswold Challenge, for 15 to 18-year-olds, was won by the Cotswold Vale Explorer Scouts and the Orcas Explorer Scouts from Dorset walked off with the Malvern Challenge title for younger Scouts.