24/11/2024
Since we stood up in July 2024, the Sharks have been very busy.
We are working very closely with Ashby Vikings ESU and gained several friends along the way.
Our first challenge was to build a raft at Daventry reservoir and race other explorer teams around a course through several heats. Some swimming was carried out that afternoon!
We started our first "big expedition" with a trip to London to play Monopoly Live, a national event organised by Scouts UK.
Playing monopoly for real was an eye opening challenge for the explorers. Planning a route from our start point, navigating the streets and tube stations, Geo locating the markers to buy or rent a location, managing funds and completing challenges along the way.
Every single one of the team made their way round, looking for markers and following clues, taking in the sights and above all enjoying every second and laughing as they ran around London to place a very very respectable fourth place.
Our next big adventure was a weekend camping at Spotley Woods.
The weather was the very opposite to the explorers attitude and mood. Cold, wet, windy and miserable. Thankfully this was offset by the laughing, fun, warm fire (and chocolate bananas) from the explorers. With the added bonus none of their tents flooded or blew away!!
The explorers have also taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award. Completing the set challenges, volunteering as young leaders to support, guide and mentor the Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs from 2nd Braunston Scouts carried out two navigation Hikes and Camps to complete their awards.
The latest challenge was a Star Trek Hike, This was an 8 mile night hike around a local route with many checkpoints that involved a five minute challenge. Ever made a paper airplane blind folded that had to fly? or even tried to send a message in Morse code? Each checkpoints challenge gave or deducted points for set criteria with the team with the most points being awarded a shield to hold for one year.
In between these activities, they have also worked very closely with Ashby Vikings Explorer Unit to carry out first aid training, Leather working and paracord woggle making. All the while increasing their social skills, hand skills and life skills.
The upcoming challenges for the next term include,
Brass Monkeys camp in February. This is in support of the homeless and will involve a night out without tents! Hence the name.
Blackwell court camp. A very good fun camp with activities including high ropes, fan descender and a very very long and high zip wire.
Monopoly Live 2025. Aiming to improve on last year and have even more fun!
DofE bronze and silver expeditions.
And the most important part, to have even more fun than we have already.
