Explorer Scouts looking forward to 2024
So, as we enter the New Year, I thought it would be helpful to highlight a few of the bigger events on the Gravesham Explorer Scout calendar in the next 12 months. All these activities are open to all Explorers in Gravesham and in chronological order they are as follows:
WINTER SURVIVAL
This is reckoned to be the most challenging event for Kent Explorer Scouts, with the teams having to hike and be self-sufficient on a 40 plus mile route over a period of about 30 hours. Add to that the vagaries of the winter weather in February and it is not surprising that usually only 2 or 3 teams actually complete the whole route. In 2023, Gravesham entered 4 teams and in 2024 we have 5, so it looks like our Explorers are up for the challenge. This 2024 event is on the weekend of 9 to 11 the February and we’ll keep you
updated on their preparation.
EASTER HILLCRAFT
The application forms for this popular hillwalking week are out soon and Explorers (and Scouts) need to apply by the end of January. Base camp is Rydal Hall, situated in heart of the Lake District and this event at this venue has been run by Gravesham Scouts for more than half a century, with literally 100’s of Scouts & Explorers gaining their first experience of hillwalking every Easter. This year the camp runs from 29th March to 3rd April, so there could still be snow about to add to the challenge.
EXPLORER & SCOUT SERVICE CAMP
This Hopehill based camp on the last weekend in May (24 to 26 th ) brings together Scout and Explorers to give something back to our District Camp site. There will be a variety of service tasks to carry out and with our usual numbers we can make very visible progress on jobs at the site which require a lot of manpower to make them happen. In addition, the weather should be great for camping and we’ll also be throwing in the ever popular Laser Tag. Best of all there is no charge for this weekend!
COUNTY CLIMBING ACTIVITIES
In 2024, we plan to support the climbing activities organised by the Kent County Scouts Climbing Team. There are a couple of day sessions at Harrisons Rocks, near Tunbridge Wells on 9 th and 22 nd June and after these introductory days, there are two weekends in the Peak District in July (12 to 14 th ), and September (13 to 15 th ). This team are very experienced at introducing newcomers to the sport and it would be great to get a group of Explorers from Gravesham to do a day session on the sandstone in Kent, followed by a weekend on the gritstone in the Peaks to discover another outdoor skill to sit alongside hillwalking. We’ll be looking to get a climbing group together in the New Year.
SUMMER CAMP
After last year’s camp in Yorkshire, the venue this year is Dorset and as previously a busy programme of activities is being put in place. Full details will be out shortly, but it sounds like a camp not to be missed. Dates are 25 to 30 th July.
AUTUMN HILLCRAFT
This event at the October half-term is designed for newcomers to hillwalking and consequently, accommodation is in a Bunkhouse, rather than a tent. You even get your food cooked for you!!! The 2024 venue is in North Snowdonia, so that promises some good, rugged walking. Bookings start around the middle of the year, so make sure you get in early as this trip sells out fast. The dates are from 31st October to 3rd November.
So, the Explorers have plenty of adventurous outdoor activities on the horizon, but there is much more going on in Explorer Scouting in Gravesham and we’ll let you have regular updates as it happens.
Dave Moesli
District Explorer Scout Commissioner
Explorer Scouts looking forward to 2024