GRAVESHAM EXPLORERS READY FOR WINTER SURVIVAL
With just a week to go before the toughest Scout event in Kent, the 4 Explorer Scout teams from Gravesham have just completed their final practise in readiness for Winter Survival. The event takes place next weekend (9/10th February) over a 40 plus mile route “somewhere in Kent”. In fact the Explorers do not know where the event is taking place until early on the Friday evening when the teams receive a phone call telling them where basecamp is sited. Once they are enroute that have to survive unassisted for the next 30 or so hours, with the minimum of sleep and no tents. It is a great challenge, but careful planning and navigation practise do make the it a bit easier and build confidence.
The 4 Gravesham teams consist of Explorers from all District units and are allocated names by the organisers. The teams are:
Alpha One: Callum Fooks, Oliver Bramble, Lewis Underwood & Harry Jesshop (all Sputnik)
Alpha Two: Jack Williams, Morgan Wade (both Kipling), Dan Hofford (Phoenix) & Logan Freeman (Apollo)
India Two: Ben Woodgate, Ember Vincent & Megan Jones (all Kipling)
Juliet Two: John Behr, Alif Khan (both Sputnik), Daisy Drewett (Apollo) & Toby Chapman (Kipling)
At the final practise hike on the Friday evening of District Winter Camp the teams enjoyed good conditions with the footpaths less muddy than earlier in the year and it was so warm some of the Explorers were only wearing T shirts!
I’m sure everyone in the District wishes them all the best for next weekend and hopefully a memorable experience.
Dave Moesli
District Explorer Scout Commisioner
GRAVESHAM EXPLORERS READY FOR WINTER SURVIVAL