On Saturday 3 October 2026, two teams from Shackleton Explorer Scout Unit took on the challenge of the Downsman Hike, one of the South East’s toughest Scout hiking events. The event includes routes across the South Downs, with the most demanding classes covering up to 55 miles from Bignor Hill to Eastbourne. Class E Finishers One of our teams entered Class E, a challenging 38-mile route from Steyning Bowl to Eastbourne designed for experienced Explorer Scouts. Teams of four work together throughout the event, demonstrating navigation, endurance and teamwork skills. Despite the demanding conditions, the team successfully completed the course …

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At Monday’s meeting, Shackleton Explorer Scouts put their teamwork, problem-solving and cooking skills to the test in our exciting Secret Kitchen Challenge. The challenge saw teams split into two separate groups, with one important rule: once the cooking began, they were not allowed to communicate with each other. One group would start preparing a mystery dish before handing over to their teammates, who then had to work out what was being cooked and continue the recipe using only the clues left behind. To make things even more challenging, each workstation contained a selection of extra “red herring” ingredients designed to …

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Explorers from Shackleton ESU enjoyed an energetic evening at Hazelwick School on Monday, swapping the usual meeting hall activities for some friendly competition on the badminton courts and table tennis tables. The evening was split between badminton and table tennis, giving everyone the chance to test their skills, learn new techniques, and take part in plenty of fast-paced matches. With multiple courts and tables available, Explorers were able to keep active throughout the session, challenging friends in singles and doubles games while improving their coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The badminton courts were busy all evening, with rallies becoming increasingly competitive …

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Congratulations to all members who took part in this year’s Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions in the Peak District. We’re delighted to announce that all three teams, including our two qualifying teams and our practice team, successfully passed their expeditions following an outstanding 4 days of challenge, adventure and achievement. Based at Gradbach Scout Camp, participants completed demanding routes across some of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes, including Kinder Scout, Hen Cloud, The Roaches, and the hills surrounding Buxton. Throughout the expedition, teams demonstrated the resilience, determination and teamwork that are at the heart of the Gold DofE …

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Last night, members of Shackleton Explorer Scout Unit enjoyed an exciting evening at Copthorne Prep School, taking part in climbing, abseiling and bouldering activities. Explorers tackled a variety of climbing routes, challenging themselves both physically and mentally while developing confidence, balance and coordination. The session encouraged participants to communicate effectively, support one another and show determination when faced with more difficult climbs. During the abseiling activity, Explorers learned to trust their equipment and apply the correct techniques to descend the wall safely. Stepping over the edge for the first time was a significant achievement for many, helping to build self-belief …

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Shackleton Explorer Scout Unit met at Stanford Scout Campsite last night for an evening of planned outdoor activities. The unit split into two groups. One group took part in archery, working on shooting technique and target accuracy under supervision. The second group completed tomahawk throwing, focusing on safe handling and basic throwing skills. They will swap next week so that all Explorers have the opportunity to take part in both activities. Weather conditions remained dry throughout the evening!