Downsman Hike

This year, we entered 2 teams into the annual Downsman Hike Competition. One team competed in Class E and one in Class B. Both teams completed the competition which is a first for Shackleton. A big congratulations to you all and hopefully it doesn’t take too long for them to fully recover! Class E – Joe, Nathan, Corey and Charlie Class E is suitable for Explorers with hiking experience. Total Route Distance 38 miles. With the rest sections, each person will hike less than the total distance Route Steyning Bowl to Eastbourne Start times Between 07:30 & 08:30 Time allowed …

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Inter-District West Sussex Shooting Competition

On Sunday 2nd October, West Sussex Scouts held their first inter-district Explorer shooting competition. 3 teams entered after a 4th had to withdraw at short notice. They took part in various events including 6yrd rifle and pistol, 10yrd rifle and pistol, crossbow and sprint and shoot. Congratulations to Crawley Scouts Team for scoring the highest combined score across all of the events which consisted of Freya, Olivia, Jack and Mirjam. We wish our team luck for the national championships in a few weeks time!

Silver D of E Qualifier Expedition

Congratulations to both of our groups who successfully completed their D of E expeditions in the New Forest this weekend. Walking around 60km over the 3 days, the teams also demonstrated teamwork, navigation skills and excellent camp craft. We had excellent weather and both teams actually looked like they were having fun most of the time!!! A few photos are below. It was more hard for the supervisors who spent the weekend visiting local cafes, eating ice cream and making new friends!! And one team had so much energy at the end they decided some slow motion action shots were …

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Kent Jamboree 2022

From 30th July to 6th August, 15 Explorers attended KIJ2022 with over 5000 other young people. Held at Kent County Showground, the Explorers were able to partake in a large variety of activities including: Assault Course Punch Wall Wackamole Giant Twister Wrecking ball Giant hungry hippos Bungie run Slack Line Zorbs Power Kites Quads Carts Cars 4×4 Microlight Climbing Bag jump Zip wire Abseiling Bouldering Boulder Cubes This was the first unit week long camp in over 5 years and everyone had lots of fun and many new friendships were made. A small selection of photos are available below although …

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D of E Bronze Expeditions

Congratulations to our two explorer teams who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze expeditions in Ashdown Forest this weekend in the heatwave! Both teams worked amazingly well with each other and the participants even had enough energy left to tackle the Blackland Farm assault course. The Duke of Edinburgh programme gives young people aged 14-24, the opportunity to develop themselves in scenarios they would not normally experience. The fun but challenging expeditions take young people out of their comfort zones, whilst building confidence, teamwork, life skills and friendships. If you interested in joining us, get in touch today.

Bronze D of E Practise Expedition

On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May 2022, 10 Explorers undertook their Bronze D of E Practise Expedition in Ashdown Forest. Setting off from Old Lodge, they headed North through the Five Hundred Acre Wood, visiting Pooh Sticks Bridge before heading through Newbridge towards Broadstone Warren. Both groups arrived in high spirits (although most had sore feet from the 18km hike!). After an evening in camp learning expedition camp craft, the teams both set off around Weir Wood Reservoir for the second day. Slightly slower and with slightly more limping, the two teams passed through the various checkpoints (without getting …

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Silver D of E Practise – New Forest

10 Explorers and 5 Leaders have just returned from the New Forest on a D of E practise expedition. Both teams successfully completed the three day expedition during which we had beautiful (if slightly cold) weather. We stayed at Ferny Crofts Campsite and Long Meadow Campsite which gave a varied experience. Well done to both teams and heres to the assessed expedition in August.

Jan 2022 to April 2022 Programme

Happy New Year! A new term means a new programme which we are pleased to share below. All meetings are subject to change based on COVID restrictions but these will be emailed out as needed. If your interested in joining us, please get in touch! Date Activity Location Other Details 03/01/2022 No Meeting N/A N/A 10/01/2022 Trading Post 4th Worth Uniform 17/01/2022 Crossbows / D of E Routes 4th Worth Uniform & Warm Clothing 23/01/2022 Crossbows / D of E Routes 4th Worth Uniform & Warm Clothing 31/01/2022 Mental Health Awareness 4th Worth Guest Facilitator – Uniform 07/02/2022 Hunted TBC …

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Autumn Mountain Activity Weekend

3 members of Shackleton joined Drake on their mountain activity weekend in the Peak District this weekend for a fantastic trip. Arriving late on Friday to Gradbach campsite in thick fog, the weather didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves. On Saturday we split into 2 groups, one climbing at the Roaches in the morning whilst the other group went on a hike, and swapping activities for the afternoon. On the Sunday we again split into 2 groups, one tackling an arduous route from Edale, following the Pennine Way up Jacobs Ladder and on to Kinder Low before visiting Kinder downfall …

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Explorer Camp

This weekend Stanford Campsite hosted Shackleton Explorers and our summer ’18 activity camp. Not only did we have fantastic weather, but a great programme which included clay pigeon shooting, a hike, rock climbing, and a campfire! Also a great chance for new members to get to know the unit and learn more about the Explorer section.

Young people first: Safeguarding and Safety in Scouting

Wherever we go and whatever we do, we put young people’s safety and wellbeing first. Here's how.