The Explorers started the year with the Winter Activity Weekend along with other Explorer Scout Units in the District. We stayed on the south western edge of the Brecon Beacons, in Wales. The journey there was very wet and windy, which didn’t much change over the whole weekend! On Saturday four groups went out walking and all went up Pen-yfan, the highest peak in South Wales, covering distances of between 11 and 15km. This was a very wet walk which everyone enjoyed nonetheless. On the Sunday we visited a Silica Cave nearby. Despite relentless rain, all who went had a great time and learned a great deal. Other activities this term included building a trebuchet, a medieval catapult used in sieges. This was great fun seeing how far we could throw the missile. We also did some shooting at Surbiton Gun Club using .22 guns and had a wide game in Arbrook Common. We are busy preparing for Easter as we hope to run some D of E Expeditions over the four days in Dartmoor. We are looking forward to drier outdoor activities in the summer. This year’s summer expedition is to North West Scotland where we have hired a bothy for 10 days. It’s very basic (it has no electricity and we have to collect our own wood in for the fire) which is what we like. On a lighter note, I am informed it does keep the midges out!!

The Explorers have been busy over the last few months. The Gang Show was enjoyable, although the rehearsals were a struggle! We won the Explorer Section in the District Cross Country Run and came 9th in the County Night Challenge – one of only 12 teams out of 40 to complete the 15km route. At the Group Activity Weekend we camped under the old parachute, which keeps some of the rain out...but not all (and we had some!). While there we made a charcoal in an old oil drum. This process takes about a day and a half. We also carved out spoons to eat with. Other activities have included orienteering at Newlands Corner, Cycling at Leith Hill, Volleyball with the Rangers and making nettle tea. We began taking part in the 100 Shoot Challenge – a county shooting competition run over the year. One weekend we camped with the group at Walton Firs at the District Centenary Camp. The Explorer all enjoyed the weekend. We are now looking forward to our trip to Adleboden in Switzerland for our Summer Expedition. We wish Alex Ackland a great and enjoyable time at the World Jamboree in Essex. He is part of the Surrey contingent. Also James Major & Ben Fox will be there as part of the support staff which helps makes the Jamboree run smoothly. We will look forward to hearing from them when they come back.