SCOUT INCIDENT NIGHT HIKE CHALLENGE ….

Report by Jonathan B, Scout…..

On the 13^th November, Woking District Scouts held an incident night hike. This involved walking around in the dark going to bases to complete tasks. Some of these tasks included a taste test, building a stretcher, building the tallest Jenga tower and much more. There was also a competitive side to this. Depending on how well you completed the challenges you were given a certain number of points. The team with the most points at the end would be the winners.

When I arrived, I was instructed to find my troop and sort ourselves into our predetermined groups. For 1^st Knaphill we were separated into two groups Team 1 and Team 2. I was put into Team 2 with James S, Steffan, Alex , Edison and Joshua S.. Once the group leaders were given extra kit (First aid, whistle, compasses, etc.), we went to check our group in. To check in were guided to a tent where we were given a map, Team letter (name) and a base to start. We were told to start on base 1 working our way round all the way up to base 21.

There were definitely a few standout bases which I really enjoyed. Base 5 was one of my favourites. It was a blindfolded taste test. I found this especially fun as it was very different to many other challenges. It was difficult as you lost your sense of sight meaning you had to rely on smell and taste. I felt like our group did quite well on that base though. Another one of my favourite tasks was base 6 (above). The way that this station worked is that the group was separated in half with 3 people going along a path to a morse code machine. The other 3 people would ask questions on a radio and the others would have to give the answer in morse code. I think that this one was particularly challenging as we had to read the light very quickly and translate it at the same time. It was also difficult to communicate, but it was fun in a challenging way.

Doing the activities were good challenges, they were fun and engaging to work on as they were a great way to help improve problem solving and collaboration. It was also a great way for people to communicate with each other. I would really recommend it. In my opinion it was great fun and anyone who gets the opportunity should take it. Thank you to all of the leaders and volunteers that put lots of time and effort helping make the evening as fun as possible. It was a great evening and I would do it again.

Photo below:  Communicating in Morse Code