The term got off to a busy start with SPLASH in September, the weekend was spent learning to sail and kayak. Good weather meant we didn’t mind getting wet!
Our next challenge was an evening spent gliding as guests of the Trent Valley Gliding Club, followed by five members of the unit setting off on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in the Lincolnshire Wolds the next day. Again we were blessed with warm weather, and after two days and an overnight camp the assessor was very impressed and they all passed.
In October, members of the unit took part in a Rabbit Run - a night navigation exercise and competition. We entered two teams and both of them completed the course, with one team arriving back at 3.44am, just one minute before disqualification!
November saw the unit take part in the Remembrance Parade at Caistor as well as attending the Chiller Camp at Walesby. We had to cope with gales and sub-zero temperatures, and took part in a range of activities including a high ropes course, air rifle shooting and a cave maze.
In December Viking Explorers traveled by train to London to stay for a weekend at Gilwell Park. We visited the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, the Imperial War Museum and Hamleys toy shop. Unfortunately we didn’t get our trip over the Thames on the cable car due to high winds. Back at Gilwell after a yummy tea we tackled the high ropes course. On the Sunday morning we invested our newest member, James, at Kings Cross Station. Two of our meetings have been spent fund-raising, with a BBQ stall at the Caistor Christmas lights switch-on and an internationally themed quiz night.
We have also presented 4 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards and 3 Platinum Chief Scout Awards.
Planning is now underway for a Silver D of E expedition by bike, with another group starting their Bronze Award, and a summer camp.
We meet in Caistor on most Friday evenings, 7 to 9pm and have a full programme organised for the coming months.