02 February 06 - 17:49Indomitable Explorer Scouts Artic Adventures

A group of 12 Explorer Scouts, together with 4 leaders from the newly formed Phoenix Explorer Scout Unit in Combe Down recently returned from their first trip away. The Explorers spent a weekend in the Black Mountains in South Wales getting to know each other and taking part in a range of adventurous activities. The unit stayed in a cottage high in the mountains complete with large wood burning stove, which provided a welcome refuge from the freezing conditions outside.

The first day was spent walking in the hills near the cottage. For some this was a first introduction to mountaineering, for others it was a chance to extend their skills walking independently in smaller groups. After a light dusting of snow the night before, the combination of clear blue skies and bright sunshine made for a perfect day. Once on the top of the mountains the Explorers found themselves in near artic conditions with winds giving temperatures of minus 20, adding to the challenge and adventure of the day.

After a hearty meal the Explorers spent the evening defrosting around the fire. The second day began with a trip to a local climbing centre where the Explorers tried their hand at climbing, bouldering, abseiling and caving, on the centres mix of walls and real rock faces. The weekend finished with the investiture of all the Explorers into the new unit, which like the majority of the weekends activities was undertaken in the hills above the cottage. All returned exhausted but with smiles on their face after an excellent weekend.

The Phoenix Explorer Unit is one of two Units in Bath and meets on Sunday Evenings, the other Unit Fusion meets on Thursdays . Both units are open to anyone aged between 14 and 18 offering a varied mix of activities at their evening meetings as well as camps and expeditions at weekends and during the holidays.

Scouting is open to anyone, what ever their age or background, if you are interested in joining a Unit or interested in another age range either as a young person or adult member please visit www.bathscouts.org.uk for more information and to contact us.

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