The Boy recently took part in the Scout’s District Incident Night Hike.  A couple of weeks ago I had no idea what an incident hike was; now I am better informed.  An incident hike is a hike that has various activities during the hike to develop leadership, teamwork, attitude, etc.  Throw in to the equation that the hike takes place at night (with a dark sky heavy with rain clouds and not even a glimpse of moonlight), then it makes it just a little more challenging.

As I was reading a story to the Littlest and putting her to bed, the Boy was getting all his kit together.  Outside was pitch black and wet.  Not really a night to go out in.  Unless of course you’re a hardy scout.   Dressed in his wet weather gear and hiking boots, armed with torches, spare batteries, rucksack, sleeping bag, towel and dry clothes, I waved farewell to the Boy as he embarked on his nighttime adventure.  Going to sleep in our dry, warm bed later that night,  we could hear the rain beating down outside – was this really such a great idea??

The Boy was in a team with 3 other scouts representing the 2nd Andover Sea Scouts.  Their team leader was chosen and the rest of the team worked fantastically well together.  The Boy’s favourite challenge took place in an unknown wooded area where the whole team was blindfolded and had to find their way by holding the rope (and each other) that had been strung through the trees.  The Boy was at the front for this and said that it felt as though he had tripped over every root and rock and walked into every tree – but he still loves it!  The challenge was obviously about trust as well as teamwork.  Overall their team were awarded the top score and therefore won the shield.

Father of the Tribe collected him from the scout hut the following morning and brought home a happy, tired scout with a bag full of muddy kit.  Very proud of all the boys and 2nd Andover Sea Scouts.