1stSwindonSea Scouts

"Sailing to a better future"

The Wick

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Haydon Wick

Swindon


Malvern Challenge 28th – 30th June 2013

Dear Parents, Guardians & Scouts,

This weekend is for Scouts and Guides to participate in a national event where the emphasis is on having fun and working together - all at reasonable cost.

VENUE - Rushbury Court Farm, Cleeve Hill, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Postal Code: GL54 5AE. Grid Ref: SO 991 280

Friday Night

Friday evening is when it all starts with the Headline bands in the main barn, a Guest DJ's, disco, dancers. Once you arrive your leader will come straight to control and book you in for the weekend while you put up your tents. Once your leader has booked you in, you will spend the rest of the evening in the Barn at the Party where bands will headline the evening along with a disco and entertainment. Throughout the evening we will be serving soup and a roll. Please ensure that when you hit the pit you keep the noise levels down. Scouts and Guides should be in their own tents!

Saturday

Breakfast will be served from 7:30 am,you can start queuing when instructed over the PA, remember there will be over 2000 to be served so please be patient. Following a kit check and a quick briefing the start of the Malvern Challenge will get underway from 9.00a.m onwards. This year they are having two starts to allow checkpoints to open longer to avoid queues. You will need to collect your packed lunch before you leave the site. Don’t forget to take drink and sun cream with you. It will be very hot and sunny this year??

Malvern Challenge

There are patrol activities aimed to test the whole patrol's aptitude, participation and Scouting / Guiding skills and ability to work together as a team. The emphasis is on having an exciting and action packed time.

The Scouts / Guides set off in patrols of between 3 and 6 carrying minimum items of kit and a provided packed lunch. A wide variety of activities at the checkpoints include; plank walking; timed obstacle course; abseiling; puzzles; first aid knowledge; sports and many more. Patrols go around the checkpoints in a specific order, covering a distance of about 7 miles.

There are 8 checkpoints that you must reach in the order shown on your route card, which each patrol leader will be given on Saturday morning. When you arrive at each checkpoint show them your route card and undertake the checkpoint activity. Make sure that the patrol's route card is collected before leaving the checkpoint. Then make your way to the next checkpoint. Don't worry if you do not manage to get around all the checkpoints because of time limitations, this is taken into account when awarding marks.

All checkpoints are in radio contact with control and there is comprehensive first aid cover. Transport is provided from the checkpoints to the campsite for anyone who retires.

Saturday Evening Entertainment

Following the evening meal, it all starts again at with a wide variety of sporting activities / challenges, including the now famous football and volley ball competitions. They also have Super starscompetitionand tug of wars, tractor pulls etc. For those less energetic there will be entertainment in the Barn including the talent show eliminators with the first prize being worth £100. As the night comes alive we have the finals of the TALENT Show and then headline bands to dance everyone through to the closing entertainment.

Sunday

Sunday Morning is action packed. Starting with the presentations, which is quickly followed by the MC Farye. At the MC Fayre. MC Currency is issued to spend at the MC Fayre which includes; side stalls; craft fayre; where everyone can make something; juggling workshops; gladiator games; skill tests, shows and arena events and music throughout the morning to keep everyone entertained. Some activities will give you prizes or items to take away. Remember if you want to screen print a T-shirt you will have to bring a plain light colored T-shirt with you.

Presentations:

The Malvern Challenge this year will start Sunday with a short presentation ceremony - Please note that this is a new format to avoid delays in the car park. Thus the fayre is extended until 2.30pm – we will break camp 12.00 – 14:30
The Scouts will need to be collected by 14:30 (Uniforms required for presentations please).

Kit List

Below is a list of kit that you must have to participate in the Challenges.

The organisers will kit check all Scouts and Guides at the start of the Challenge and may also inspect kit at any checkpoint on route. All the items must be brought to the camp, however depending on weather conditions certain items may not be required to be carried, BUT this decision will only be made on the day.

Every year we throw away an enormous amount of unlabelled lost property, please make sure all your items are clearly labelled to assist us in returning lost items.

PERSONAL GEAR

Footwear Suitable footwear must be worn. Good trainers, stout shoes or boots. Not Wellington's on the challenge but may be useful around site depending on conditions. Waterproofs Both top and trousers. (trousers depending on weather)Clothing Suitable clothing must be worn for an event of this type. Depending on weather, long trousers may be insisted upon. Water bottle Unbreakable - don’t forget to fill it up before you leave. Rucksack Or similar item to carry everything in!

EQUIPMENT PER PATROL

First Aid Kit To include triangular bandage & 3 inch crepe bandage ,Compass Silva Type or similar,.

We have listed below additional items that you will need for the weekend. There may be some additional items that your troop/company wish you to take.

Scout or Guide uniform / K,F,S, Plate, bowl & mug - unbreakable
Sleeping bag / bedding roll (Guides) / Old tea towel
Change of clothes + sunhat! / Small amount of pocket money
Personal Medication & sun cream (high factor) / Torch
Small wash kit + towel / Change of footwear

Medication: Any medication required should be given to your leader marked with name and full instructions for use (except inhalers).

Pocket money: The only money required will be for tuck shop and the on site cafeof which are very reasonable priced. There will be a range of Malvern Challenge items for sale - see general information for prices. Should you be one of the few scouts or guides wishing to shower over the weekend this will cost you 50p. Apart from this everything is free so please keep it to a minimum.

On Sunday when you collect your child you may not be allowed on to the site, please phone the leaders on site who will bring you child to you at the entrance. Your child may be collected between 12pm and 1pm.

Mobile numbers:

Gavin – 07918953152

Ellen – 07817042901

Any outstanding money is due know as we have to pay the outstanding balance.

Regards

, Gavin Cox, Di Rodgers, Ellen Ballard

Scout Leaders

Malvern Challenge2013Charity Commission Registration Number 305941