Green Beret Challenge
Phasels WoodScout Activity Centre
17th – 19th November 2017
Att: All District Commissioners, ADC (Scouts), District Contacts, DESC’s and Leaders from all sections in Hertfordshire.
It is time again to organise the challenge bases for the Green Beret Day and Night Challenge Exercises. Last year there were 99bases that opened at various times throughout the day and evening for which I am very grateful to all concerned for your support, and it would be excellent if we could get the total backover the 100 again this year. The number of bases has a direct effect on how the competition is viewed by the Scouts. With queuing almost eliminated, they can potentially do more activities, which in turn keeps the team members warmer and they are more likely to continue with the challenge into the night. The number of teams taking part also continues to rise with 155teams entered last year, which I am sure, is a direct result of the number and quality of the bases provided.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind all D.C.’s that all Districts that submit teams to participate in the event, should be providing at least one base. Many already do this, but we are heavily reliant upon the goodwill of a few who provide many bases, to cover for those who do not provide any. Teams are only eligible to enter the Competition if their District provides at least one base for both the Day and Night sessions.
For reasons of Health and Safety there should be no water bases open in the evening (i.e. bases where participants will get wet). Ideally bases should take between 20 and 30 minutes each to complete, and should be able to cope with up to 5 patrols at a time. Any equipment required on your base must be provided by yourselves, the Scouts no longer carry any kit.
Staff on your base can be from any section in Scouting from Beaver Leaders to Fellowship Members and we will again welcome Explorer Scouts to attend and provide bases. There will be an Explorer Sub-camp, and all Explorers and Leaders who provide bases will receive our Green Beret badge for 2017. There will also be no camp fees for Explorer’s and Leaders who attend just to provide bases.
You may keep the same base open for both the daytime challenge incidents (08.30 – 17.00) and the Night Exercise (19.30 – 23.00) provided it does not involve water in the evening as previously mentioned. All bases should be marked consistently throughout and guidelines will be provided for the marking in order that we can avoid large numbers of teams all achieving maximum points. Each task should be physically, spiritually or intellectually challenging.
This year the event is being held at Phasels Wood,and vehicular access to the bases area can be arranged for those who bring larger volumes of kit or vehicles as part of their activity. We want the Challenge to be just as tough as last year, so please do not make things too easy for the participants.
It would be helpful if you can complete the attached form and return it to the county office, indicating how many bases you can provide and the subject of the base, but if you just turn up on the day that is also fine.
If you have any questions please contact Peter Makewell on 07931 543185
Thank you for your support
Green Beret Organising Team
Green Beret Challenge, Phasels WoodScout Activity Centre
17th – 19th November 2017
District/Unit:…… …………………………….will be providing ……….. base(s) at the Green Beret Challenge 2017, they are:
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Contact Name:……………………………. Tel no:……………………………………
Please return this form to: Green Beret Challenge, Challenge Bases, CountyHeadquarters, Well End Activity Centre, Well End Road, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 5PR
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