Gloucestershire Scouts Outdoor Challenge
Our own County's Outdoor Challenge fits in well with the new programme.
Remember the Outdoor Challenge is a tool for Troops to use in whatever way they see best. It is not a hard and fast set of rules.

What do you have to do?

1. Register with the ACC Scouts and order your badges. These should be worn below the patrol badge on the right sleeve. They may be worn by all members of the Troop before qualifying for the award to show that they are participating.

2. PLCs may decide for themselves how Scouts qualify. e.g.:

Troop: The whole Troop on an agreed percentage basis (e.g. 60%)

Patrol: Each patrol separately on an agreed percentage basis.

Individually: Each Scout separately on an agreed basis.

3. I suggest that Scouts should complete about twelve activities from the list. Activities should be spread throughout the year. All activities should have an outdoor element where appropriate.

4. At the end of the year the ACC Scouts will make arrangements with the Troop for the Year Flashes to be presented.

The Challenges

1. Climbing Challenge
Take part in a single pitch climb or complete an abseil.

2. Cooking Challenge
Cook a two course meal on camp stove or open fires.

3. Caving Challenge
Take part in a caving expedition.

4. Water Challenge
Take part in a water based activity (e.g. raft race, canoeing, sailing, rowing, canal boating, swimming).

5. Pioneering Challenge
Take part in an outdoor pioneering project (e.g. a bridge, a tower or a runway).

6. Night Challenge
Take part in an over night hikeor incident exercise.

7. Camping Challenge
Take part in a camp. (This may be a patrol or Troop camp.)

8. Travel Challenge
Take part in a journey (e.g. hike, canoe, horse, bicycle, public transport).

9. Unit Link Challenge
Take part in an activity to forge a link between your Troop and Venture/Explorer Scout Unit.

10. Pack Link Challenge
Take part in an activity aimed at Cub Scouts aged 9½ and over to introduce them to the Scout Troop.

11. Image Challenge
Take part on a float in a local carnival or run an activity based event at a local show.

12. Service Challenge
Take part in an act of community service.

13. Cycle or Scoutcar Challenge
Take part in a Troop cycling expedition or Scoutcar challenge.

14. Conservation Challenge
Take part in a project that will improve the environment.

15. Troop Link Challenge
Take part in a joint activity with another Scout Troop or Guide Company..

16. Airwave Challenge
Take part in the Jamboree on the Air.

17. International Challenge
Take part in an activity to find out about Scouting in another country.

18. Emergency Challenge
Take part in a simulated emergency exercise.

19. Air Challenge
Take part in a Troop visit to an airport or an air show or gain an air proficiency badge.

20. Spiritual Challenge
Take part in an activity designed to promote spiritual development. (e.g. Take an active part in an act of worship, visit an unfamiliar place of worship.)

Good luck with the Outdoor Challenge!

Paddy Langham
ACC Scouts, Gloucestershire.

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