This Tuesday – We are NOT in Bickenhill, please read following instructions carefully

This week is the second week of a three week event: Navigate to Knowle

1. Last week the route was planned
2. This week will see the teams complete the route
3. Next week the teams will make an assessment of how they got on as a team and how the individuals performed within the team.

Sounds simple and the route is short but it is navgationally tricky and even more so in the dark. Each team will need to be alert and will complete the route as that team, led by the team captain (TC) with the Young Leaders helping to provide advice and assistance where needed. The team members will take their part by learning the navigation techniques and helping to transport the team eqiupment that would be used as if this was a two day overnight event.

Adult leaders will be at various points around the route to check the progress of the teams and provide assistance where necessary.

Each team will be scored on their preparation for the event, navigation, leadership of the TC’s, participation of the team members (TM’s) and overall approach to the event. Prizes to the best prepared and performing team at Knowle Chip Shop.

The instructions for the event this week are detailed, please make sure to read them all, as follows:

Start point and drop off – 7pm

The route will start from Barston, NOT Bickenhill. The drop off point is St Swithins Church car park – click this Google Maps link for location. The car park is 50m to the east of The Bulls Head pub in Barston, on the opposite side of the road.

All members need to be dropped off by 7pm so that we can do the final briefing and checks before the teams set off.

IF YOU AREN’T GOING TO ATTEND WE NEED TO KNOW AT LEAST A DAY BEFORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a time limited event – we have a lot to do, it is difficult to do in the dark and we don’t want to be waiting for people who aren’t going to turn up. Additionally, we need to make sure the teams are balanced and fair with all the team senior members in attendance. As it is a TEAM event and everyone is in a TEAM and has an important role in that team, everyone needs to take part. However, if you aren’t going to take part WE NEED TO KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS and don’t waste time after 7pm waiting for those that aren’t turning up. Please let us know by replying to this email or emailing simon@challengeadventure.org – thanks for your assistance!

End point and pick up

The end of the route is Knowle Chip Shop. Provided all members arrive at the start on time we stand a good chance of having everyone at the finish point well before 9pm.

Kit List

This is a short training event designed to simulate a two day overnight event – the following list is a minimum that you must bring though. You must have WATERPROOFS. That doesn’t mean ‘showerproof’, but WATERPROOF. You must have walking boots or very sturdy shoes that can get covered in mud and water. Waterproof shoes are preferable, such as boots though.

If you need to get equipment, some suggestions for you:

• Go to Oswald Bailey in Solihull – they will give you 10% discount if you mention you are with Challenge Adventure Group (ask them to put it down as a scout discount if they look confused).
• If you need to buy boots: don’t spend a fortune! You will be able to get a very reasonably priced set of boots that are sturdy and not too padded. The spongy cheap padded boots will rub so don’t buy these either. Get leather uppers if possible, they will be more waterproof and last longer. You don’t need boots specifically for this event but sturdy shoes that will get wet and covered in mud are a requirement.

This is a training event for the whole team and needs to be treated as an actual overnight event. Therefore the following needs to be in the rucksack / bag of each member.

You MUST carry the following:

• Rucksack to carry your items
• Underwear x 1
• Socks x 1
• T shirt x 1
• Sweatshirt or fleece (preferable)
• Warm Jacket
• Hat
• GLOVES – ESSENTIAL
• Torch & Spare Batteries – ESSENTIAL. Please make sure it works before the event.
• Spare plastic bags for dirty / wet clothes
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Trousers
• Water bottle with liquid in it.
• Food to eat during the event.

You must wear the following:

• Walking boots & walking boot socks
• Long lightweight activity trousers, such as scout trousers
• Wicking undershirt??
• Fleece or Sweatshirt – NOT A HOODIE!!!!!!! It will soak up all the water that is around the wearer.

You should be able to get all these above items into a small back pack such as a school back pack. However, there will be lots of team kit to carry as well, if you have a larger back pack please use it at your team needs to get all their equipment as well as everyones personal equipment to the end point.

CAG Rucksacks: we will not be loaning these out for the event.

Naming Items:

Please make sure all of your items are suitably marked or named so that you can reclaim them. We always have items of clothing left over that probably amount to over £100. If they are named we will be able to get them back to you. Call Simon on 07808 481688 if you have any questions.

Any questions??

That’s all the detail, if any one has any questions please let us know – otherwise we will see you Tuesday at 7pm in Barston!