Scouts from the 1^st Linslade Scout Group expect to raise over £2000 after their mammoth sponsored challenge hike along the Grand Union Canal. Planned by the teenagers over the last six weeks, the hike involved 34 Scouts and 10 leaders. The youngsters chose the camp site destination, decided the route, designed the menu and agreed to raise funds for Comic Relief. Based on previous events, the Scouts expect to raise at least £2200 for the charity.

The Scouts started at Leighton Buzzard rail station where five groups went by train to start their nine-mile hike from Milton Keynes. Meanwhile, the remaining group set out to cycle the full 20 miles to the camp site along the canal tow path. Their destination was The Quarries Camp Site at Cosgrove.  “It was wonderful to see the team spirit of the Scouts as they tackled a real challenge of organisation and physical effort,” said Group Scout Leader Andy Skinner. For one Scout, Ben Butler, it included an unexpected challenge when a puncture meant he had to walk the last mile.

The weekend camp included cooking a three-course dinner for the leaders. This was no sausage and beans meal. The Scouts provided a choice of six menus including soup, a choice of four kinds of chicken, cheese burger or mince plus bananas stuffed with chocolate drops for afters. The following morning the Scouts were up early to cook a full English breakfast.

Scout Leader Lyndsey Briggs who admits to having a soft spot for her Scouts said, “What an experience. One of the troops was formed in January and had less than two months to plan the event. They all took on the challenge and won.” Andy Skinner added, “We have over 125 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in the group and a really action-packed programme for them. But this event gave the Scouts the chance to shine and they did it superbly well.”

Ben Butler, 11 whose cycle tyre was punctured said, “I was amazed to see the tiny thorn that caused the trouble. Fortunately, the repair worked and nothing happened on the way back. I was told we had ridden 40 miles. That’s real cool.”

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