ADVENTURE TRAINING CHALLENGE 2011
On the 16th September, 1114 set off on the journey to Kielder to partake in the
Annual AT Challenge. Along with 23 other squadrons from Durham and
Northumberland Wing the cadets prepared themselves for bad weather and lots of
fun! The first challenge to take place was the 18.5km walk up, down and around
the forest area of Northumberland. The cadets who took part were rared up to set
off as 3 tigers, 1 wolverine and a normal everyday walker (so uncreative).
Waterproofs were on then off throughout the full day, along with 11 other
squadrons, 1114 managed to miss one check point. Even though this affected the
chances of winning, all participants managed to see the funny side of it (by the
end of the walk anyway)! Arriving back at Hawkhirst Scout Camp they took part in
a First Aid Competition. Day 1 was complete!
After a night of shivering and being damp the team then took part in Canoe Scrabble, this consisted of 2 people canoeing and 3 people onshore. The competition was to paddle out to another boat and collect 1 letter or number, to then return back to shore and hand it over. After several trips back and forth the team managed to create 481 words! The
next part of the competition was Orienteering! They were allowed 1 hour to find
30 marked posts around an area of space. CWO Dendle decided to play stuck in the
mud by herself, she managed to lose 1 shoe and gain a very wet foot! They then
put their cooking skills into action and used stoves to make some edible grub!
Competition 5 was a Mountain Biking Course, this consisted of going
around several cones, through a zig zag path, around more trees, picking up a
bottle with one hand then swapping it over and placing it back down (whilst
riding) and going under some poles! FS Charlton and Cpl Hall competed in this
for the team. The last competition was Archery, all team members had 2 goes at
this and the best shot took it for the team! CWO Dendle did us proud!
Several fod plods later and the winners were announced. Although 1114
did not take home 4th place for the 3rd year they did put in massive amount of
effort and came 12th. The weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by all! Well done to
CWO Dendle, FS Charlton, Cpl Mohan, Cpl Hall and Cdt Percy!