In the first real hiking test since the revival of the Scout Troop last year, seven of the 18th Scouts have taken advantage of an 8 mile hike plus a night away camping.

On a clear summer's evening, the group set off with full gear from Addenbrookes Hospital, heading to the County Campsite at Abington via the Roman Road and Babraham.

With an estimated walking time of 3.5 hours, the troop had to be prepared for an arrival at nightfall. They were also given the task of erecting two tents to sleep in, all in torch light.

The following morning, the Scouts were quick to begin foraging for wood to build the fires to cook breakfast. Although it did take an entire box of matches to get boh to light, some lessons have been learnt and the sausage and bacon butties soon followed. There was just enough time to take down the tents and play a quick game in the woods before pickup.

Speaking about the experience, the Scout Leaders commented,

"The boys have done brilliantly. For a young troop I had anticipated minor complaints near the end as they began to tire, but that didn't happen so all credit to them. We need to work a little bit on camp maintenance but that will come with time, especially when the Patrol Leaders are given greater responsibility."

The Scouts are hoping for a similar venture in the Autumn, either in Thetford or the St Ives area.