In an act of madness, Beaver Leader Simon Gates is daring to walk from Cambridge to Brighton in an effort to get more people involved in the group.

Entitled "The Long Walk Home", the 120 mile journey is a major challenge Simon is prepared to set himself if parents and supporters can help the group achieve 4 out of 5 key objectives next year.

Simon feels that the current lack of parent involvement and lack of clear direction to move the group forward is preventing the 18th from growing.

“At the 18th we have an excellent team of leaders running both sections, who are gelling together, sharing ideas and beginning to move the programme forward. What we need now is the support of a strong Executive, committed to managing the other aspects of the group, who strive to ensure the resources we need to do our bit as leaders are in place.“

The Targets
Simon has set 5 key objectives that he feels the group should be aiming for:

• 5 Parents to join the Executive Committee
• Parents to organise one social event for the group, or form a Social/Fundraising Committee
• Find a permanent Scout Leader for the 18th Troop
• Find a permanent assistant for either the Beaver or Cub Sections (non-CUSAGC)
• Atleast half of the group to attend one Church Parade

If the group completes 4 of the 5 objectives then Simon has promised to hike from the Good Shepherd Church all the way to Brighton Pier in East Sussex during August 2009. He's also prepared to undertake special mini-challenges along the way, turning a leisurely stroll into a vast incident hike.

Simon hopes that the walk may be a catalyst to bring the group closer together;

“I love this group and I'm prepared to go to great lengths to show how much I care about it and it's members. I want others to show how much they care by stepping forward and helping to realise the potential of the group. I believe if we mix the support and input of parents with the enthusiasm and flair of the leaders then we've got a great foundation from which to build.”

8-day Odyssey
The walk is set to last 8 days, running from 15th-23rd August 2009. The route will flow through 7 counties and take Simon through the heart of London.

Along the way Simon aims to visit Gilwell Park, stop at Baden-Powell House and visit the grave of his late Grandmother at Worthing Crematorium.

Throughout the 8 days, Simon wishes to fly the 18th's flag, and invite others to join him on the walk.