Forward
Forward 2012 happened on Saturday 3rd March, around Toft, Cambs. Results are still being calculated, but come back soon for more information. Thanks to everyone who took part and everyone who helped!
What is it?
Forward is CUSAGC's annual incident hike for Scouts and Guides (11-14s). It takes the form of a ~10mile hike, with five checkpoints spaced around the route where challenges allow teams to earn points. Two trophies are available to be won; one for Scout Association teams and one for GirlGuiding UK teams.
Teams are of 4-6 members, with the option of having an additional chaperone to help with navigation (a decision made and arranged by the team's Guide/Scout Leader). Teams must decide their route based on five 6-figure grid references (corresponding to the activity checkpoints) given to them when they arrive at HQ on the day and complete the route as fast as possible, stopping at as many of the checkpoints as they can to earn bonus points. Start, and therefore finish, times are staggered, the first teams usually leaving HQ at about 8.30am, and all are back before dark. In addition to challenges, and completing the route, teams are also given a sheet of puzzles to gain important extra points which they can complete during the walk, while waiting to start a challenge, or when they return to HQ and have time to spare.
Checkpoint challenges require good communication and teamwork, and are often very fun – for both the participants and the CUSAGC volunteers running them! There is usually at least one 'outdoor' themed base, the ever-famous first aid base, as well as a whole host of silly-but-fun challenges! In previous years teams have been asked to take part in nuclear disarmament, pitch tents blindfolded, make spaghetti towers, herd sheep, transfer Smarties using straws, tie themselves in knots, copy Lego models whilst blindfolded and many more challenges!
At the middle checkpoint, teams are provided with hot drinks. The day ends with a light snack back at HQ – quite often hot dogs. All team members receive a certificate of participation, and the trophies are awarded once all the scores are in.
Where is it?
Forward is usually held within easy striking distance of Cambridge. The 2012 one was based at the People's Hall in Toft, 6 miles west of Cambridge. In 2011 it started and finised in Waterbeach and went via Lode, whilst in 2010 it was based in Histon, with the most distant base at Longstanton.
When is it?
Forward 2012 was on Saturday 3rd March. It usually takes place at the very end of February or beginning of March, towards the end of Cambridge University's Lent term. Forward 2011 was on Sunday 6th March.
How do I find out more?
Entries for 2013 are not being accepted yet, but if you have any questions email the Scout and Guide Liaison Officer (saglo [at] cusagc.org.uk). Normally, entry forms are released in January and then once we have received an entry, we reply with confirmation, final details of location and start times, plus kit lists and health/consent forms. The entry fee is currently £16 per team (of 4-6), which covers our kit and hall hire expenses and hot drinks and a snack in the evening (but not lunch).
Forward 2012
Results
Forward 2012 Report and Scores.
Photos
Report
Forward 2012 was a 10.5-mile hike for Scouts and Guides around the everso slightly undulating ground west of Cambridge, with the route running around Toft, Caldecote, Kingston and the Eversdens. Run by Cambridge University Scout and Guide Club, the route involved 5 manned checkpoints with challenges to complete, and had to be completed within seven hours. Turnout was good, with 140 Scouts and Guides taking part in 28 teams – mostly from Cambridgeshire, but we did welcome one team from Essex.
At the bases, teams had to communicate using semaphore, copy Lego models their teammates had built (with the caveat that they had to be blindfolded to do so!) and construct the tallest tower they could using spaghetti and marshmallows. In addition, the perennial first aid and CUSAGC CSI (“who mugged Whispy Duck”) activities returned.
The early morning weather seemed a little ominous, but we’re pleased to say that it all brightened up immensely after lunch. The route itself was a little muddy (though much improved from when we did the reconnaissance!) but did include some lovely countryside and some nice views. On returning, teams were treated not only to hot dogs, but also home-made donuts from our wonderful in-house catering team.
The competition was even closer than last year, right the way down the table, but congratulations to 1st Swaffham Prior Scouts and 3rd Cambridge Guides A who came first and second overall respectively and thus first in their individual categories. Forward scoring is not just about completing the route or getting back first/within the time limit (although all are important!), but also about completing the challenges and observation quiz well. The teams at the top did consistently well across the board, but others excelled in individual areas and really everyone did a great job and – we hope – had fun doing it.
We did a little experimenting with spreading the teams out to minimise disruption to the locals and to keep the bases occupied but not hectic – if anyone has any feedback, on this or any other aspects of the day which worked well or badly, we’d love to hear it.
We are grateful to the committee of Toft People’s Hall for allowing us to get a very nice building rather muddy, and to all the members of CUSAGC and Leaders who lent a hand and made the day so successful. Most of all though, we thank the teams and their Leaders for their participation. Forward will happen again next year; in the meantime, BREAM & CuBAA, the craft day for Beavers, Rainbows, Cubs and Brownies, will be sometime in early May and the Marathon Challenge for all Scouts or Guides over 14 (including Leaders) is pencilled in for early November – visit www.cusagc.org.uk or email saglo [at] cusagc.org.uk for more details.
Gwilym and Hannah Thomas
CUSAGC Forward Co-ordinators 2012