The Halfway House scouts and 12 other teams from the Kimberley District took part. Even though they were unfamiliar to the terrain and conditions, the scouting prowess of the two groups of Halfway House patrols was evident when they were each placed second and sixth overall in the competition.
They hiked, using compasses and maps, and no electronic devices of any sort were permitted. The hike covered a total distance of 11km.
Once the scouts had completed the walking part of the exercise it was then time to settle down and write up a log of their activities – these had to include a strip map of their walk and certain ecological samples that they gathered along the way.
Eventually it was time for a couple of hours sleep before the final parade and the return to Midrand. Although they came in second and sixth position overall, the Halfway House patrol agreed that next year they are determined to come out on top.
Don Norris, district commissioner of the Northern District said, “In my view is it was sheer determination that led to their success. Their training paid off.” He also mentioned that the Kimberley team had a home ground advantage which might have led to their better performance.
Children of both sexes, aged 7 to 18, are invited to become part of the cubs or scouts.
Details: Doug Rix, Group Scouter, on 082 579 7071 or Shane Anderson, Assistant Troop Scouter on 082 465 0843.
