The boots were on as a few evenings ago Cub Scouts from 1st Kirkham and Wesham Scout Group adventured on a local night hike. 4 teams of between 4 and 6 Cubs had to navigate their way through winding streets and across fields in a large circle to get back to their Scout Hut near Wesham C.E primary school, using a good old fashioned map and compass.

However, this was no walk in the park, as they witnessed the full power of Britain’s February chill, as well as being in pitch darkness and trudging through a lagoon of mud. To add some competition, each team had to find clues in order to answer several pre set questions along the way. They required some general knowledge of the area, and to look out for objects en-route. This was more difficult as it sounds, because there was a dense cloud of fog awaiting them during their hike. At least 1 Leader per team and also some Young Leaders travelled by their sides to teach the team basic map-reading skills. The exercise was designed to challenge them, so little help was given, providing the young children weren’t going the wrong way.

As the evening drew to an end, Cub Scout Charlie said: “This was brilliant!” and his friend Thomas added: “That was a great challenge!”

When they were all asked if they would like to do more hikes like this one within scouting, they all replied together with an ear busting “Yes!”

David Parker, the Leader of the 1st Kirkham and Wesham Cub Scouts said: “Night hikes are a great opportunity for the Cubs to put into practice some of the things they learn on a Pack Night. It is also a chance for a bit of an adventure: be that avoiding a herd of inquisitive cows or recovering both your wellington-boots from a patch of mud. I think they also quite enjoyed the hot drink at the end – they’ve certainly earned it".

Cub Scouts are aged between 8 and 11 years.

To follow-up this press release, ring Marita Kirkham on 07971 031023