The Viking Explorer Scout Unit – Investitures

In February of this year a new Explorer Scout Unit was formed, for young people aged 14 to 18 in the Caistor area. On Friday 17 April at the Oaks Camp Site, Nettleton, the Viking Explorer Scout Unit (Louth District) took a gigantic step forward with their very first Investiture Ceremony.  Eight young people from the Caistor and surrounding areas made their Promise, received neckerchiefs and badges signifying their entry into the Worldwide Family of Scouting.

The eight members have been working towards their membership badges since the opening of the Unit, learning about the ethos and history of scouting, as well as taking part in more adventurous activities.   Amongst other things, they have already spent nights away camping; hiking in the Lincolnshire Wolds and the Peak District and also assisted at the 1st Grasby Scout Group at their Families Day in March.  The Explorers have been extremely busy and have a packed programme ahead of them, including working towards the Chief Scout Awards, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, indoor rock-climbing, raft racing, orienteering and many more activities indoor and out.  Indeed the day after Investiture, 4 of the Explorers successfully completed the Wolds Challenge in East Yorkshire, completing the 17 mile course up and down the hills in less than 7 hours.

Two of the Explorers are also going through a rigorous training programme preparing them for this summer’s World Scout Jamboree in Japan.  They have both been on training camps each month for the last year in addition to fund-raising for the event.

With the Investiture, The Viking Explorer Scout Unit is now fully formed.  Its two leaders, James Barnett and Jan Waite bring a wealth of experience of the Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh’s awards schemes between them.

“The Unit has a great future ahead; the members have some exciting ideas for future activities.  They really are a great group of young people and a pleasure to work with. Other members of my family have been involved with scouting for many years, but it is a first for me and I would recommend it to others. ”, said Jan Waite

James  added, “The members of the Unit have bonded together quickly and very well.   They each have their own individual trait to add to the whole team effort.  We have had a lot of fun already and I really pleased to be a part of the Unit.  We mustn’t forget, though, the support from the parents for which we are all very grateful and the assistance that the Louth Scouting District has given us in setting up. “

The Unit has places available for any young person between the age of 14 and 17 who would be interested in joining the Viking Explorer Unit. No previous scouting experience is needed.  They meet on Friday evenings in and around Caistor.