EXPLORER SCOUTS “SURVIVE AIRCRAFT CRASH”

Members of the Headcorn-based Phoenix Explorer Scout Unit spent a challenging weekend putting their survival skills into practice.

The scenario for the weekend was that the Explorer Scouts had been travelling on an aircraft when it ditched into the sea. They escaped in a life raft which drifted to the shore of a wooded island, where they had to survive until rescued.

The "sea" was actually an agricultural reservoir, and the "island" was woodland near Ulcombe. Over the weekend, the Explorer Scouts applied and developed their survival skills, including safely employing a life raft; sourcing water and making it safe to drink; foraging for food; building shelter from natural materials; and, eating rabbit, trout and pigeon cooked over an open fire.

The teenagers were certainly outside their comfort zone at times, but all demonstrated fortitude and good humour working together as a team.

They learned a great deal about themselves without the usual comforts of home, and even managed without their mobile phones for two days! If ever faced with having to survive in the wild for real, the Explorer Scouts are certainly well equipped to look after themselves and lead others.

Sincere thanks go to: Sean Charlton, for allowing the use of his land; Hollamby's Family Butchers (Headcorn) for their support sourcing the game; and, Ocean Safety Ltd (Southampton) for providing the life raft.

Explorer Scouts welcomes boys and girls aged 14-17. Phoenix Explorer Unit meets at the Scout Hut in Headcorn every Thursday evening in term-time; no previous Scouting experience is required. For more information, please contact Alex Dawes, the Explorer Scout Leader at: alex.dawes@wealdscouts.uk