For the first time, a team from Wolverley Scout Group (4th Kidderminster) took part in Operation Bald Eagle, over the weekend of the 5th to the 7th of October at Bredon Hill Middle School in Ashton under Hill. The team consisted of Ben Jolly, Katy Wood, Elliot Lloyd, Harrison Parkes and Joseph Wood and they competed against 73 other teams from all corners of Hereford and Worcester and Gloucestershire. Although the weather was very wet on Friday evening and the camp site quickly became extremely muddy, the scouts were not downhearted and pitched the tents and dining shelter with understandable speed.
After a damp night, all the teams were keen to take on the 30 day time challenges organised for them on the school field. The weather was kind and a very enjoyable day was had by all the teams and leaders present. The morning was made memorable by a visit from Bear Grylls, the Chief Scout. The evening held the Night Challenge, an eleven kilometre hike with 12 challenges to be attempted along the way. The team from Wolverley managed a very creditable 9 of the 12.
Ian Jolly, Group Scout Leader said “I am immensely proud of the determination and enthusiasm of our team. Whilst lacking in experience, they made up for this with enjoyment and team spirit and although they did not win, they posted very creditable scores in all sections”. He went on to say “The whole team had a great time and have vowed to return next year and improve on this years performance”.
Operation Bald Eagle is organised by Hereford and Worcester Scouts and is in its 22nd successful year.