What is the Hurdlestone Challenge Weekend and how did it start?
The Hurdlestone Challenge was started over ten years
ago by a small group of Scout & Guide Leaders in South Devon who were inspired by a
similar, but much larger, event called the Malvern Challenge. The original
organisers were David Wright, Bill Wright & Jeanne Langridge all of whom are involved in
Scouting and Guiding in South Devon but as Hurdlestone has grown in
popularity, so has the number of people organising the event.
The event is held over a weekend, starting on Friday late
afternoon with arrivals and registration, Saturday being the Challenge Day
itself and Sunday FunDay being occupied with Arts and Crafts and presentation of
prizes. An action packed Saturday is in store for those taking part. Teams of
between 4 to 6 members set off for the day visiting a number of challenge 'bases' located
around a 'circular' course of around 8 to 10 miles in Teignbridge District in South
Devon. The base could be a physical challenge such as Tug 'O War, Water
Challenges and Cyclocross or it could be a test of your map reading or first aid
skills. There are around 13 bases all in all located around the course. Each
base is reached on foot across a mixture of roads and footpaths and across private
farmland. Your team will score points at
each base and the team with the highest points score at the end of the day will
win the Hurdlestone Challenge Trophy. Prizes are also awarded to those teams who
scored the highest score on each of the bases.
What are the Challenge
WEEKEND Rules?
The following rules must be observed:-
- All participants of the Hurdlestone Challenge must be
members of the Scout and Guide Association and aged no more than 15½ on 1
August of the Challenge year.
- Teams must consist of at least four and no more than six members. If numbers are reduced to fewer than four at any point in the
Challenge, then they must accompany another team.
- Team members
wishing to retire must do so at a base, unless injured.
- All items on
the kit list for the Challenge MUST
be carried or worn at all times during the Challenge. The Troop/Unit Neckerchief must
be visibly and correctly worn.
- Teams must
walk in single file on the roads and observe the Highway and Country Codes. NO LITTER.
- Teams must
attend all activity bases in the specified order.
- Noise levels must be kept to a minimum. Radios,
personal stereos, GPS/Sat nav and mobile telephones will
not be allowed by Scouts or Guides and will be confiscated if found.
- At 5.30 p.m. the Challenge will end. Wherever a team
is, it must return to the campsite, whether the course has been completed or
not.
- Adult leaders are not permitted to accompany their
teams but they may visit any/all of the activity bases.
- Aerosol sprays, alcoholic drinks & drugs are not
permissible and action will be taken accordingly if found.
-
Self-catering is not permissible and dining is only allowed in or near the main marquee.
-
Dogs are not allowed on the site at any time during the weekend.
Spot checks will be carried out throughout the
day by marshals. Points will be deducted if the above rules are not adhered to
and, if appropriate, disqualification of the whole team.
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When
& where does the Challenge normally take place?
The
Challenge weekend is Friday 26th - Sunday 28th June 2009 in the
Teignbridge District of South Devon. The route are all subject to
being finalised for the next Challenge as we have to agree access rights with local
landowners.
TYPICAL HURDLESTONE WEEKEND
FRIDAY
- Arrive and set up your camp
- Tuck shop and souvenirs for sale
- Registration of Troops/Units
- Evening entertainment with a light supper if required.
SATURDAY
- The Hurdlestone Challenge takes place all day
- Tuck shop and souvenirs for sale
- Evening entertainment.
SUNDAY
- Scouts/Guides Own
- Tuck shop and souvenirs for sale
- FunDay crafts and on site activities
- Closing ceremony, vote of thanks and presentation of awards.
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