Forward Hike

Forward is CUSAGC's annual incident hike for Scouts and Guides (10-14s). It takes the form of an approximately 10mile hike with five checkpoints spaced around the route where challenges allow teams to earn points. Two trophies are available to be won; one for Scout Association teams and one for GirlGuiding UK teams.

Winners 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017

Teams are of 4-6 members, with the option of having an additional chaperone to help with navigation (a decision made and arranged by the team's Guide/Scout Leader). Teams must decide their route based on 6-figure grid references given to them when they arrive at HQ on the day and complete the route within a 7-hour time limit, including stopping at the activity bases to earn points. Start, and therefore finish, times are staggered, the first teams usually leaving HQ at about 8.30am, and all are back before dark. In addition to challenges, and completing the route, teams are also given a quiz sheet with questions related to the route and puzzles in order to gain valuable extra points.

Checkpoint challenges require good communication and teamwork, and are often great fun – for both the participants and the CUSAGC volunteers running them! The First Aid base makes an appearance every year, alongside a whole host of other challenges. In previous years teams have been asked to take part in nuclear disarmament, pitch tents blindfolded, make spaghetti towers, herd sheep, transfer Smarties using straws, tie themselves in knots, copy Lego models whilst blindfolded and much, much more!

Forward is usually held within easy striking distance of Cambridge - e.g. Toft(2017), Bar Hill (Cambs, 2016) Westley Waterless (Cambs, 2015) Barrington (Cambs, 2014), Balsham (2013), Toft (2012), Waterbeach (2011). It usually takes place at the very end of February or beginning of March, towards the end of Cambridge University's Lent term. Details are revealed early each new academic year, around October.

One of our teams of scouts, ready for the off
Blindfolded the team discover a rope	Task three of six: a circle, almost achieved
Copying lego models at a distance		That 'Aha' moment