Picture gallery: Amazon explorer an inspiring guest at Scouts event
4Delighted...Scout Network member Erin Billington presents Ed Stafford with a commemorative trophy. (Pic: James Hage/The Scout Association)
A FORMER Scout who grew up to be a famous jungle explorer was an inspiring guest at an annual contest.
More than 120 Scouts from the Harborough area attended the Fraser Shield’s 100th anniversary camp – one of the oldest such events in the UK.
It sees youngsters compete in skills such as tent-pitching, fire lighting, pioneering, glass-etching, fencing and archery.
This year, a giant party and sleep-over were held at Rockingham Castle, near Corby.
Award-winning adventurer and former Fleckney Scout Ed Stafford was a guest of honour.
In 2010 he became the first man to trek the entire length of the Amazon in South America, a feat which took him two years.
He spoke to the youngsters about organisation, determination and commitment being the keys to success and skills needed for a competition like this.
Ed, from Hallaton, said: “It was an honour to be invited back to do the opening talk at the Fraser Shield competition in Rockingham,
“I still love what the Scouts stand for; to have a positive influence in kids’ lives, week in, week out, where they learn values through fun outdoor activiites, is great.
“I plan to give more of my time to the Scouting association over the coming years.”
Scouts, Cubs and Beavers organised everything themselves, from their food to putting up their tents.
Eric Gamble, district commissioner and a former winner of the contest himself, said: “This was a special event to bring the district together. They had a lot of fun.”
The winners were the 1st Foxton Scouts’ Badger Patrol, one point ahead of the 1st Bowdens Kestrels.
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Weather for Market Harborough
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
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