Milton Keynes Explorer Scouts take part in 24 hour virtual activity challenge

Explorer Scouts from Milton Keynes were among over 70 teenagers from across Buckinghamshire who spent 24 hours, without sleep, doing a range of activities.

Gilwell 24 is an opportunity for Explorer Scouts - boys and girls aged 14 to 17 - to spend 24 hours doing non-stop activities.

Thousands of young people from across the country usually attend this event, but with no face to face Scouting, it was cancelled this year.

Some of the adult volunteers in Buckinghamshire decided the young people should not miss out and organised a 24 hour virtual activity instead.

The event started at 10am on Saturday morning and activities were demonstrated across Zoom and Facebook.

The activities included drumming, silent disco, scavenger hunt, quiz, mocktails, bin bag fashion show, star gazing (where a Comet and the Space Station were seen), cooking and origami.

Edward Perry took part in the challenge, he said: “B24 almost over, I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit and especially the group film, scavenger hunt and all the good food cooking. Great weekend overall.”

Parent Mark Edwards said: “Many thanks to the Buckinghamshire Explorer leaders for putting on such a wonderful lock down event.

"The young people really enjoyed all the events and it was great to see them making friends across the county.

"My favourite part was watching the teenagers interact with each other and with the adults particularly when everyone was just chilling and chatting about all sorts of stuff.”

The whole event was supported by Bucks Scout Radio who provided music throughout the event and the music for the silent disco.

Deputy Chief Commissioner for Scouts for the UK joined one of the Zoom calls and participated in the scavenger hunt and said: “One of the pleasures of this volunteering role during this time is the ability to drop in and spend time with amazing young people supported by brilliant adult leaders and volunteers doing amazing things in and around their home.

"Great to join the Bucks Explorer Scouts this afternoon on their scavenger hunt.

"A huge shout out to all of the leaders in the county. Well done all.”

For more information about Buckinghamshire Scouts, visit: www.bucks-scouts.org.uk.