Tracker Group Training Day

 

Larch Hill was the location for the latest training activity for the Mount Argus Scout Troop.  Eight of our new Scouts were in attendence for the final stage of their training to achieve the Tracker award.  Over the course of the day the scouts had to collect firewood, build a fire and cook lunch while observing proper health and safety.

After explaining the different components needed to build a fire we headed up to Larch Hill at about 11:00.  The first order of the day was to get the lads to collect the firewood.  Rather predictabley, after about 10 minutes they returned with half a rotten tree.  Once they were set straight on what kind of wood they needed they went out again and returned with a good stock of firewood.  The scouts were split into two groups of four and shown how to build a fire (and in some cases how not to build a fire J) and before long we had two fires blazing away.  For their training each scout had to bring along a couple of sausages, burgers and a potatoe to cook on the fire.  I was impressed by their ability to get the job done and I think that with a bit more practice they could give Gordan Ramsey a run his money.

With lunch over we let the fire burn down and ran a game of manhunt until we had to split and return to the scout hall.  All in, a good days work done.