Boosted by Isaac’s triumph in the indoor bike race, Bulldogs overtake Eagles in the lead in the Patrol points competition, with only one week to go. For the latest, check the scoreboard in the right-hand column of the Scout Troop page.

We borrowed some indoor “turbo” trainers from the Hitchin Nomads Cycling Club, and had bicycle races in the hall to finish off our Fitness Challenge. It’s hard work even with no hills…

We pitched our tents indoors, in the hall, for a change. (It’s really hard getting pegs into the wooden floor…) This allowed us to practice ready for our next camp in May, and to check that the tents are in good order. With 21 Scouts going to the Patrol Activity Challenge Experience, we’ll need all the tents we’ve got.

Second session of Fitness activities, repeating from two weeks’ before. Quite a few Scouts were improving significantly, which is part of the Challenge. As on the previous occasion, we finished up a bleep test, which really got quite competitive. Even the GSL had a go 🙂

Continuing our sessions on the Fitness Challenge, we talked about the importance of diet and sleep, and the harm done by smoking, alcohol and drugs. Each Patrol planned a balanced menu for a day at camp, and presented it to the Troop.

In the first of a series of evenings on the Fitness Challenge, we tested ourselves at skipping, star jumps, press-ups and more. Then we all set personal bests in a bleep test, aided by the fact that our hall is about 5 metres too short 😀

Watch this space as we try to improve further.

Five of our Scouts are currently on the District winter camp, with 25-30 others. In a break from the wild, wet, windy weather of late, Sunday was a mild, sunny day, and the site was well-drained and fairly dry underfoot.

Today, activities included making Dutch arrows.