Route Planning

In preparation for our cycle camp, we focused this time on the route plan itself.

Starting with a simple route, Patrols were asked to write down the route that would take them round the block.  As well as the grid reference, we also introduced bearings.  For those that had them, the new “flash cards” proved useful as reminders.  For the Scouts I was working with we started from 4 figure grid, before more moving to 6 - and in one case 8!

After the route had been written down, we then went to walk it for real.  We found that the Garmin GPS units weren’t so hot in a very built up area - and that it’s accuracy meant that either side of the street block gave us the same grid reference.  Whilst this provided some frustration in regard to the exercise - it did allow us to show that relying just on these items isn’t a good idea - and why.

My team got back to base quickly where they met up with the other members of their patrol - and we took them to MacDonalds for their Patrol prize (they had managed to win the patrol competition for two terms - so this was their incentive.  I hope it will focus the others on what’s available).

A good evening, finished well.