Two teams of scouts from the 7th Royston (Barkway) and a team from the 6th Royston (Mordens) scout groups braved a cold and muddy weekend and took part in the yearly Hertfordshire Scouts Green Beret Challenge.

The event in its 30th year had a record 148 teams from mostly from Hertfordshire take part at Gilwell Park National Scout Activity Centre. Teams of six scouts aged 10 to 14 competed in four elements: Orienteering, an Assault course, Challenge Incidents (Daytime) and a Night Exercise. The Challenge is designed to test a group of Scouts through a range of physical and intellectual activities. It also proves to be a significant challenge to Leadership and teamwork skills.

Team B from the 7th Royston came 2nd overall to win the runners up trophy. Stuart Sharpe, scout leader, said: “We were all very surprised and speechless when we were announced as the runners up. That’s the best result we have had in Royston in the 19 years I have been a leader. The scouts from all three Royston teams worked very hard and used the skills they have picked up from their scouting journey so far.

“We also very proud this year as one of our assistant scout leaders, James Truett gained his Queen Scout Award, the highest award available in scouting. James was presented with his award at our scout camp on Brownsea Island where Baden Powell held his experimental camp in 1907. The award was presented by Hertfordshire Scouts County Commissioner Rikki Harrington.”