1st Balmain has organised an amazing patrol-based challenge the Amazing Scout Hike which is a combination of the Amazing Race and Scout Hike. This is only open to 2nd Abbotsford Sea, 1st Balmain, 1st Boronia Park and Drummoyne Scout Groups.

The Amazing Hike will start at 7pm Fri 25 Sept at Fitzroy Ave, Balmain (car park for Dawn Fraser Baths) and finish at 2pm Sun 27 Sept at Mort Bay Park, Balmain opposite 1st Balmain Scout Hall. Parents are encouraged to car pool to the event if possible as parking may be limited parking at both the start and end.

Scouts will hike in Patrols lead by their Patrol Leaders (PLs) and occasionally use public transport to follow a trail of clues. PLs and APLs will need their phones to navigate using Google Maps. The clues will be given once challenges are completed or found at locations along the way. The route will be around the Inner West but the exact details will be revealed to the Scouts during the course of this urban hike through local streets and bushland. Challenges will include physical, mental and Scouting themes (so expect fire and water). Scouts will be under direct adult leader supervision at activity and sleep points only. Their progress on the hike will be monitored at activity and sleep points when they check-in. They will be provided with emergency and assistance contact details if they fail to locate a clue.

Scouts will carry their own gear including hike tents, food and camp stoves. The undisclosed sleep point locations will only have toilet facilities, no showers. Patrols will be scored on their speed and ability to solve challenges with individual prizes for members of the winning Patrol.

There will be a maximum of 6 Patrols of 6 Scouts (1 each from 1st Boronia Park and Drummoyne, and 2 each from 2nd Abbotsford and 1st Balmain). Any registrations above 12 Scouts from 1st Balmain or 2nd Abbotsford will not be guaranteed. The Patrols may be a combination of Scout Groups depending on numbers.

Each Scout Group is responsible for arranging its Patrol(s), tents, and camp stove. Patrol Leaders are responsible for menu planning and shopping, overseen by the adult leaders of their Scout Group, with consideration given to dietary needs and food allergies.

Clothing & Equipment

• Good walking shoes (no crocs, thongs)
• OPAL card loaded with $10 or bank card - required to pay for public transport. The chid daliy travel cap at weekends is $4.80 per day
• Comfortable weather appropirate clothing
• Wide-brimmed hat, sun-screen.
• Scout scarf - must be worn at all times

• Ruck-sack/backpack
• Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, torch/head-lamp
• Water bottle
• Water activity clothing; swimmers, rashie, closed-in water shoes, towel
• Wash-kit; toothbrush, toothpaste, medication
• Spare clothes, rain jacket/light jumper depending on daytime/night time weather, underwear, sleep wear
• Mess kit; plate, bowl, knife, fork, spoon, cup, optional tea-towel
• Shared Patrol equipment and supplies; tent, hike stove and food

Cost

• $30 payable upon registration to cover activity and adult leader costs. Note that fee free payment by EFT Bank Deposit is also available. Click on "See other payment methods" at the bottom of the "How to pay" frame to see our bank account details.

Activity Leader Contact Information

• Name: Dave Gray
• Phone: 0414 980 679
• Email: david.gray@nsw.scouts.com.au

Emergency Contacts

• Name Mark Bartter
• Phone 0424 081 387
• Email mark.bartter@nsw.scouts.com.au

Supervision

• This activity will be conducted under indirect adult supervision. Both male and female adult leaders will be present depending on hike locations.