It’s back to what Scouts enjoy most – being outdoors.

Bishopsteignton and River Teign Explorer Scouts were delighted to be able to use their newly acquired minibus for the first time since lockdown to take part in the annual Cremyll Challenge camp on the Rame Peninsula near Plymouth.

The Explorers were dropped off on Friday night in Plymouth to catch the specially commissioned Cremyll Ferry. They then hiked in the dark with their full camping kit up to the campsite to set up their tents.

The Saturday started with being judged on cooking breakfast on camp stoves before completing a day hike around lots of different bases and challenges on the Rame Peninsula.

The Explorers had a great weekend, in perfect weather and one of our teams came second in the Challenge.

Will, aged 15, said: ‘I had a really good time doing the Cremyll Challenge with my friends. The food was amazing, the leaders were really fun and even made us mocktails after dinner.

‘I loved staying up late socialising, playing music and having a campfire. I liked seeing Explorers from other groups and it was great to be on a camp again. The minibus was brilliant.’

Already this term, Explorers have completed a DofE silver expedition, done a 26km training hike in preparation for the Ten Tors expedition, helped the scouts to sow a wild flower meadow and been to Woodlands theme park.

The minibus will be put to good use again soon for paint balling, ice skating, visiting the Dartmoor search and rescue HQ and further Ten Tors training.

It will help both Scout Groups to reduce our carbon footprint because multiple car journeys will no longer be required and it also allows young people without parental access to cars to take part in more activities.

A big ‘Thank you’ to Bishopsteignton Parish Council, District Councillor, Alistair Dewhirst, Shaldon school, The Auto Centre in Teignmouth and Smart World in Exeter for their help in getting the minibus smartened up and on the road.