Do you have what it takes?

The annual 'Order of the Boot' night hike competition is one of the most exiting and fun things on the regular Longham calendar. It is a test of everything about you; your physical skill, fitness, stamina and agility, your mental power, initiative and sometimes even your luck!

Longham were proud to have won the 25th anniversary 'Order of the Boot' in the leader category, the 2005 Boot Trophy and the 2006 Welly Trophy. We have quite a lot of experience in this competition and are determined to win again!

What is it?

'Order of the Boot' is a night hike exercise, which has been run by our District for over 30 years. It used to be aimed at older Scouts, but when the structure of Scouts changed a few years ago, the event saw some changes to follow suit.

Scout troops from around the District (and occasionally from outside) enter teams of 4 Scouts between 12 and 14 years old to compete against one another. Before the start they have no idea of the route and are told only the start location and time (usually between 20:00 and 23:00) a week or so in advance. They have to walk a route that they receive when checking in at the start.

While at check-in their kit is examined and points awarded for each item taken that is required. The route is usually about 12 miles long, with a series of about 5 checkpoints along the way. Each stage is timed, and the team whose times are closest to those predicted by the organisers gains extra points.

At each checkpoint there is a challenge to complete for which points are awarded. Extra points are available by doing a quiz or exercise en-route. The quizzes vary in style and theme.

At the end the teams get a hot drink and something to eat, before getting a little sleep before heading home.

'Order of the Welly'

'Order of the Welly' was brought in for the younger Scouts between the ages of 10 and 12. Teams are comprised of 4 to 5 members but are accompanied by two leaders. The leaders are there only as observers and to help out in an emergency.

The route they cover is similar to 'Order of the Boot', but is sometimes slightly shorter. Start times are usually between 18:00 and 21:00.

The checkpoint challenges

The challenges that the teams need to complete along the way vary widely. It is never the same task twice, but here are examples of some from the past:

• Cross a 'road' without touching the road (points awarded for speed and deducted for mistakes).
• Find a way through a giant cobweb without touching it (points awarded for speed and deducted for mistakes).
• Build a free standing flagpole as high as you can with only the equipment around you (points awarded for height).
• Identify the goo in different buckets while blindfolded (points awarded for correct answers).
• Direct blindfolded members of the team around a maze (points awarded for speed and deducted for mistakes).
• Getting buckets of water from a stream up to a container in a limited time (points awarded for quantity).
• Cross a 'swamp' by rope (points awarded for speed).
• Rescue a body from the top of a hill (points awarded for speed and keeping the body from harm).