Gosport District Scout Council

The Anuual Gosport District Raft Race

By Nadine Cooke

On the 18th of May Gosport Explorer scouts put their scouting skills to the ultimate test by competing in the annual Gosport District Raft Race. As always there was fierce competition between the different scout groups. Their challenge to design and construct a raft onsite that could carry all team members around a course on Alverstoke Creek, without any adult support. All boat parts were forbidden, as were hammers and nails forcing the teams to make do with poles, plastic barrels and anything they could lay their hands on.After a couple of hours of frantic lashing and teamwork their construction entered the bitterly cold water.

 

Would their rafts float!?Would all the team members sit on the raft without it sinking?The moment of truth!Now the first stage of the competition was over it was down to the teams to tackle the physical challenge of paddling like crazy to complete the course in the fastest possible time without any "sinking feelings!".Scouts returned to shore, some wet, but their sprits not dampened. They were welcome ashore by the friendly faces of the members of the Fellowship who provide warm drinks and snacks which were well earned and appreciated by the scouts and chilled spectators, who had been loud and supportive throughout the competition.Trophies were awarded to the team who had gained most points for construction and also for the team, which completed the course in the fastest time.

Position	Team	Points
1st	6th Gosport	106
2nd	15/16th Gosport	103
3rd	5th Gosport (1)	102
4th	9th Gosport	94
5th	1st Lee-on-Solent	93
5th	3rd Gosport	93
5th	7th Gosport	93
8th	1st Gosport	91
9th	12th Gosport	85
10th	5th Gosport (2)	80
11th	5th Gosport (3)	14

However every member of every group was winner as they took part in this difficult but fun challenge. A great day was had by all explorers, scouts and spectators alike. Many thanks go to organisers of this wonderful annual event.