It’s been a mad year in terms of being out and about for the 14^th Midlothian, Back in the summer of 2009 we decided to take up the Zodiac Challenge... Erika (Scout Leader) had found it whilst doodling through the Scottish Scout web site and said “ well it seems like a good idea, anyone fancy it?” being young and gullible we all said yes!! Little did we know then we would be crowding lightweight tents into marquees!! (had to be seen to be believed) traipsing through thigh deep snow in March like mad hatters, taking part in regional camps, National Challenges, hanging groundsheets from sycamore trees and terrorising Ayrshire with pirate activities at Summer Camp.

Some of us are well on the way to our silver award having gained the Bronze in May and others are just starting out, it has been fun getting to camp in different places and in different kinds of shelters and on the way we have picked up the Outdoor and Adventure Challenge badges, Navigation, Camping and camp cook badges amongst others.

We also have a little Koala mascot found abandoned on the Pentlands (Erika says it’s rescue does not count towards Global Conservation for some reason) and we have learned  skills along the way – Although our performance at the Pentland Challenge in September left a lot to be desired says Erika (we thought we did ok though! – some one has to be last