18/12/2025
FORWARD is an annual incident hike run for Scouts and Guides by CUSAGC (Cambridge University Scout and Guide Club).
Date: Saturday 14 March 2026
Who can take part? Scout Section members aged 10 to 14yrs at the date of the event
What does FORWARD entail?
- It takes the form of a 10 mile hike, with five checkpoints spaced around the route where challenges allow teams to earn points. Three trophies are available to be won; one for Scout Association teams, one for GirlGuiding teams and one for chaperoned teams.
- Teams are of 4-6 members, with the option of having an additional chaperone to help with navigation (a decision made and arranged by the team’s Guide/Scout Leader). Teams must decide their route based on 6-figure grid references given to them when they arrive at HQ on the day and complete the route within a 7-hour time limit, including stopping at the activity bases to earn points. Start, and therefore finish, times are staggered, with the first teams usually leaving HQ at about 8 am, and all are back before dark. In addition to challenges, and completing the route, teams are also given a quiz sheet with questions related to the route and puzzles in order to gain valuable extra points.
- Checkpoint challenges require good communication and teamwork, and are often very fun for both the participants and the CUSAGC volunteers running them! The first aid base makes an appearance every year, alongside a whole host of other challenges. In previous years teams have been asked to take part in nuclear disarmament, pitch tents blindfolded, make spaghetti towers, herd sheep, transfer Smarties using straws, tie themselves in knots, copy Lego models whilst blindfolded and much, much more!
- Teams are provided with hot drinks at the middle checkpoint and a hot snack and drinks on return to HQ. Trophies are awarded once all the scores are in.
- The event is fully risk-assessed, insured and run conforming to SSAGO rules (which are a combination of The Scout Association and Girlguiding UK’s) on safety and safeguarding. We would be happy to provide details to any interested parties. Landowners, parish councils and the police are always informed.
Location:
- Forward is usually held within easy striking distance of Cambridge – e.g. Eversden (2025), Swaffham Prior (2024), Barrington (2023), Westley Waterless (2022), Comberton (2020), Linton (2019), Toft (2017), Bar Hill (Cambs, 2016), Westley Waterless (Cambs, 2015) Barrington (Cambs, 2014), Balsham (2013), Toft (2012), Waterbeach (2011).
Cost: to be confirmed (as a guide the 2024 & 2025 fee was £20 per team, with an optional extra cost of £2 per camp blanket badge )
More details: including the joining point will be in the team entry pack, once available
