www.apexchallenge.co.uk | Friday 12 March 2010

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All the information you should need to take part in one of our events can be found in the next event section. Occasionally some teams find that the answer to their specific question is not there. If this is the case please check to see if your question is answered below. If not get in touch.

Where are the events held?

The events are usually held somewhere in South Yorkshire which is easily accessible for teams travelling long distances to the competition, though in recent years the competition has moved to more varied locations from time to time. We always consider accessibility before deciding on a location to make sure all our teams can easily get to the event. Back to top.

Who can take part?

Any Scout who is aged between 14 and 25 on the day of the competition can take part in the Apex Challenge. All our events are run as two separate competitions side by side for the Explorer (14-18) and Network (18-25) age groups. Entry is in teams of four. Back to top.

Who organises the Apex Challenge?

The Apex Challenge team is made up of young leaders originally based in Yorkshire who fancy putting a bit back into Scouting. The idea is to make scouting events more modern and exciting. Our main aim is to put on an event we'd have liked to take part in when we were younger, or even still want to take part in now. We're working closely with the South Yorkshire County team and the county activity advisors. If you're a leader or instructor who would like to help out, we'd love to hear from you so please contact us. Back to top.

What activities will there be?

This depends on the area we're using as some activities are easier to set up than others. We don't like to give away too much in advance to spoil the surprise. From the events we've organised in the past you can expect to have things like climbing, abseiling, canoeing, mountain biking and assault courses. Back to top.

How can I enter?

All entries for the events are processed online. Just visit our next event page where you'll find all the details about what you need to do. If you want to be added to our mailing list to get all the latest Apex Challenge news as it's announced then follow the links from the main Apex Challenge home page. Back to top.

How will we know you've got our entry form?

Once we've received and processed your entry, your team name will appear on our provisional team list page. This means that you have registered an interest in taking part in the event, but your place is not yet confirmed. It is only confirmed once we have received a cheque to cover your entry fee and any t-shirts you want to order. Once we have that your details will be moved to the confirmed team list page. Back to top.

I'm not going to be able to enter my team yet. Is it possible to reserve us a place?

We're sorry but no. We have to come up with a system and be fair to everyone so all teams need to go through the same procedure which is to register online and then post us your cheque to cover your entry fee and t-shirts to confirm your place. If we started changing the rules for some teams it wouldn't be fair to the other teams. We also need to stick to the same system so we know who has paid and who has not. Back to top.

Will the event be safe?

Of course. Safety is, as always, the number one priority. We use qualified and experienced instructors on our activities and also work with the local mountain rescue team when planning our events. The consent form of every Scout is thoroughly checked before the event begins and we have a first aid team on hand throughout. All those helping out at the event must also have satisfied the Scout regulations on Criminal Records Bureau safety checks. Back to top.

Why is there an entry fee?

Simply to cover the costs of putting on the event. Because everyone involved is giving their time for free, those costs are at an absolute minimum. There are still things we need to buy though. Maps, food and marquees all cost money, but we're confident all our events work out to be at a bargain price compared to what else you could get for the money. Any cash that's left over will be ploughed back into future events. Back to top.

We'd like to bring catering facilities for our team. Is it possible to have a reduced entry fee?

Catering is provided at both the Apex Overnight Challenge and the Apex Extreme. Teams often need to bring a packed lunch for one of the days but the rest of the food is included within your entry fee. Unfortunately it would become too complicated for some teams to opt out and cater for themselves. Our menus are carefully planned to take account of the number of people taking part and the fact that they will have had a busy day taking part in some strenuous activities. We will also make every effort to cater for special dietary requirements. We always recommend teams bring extra snacks with them and if you also wish to bring extra cooking facilities then please do. Back to top.

Is it possible to only pay a deposit?

Unfortunately not. We need full payment for a team wishing to take part in the event to cover both their entry fee and any t-shirts ordered. This is the only way you can secure a place in the event. This is because if teams booked a place but then pulled out we will have spent money based on how many we thought would be turning up and may have then also turned away another full-paying team who've missed out on the chance to take part. Back to top.

When do consent forms get filled out?

It's a bit bureaucratic, but these things are important. After you've entered a team make sure you visit the consent form page to download forms for all your team members. These need to be filled in and signed by parents/guardians of competitors under 18, or just filled in and signed by the competitors themselves if they're 18 or over on the day of the competition. They then need to be handed in at the registration desk when you arrive. Back to top.

Are the t-shirts the same design at both events in each calendar year?

Yes. We design one t-shirt and it is the same for both events each year. We know a lot of teams come to both events and we didn't want teams to feel they had to buy two differently designed t-shirts each year. There's nothing to stop you buying multiple t-shirts though if you really like them! Back to top.

What are the arrangements for leaders attending the event?

While some teams attend on their own, many group leaders also come to Apex events and are very welcome. You may just want to relax and unwind while we do all the organising, but if you’d like to help out there are many cool jobs we may ask you to get involved in from helping with activities, to photography, or joining the catering team. If you can help please contact us before the event. Back to top

Why haven't you answered my question?

If something is still unclear, please do contact us. We will try to reply to all emails within 48 hours. Back to top.