What
is the Apex Overnight Challenge?
It's an adventure competition which runs through the night where teams of four spend six hours visiting activities to collect as many Apex points as possible. Events such as assault courses, skill games, and moon-lit mountain biking are among the twelve activities which teams need to complete to get the most points. Teamwork and a good strategy are crucial as the Apex Chasers need to be avoided or points could be taken away.
Who can take part?
The event is open to all Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members from anywhere in the UK. Entry is in teams of four, and in May we expect more than 200 competitors. Two competitions for the two age groups run side by side with prizes for the top three teams in each category.
What can we win?
Each year thousands of pounds worth of prizes are given away at Apex Challenge events. In the past these have included tents, rucksacks, outdoor jackets, head torches, fleeces and much more. No other Scout competition gives away more prizes than the Apex Challenge.
When and where is it all happening?
The event is taking place on the weekend of May 10th and 11th 2008 at Sherwood Pines Forest Park in Nottinghamshire. The start and finish area is at the main visitor centre. Check the directions to the start before you set off.
When do we need to be there?
You should arrive at the start on Saturday 10th May at around 5:30pm. Parking is available at the visitor centre car park - and it is a short walk from there to the Apex Challenge event centre.
What
will happen when we arrive?
As soon as you get to the site, please sign in with us at the main marquee. Here you will be given your pack containing a map, event instructions and your team's control card. You also need to hand us your consent forms. Start times in the rolling event start will have been pre-allocated in the order teams paid for their places in the event. You will then have time to set up your tents and sort out your gear for the event.
At 7:00pm there will be an event briefing in the main marquee where the full rules are explained and final information is given to teams. The event begins with a staggered start after that.
You will have six hours to navigate to activity bases in the playing area, gathering points while avoiding the Apex Chasers who are trying to track you down and take points away! In the early hours of Sunday morning, you'll be returning to the start area where hot food and drinks will be available before heading to sleep.
On Sunday morning at around 9:30am, you'll wake up to breakfast before heading to the awards presentation to learn how you've done and see whether you will be leaving with an armful of prizes. The event is over by 11:00am on Sunday 11th May when teams are free to leave.
What should we bring?
It is important every member of every team is properly kitted out for the event. Random spot checks of kit will be performed by our safety team before and during the event. Make sure you have everything on the official kit list.
What
facilities are there?
We have use of the visitor centre toilet block throughout the competition and there is a fresh water supply, but there are no showers. Your entry fee includes a hot snack in the early hours of the morning when you return from the event, and some breakfast on the Sunday morning. There is also a cafe on site should you wish to make us of it on the Sunday morning.
What do we get for our money?
The entry fee of £40 per team pays for all your camp fees, facilities, activities, equipment and safety cover as well as the food mentioned above. The entry fee also helps pay for some great prizes and the souvenir results booklet that you'll get to take home with you.
What about consent forms?
This is very important. EVERYONE needs to complete one of these forms and hand it in to us when you arrive, regardless of how old you are. See the Consent Form page.
Who's
responsible for the 'Nights Away' applications?
The responsibility for making sure everyone taking part complies with the Scout Association's 'Nights Away' rules lies with the section leaders of those attending. Leaders need to make sure the necessary notification forms are completed and that the requirements of a Nights Away permit are met. If Explorers are attending without adult supervision - one of them will need an Event Passport. For more advice about the Nights Away scheme, please contact South Yorkshire Scouts' Nights Away Advisor Trevor Polson on 07768 041880 or the 'Host' Nights Away advisor Peter Whitlam on 07841 434255.
How do we enter?
This couldn't be easier. Once you've decided who is in your team, simply fill in the online entry form. This will send us your details and you'll be added to the provisional team list page. It's important to remember that your team's place in the event is not secured until we have received your cheque to cover your entry fee. Only then will your details move to the confirmed team list page.
Any
other questions?
Full details about how the event works will be explained at the event briefing on the Saturday evening. Everything else you need to know should be covered on the pages of this website. If you've still got any questions about the event, please do get in touch. We look forward to seeing you all on May 10th - why not enter right now?
Use the flyer below to tell all your friends about the event and make sure the date's in your diary! Right click over it with your mouse and select "Save As" so you can email it round.
Registered Charity No. 1102633 |
