Robert Batley - Assistant at the Forest Disco Dancing Base (Age 13)
What the judges said: "An interesting, behind-the-scenes account of the day, complete with smelly feet and cheesy music!""
"My day at the Apex Challenge"
They entered the Apex Challenge for climbing, map reading and abseiling, but none of them expected to find a full blown disco in the middle of a dense forest. This was no lightweight base. A room was constructed out of tarpaulins uniquely attached to convenient trees. Inside this woodland location were flashing lights, strobes, a wooden dance floor, 2 dance mats, Playstation, projector screen all powered up by a vociferous heavy duty generator. My strategy was to help my Dad at the base our Scout Troop were organising.
The first part of the day was all sweat, carting all the equipment up into the woods from the scout bus in the car park. Once the base was constructed a queue soon developed. Teams were trying to work out what the base was all about; nobody expects to find a disco in the middle of a wood. It has to be said that initially the female team members were keener to give it all they've got on the dance floor, but the lads soon got well into it. "Video Killed The Radio Star" was the starter and competitors had to match their dance steps to the movements on the screen and each person was given a score. The winners from each heat then took part in the final, dancing to a record of their choice.
So, what was the benefit of this base in an adrenaline pumping competition such as the Apex? Mainly it tested a team's ability to deal with the unexpected as well as having a bit of fun at the same time. Most teams did themselves proud with only one or two individuals appearing reluctant to have a try (probably because their feet smelt). For those that didn't win the pink pompoms, wait to see what you can win at our next Apex base.
P.S. I can't stand the sound of "Video Killed The Radio Star" after hearing it so many times but I can't get you out of my head as Kylie keeps saying again and again and again...but there again I didn't get any blisters.
Registered Charity No. 1102633 |
