Shackleton ESU – Taking on New Challenges

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Over the past two weeks, Shackleton ESU members have taken part in two very different and exciting activities – offering hands-on experience, personal challenge, and a lot of fun along the way. ✈️ Flying with Infinity Sim Wings Half of the group visited Infinity Sim Wings at Gatwick Airport, where they had the chance to step into the cockpit and learn how to land a commercial aircraft in a realistic flight simulator. Guided by expert instructors, Explorers were walked through the basics of flight controls, approach techniques, and landing procedures before taking the controls themselves. Many completed smooth landings, while …

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Hot Air Balloons

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Last night Shackleton ESU came together for another packed evening of activities, creativity, and planning. Hot Air Balloon Challenge The highlight of the night was our hot air balloon building challenge. Using nothing more than straws, bags, wire, and a choice of fuels, patrols worked against the clock to design and construct their very own miniature flying machines. There was a lot of trial and error (and a few singed corners!), but some really inventive designs took shape. A huge congratulations to Tom Payne, who managed to build the only balloon that successfully took flight! His team’s balloon rose gracefully above the …

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Awards @ Shackleton ESU

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Shackleton ESU is proud to announce that Harry Ball has been awarded Explorer of the Year. Since joining the unit, Harry has demonstrated remarkable growth, determination, and spirit, making him a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. From the beginning, he embraced feedback with a positive attitude, using it as an opportunity to develop into a valued and effective team player. His energy and motivation are evident in everything he does, and he consistently approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and commitment. Harry has also provided outstanding support to the leadership team. He is always willing to assist, take on responsibilities, …

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Tennis Evening

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On Monday evening, Shackleton ESU swapped our usual meeting place for the West Green Tennis Courts for a special tennis session. A huge thank you to Emma for leading the evening as our coach! She kept the energy high and made sure everyone was learning while having fun. We started with some lively warm-up games to get us moving, before moving on to a series of training activities to practise our tennis skills. Finally, we put everything into action with some exciting matches, where there were plenty of rallies, good shots, and lots of laughter. It was a fantastic evening …

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Shackleton ESU Celebrates Gold D of E Expedition Success in the Brecon Beacons

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From the 23rd to the 26th of August, fourteen determined explorers from Shackleton ESU embarked on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning yet challenging landscapes of the Brecon Beacons. This Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition saw one team of seven successfully complete their qualifying expedition, while another team of seven undertook their practice expedition – both demonstrating resilience, skill, and exceptional team spirit. Day 1: Setting Off The first day covered 17.83 km with a total ascent of 604 m and descent of 753 m. The route began at Bryn Melyn, winding through scenic woodlands and open moorlands before …

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Autumn Term Programme

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We are pleased to share next terms programme with you as follows: Programme September 2025 to December 2025 Date Activity Leader in Charge 08/09/2025 Crawley Monopoly Run Sean 15/09/2025 Tennis Evening @ West Green Craig / Sam 22/09/2025 Hot Air Balloons Sean 29/09/2025 Angel Throwing / Flight Sim Sean & Jack 06/10/2025 Angel Throwing / Flight Sim Sean & Jack 13/10/2025 Team Challenge Events Craig 20/10/2025 Bake Off – Technical Challenge Phil 27/10/2025 No Meeting – Half Term 03/11/2025 Glass Painting Sean 10/11/2025 D of E Awards Evening All Leaders 17/11/2025 Night Hike Sam, Jake, Ben 24/11/2025 Social Media Evening …

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Shackleton ESU at WSIJ 2025 – Skills, Friendships, and Unforgettable Memories

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From 2nd to 9th August 2025, Shackleton ESU in Crawley attended the West Sussex International Jamboree (WSIJ) at the South of England Showground. The event brought together over 1,200 participants from 13 countries, creating a week-long celebration of scouting, guiding, and international friendship. Daytime Activities WSIJ was organised into themed activity zones, each offering a range of challenges, skills, and experiences: Wednesday Morning – Explorer Volleyball Tournament On Wednesday morning, Shackleton ESU took part in the Explorer Volleyball Tournament. After a series of competitive matches against teams from across the jamboree, our team proudly finished 2nd place out of 9 …

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Shackleton ESU’s Kandersteg 2026 Fundraising Quiz Night Raises £741!

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Shackleton ESU held an incredible fundraising quiz night last night to support our upcoming 2026 expedition to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. We’re thrilled to share that the event raised £741, which will go directly towards reducing the cost of the trip for our young participants! A Night of Fun, Food, and Friendly Competition With the hall full of enthusiastic teams and a lively atmosphere, the quiz night was a huge success. The evening featured 50 questions covering everything from general knowledge, pictures and even special Switzerland questions in honour of our destination. There was plenty of friendly rivalry …

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Climbing and Abseiling

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Shackleton ESU recently took part in an evening of climbing and abseiling at Copthorne Prep School. Explorers tested their skills on the outdoor climbing wall, tackling various routes and building confidence with each ascent. Abseiling was accessed separately via an internal stairway, allowing members to descend the tower under supervision using proper rope techniques and safety equipment. Thank you to Copthorne Prep School for hosting, and to the leaders and instructors who supported the event.

Shackleton ESU DofE Bronze Expedition – Ashdown Forest Adventure!

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This weekend, a spirited team of seven intrepid explorers from Shackleton Explorer Scout Unit set off on their Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award Expedition across the beautiful Ashdown Forest, with an overnight stay at the ever-popular Broadstone Warren. Blessed with sunshine and blue skies, the team embarked on their journey with full packs, determination, and smiles all around. Over two days, the group navigated woodland trails, open heathland, and the occasional steep incline, clocking up impressive distances with map and compass in hand. More than just walking, this expedition was a brilliant opportunity to develop a wide range of skills …

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Team Challenges Evening at Shackleton ESU

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This week, Shackleton Explorer Scout Unit put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test in an action-packed Team Challenges Evening held in the grounds of our scout hut. With three unique and engaging bases, the Explorers were split into teams and rotated through each activity, using communication, strategy, and collaboration to succeed. 🚧 Base 1: The Da Vinci Bridge At the first base, teams were challenged to build a self-supporting Da Vinci Bridge using only wooden spars and their ingenuity. This classic pioneering challenge tested their understanding of tension and compression forces — with no ropes or fastenings allowed! …

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Shackleton ESU Volleyball Evening at Grattons Park

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Last night, Shackleton ESU swapped neckers for nets as we took to the grass courts of Grattons Park for an energetic evening of volleyball fun and friendly competition. With the sun setting and a light summer breeze in the air, four teams went head-to-head across two makeshift courts set up on the field. The teams rotated matches throughout the evening, ensuring everyone had plenty of time on the court and plenty of chances to show off their skills (and some dramatic dives!). From big serves to last-minute saves, the evening was packed with great moments, lots of laughter, and some …

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Young people first: Safeguarding and Safety in Scouting

Wherever we go and whatever we do, we put young people’s safety and wellbeing first. Here's how.