Pupils achieve a first for South Ribble in scouting challenge

Two Priory pupils used their navigation skills and evaded a team of ‘hunters’ to finish second out of 145 teams in the popular Operation Moonlight, for scout and explorer groups. 

The event is similar to a game of manhunt and teams have to navigate from a mystery start and finish point, over around 15 miles. 

Year 11 Ben and Year 10 Abigail are part of the Enterprise Explorer Unit and they finished second overall and won the Explorer Section, so they were first in their age group.  The team of six were also the first ever team in the South Ribble District to have won this competition. 

Ben explained: “We were dropped off at a random location, which was Southport, and we had to navigate to the end which was Skelmersdale. 

“We took our phones for emergencies but we weren’t allowed to use them for navigating – it was about using OS maps and compasses. I have been a scout for around 10 years so I am ok at navigating. 

“We set off at mid-day and we had to finish before 9pm and we got there just in time – it was really tight at the end. 

“You are also pursued by leaders of units and you have to make sure they don’t catch you. 

“It was very wet and cold and to come second out of 145 teams is an achievement, and first in our age group, so we were happy.” 

Abi admitted: “I found it really hard, my legs are still hurting! I struggled carrying the weight and walking so far because it was the first time I’d done a challenge like this but I am glad I did it. We could have perhaps won two trophies but it was amazing to win one and be the first in the District to get it too!”