It's been a busy few months for the Explorers. With there now being 36 Explorers in the Unit, we started off January by introducing some new patrols and Patrol Leaders and setting them against each other with some 'friendly' challenges. January also had the Explorers making Owens new and improved tin can stoves and even cooking a meal on them! February they were out on a night hike around Dunham Massey, which as usual finished with a forced march to get them back for parent pick up, only half an hour late! We covered choking, burns, bleeding & cpr in an Emergency Aid night. There have also been trips to the Buddhist Centre in Chorlton and an art gallery in Manchester. With there being lots of new Explorers we started March by having a mass Investiture in to Longford Explorer Unit which we followed with a 'rope' themed evening with tug of war and mat weaving from some old Scout climbing ropes. Finally, this week saw the Explorers cooking on different styles of expedition stoves and learning about the hazards of drinking water straight from rivers, with the methods they can use to purify the water when out on expeditions.

In a twist that could rival the latest Hollywood blockbuster, the local Explorers Scouts recently added a thrilling chapter to their adventure diaries during their last evening session. The usually intrepid Explorers, known for their outdoor escapades, decided to venture into the world of crossbow shooting. The air was charged with excitement as the explorersgeared up for a session that promised both skill development and an adrenaline rush.

The evening began with the scouts getting a feel for the traditional crossbow targets, hitting the bull's-eye with varying degrees of success. Laughter echoed through the air as some arrows found their mark, while others went on unexpected detours. Safety, of course, was the name of the game, with seasoned instructors guiding the explorers on the dos and don'ts of handling these medieval-inspired projectiles.

As the evening progressed, the evening took the challenge up a notch. With an audacious spirit, they swapped the regular targets for dart-like faces on the crossbow targets, adding a competitive edge to the evening. The atmosphere became electric as arrows zipped through the air, and cheers erupted each time a dart-face was successfully conquered. 

Learning the ropes of crossbow shooting wasn't just about hitting targets; it was a lesson in responsibility and safety. The explorers absorbed crucial insights on proper handling, aiming techniques, and the importance of teamwork. The evening not only fueled their sense of adventure but also instilled a newfound appreciation for the precision required in mastering this ancient yet exhilarating art.

As the session wrapped up, the Explorers Scouts were already plotting their next crossbow session. Watch out, world – the Explorers Scouts are armed and ready for their next bull's-eye bonanza!