Intrepid ESU

And that's a wrap on 2025! We've had a blast, and a really successful 12 months. We've managed a total of 1,371 Nights Away spread over 14 different Nights Away events that have taken us from the centre of London to the still of the Tibetan border in the Nepalese Himalaya. Between us we've walked several thousand kilometres.

There have been challenges – the most serious illness we had was George losing his sight due to altitude in Nepal (fortunately it all came back fine following a reasonably speedy descent with him). The most serious injury we had was caused by a... wall, which an Explorer walked into! We admit, we didn't have walls on our Summer Camp risk assessment.

As well as the Nights Away we achieved Bronze, Silver, and Gold DofE Awards (notwithstanding that actually completing eDofE would help enormously there ). We've been Young Leaders at 10 different sections. We've learnt new skills, and practiced old ones (first aid being a highlight for much of the Unit, honest...), we've made new friendships and continued old ones. We've grown metaphorically and literally.

We started the Year with 78 Explorers, and we've ended it with 90. We've turned over £140,000 (thanks, as ever, to Chris our treasurer). We've managed to kill a total of zero tents (hurrah!), though have lost many compasses and much hi-vis.

We've had a cracking year. And with the Sixth Formers heading to Morocco on the train at Easter and our largest Summer Camp ever with 50 Explorers in Guernsey 2026's looking as if it's going to be great year too.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Invites for Morocco, Guernsey, and Japan are now all out! Guernsey is currently sold out (45 places gone in 15 hours...) – we're trying to create some more space. :)

And with a water park and a BBQ that’s a wrap! It’s been an amazing year – from Jersey to Nepal. Thanks to everyone who’s been a part of it; from brilliant Explorers to amazing adults. Whatever you’re up to, have a great summer! :)

We're at the half way mark of 2025 – and of the six months of the year so far, we've been away for over one of them; our Nights Away total so far this year is 33! We've been to Wales, to Nepal, up on Cannock Chase, in London, to the Peak District, to Shropshire and more. The second half of the year has a lot to live up to...

.. we have plans! :)

Congratulations to teams from both Intrepid ESU and Drake ESU for their success with Race the Sun this weekend. Both teams made it to the finish, completing the 58km Six Summits route in 13h 55m and 15h 19m – two excellent times for what is a tough day!