Scout troops throughout our District, ready to celebrate an extra special year? 2027 will be 120 years since the first experimental Scout camp on Brownsea Island in Dorset run by the first Chief Scout, Robert Baden-Powell.
This is an exciting milestone that will be marked across the world, and it’s extra special for UK Scouts as the founding nation.
Biggleswade & District have an exciting line-up of events for Scout Troops to celebrate in 2027. Please get in touch if you have any queries
Hello@BiggleswadeDistrictScouts.org.uk
Click the name of the event to read more details
The District Youth Lead Team are bringing back the District Hike! Next March, the district will see teams of 4-6 Scouts or Explorers navigating their way between checkpoints, completing tasks as they go, and camping overnight, all in aid of achieving their Expedition Badge!
The cost of the event will be £22 per person. Teams are to be submitted via the form on the District Website and a 50% deposit paid by 30/11/2026, details to follow form submission. With full payment due by the end of January 2027. The event is intended to operate on a cost-neutral basis. Any surplus generated by the event will remain the property of the District and will be retained for the purpose of supporting the delivery of a future event organised by the District Youth Team.
Teams are to arrive at Sandy HQ on Saturday 20th at their allotted time where they will then check-in, plan their route, and be set-off. Along the way, they will have to check in at numerous waypoints and complete challenges. Eventually, teams will arrive at the campsite where it is encouraged that they cook their own hot meal (to complete requirements for the Expedition Badge). An evening activity will be put on by the Youth Lead Team and/or Network. Teams are expected to pack up camp Sunday morning before completing another hike loop, again with tasks and checkpoints along the way. Around 1-2pm on Sunday, we will have a closing ceremony.
Teams can be made up of 4-6 young people, but please note teams of less than four, i.e., due to pulling out before or during the event, will not be permitted to continue walking on the day. Teams can participate in one of four setups: A: Full bag, no adult accompanying on hike B: Day bag, no adult accompanying on hike C: Day bag + adult accompanying on hike D: Explorer, Full bag, no adult accompanying on hike + longer route Please indicate on the form what option each team will be participating with.
Due to the nature of the event, the District Team are responsible for running the programme across the weekend, thus you must remain in ratio for the whole event and are still responsible for your young people both during the hike and overnight. Each team will have a tracker on them which is connected to David and Ben at the campsite who will be able to see exactly where the teams are for if they require help or are in an emergency. If you are not walking with your teams, you can stay within ratio at the event by manning waypoints or being allocated other responsibilities as required. Please indicate on the form how many adult volunteers will be available to lend a hand with these jobs during the hike. There will be an adult camping area allocated so you do not have to camp directly next to your teams.
Each participant will also receive a badge to mark their achievement!
Please complete and send the form on the District Website to sign up for the Bigg Trek 2027!
We look forward to welcoming and challenging Biggleswade District Scouts and Explorers.
Your questions answered:
- What does the cost of the event include?
The cost of the event includes:
- GPS tracking for each team
- Camping for all young people and leaders
- Fuel and minibus license for support vehicles
- Use of scout huts across the weekend
- A badge
2. Does the cost include the food?
The cost of the event does not include food. Groups are responsible for all of their teams’ meals. It is recommended teams bring a packed lunch for Saturday, so they can eat this during a break in their hike. Additionally, it is recommended teams cook their own hot meal for Saturday evening in order to meet the requirements of the expedition badge. It is up to groups whether you would like to add the extra challenge of the young people planning and purchasing this meal in the run up to the event. We would also like to remind teams the importance of carrying sufficient food for the duration of the hike, such as additional snacks, and emergency rations.
3. What equipment do we need to provide for participants, e.g., tents?
The District Youth Lead team are not providing any equipment for this event. Groups will need to ensure all young people have tents, sleeping bags/mats, suitable walking shoes/boots and clothing, backpacks/rucksacks, and cooking equipment. Additionally, the teams will require map cases and compasses. If groups have OS Explorer maps 208 and 193, this will likely come in handy but each team will be given an A4 print out of the map area they will need. If groups are struggling to source some equipment, we urge you to reach out to other local
4. Are there any age limits for the various options for the hike?
For options A-C, no! These options are about ability, with option A being the most challenging. If you believe your scouts have the navigation skills, strength, and are sensible enough to carry full rucksacks and walk without a leader, then option A is for them. All teams will be being monitored by regular check points and GPS tracking from Boyd. Option E is reserved only for Explorer teams due to having an extended, more challenging route.
5. What sort of navigation and map reading skills are needed?
Basic navigation and bearing skills are required. Teams will be given grid references of check points that they will need to plot a route between, which is then checked before they set off. However, this would be a good opportunity to practise more complicated navigation and bearing skills if groups wished to introduce these to their teams in the run up to the event.
The Bigg Shot is back for 2027 after a successful event this year
Date: 13 – 14 March 2027
Times: Depending on your numbers, but Sat AM, Sat PM, Sun AM or Sat PM.
Cost: £15 per Scout
Scouts will compete in Archery, Rifle Shooting and Tomahawk throwing.
The event will run regardless of the number of groups/teams entered, but we do have a maximum number and may offer outside of District to Scout groups. Slots are first come, first served and will open 1st November.
🏉 T1 Rugby Mega Fest is coming to Biggleswade District Scouts! 🏉
Through the partnership between England Rugby (RFU) and Scouting, and with thanks to sponsorship from HY-PRO, we’re bringing a Rugby Mega Fest for all Scouts across Biggleswade District!
📅 *Date: April 2027
⏰ *Time: 10am – 4pm plus after party, BBQ and drinks.
📍 *Venue: TBC
What’s a Mega Fest?
A carousel of fun, game-based activities built around T1 Rugby, the non-contact game played with TAG belts or a one-handed touch. No experience needed! Parents are welcome to stay, enjoy BBQ and cheer on their Troop!
Scouts will rotate round games like Rob the Nest, Rugby Rounders, Raggy Tag, Hare & Hounds, Piggy in the Middle, End Ball and more, then put it all together in T1 Rugby matches.
Why it’s great for Scouts:
✅ All about mass participation and fun, not just who wins
✅ Scouts are rewarded for teamwork, effort, and good sportsmanship as well as their rugby skills
✅ Builds confidence, movement skills, passing, catching, and dodging
✅ The whole Troop can take part, not just a picked team
✅ Supports the Physical Recreation Activity Badge
🙋 Ampthill Rugby Club will be providing rugby professionals to help with the day! The RFU will capture the day with professional photographers and a film crew, so please share that these assets will be made available to us all and England Rugby can use them to share our day with all!
Bring: trainers or boots, sports kit, water bottle, and a coat 🌧️
A huge thank you to HY-PRO for helping make this happen for our district 🙌
👉 *Sign up: At this moment we are really looking to get an idea of numbers that would like to attend. Please let Corey know
Further details to follow soon
The District Scout Team are looking at organising Grafham Water Activity Dates for Scouts in 2027.
We are looking for an indication by Friday, 13th November, of interested groups and the approximate number of young people you’d expect to attend.
At present I have the 27th June scheduled and will if we fill this date look at an additional date in September, If you are keen but cannot attend on the 27th June please complete the form and note this in the comment.
Places will need to be non-withdrawable once confirmed with Grafham Water
Cost: TBC (2026 this was £40 per young person)
Activities include:
- Sailing – Funboats (2.5 hours)
- Kayaking Sit On Top (1.25 hours)
- Standup Paddleboarding (1.25 hours)
Please could you complete the form: Scouts Grafham Water Expression of Interest 2027 – Fill out form
You can get both of these badges from the Scout Shop, or speak to Dave Bridges to get ordered to Boyd Field for pickup
