Venture Challenge 2019

Hi ! I'm Laura one of the ventures. This summer I was lucky enough to take part in one of the major national Venture activities called Venture Challenge. It was one of the most memorable and exciting but also challenging things I have done during my time in Scouting.

I partnered up with one of my good friends Gráinne Sweeney from 16th Meath Kildalkey to complete this challenge. Venture Challenge involves pushing yourself and your partner to new extremes as you walk 100km over 5 days, keeping a log of your journey, completing projects and interacting with the local community and surviving on a minimum budget of €40 ( That's only €4 a day :0 ) and also developing on one of your adventure skills.

With a lot of hard work and also a lot of fun I successfully completed this criteria and much more, to such a high standard that Gráinne and I both achieved the certificate, badge and also the WOGGLE ! :)

This event gave me a chance to be fully independent. I learnt so much about myself and the people around me. Right from the beginning when we were dropped in a random location with only a map and compass to help us find our way, to our end location Mount Mellary.

I became very aware of the kindness of the Irish people especially when Gráinne and I found ourselves sitting in their kitchens whilst enjoying strawberries and cream, or even just a slice of brown bread and ham. This event gave me an opportunity to meet so many interesting people, that i will remember for life.

It's not just about the walking either. Once the 5 days was up and everyone joined up back in base camp, I made friends for life. Each team shared their stories of when they were on the road and we all had a great laugh. Relaxing and doing fun activities, just what everyone needs after walking 100km.

I would well and truly say this was on of my favorite events that I have ever taken part in. I encourage anyone who is interested to sign up when they get the chance. You won't regret it !