Will the UK Chief Scout, Bear Grylls be there?

Yes he will! He will be visiting all of Counties in the South West during the weekend, so won't be staying all day. However, we have planned his visit so he will meet as many young people as possible.

How can I book?

Bookings are done through Districts. You District Coordinator will have all the details and forms. (See Bookings)

What happens if it rains?

The event will still take place, most activities are able to be run in the wet or we have a marquee for them. Remember to bring a waterproof jacket!

Can I drop my young people off at Ashton Court?

No, there is no parking for the event at Ashton Court. Everyone will have to arrive on a coach or via the park and ride service. Wristbands will only be issued on a coach or at the park and ride. (See Transport)

What should the young people bring?

• Packed lunch
• Waterproof coat
• Group neckerchief
• Sun hat
• Sun cream
• Drink (in a refillable bottle, drinking water will be provided)

What time does the Bear Hunt start?

The event starts at 10:00am and finishes at 4:30pm. However, the actual times will vary as the arrivals and departures will be staggered to ease the pressure. Your District Coordinator will have the exact times nearer the time.

Do we have to wear uniform?

No, only your Group Neckerchief.

What age ranges will the activities be for?

There will be activities suitable for everyone from the youngest Beaver to oldest Network member.

Will there be a badge?

Yes, a Bear Hunt badge will be issued to everyone that attends.

What happens if my Group is not attending and I want to go?

Ask another local Group if you can go along with them.

Is there a reduced fee for leaders?

Yes! In response to a number of requests the adult fee is just £5.

How will young people's usage of the different facilities or activities be determined, scheduled or allocated? In essence, will there be Alton Towers like queues for the popular events?

There are no schedules for any of the activities, as the day is designed to be as free and as relaxing (for all concerned) as possible. There is bound to be some queues for the big activities - this is unavoidable with the amount of young people taking part, but most of the activities are being run and led by outside organisations, and they have been chosen because they are 'high volume - high output' activities. Therefore even though young people may have to queue to do some of the events, they will hopefully not being standing around too long.

Is there going to be any age restricted activities?

The Bear Hunt is designed to be a day for everyone. The majority of activities are for all ages, 6 to 25 years old, however some may not be suitable for younger (such as the entertainment zone) or older people (fairground rides).

Will there be any additional charges on the day?

No, all activities are included in the price. The only exception is the Fun Village, which will have 20p a go type stalls (like Hupla Stall, Coconut Shy, Bowling etc) and the cafe where young people can buy drinks etc.

What is my role as a leader on the day?

Your role will be mostly be to supervise your young people going to the event. However whilst a lot of the activities planned are coming from outside agencies and organisations who will bring their own staff, there will still be some need for Scout leaders / helpers to support them throughout the day. It is hoped that leaders / helpers will only be required for a few hours on a rota basis so that they are not stuck there all day!

If groups decide to bring parent helpers along then remember they must be CRB checked.

Will there be a Promise Renewal Ceremony?

Yes, there will be, and this will be at 10.00am. Young people will do an hours of activities between 9.00am and 10.00am, and then everyone will come together to join in a short (and lively!) promise renewal service. See Programme

Can we send some members in by coach and some via the Park and ride?

Yes - but please bear in mind that you will be responsible for young people at each location so you will need to meet adult ratios at the park and ride as well as on your coaches.

It’s a long day for our younger members. Have you taken this into account?

Yes - The event will require up to 100 coaches so all cannot arrive or leave at the same time. We will ensure the districts which arrive first, will leave first and vice versa.
Coaches will arrive between 8.45am and 9.50am and leave between 4.00pm and 5.30pm. We will notify you of your times before the event.
The Park and Ride will operate between 8.45pm and 10.00am then again from 4.00pm through to 5.30pm.

What are the arrangements for Explorer Scouts?

All explorers and some older scouts will split their day between Bristol Docks and Ashton Court. We expect around 300 at each half day session. Chris Meadows (ACC, Explorers) is in charge of this and will advise which districts will attend in the morning and which will attend in the afternoon.
There has been a change in arrangements for those traveling to the Docks for the morning session. They will now travel to Ashton Court in the usual way and then be transferred to coaches which will take them to the docks. If anyone needs to be transferred from the Park & Ride to the Docks, please make arrangements through your district Transport coordinator.
At lunchtime there will be a transfer between the docks and Ashton Court. At the end of the day, all those at the docks will be taken back to Ashton Court and depart on coaches with the rest of their district.

Who do I pay?

Young people should pay their group and your group will pass the money on to your District. The District will collect all the money and pay it to County.