Night Hawk and Night Swift Challenges

Night Hawk Challenge

Night Hawk Challenge is for Scouts aged 11.5-13 and Explorers aged 14-17 years on the date the event starts. The challenge comprises a Scout route and a longer Explorer route, with teams aiming to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint with the least number of catches by the Hunters.

Registration

Registration now open. Cost is £12.50 per entrant, non-refundable. Joining instructions will be sent in the week before the event, including the Team’s registration time. Teams will be booked in from 21:00 in the night.

‘Hawk’ Rules

The winner in each category (Huddersfield North and non-Huddersfield North team for each of the Scout Route and Explorer Route) is the team that reaches the finish during the specified times with the least catches, and in accordance with all other rules. A catch will be applied as described in these rules and additionally when:

• a team is caught by hunters or fails to stop when requested by hunters
• failure to contact Event Control when required
• splitting up
• failure to display hi-viz jackets (provided) at front and rear of party when walking on roads

Teams will be ineligible to win the relevant trophy if:

• more than half of the members that started do not finish
• they have opened their emergency pack

Team make up

• Teams must start with between four and seven members
• If a team becomes smaller than three members due to retirements it will be required to form a composite team with another team at a checkpoint
• Any team with two or more members aged 14 or over will walk the Explorer Route
• Teams with adult/leader support are not eligible for a trophy in competition with teams on the same route without adult members
• Teams members to walk within sight of each other at all times

Kit and equipment

Equipment will be scrutinised on a random basis at registration and during the event. Penalties for missing equipment and kit will be issued in the form of catches (or in some cases by a team becoming ineligible to win a trophy or immediate disqualification/retirement).

Each team must carry at all times during the event:

• Two (2) laminated OL21 and 288 Ordnance Survey Maps (we will accept paper maps when paired with proper map cases)
• Two (2) silva type compasses
• Event emergency pack (provided at registration)
• One (1) mobile phone with WhatsApp and What3Words installed, and the number registered with the event
• One (1) fully-charged power bank (for mobile phone)
• One (1) Catch Tally
• One (1) Sleeping Bag

Each person must wear or carry at all times during the event:

• Walking boots with ankle support (trainers and approach shoes are not acceptable)
• Waterproof coat and waterproof over-trousers
• Two (2) warm jumpers
• One (1) pair of non-denim trousers
• Two (2) pairs of socks (one worn, one spare)
• Hat
• Gloves
• Torch
• Whistle
• Survival bag
• Notepad and pencil
• Mug and spoon
• Drink and snacks
• Emergency rations
• First Aid Kit
• One (1) Event Tally (provided at registration)

Participants are recommended to bring a change of clothes and footwear in a named bag, so they can get changed when they finish the hike.

Night Swift Challenge

Night Swift Challenge is for Scouts aged 10.5-13 on the date the event starts. It is a parallel event to Night Hawk, with teams having to be accompanied by one or more leaders/appropriate adults and involving a shorter route and a midnight (latest) finish.

Registration

Registration now open. Cost is £5 per entrant, non-refundable. Joining instructions will be sent in the week before the event, including the Team’s registration time. Teams will be booked in from 19:00 on the night, and will finish at midnight for collection shortly after.

‘Swift’ Rules

The winner of Night Swift is the team that reaches the finish (or gets the furthest) with the fewest catches. A catch will be applied as described in these rules and additionally when:

• a team is caught by hunters or fails to stop when requested by hunters
• failure to contact Event Control when required
• splitting up
• failure to display hi-viz jackets (provided) at front and rear of party when walking on roads

Team make up

• Teams must start with between four and seven members
• Teams with retirements will be eligible to continue so long as there are more than two Scouts plus their adult support
• Teams members to walk within sight of each other at all times

Kit and equipment

Equipment may be scrutinised on a random basis at registration and during the event. Penalties for missing equipment and kit will be issued in the form of catches (or in some cases by a team becoming ineligible to win a trophy or immediate disqualification/retirement).

Each team must carry at all times during the event:

• One (1) of each OL21 and 288 Ordnance Survey Maps (we will accept paper maps when paired with proper map cases)
• One (1) silva type compasses
• Event emergency pack (provided at registration)
• One (1) mobile phone with WhatsApp and What3Words installed, and the number registered with the event
• One (1) fully-charged power bank (for mobile phone)
• One (1) Catch Tally

Each person must wear or carry at all times during the event:

• Walking boots with ankle support (trainers and approach shoes are not acceptable)
• Waterproof coat and waterproof over-trousers
• Two (2) warm jumpers
• One (1) pair of non-denim trousers
• Two (2) pairs of socks (one worn, one spare)
• Hat
• Gloves
• Torch
• Whistle
• Survival bag
• Notepad and pencil
• Mug and spoon
• Drink and snacks
• Emergency rations
• First Aid Kit
• One (1) Event Tally (provided at registration)