I would like to open this Explorer report with a very big thank you to all those who have given me support and assistance over the last few months, which has been a very difficult time for me due to a sudden change in personal circumstances in April. Without going into detail, I am now classed as disabled. However, that is a term for others, as I am determined to get back to as near a normal life as possible and I will not let my disability restrict what I want to do. The kindness and compassion I have experienced from the Scouting community here in Ripon district, and from far afield, have been essential for my road to recovery. Learning to walk with a new foot is not easy but it is slowly coming. I have already been kayaking, camping and scuba diving (many thanks to 'Scuba for All') and I hope that it won’t be long before I am back on the hills.

During my time in hospital and in convalescence, the Explorer section has been kept going by Roz Bardon and Andy Gibson. Without their help the Explorer summer programme would not have happened. There are also many others who have been supporting and helping me to maintain the Explorer programme. My thanks and appreciation for their support goes without saying and I am sure that the Explorers extend their thanks as well.

The Hill and Mountaineer Activity Award course, which started in February, is continuing. The Explorers are learning about hill and mountain safety, navigation, first aid and camping skills. The course, which involves most of the Explorers, is helping to build a tightly knit team. They have experienced camping in snow and in sub-zero conditions in the Peak District and walking in high winds and driving rain in the Lake District. What they haven't experienced yet is using sunscreen! The course is being run by experienced mountain walkers, some of whom have national qualifications and some who are working towards gaining the qualification. There are a couple who did the course with me twelve years ago, but as Scouts.

The course, which also involves Explorers and leaders from Doncaster, provides an ideal opportunity for leaders to instruct young people in the mountains but under the guidance of more experienced (and qualified) leaders. Mixing the teams and leaders from both areas has worked very well. Unfortunately, our wild camping trip has had to be postponed due to a leader shortage. The Doncaster group managed to complete theirs in the Lake District but had to evacuate their high level camp at 3am due to storm force winds and rain. When three tents collapsed, they decided to walk down to Hawswater and send for transport. This is an experience they will remember for a long time. It will help to reinforce all the training and will justify the emphasis the leaders place on being properly prepared for adverse weather, even in the summer. This mountain course provides the training for the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.