Two groups from Maidstone are both celebrating after winning a county competition. The groups beat over 40 other teams from Maidstone, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells to be crowned champions of Challenge Invicta.
Challenge Invicta is a seven-mile hike which was set in the Tonbridge area this year. Over 150 girls aged 10-18 years old took part in the hike, completing tasks every mile for which they receive points depending on how well they perform. Challenges included making a raft, identifying the World Guide Centres and putting a banana back together like a puzzle.
2nd Coxheath Guides celebrated after winning the Guide section of the competition. Tilly Fuller, 12 said ‘I couldn’t believe it. When they read our team number out I started clapping for the team that won. We never thought it would be us!’
The good news continued for the County Town when 1st Maidstone Senior Section won the competition for girls aged 14-18.
The one-day event marks the end of weeks of preparation for the teams who learn map reading skills and practice their teamwork and leadership prior to the event. The event helps to teach the girls independence and grow their confidence as they walk the seven-mile route without the aid of a leader.
Jamie Bird, the leader of the winning team said ‘In our team was myself, Millie, Tilly and Katherine. This year’s challenge was probably our favourite as there was rain, muddy fields, puddles, fun tasks and lots of singing. The best part of the day for me and my team was when we were lost in a field whilst it was bucketing rain, the map was getting soaked but it didn’t matter as we were having fun. When we found out we had won it made it all worth it. We can’t wait for next challenge Invicta and we hope for another win!