The 1st Fleckney Scout group, five leaders, and eleven young members, headed off for the ultimate summer adventure in Norway. They began their journey by boarding a morning flight from Manchester Airport to Amsterdam and then catching a connecting flight to Kristiansand Kjevik Airport. The group then made their way to TrollAtkiv, where they were greeted by lush green forests and anticipation of the week ahead.
After checking in, the 1st Fleckney Scout group explored TrollAtkiv and found the traditional teepees, also known as lavvos, giving them the first cultural experience of the indigenous Norwegian lifestyle. An evening meal was prepared, and the members settled in for the night, excited and ready to begin the adventures that awaited them over the coming week.
Starting the Adventure with a Splash
Their first day started bright and early with a traditional Scandinavian breakfast, featuring a selection of meats, cheeses, bread and cereal, fresh fruit and yoghurt, before making their way to the water for a stand-up paddleboard session. The 1st Fleckney Scout group got to test their balancing skills as they made their way through easy rapids and wave trains and took on the challenge of surfing and competitive games. It was a great way to start the adventure and show the members what excitement lay ahead!
Scaling Cliffs and Discovering Spectacular Views
The following day was full of pure action and adrenaline-fuelled activities. After a tasty breakfast, the 1st Fleckney Scout group left their base and went on a full-day off-site excursion to the Årdalsknapen area, a 762-meter peak in Agder, known for its demanding yet rewarding trails, climbs and wonderful panoramic views of the Otra River valley. Here, the group took on rock climbing on the crag, where they learned to safely belay each other. They then enjoyed the thrill of abseiling at the TrollAtkiv abseiling station. It’s a great activity for young members to develop self-confidence and belief while cheering on and guiding their comrades.
Later in the afternoon, the 1st Fleckney Scout group embarked on a hike around the Årdalsknapen area to incredible viewpoints that overlook the local area and stunning fjords. It was certainly a moment to capture on camera!
I thought, ‘this is exactly why we did this’ every time we were on the Fjord or in the countryside. It was just such a beautiful place to be! It’s a memory for life!
Tom Skinner, Scout Team Leader & Assistant Group Lead Volunteer
A Day Spent Getting Closer to Nature
After all the heart-racing action of the past two days, the third day was spent at the Viltgarden Elk Sanctuary. The 1st Fleckney Scout group got to spend the morning at the wildlife sanctuary, where they could get close to the moose and elks and other wildlife in a safe and natural setting. The sanctuary also provides educational opportunities to learn and study the routines of the ‘King of the Forest’ and Norway’s most well-known animal.
After a calm day of animal exploration and leisure, it was time to pick up the pace and test the waters on a kayaking course. They spent the morning learning the correct techniques and safety protocols before setting out into the white water for the ultimate challenge! They paddled, glided and splashed their way across the river; it’s an activity that’s bound to create lasting memories and leave members with a newfound interest in water sports!
Kayaking Adventures Await
Day six was all about mountain biking, a session focused on developing skills across the park and pump track. The 1st Fleckney Scout group got to take part in games and put their newly acquired techniques to the test, showing off what they’ve learned. Once the group was comfortable on the bikes, they departed on a mountain bike expedition across rocky terrain through the pine forests, feeling the rush of ascending steep slopes and the thrill of winding their way across the trails.
The Ultimate Adventure Finale
The final day began with an exhilarating activity, white water rafting, which is one of TrollAtkiv’s most popular adventures! This excursion is all about communication, teamwork and having fun on a large inflatable raft and is perfect for thrill-seekers. After the safety briefing, the group was ready and raring to hit the water. Once inside the raft, they faced the difficulty of paddling and maintaining direction as they raced down the rapids of the Otra River. Everyone enjoyed scenic stretches, taking in all of Norway’s natural beauty in between the moments of peak adrenaline and laughter.
Continuing the action, the 1st Fleckney Scout group embraced the challenge of the Treetop Adventure as they climbed, balanced and zipped their way across the course, encountering different obstacles built into the pine trees. Completing these courses gave members of all ages a real sense of achievement, as it allowed them to push themselves with the support of their friends behind them. It also encouraged teamwork, resilience, and confidence as they rooted for each other every step of the way!
A Journey to Remember
After an unforgettable week in Norway, exploring the magnificent scenery and wildlife and getting absorbed into a world of adrenaline-fuelled adventure, the 1st Fleckney Scout group returned home.
With new memories and a passion for the great outdoors, Norway is the ultimate destination for a Scout or Guide trip. It’s a place many groups will want to return to as it offers members the perfect blend of exhilarating excursions, with relaxing moments in nature, and a vibrant culture to get immersed in. For a magical and memorable group adventure, it has to be Norway!
I’d recommend Norway because of the staff, the scenery, the activities, the list goes on. We loved it so much that we are going back in 2028!
Tom Skinner, Scout Team Leader & Assistant Group Lead Volunteer
Venture to the Norwegian Wilderness for the Ultimate Adventure
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