On Monday the 21st January, instead of a regular meeting, our Scouts took part in an exciting new concept of a “virtual” troop meeting, which gained many of them their Scout IT badge, stage 1. The Scouts took part in an Internet challenge from home and working in patrols using an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client supplied (and monitored) by ScoutLink

The ScoutLink operators made us very welcome on the ScoutLink IRC channels. A special big thanks go to Peter, Roger-UK and AP-128, who helped with keeping order amongst the chaos!

To achieve points for their patrol, the Scouts had a series of 6 challenges (full details), which included:

1. Joining and configuring IRC so they could be identified correctly and joining their own patrol channel, which had been specially set-up for the event.
2. Take part in an online quiz, which involves basic information about Scouting, Computers and the Internet
3. Take part in some of the online games on ScoutLink (like hangman, trivia, kaos, Uno, etc).
4. Talk to as many people on IRC as possible, find out a bit about them and research the city/town/village where they’re from. Use the “J” code if they don’t speak English.
5. Contribute to the forum, guestbook or contact form on our new website.
6. Submit their answer document via the website.

Some of the Scouts found the challenge difficult (it wouldn’t be a challenge otherwise!). Most of them told us they really enjoyed the experience and we're very pleased with how they participated and got on with the challenges.

Our Scouts will be encouraged to become regulars on the ScoutLink channels, where we were made very welcome today!