it is with regret that we need to announce that due to an overwhelming entry uptake, further entries to the 2024 Operaton Dragnet cannot be accepted, as all the team places are now filled.
The Dragnet organising committee are excited and proud to announce that Operation Dragnet will be 50 years old this year.Head Quarters will be located in the Caldbeck village hall.
Any team wishing to withdraw their entry from the event, must give notice prior to the 14th of June after which time the entry fee will be forfeited.
One of the most rewarding and exciting competitive combined Explorer Scout and Scout Network events of the year.
Will you accept the challenge???
Dragnet is set in the beautiful Cumbrian Lake District, where some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK can be found. But don’t be fooled by the Lake District's charm, this challenge is set to test most of your core scouting skills, not to mention the notorious changeable Lake District weather.
So before the event make sure you hone up those navigation, teamwork, and survival skills.
You will then be ready as a team of 4 to complete a 35 to 40 mile trek through the mountainous terrain on foot , in the wilds of the Lake District, as a team of four bonafide Explorer or Network Scouts. Setting off from a secret drop off point late on Friday night, and from there navigate back to the defined Dragnet Base Camp, aiming to arrive on Sunday morning, as close to 11:00 am as possible.
Just in case you’re thinking ‘that’s not challenging’, we have introduced a twist, you are not only competing with up to 60 other teams. Your team will also be given ‘life’ cards which can be taken from you at any point on route, by a team of experienced Searchers made up of Explorer and Network Leaders (min 25 years old). So your teamwork and navigation skills will be tested to the limit whilst you evade capture.
Every team that enters Dragnet is a winner, a team trophy (to be returned for next year’s Dragnet event) and prizes will be awarded to the Explorer Team and Network Team, that have the highest number of life cards left at the finish, and arrive nearest to 11:00 am. All teams that finish between 10:30 and 11:30 with lives remaining will receive a certificate and a badge. No badges or certificates will be given to teams that are disqualified for breaking the rules.
You must be a member of the Scout or Guide movement, and be aged between 14 and 25 years old on the first day of the event
You must be able to walk a distance of up to 40 miles in open country.
You will need to survive a couple of nights under the stars possibly in poor weather. It is vital that you have the right equipment.
You will need transport to and from the Dragnet event, arriving NO LATER THAN 20:30 on the Friday night
NOTE: do not rely on public transport to get there.
The cost will be £25 each (£100 per team) payable on entry.
Teams must be made up from all Explorers or all Network members. Mixed Explorer/Network teams are not be permitted.
there will be no team amalgamations on the night or throughout the course of the competition. If someone in your team drops out then the whole team is out and will need to return to base. There will be no joining up with another team. Teams must start and finish the event in the same format or they will not be counted in the results.
Explorer Teams must complete an events passport for this event. The responsibility for completion of the event passport lies with each Explorer Unit’s Leaders.
NOTE: Network teams do not need to comply with this requirement.
Any Leaders wishing to attend the event as searchers must register beforehand by submitting Their Name and Scout membership number via the email.