Adventure, Teamwork, Legacy: The Mike Love Trophy is Back
The Mike Love Trophy Returns!
We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Mike Love Trophy, a legendary overnight challenge that has tested Scouts’ teamwork, resilience, and determination for generations.
Mike Love, known to friends as “Doc,” was a Venture Scout with 2nd Walton-le-Dale Scout Group. He went on to serve with distinction as a Corporal in the Royal Marines, 846 Naval Air Squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for his bravery and skill during multiple hazardous operational sorties in the Falklands. Tragically, Mike lost his life in 1982 in a helicopter accident during active service. His courage, resilience, and commitment to teamwork continue to inspire Scouts across South Ribble.
In his memory, Mike’s family gifted the Trophy to South Ribble Scouts to encourage young people to embrace adventure, challenge, and teamwork — values that were at the heart of Mike’s life and Scouting journey.
This year, the Mike Love Trophy returns with even greater challenges:
- Explorer Teams will compete for the Trophy.
- Network Teams will face a Scout Network-specific challenge — a little harder, a little longer, with tougher tasks to test endurance, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Overnight navigation and hiking across rugged terrain will push your map-reading, orienteering, and teamwork skills to the limit.
- Expect team problem-solving tasks, physical challenges, and mental endurance tests designed to test leadership, collaboration, and creative thinking.
- Teams will need to work together under pressure, adapt to unexpected challenges, and keep spirits high through the night — all while putting Scouting skills into action.
Key Information:
- 📅 Date: Overnight 18–19 April
- 👥 Teams: 4–6 members, ages 14–24
- 💷 Cost: £10 per team
- 📍Location: TBC (no actual locations are known until the actual event)
- 📲 To sign up, simply get your teams together and let your leader know, pay your fee and await further instruction
From a past competitor, Josh Riley (1st Hoghton Scouts): “Taking part in the Mike Love Trophy was one of the most intense and rewarding experiences in my Scouting journey. The overnight hike, navigation challenges, and team tasks pushed me to think creatively, stay resilient, and work as a true team. The skills, determination, and friendships I gained are ones I still carry with me today.”
Complete kit lists and event details will be shared with entered teams soon.