The Competition
The Paisley Challenge is Blaydon & District’s annual Cub competition, bringing together Cub Packs from across the district for a day of adventure, challenge, and fun. The event takes place in Chopwell Wood, where teams follow a route through the forest and take on a series of themed activity bases along the way.
The focus of the competition is teamwork, confidence-building, and giving Cubs the chance to try new skills in a supportive, playful environment. Cubs might be solving puzzles, learning practical Scouting skills, working together to complete challenges, or simply enjoying the adventure of being outdoors — but above all, the day is designed to be fun.
Each year, the competition is themed around pirates, with maps, clues, story elements and surprises woven throughout the day to bring the woodland to life. From hidden treasure to secret passwords, it’s an immersive adventure where imagination and teamwork are just as important as skill.
While points are awarded and a winning team is crowned, the spirit of the event is about encouraging Cubs to support one another, try their best, and enjoy the journey.
History of The Paisley Challenge
The Paisley Challenge was created in 2018 and is named in memory of Phil Paisley, a much-loved leader whose enthusiasm, kindness and dedication to Scouting inspired countless young people across the district. Phil believed in giving Cubs opportunities to explore, challenge themselves, and grow in confidence — and this competition continues that legacy.
The event was first run by Jamie Ion of 1st Chopwell Scout Group, who helped shape the format that continues today: a woodland adventure, filled with challenges, laughter, and shared achievement. Since then, leaders and volunteers from across the district have helped the Paisley Challenge grow, with each year adding new activities, new ideas, and new memories.
The competition honours Phil not only in name, but in spirit — by encouraging Cubs to:
- Work together as a team
- Look after each other
- Try new things
- And enjoy the adventure
The Paisley Challenge is more than just a competition.
It is a celebration of the Cub Scout journey — curiosity, friendship, imagination, and the joy of discovering what you can do when you do it together.
Latest News
Pirates Take Over the Paisley Challenge 2025!
Paisley Challenge 2024
Paisley Challenge 2019
| Year | Winning Team / Group |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 1st Winlaton |
| 2024 | 1st Blaydon / 1st Chopwell |
| 2023 | No Competition |
| 2022 | 1st Blaydon |
| 2021 | No Competition |
| 2020 | 1st Winlaton / 1st Chopwell |
| 2019 | 1st Winlaton |
| 2018 | 1st Blaydon |
