Next Summer we are planning two events, both in Ireland and running simultaneousl: An Explorer Belt Challenge and a Visit to the Irish Scouting Centenial Jamboree.
For older Explorers (over 16) and Scout Network we will be running an Explorer Belt Challenge. This is possibly the hardest challenge available in Scouting. Leaders will be providing emergency cover, but otherwise the Young People must be completely self sufficient. Costs will be around £250 for Travel, insurance etc. but the participants will need to pay for their own food etc.during the course of the challenge
If you want to know more about what is involved, there are some excellent factsheets available on Scout Base.
"The Explorer Belt is the challenge of a lifetime that is available to Explorer Scouts aged over 16 and members of the Scout Network. It is a chance to undertake an international expedition over ten days that brings a real understanding of a different country, its people and way of life.
The Explorer Belt is often described as 'the antidote to the package holiday'. It is designed to help young people develop a real understanding of another country by travelling through that country, working as a small team to complete surprise projects, and meeting local people.
To complete the Explorer Belt, an Explorer Scout or member of the Scout Network must:
plan and train for an international expedition as part of a small team
travel to another country of their choice and travel through that country over ten days
complete a major project of their own choice
complete around ten smaller projects
keep a notebook or diary during the expedition
take part in a debriefing after the expedition
make a presentation about the expedition.
For younger Explorers (or those who don't fancy the Explorer Belt) we are taking a contingent to the Irish Jamboree at Punchestown, Naas, Co Kildare, Ireland between 2 and 10 August 2008. For those who were not lucky enough to attend the Highlands Park Jamboree, this represents a real chance to experience what it was like. Costs are likely to be around £500 per person for Travel and Camp fees although we will be trying to substantially reduce this with fund raising.
Why not visit their websiteand see what is planned.
If you are interested in either the Jamboree or the Explorer Belt, we need to know by the end of October 2007 as we will need to confirm Jamboree numbers and pay the initial deposit by the end of the first week of November. Flyers are attched. Please print one off and return it to David or Izzy as soon as possible.