Kandersteg: Adventure, Friendship and a Little Bit of Madness

One of the highlights of the year was our return visit to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in Switzerland. Often described as a permanent World Scout Jamboree, Kandersteg brings together Scouts from across the globe in the heart of the Swiss Alps, creating opportunities for adventure, independence and international friendship unlike anywhere else in Scouting.  

The week was packed with adventure. Our Explorers took on white-water rafting, navigating fast-moving rivers under the guidance of expert instructors, before testing themselves on the high ropes course high above the valley floor. Later in the week, mountain tubing provided another adrenaline-fueled challenge, with Scouts racing down a former ski jump landing slope at speeds approaching 50 mph. More traditional adventures included hiking around the stunning Oeschinensee, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes, and a service project helping maintain part of the campsite for future visitors.  

As always, however, the activities were only part of the experience. Living under canvas for a week meant that the Scouts were responsible for planning menus, shopping for food and cooking their meals each day. By the end of the week, they had not only become more confident campers but had developed greater independence and teamwork as well.  

What makes Kandersteg truly special is the opportunity to meet Scouts from around the world. Campfires, international evenings and social events saw our Explorers making friends with young people from Canada, the USA, Norway, Sweden, Israel and many other countries. Badge and neckerchief swapping soon filled camp blankets with memories, but more importantly provided an excuse to start conversations and learn about different cultures and traditions.  

Like every great Scout trip, Kandersteg also developed its own traditions and running jokes. This year’s unofficial mascot was a collection of rubber ducks, which Scouts had to carry at all times in case of an impromptu “duck check”. Meanwhile, hundreds of wooden clothes pegs were decorated with messages and secretly clipped onto unsuspecting Scouts from around the world. What began as a simple game quickly became our group’s trademark, with pegs appearing on uniforms, backpacks and camp blankets across the site.  

The memories of the rafting, campfires and mountain scenery will last a long time, but for many of our Explorers the most important part of the trip was the people they met. Kandersteg provides a rare opportunity for young people to realise that despite growing up in different countries and speaking different languages, they share many of the same interests, values and ambitions. It is this combination of adventure, challenge and global friendship that makes KISC such a special experience and one that our Scouts will remember for many years to come. 

Scouting at Lancing – Summer Term Round-Up 

As another busy year of Scouting at Lancing draws to a close, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the experiences, challenges and adventures that have made this year so memorable. From camps and leadership opportunities to lifelong friendships, our Explorer Scouts have once again demonstrated the very best of Scouting’s values. 

Leadership and Teamwork 

One of the strongest themes of the year has been the development of leadership and teamwork throughout the Unit. Many of our Fifth Form Scouts stepped into positions as Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders at the start of the year, while several members of the Lower Sixth took on the responsibilities of Senior Patrol Leader later in the year. 

Bea H reflected on the role that student leadership has played throughout the year: 

“Older students in Scouts have taken on many responsibilities and positions of leadership over the last year. Our student leadership teams have taken active roles in planning our programme, leading activities and welcoming new Scouts into our Unit.” 

Teamwork has also been at the heart of almost every activity. Whether belaying one another on the climbing wall, building pioneering projects, navigating on expeditions, or planning and cooking meals together on camp, Scouts have learned to trust and support one another. 

As Bea explained: 

“Scouts have been able to develop their teamwork through games and challenges including belaying each other whilst rock climbing and cooking and planning meals together.” 

These shared experiences have built confidence, resilience and friendships that extend far beyond our weekly meetings. 

Skills, Challenges and New Experiences 

The year began with a lively Taskmaster evening designed to help our new Fourth Form Explorers settle into the Unit. Shortly afterwards, they were formally invested and began their own Scouting journey at Lancing. 

Reflecting on the programme, Caoillinn said: 

“We kicked off our Advent Term with a Taskmaster session to get our new Fourth Formers comfortable in the Unit. Then they had their investitures and officially became Explorers.” 

Throughout the year, Scouts have developed a wide range of practical and adventurous skills. Climbing sessions challenged members to conquer their fears, while several evenings focused on camp cooking, culminating in a highly competitive Scout Bake Off. 

After Christmas, attention turned to emergency aid and first aid training. Scouts completed a range of practical sessions and became one of the first Units in the country to complete the new Air Ambulance challenge badge. 

Caoillinn furthermore said: 

“When we look back on the year, it’s not just about the camps, activities or badges. It’s about the confidence we’ve built, the friendships we’ve made and the opportunities we’ve had to lead and challenge ourselves.” 

Camps and Overnighters 

Camps remain one of the highlights of the Scouting year. The year began with our Senior Patrol planning camp where leaders worked together to develop ideas and activities for the months ahead. 

Imogen W described the importance of these experiences: 

“One of the highlights of Scouting at Lancing is the overnighters.” 

Lent Term saw many of our Fourth Form and Lower Sixth Scouts enjoy their first overnight experience at Hillside Scout Campsite. Working in patrols, they developed campcraft skills, cooked their own meals and completed a hike back to College. 

The Summer Term overnighter proved memorable for different reasons. Although poor weather forced a late change of plan, the Scouts embraced the challenge, enjoying a day of team-building activities and a visit to Out of Bounds before spending the night on site at College. 

Our final camp of the year took place at Parkwood Scout Camp and provided a fitting farewell for our Fifth Form leavers. It also gave the Lower Sixth the opportunity to step into leadership roles, running activities ranging from pioneering and first aid to axe throwing and campfire programmes. 

Community and Friendship 

Throughout the year, our Explorers have built friendships both within the Unit and across the wider Scouting community. 

Earlier this year, we hosted a District Campfire in support of our two World Scout Jamboree participants, Bea Hill and Imogen Watts, bringing together Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from across the district. 

Reflecting on the wider social side of Scouting, Lili R said: 

“A key part of Scouting is meeting new people and making friends. Whether that’s at local events, camps or international trips, there are always opportunities to connect with other Scouts.” 

These experiences remind us that one of the greatest strengths of Scouting is its sense of community. Whether around a campfire, working together on a challenge, or welcoming new members into the Unit, Scouts learn the importance of friendship, kindness and supporting one another. 

Looking Back 

Looking back on the year, it is not simply the camps, activities or badges that stand out. It is the confidence our Scouts have developed, the friendships they have built and the opportunities they have been given to lead, challenge themselves and grow as individuals. 

Caoillinn summed it up so well: 

“Scouts has pushed us out of our comfort zones, helped us grow, and given us experiences we wouldn’t get anywhere else. That’s why, for all of us, it’s been one of the best parts of our year.” 

As we look ahead to another exciting year, we are immensely proud of everything they have achieved. The future of Scouting at Lancing is certainly in very good hands. 

Andy Cooper
Scout Leader – Minerva Explorer Unit