TWO groups of Scouts from Addingham and Burley-in-Wharfedale are a step closer to achieving their goal of visiting the International Scout Centre in Switzerland thanks to a donation from property firm Dacre Son & Hartley.
The Kandersteg International Scout Centre is open all year and attracts youngsters from all over the world.
Kandersteg is a small village in Switzerland with a population of just 2,500 people and there are usually between 2,000 and 3,500 Scouts staying in the centre at any one time!
Scouts contingent leader, Paul Jennings, said: “Our two groups have 35 Scouts aged between 11 and 14, and it’s the first time we have planned a visit to what is a constant 'mini World Jamboree', and we wanted to make sure the trip was affordable to all.
“We have therefore been fundraising and looking for sponsorship in order to keep the cost down. We will also need to take two full-time carers with us to help with our two young people that have disabilities. Dacre Son & Hartley’s donation will go a long way to ensuring we reach our fundraising target and we are very grateful.
“We are hoping it will become a regular trip we will do every three years. Our members will be taking part in lots of activities, including tobogganing, mountaineering in the Alps and visiting a glacier. We will also be learning about the locality and the customs and cultures of the other young people from the other nations attending the camp. International friendship is a key aspect of visiting the centre, and we hope to forge some long-lasting links to the groups we meet there.”
The Addingham and Burley-in-Wharfedale groups will be camping at the centre for a week.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential sales at Dacre, Son & Hartley, said: “This is a great opportunity for youngsters to be a part of an exciting adventure, whilst embracing the positive philosophy of the Scout movement. Dacres are delighted to have been able to help in a small way and wish the two troupes and Scout leaders a wonderful experience.”
Contact Paul Jennings on 01943 831156 or e-mail basekandersteg2016@gmail.com for more information about how to support the groups with their trip.
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