I thought I'd start with a brief introduction to our group and what we are planning on doing.
I am writing on behalf of a group of 16-25 year old, including myself, who, in conjunction with the Scout Association are attempting to complete the Explorer Belt Challenge.
A major part of this Challenge involves
an expedition to Brazil which we aim to complete in August 2013; the Project
started in March this year and should culminate in October/November 2013.
The Explorer Belt is the challenge of a lifetime,
open to members of the Scout Association aged between 16 and 25 and nationally
less than 500 are awarded annually.
It is a
chance to take part in a ten-day expedition that brings a real understanding of
a different country, its people and way of life.
To
complete the Explorer Belt Award, the member must:
·
be aged between 16 and 25 years old
·
be a member of either Explorer Scouts or the Scout Network
·
plan and train for an international expedition as part of a small
team
·
travel to another country and travel for at least 100kms through
that country over ten days
·
complete a self-selected major project
·
complete about ten smaller projects
·
keep a notebook or diary during the whole Challenge
·
take part in a debriefing after the expedition
· present and be assessed at a presentation about the expedition on
return to the UK
Most
explorer belt expeditions are undertaken on foot, although other forms of
transport including canoe, bicycle and horseback are equally acceptable.
As participants we are required to raise a total of £20,000
to cover the costs of training, flights, accommodation food etc. To this end we have started to organise
fundraising events and have already received some small donations.
If you have come here to donate or to buy one of our Fundraising items, then on behalf of my fellow Belters, thank you for your support.
I'll also see if we can update this blog as we go. We might not be able to blog during the actual expedition, but hopefully we can before and after.
- Mike Baker
