Summer Expeditions 2024
This summer our Explorer scouts (ages 14-17) took part in multi-day Expeditions by Canoe for their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Our Bronzes paddled for 2 days on the River Medway, our Silvers paddles for 3 days on the River Severn, and our Golds paddled for 4 days on the Great Glen Canoe Trail in Scotland. They loaded their tents, stoves, and food into water-tight barrels and bags, and set off in their Canoes in teams of 6/8, paddling around 30 kilometres each day.
Bronzes setting off with their kit
They have taken past in training over the past year, so that they know what to do when they encounter things like rapids and locks. They’ve worked really hard to gain skills in first response, navigation, expedition camp-craft, and how to cook up the perfect treats to boost everyone’s morale.
DofE Silvers at the end of their 3 day expedition
Taking part in an Expedition in the great outdoors as a team is one of the best experiences a young person can have. When our teams finished they had an enormous sense of pride, having been totally self-sufficient for several days. They told us stories that showed they had made lasting friendships and memories. It was great to hear about the wildlife they saw along the way too, such as Kingfishers, Golden Eagles, Stoats and Sand Martins.
It’s so important that young people get chances to connect to nature and have a break technology and the busy lives they live here in South London. On an expedition, young people might encounter something they hadn’t expected or planned for. When the unexpected happens they have to think for themselves and solve problems as a team, thinking back on their training without looking to adults for the answer. This is how they learn to support each other and think about the team as a whole. Overcoming adversity gives you skills that you can’t learn at home or in the Scout hall. It prepares you for life and makes you resilient.
DofE Golds paddling the Great Glen Canoe trail
The most spectacular trip is the DofE Gold Expedition along the Great Glen Canoe Trail, which offers an awesome adventure through the Scottish Highlands. Spanning over 60 miles from coast to coast, the Canoe trail connects the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. Scotland is known for its wild weather and choppy waters, requiring solid skills and preparation. Along the way, Scouts can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, famous lochs, several historic sites and an opportunity to search for the elusive Loch Ness Monster.
Golds training on Loch Lomond
From setting up wild camps each night, to paddling large expanses of open water – the journey teaches self-reliance, problem-solving, resilience and creates life-long memories. We had plenty of rough Scottish weather to provide an extra challenge, one we’re still drying out from.
Congratulations to all the Explorers who completed Expeditions this summer.
Meeting the wildlife
A wildcamp
View from a wildcamp
