SALISBURY scouts have just returned home following a seven-day adventure in Switzerland.

A group of scouts and explorer scouts from across the Salisbury area and south Wiltshire went on an unforgettable international adventure to Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in the Swiss Alps.

Almost 100 scouts and adult volunteers immersed themselves in adrenaline-filled activities whilst living alongside scouts from all over the world from July 28 to August 3.

And the many of the scouts paid for the trip through fundraising over the past year.

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, KISC is known as the ‘Permanent Mini Jamboree’— bringing together scouts from across the world to live, work, and explore side by side.

Marcus Shanley, programme lead for Salisbury & South Wilts Scouts said 1,800 scouts from 36 different nationalities camped together.

READ MORE: ‘I wouldn’t be the person I am without your help’: Gold Award-winning Scouts thank leaders

READ MORE: All creatures great and small: Get your pets blessed at Salisbury Cathedral

Scouts from 23rd Salisbury Group with new scout friends Picture: Ian Porter

He added: “Our scouts and explorers have embraced every opportunity, from alpine hikes to white water rafting, mixed in with international campfires and cultural exchanges.

“Top activities were rowing on the stunning Oeschinensee glacial lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and August 1st Celebrations – these marked both Swiss National Day and the anniversary of the first ever Scout Camp at Brownsea Island 118 years ago.”

Picture: Ian Porter

Ian Porter, volunteer lead for the expedition, said the transformational trip was more than a holiday.

“It was a life-changing experience for our scouts and explorer scouts,” he said.

“Our young people challenged themselves physically and emotionally, and came away with new friendships, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging to the worldwide scout movement.”

Salisbury South Wilts District Picture: Ian Porter

18 older explorer scouts and scout network members travelled out to Geneva ahead of the main group, to complete the Explorer Belt Challenge.

This involved travelling independently through the Swiss countryside and valleys for 10 days, completing a series of challenges and tasks along the way.

“Not only have we learned how to plan our journey, we’ve learned more and more about ourselves and each other along the way,” said Jess & Toby from the Stratford Swallows Explorer Scout Unit.

Crew B white water rafting Picture: Ian Porter

Fraser and Isaac, also from the Stratford unit, said: “We’ve also had the chance to practice our French and German and we’ve been really lucky that the Swiss people we met were kind and generous too.

“Even when some of our luggage was delayed, we were able to adapt our plan, and overcome another unexpected challenge!”

Explorer Scouts hiking to Oeschinensee Picture: Ian Porter

Ian Porter added: “Providing experiences like this to young people is no mean feat, and a team of 20 volunteers have been working together to ensure this trip was a success – from planning activities, organising the scouts, sorting cooking and catering, to checking tents, transporting kit – the leaders involved have really done an awesome job!”

Salisbury and South Wilts Scouts thanked local supporters, parents, and the wider community for helping make this adventure possible.

A spokesperson said: “If this sort of adventure appeals to you, we’re always looking for new adult volunteers – please do get in touch if you’re interested and able to give some of your time to the scouts.”