ScoutsCymru is delighted to announce that applications for our international expedition to Bavaria in summer 2025 are now open. There are 16 places available and they are fully funded. This means that the trip is completely free for all the young people taking part.
If you are an Explorer Scout born between 1 August 2007 and 1 August 2009 who is part of Scouting in Wales you are eligible to apply. It’s that simple!
Taith is an international learning exchange programme that creates life-changing opportunities to learn, study and volunteer abroad. Taith is Welsh for ‘journey’, their generous support allows us to offer this trip for free.
The Explorer Belt Award is a prestigious international Scouting Award. It’s gained by taking part in a challenging expedition, often in a foreign country, while demonstrating teamwork, cultural exploration and personal development. This experience in Germany will introduce Bavarian culture and bring together Scouts from across Europe.
We know that the trip will last between 10 and 14 days in August 2025 and this time will be spent with Bavarian Scouts. Planning the experience, travel and what it will include is part of the Explorer Belt. So, final dates and activities will be planned and designed by the young people on the trip. This is a fundamental part of Scouting, offering activities that are shaped and led by young people.
Scouts is for everyone but we know that overseas adventure is trickier for some. That’s why if you’re facing barriers to taking part, we’d especially like to hear from you. We can offer specific, tailored support if you have an additional learning need or disability. There is also funding available for those who might need help with the cost of practical items, such as passports or kit to enable them to take part.
The adventure doesn’t stop in Bavaria! In 2026, we’ll host our Bavarian friends here in Wales, sharing our unique culture and traditions.
The expedition will take place within the last three weeks of August 2025 and will likely be between 10 and 14 days, the return date will be scheduled well before school starts in September. Applications for Explorers open on Tuesday 14 January and close on Friday 31 January.
Once we have received your application, a form will be sent to your responsible adult to complete. This needs to be submitted by Tuesday 4 February. We won’t be able to continue with the application if we don’t receive the completed form by this date.
There will be an online information session for people thinking of applying on Tuesday 21 January, where more information will be given.
You can use video or voice notes to complete your application. There are instructions on how to do this when you click through to apply. If you have any questions please do email us, admin@scoutscymru.org.uk.
Applications open – Tuesday 14 January
Information meeting – Tuesday 21 January at 19.00 online. You can sign up here
Adult consent – Once we’ve received your application, we’ll contact your responsible adult for them to give some final information. This needs to be back with us by Tuesday 4 February.
Applications close – Friday 31 January
Save the date – For your information, if you are selected for the next stage of the application process, we’ve earmarked Saturday 15 February and Sunday 16 February for an international taster session, so please keep these dates free. Depending on the numbers who apply, this may be a weekend away, or it may be a series of online events over the two days. If it’s a weekend away, we’ll take care of expenses and travel logistics. It will be completely accessible and we will talk to participants in advance to understand what’s required. We will let you know the format of this weekend as soon as we can. If you have any specific questions, you can get in touch.
Here is the application form for the Bavarian Explorer Belt.
Please contact us at admin@scoutscymru.org.uk if you want us to send a printed version or a version in Welsh.
