Whale watching, canoeing, a baseball game, a 100-year-old Scout hall and a Welsh Twmpath for 30 Canadians – a group of ScoutsCymru Explorers packed plenty into their summer adventure to Canada.
The group travelled to Canada this summer, beginning in Vancouver before heading to Vancouver Island and spending five days with Sidney Scouts. The project was funded by TAITH, Wales’ international learning exchange programme and that made all the difference, enabling this trip to go ahead.
And, in true Explorer style, the young people divided themselves into two groups and chose their own rather memorable names: ‘Sorry in Advance’ and ‘This Belt Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us’.
For some, the experience would prove to be as much about discovering what they were capable of as discovering Canada.
Caitlin said: “This trip was such an amazing experience. It wasn’t just about travelling around Canada, it was making memories, challenging myself and discovering what I’m capable of. I’ve come back with more confidence, independence and some of the best memories I’ve ever made.”
Scouting, Canadian style
The adventure began with acclimatisation days in Vancouver, supported by the family of a British Columbia Rover Scout, before the group travelled on to spend five days with Sidney Scouts.
They stayed in Sidney’s 100-year-old Scout hall before heading to Camp Bernard, a Scouts Canada site on Vancouver Island, for canoeing, campfire songs and the chance to experience Scouting Canadian style.
For Joe, it captured exactly what an international Scouting experience should be.
“Scouting is about adventure, friendship and discovering the world and this trip truly captured all three, and along the way I have made skills and friends for life!”
Lily-Rose agreed: “This trip was the perfect next step in my Scouting journey. I feel that I have developed skills and learnt new things along the way. I’m also grateful to have made some incredible friends along the way!”
Taking Wales to Canada
The cultural exchange worked both ways.
The Explorers hosted a Welsh culture night for 30 Canadians, preparing a three-course meal and introducing their hosts to a Twmpath.
There was plenty of Canadian culture to experience too, including whale watching and a baseball game, alongside the opportunities to explore and spend time with their Canadian hosts.
Josh said: “Canada was an adventure I’ll never forget – a journey filled with incredible experiences, amazing friendships and opportunities to discover the world. Along the way, I learned new skills, challenged myself and made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
But perhaps the biggest impact of nearly three weeks away was the confidence that came from taking on something very different from everyday life back home.
For Ffion, that included growing as a leader.
“This journey was the best Scouting experience I have had so far! This trip taught me to believe in myself more, develop my confidence both personally and in a leadership perspective.
“The journey has also led to me making friends for life. Without this set of people on this trip it would never have been the same and I wouldn’t change it for the world!”
Those friendships are a theme running through all the Explorers’ reflections – alongside new skills, greater independence and the confidence that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
The group returned to Wales with plenty of stories to tell, new Canadian friends and an experience that had taken their Scouting journey thousands of miles from home.
And ‘Sorry in Advance’ and ‘This Belt Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us’?
They may have started out as two slightly bonkers team names, but they are now part of an adventure the Explorers are unlikely to forget.
