Banstead Explorers (BDE)

Review of 2009!

Banstead Explorer Scouts hosted a curry supper (19/11/09) for their members, parents and invited guests at Scout Ridge (HQ opposite Banstead Station) and made a presentation of the years activities. 

The Explorer Unit which has 46 members of young people (boys and girls) aged between 14 and 18 told of their expeditions in a series of amusing presentations using computer slides and impersonations. 

The year's highlights included:

• Bristol to Oxford to London 160 mile cycle ride 

• 11 flew to Hamburg in Germany and sailed back from Cuxhaven on the Baltic to Ipswich across the North Sea in Force 8 winds. 

• 20 went to the International Scout camp in Kandersteg in Switzerland and took part in many activities including hiking , white water rafting and fun and games while meeting Scouts from other parts of the world. 

• Gliding, skiing, go-karting, ice skating, bowling, and various wide games in the countryside. 

• As well as these exciting things the Explorers have had a talk on online protection and have been busy gaining awards as part of their training programme. These include one DOE Silver and 1 DOE Bronze Award, 4 Chief Scout’s Platinum and 1 Chief Scout’s Diamond Award. 

• We provided the parking attendants for the Banstead Countryside day and a large refreshment and Burger Bar which raised valuable funds to support the Group’s activities. 

More expeditions are planned including a 3 day Christmas hike and 30 have already reserved their places for an expedition to Finland in July 2010.  Another weeks sailing trip has been booked for next year.

Tadworth Explorers (TDE)