A team of five determined Network members completed a four-day expedition in the New Forest in early May, as they worked towards their King’s Scout Award and DofE Gold.
Great news on any day of the Scouting week! Yet, the learning curve for these young adults was far greater than any steep incline they might have encountered on their expedition. For these fearless five, they had almost given up hope of completing their top awards due to the physical and psychological demands of the remote terrain.
This is an expedition story with a difference. This is a story of fighting spirit, resilience, and sheer determination – underpinned by a support team who understood how to adapt the challenge to suit their specific needs.
As Scouts, our priority is to make everyone feel welcome, to offer a place to belong, and somewhere each young person can be pushed to achieve challenging goals; safe, supported and free from judgment. On this expedition, the same rigorous standards were upheld but the challenge was tailored to meet the abilities of those taking part.
The group embraced the adventure with tenacity and determination. They navigated independently for four days and immersed themselves in the stunning landscape around them, forming a close bond as they supported each other.
Their project work, documenting the food cycle of the New Forest, brought the forest to life, turning each day into a blend of exploration, discovery and awareness of their surroundings. From listening to cuckoos, encountering unforeseen obstacles, and enjoying the typically volatile British weather.
“I’m very grateful for the team I was put in,” reflected Jaye from Pang Valley. “We got on very well and listened to each other. This got us over the finish line of our Gold DofE and I’m ever so proud of us. But I wish we could have seen that cuckoo bird we heard.”
Harriet, from Wales, shared a similar sentiment: “The team I was with, including the overseeing team, were the best I’ve had in all my previous expeditions. The fact that we were all able to get to the end still laughing was the best part. And although the surprise path closure threw us for a moment, it was quickly resolved within the expedition team.”
Samanthan, who joined from Hastings Scouts, added: “It was an extraordinary time being on the hike with the girls. We learned a lot about each other and about ourselves. We worked as a team through all the highs and lows, suns and storms. It taught me a lot about resilience in times of struggle. Scouting is essential in times like these. It has taught me so many life skills and given me the kind of friendships and memories and people that I just wouldn’t have otherwise had.”
Their journey shows exactly what Scouting and the DofE awards stand for: every young person deserves the chance to take on an adventure that works for them. With thoughtful planning and adapting elements such as daily distance, terrain, pack weight and project focus, expeditions can be flexible, creative and fully inclusive.
Annick, who shadowed them, said: “The team helped us redefine what achievement can look like. Each of them embarked on this journey after being told by peers, society or their own mind that this award was not for them. It was never a given in their mind they would succeed and seeing them at the finish line was a very special moment. All five of them are lead volunteers with Explorers and will be an inspiration for others to aim for the Top Awards too.”
For more information on running or joining similar expeditions, contact [email protected]