On the 20^th August 2010 a contingent of 44 Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders from the 1^st/4^th (MMHO) Gibraltar Scout Group left Gibraltar to camp in the Kandersteg International Scout Camp (KISC) in Switzerland. The camp was opened in 1923 by Lord Baden Powell and his idea for the camp was to have a permanent mini jamboree. It has certainly worked and each year over 20,000 scouts from over 40 countries join in the fun and adventure that Kandersteg offers.

The Local Scout arrived at Kandersteg and were soon taking part in activities and making friends with Scouts from other countries.  The  Group made very good contact with a Scout Group from Luxembourg who are all Portuguese Expats, the Donbosco Group from Germany the 8^th Yorkshire Group and the Aosta Group from Italy. The Scouts took part in many international events such as the International Camp Fire, The international Evening, The Green Chalet trail, Environmental Activities, Team building events and many other joint activities.

Each day the Group would get up early and travel to the starting point of the days activity. Day 1 saw the Group taking part in Wide-water rafting down the Simme river a Grade 2 river. Day 2 was a climbing day with Group of different abilities taking part in sessions on abseiling or climbing. Day 3 was spent on the Seil high ropes park which involved zipwires, monkey bridges, ladders and other obstacles, the park is divided into four levels with level four ropes at varying heights of between 30/40mtrs. In the afternoon the Group divided in two Groups hiked to Hoh a prominent viewpoint of the Kandersteg valley and then took part in the World Scout Workshop. Day 4 was used to visit the Ochenisee Alpine Lake, the Scouts hiked to the lake before braving the cold for an Alpine swim, this was followed by an afternoon session of rowing on the Lake which allowed the Scouts to explore the many waterfalls, streams and features of the Lake. Before returning to camp on the Ochenisee Gondolas the whole Group had a chance to take part in some summer sledging on the Rodelham course a 700mtr long course which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Day 5 was spent Wide water rafting on the Aare river, kayaking on the Aare river or hiking the Almenapp Trail. Day 6 was used to visit the village, scout museum and various other places of interest with the afternoon sessions spent bidding farewell to newly made friends and purchasing camp souvenirs.  The Group also held an award ceremony and investiture ceremony at the New Chalet the central location at KISC. All members obtained one or more of the unique awards available only at Kandersteg, The World Centre award, The KISC International Friendship Awards, The KISC Challenge Award, The Eco Adventurer Awards and the Mini Swiss Adventurer Award.  The Main aim of the awards was to develop Scouts, in making friends, helping others, protecting the environment and taking part in challenging adventurous activities something the Scouts did a lot of.

On the way back to Gibraltar the Group stopped off at Port Ventura in Salou for an extra day of excitement and thrills in the well known amusement park.

The whole trip was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone attending to such an extent that before returning the camp was booked for the 2012 return visit.

The Group would like to thank everyone who helped in anyway in making the International camp a life time experience, in particular the many sponsors who help the Group financially during the year, The Tourist Board, The KISC staff, Swiss Scout Association and the Government of Gibraltar for all their help and support.

Plans for Kandersteg 2012 Camp is already in progress and more information on supporting or joining the Group can be obtained by emailing allsafe@gibtelecom.net or phoning Joe on 58009808.