An overseas Scouting adventure for Odiham Scout District’s Endurance Explorers, Typhoon Air Scout Troop, Meteor Scout Troop, and other Odiham District Explorer Scouts
What is it
After the success of Hampshire Scouts Suisse Adventure ‘22 [1] [2] [3], the excitement of Hampshire Scouts Marvellous European Road Trip (Project 23), and the challenges of the World Scout Jamboree ‘23 in South Korea, the Explorer Scouts in Endurance Explorers asked if they could have a smaller scale overseas camp.
The older Scouts at our group were invited and an invite was sent out to all other Odiham Explorer Scouts.
The result, Nordic ‘25. Two years to plan an exciting and adventurous summer camp in Iceland for an unforgettable experience.
Who is going
Taking part in this incredible adventure there will be…
25 Scouts and Explorers (will be aged between 13 and 17)
2 young adults (currently in Explorer Scouts but will have aged into a Leader role by August 2025)
8 Leaders
Everyone is involved in local Scouting, with the majority of Scouts/Explorers from 100th Elvetham Heath Scout Troops (Meteor and Typhoon), and Endurance Explorer Scout Unit.
Spare spaces for the trip have been offered to Odiham District based Scouts and Explorers, with several very happy to accept a spot.
Where is it
We will be camping at the Úlfljótsvatn Scout and Adventure Centre, which has been the home for Icelandic Scouts for over 80 years.
It is now set up as a fully recognised international Scout campsite, and has hosted many Jamboree and Moot type Scouting events.
Located in the south west of Iceland, Úlfljótsvatn sits in a privileged environment full of outdoor opportunities, natural beauty and unlimited wonder (and suitably far away from the current activity at the Reykjanes peninsula)
Ulfljotsvatn Campsite Location
When is it
We’re planning to set off on the 2nd August 2025 for a 10 day trip, and arrive back in the UK on the 11th August 2025
What are we doing there
We have a set of core activities booked, and with a few days of ‘down time’ to relax and enjoy the local area there will be options to expand on this list!
Golden Circle Tour, with a visit to the Secret Lagoon
Úlfljótsvatnfjall hike & Viking craft
South Coast Day Trip (Vik & the black sand beaches)
& a visit to the Lava Centre
Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk
Reykjavik Day Trip
There are also optional extra activities including White Water Rafting, Reykjadalur Hot Springs hikes, Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel Tour, and Silfra Fissure Snorkelling.
Scouts/Explorers not joining on those will be enjoying the more local campsite activities including an obstacle course, water safari, various campsite games (GaGa ball, Frisbee golf etc.), local hikes, Iceland’s Scout Museum, and Ljósafoss Hydroelectric Power Station’s free exhibition.
There will also be close on 5,000 other international Scouts, Guides, and other youth groups camping on site at the same time! Plenty of people from all over the world to talk with, get to know, and learn from! (and get some amazing necker/badge swaps!)
Our provisional itinerary
How much is it
The big question…
The cost to each participant, Scout, Explorer, or Leader, is £1,750 (leading to a base trip cost of £61,250!). This covers our flights, insurance, the camping, food, the core activities listed above, and the UK international neckers/trip badges/hoodie etc. – the optional activities cost extra.
Since January 2024 we have run, taken part in, or have signed up for 16 group level fundraising events to help with the costs and are looking to do many more before the trip starts.
Having completed 15 of these to date (September 2024) we have raised just over £6,200!
The parents of Scouters have stepped up and helped with the organising of some of these events, and we have also encouraged Scouts to organise their own personal level fundraising activities.
Some very generous local organisations have donated separately to some of our Scouts/Explorers who have been struggling – please see the Thank-Yous page as they are extremely grateful for the aid!
