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.
It was decided to invite the older Scouts at 100th Elvetham Heath as they would either be in Explorers in summer 2025, or be very close.
The result, Nordic ‘25. Two years to plan an exciting and adventurous summer camp in Iceland for an unforgettable experience.
Being the first overseas camp planned by current Endurance or 100th Elvetham Heath leaders, we opted to use Venture Abroad to manage the trip logistics – a travel agency specialising in Scout and Guiding trips all over the world.
We are also drawing on experience from our District and County Scouting teams, and we have leaders who were on or involved with Suisse Adventure ’22 and Project 23 as part of our contingent!
Who is going
Taking part in this incredible adventure there will be…
26 Scouts and Explorers (will be aged between 13 and 17)
2 young adults (currently in Explorer Scouts but will have aged out into a Leader role by August 2025)
9 Leaders
Everyone is involved in local Scouting, with the majority of Scouts/Explorers from 100th Elvetham Heath Scout Troops (Meteor Scouts and Typhoon Air Scouts), and Odiham’s Endurance Explorer Scout Unit.
Spare spaces for the trip have been offered to other 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)
(Red = Campsite; Purple = Main Offsite Activities; Yellow = Optional Activities)
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 & Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk
Lava Centre & Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
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
These activity days and times are still being confirmed, but are roughly what we expect at this time.
(A few days have split activities, with groups of Scouts/Explorers doing different activities)
How much is it
The big question…
The cost to each participant, Scout, Explorer, or Leader, is £1,750 (which with 37 people going leads to a base trip cost of £64,750!). 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!
We have had some amazing parents of Scouters have stepping up and helping with the organising of some of these events, and we have also encouraged Scouts to organise their own individual fundraising activities as well.
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 our Scouts/Explorers are extremely grateful for the aid!
