🇨🇭kANDERSTEG 2025
Join The Unit as we head to Kandersteg, in the Swiss Alps – new activities, new cultures, new countries, new experiences, new friends!
Get ready for an unforgettable summer camp experience! Embarking on a 9-day adventure in Kandersteg, Switzerland, promises to be nothing short of awesome. From the thrill of riding trotti bikes down picturesque trails to conquering the heights of rock climbing, every day will be filled with exhilarating new activities.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of pristine lakes, challenge yourself with overnight hut hikes, and revel in the camaraderie of camping alongside thousands of other Explorers.
Get ready to create lifelong memories and embrace the excitement of this incredible summer camp in the heart of Switzerland!
Find out what’s happening below ⬇️
What and where is Kandersteg?
Nestled in the breathtaking Swiss Alps, the Kandersteg International Scout Centre stands as the ultimate campsite and base for our adventures.
As the home of international scouting, the Kandersteg International Scout Centre holds a special place in the hearts of scouts from around the world. We’ll be joining thousands of other Explorers from across the world.
With its extensive facilities and diverse range of activities, Kandersteg provides the perfect foundation for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor challenges, cultural exchanges, or simply forging lifelong friendships, this exceptional campsite offers it all. Check out the video…
When are we going?
We’ll be going somewhere between Sunday 27th July 2025 and Sunday 10th August, with the exact 9-day period to be confirmed later this year. We can’t give you exact dates just yet, as the flight’s haven’t been released – due in October 2024. Once we’re there, we will work out the best options of travel-to-airport time, flight time, and cost and let you know our exact dates. This will still be over 8 months in advance.
Therefore we’re asking everyone to keep the above 2 week period free, and we’ll be venturing off abroad within those dates.
We’re hoping to have exact dates/times by October 2024.
Simply awesome activities
Join us for an unforgettable adventure packed with thrilling activities, beautiful scenery, and endless fun with your unit friends!
Whiz down the mountain on Adelboden Trotti Bikes, enjoying an all-day adventure with lift passes to get you to the top for exhilarating scooter bike rides. Challenge yourself at the Adventure Park Adelboden and experience the thrill of climbing. Enjoy five exciting runs of mountain tobogganing at Oeschinen, and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear lakes of the Alps.
Take a scenic train journey from Kandersteg to Bern, immersing yourself in the capital city’s rich history and culture. Cool off at the Kandersteg Outdoor Pool and ride the Oeschinen Gondola for breathtaking views.
Engage in team-building challenges, test your skills in The Juicinator, and take on the Kander Challenge. Participate in the International Sports Afternoon, competing against Explorer teams from around the world, and make new global friends during the International Evening.
Enjoy a Swiss culture night, experiencing local traditions and delicacies, and relax with a BBQ night alongside hundreds of other Scouts. End your days by the campfire, sharing stories and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Our ideal programme*
*Exact activities on specific days may change due to leader and instructor availability and weather conditions.
Day one
We’ll gather at Woodseats and take minibuses to the airport, where we’ll board an EasyJet flight to Basel. From there, a train transfer awaits, followed by a short walk to Kandersteg. We’ll set up camp and settle into our new Swiss home. Your kit will already be on site, travelling out the day before by van.
Day two
Our day starts with team building activities in the morning, followed by an exciting journey to Oeschinen Lake via gondola. There, we’ll swim in the pristine lake waters before enjoying three thrilling rides down the fast downhill toboggan run.
Day three
Join us for an exciting day in Bern! Start with a scenic train ride, then embark on an epic scavenger hunt through the city’s landmarks. Enjoy free time exploring the vibrant Old Town, indulging in local delights, shopping, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. Adventure and fun await!
Day four
We’ll start the day by packing and shopping for our overnight adventure in the Swiss Alps. In the afternoon, we’ll hike up to Gfellalp Mountain Hut under the guidance of an experienced leader. We’ll spend the night there, witnessing a breathtaking sunset over the majestic Swiss Alps. A delicious dinner awaits us at the hut.
Day five
As the sun rises, we’ll awaken at the mountain hut, marveling at the spectacular view. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll descend to the campsite for a tranquil evening of games and bonding with fellow Explorers from around the globe.
Day 6
We’ll embark on a scenic bus ride through the mountains to a nearby town. The highlight of the day will be riding Trotti Bikes, special scooters designed for downhill trails. With a full day lift pass, we’ll zoom down a thrilling 5-mile course in the Swiss Alps.
Day 7
The morning will be dedicated to relaxation at a local outdoor swimming pool. In the afternoon, we’ll participate in an international sports day, competing against Explorer teams from around the globe. In the evening, we’ll join the international evening activities, fostering connections with our new global friends.
Day 8
Our day begins with a trip to Winteregg for a thrilling rock climbing adventure. In the morning, we’ll have lessons and cover the basics, followed by more advanced and exciting climbs in the afternoon. Get ready for an exhilarating day!
Day 9
We’ll bid a sad farewell to KISC, as we make our way to the airport by train. Flying back to Manchester, we’ll then return to Woodseats safely and conveniently by minibus.
Easy peasy travel
We’ll kick off the excitement by gathering in Woodseats. From there, we’ll board minibuses that will take us directly to the Airport.
As a group, we’ll soar through the skies with EasyJet, arriving at Basel Airport in Switzerland. Once we touch down, we’ll seamlessly transition to a local train service, whisking us away to the breathtaking destination of Kanderstegg.
Don’t worry about heavy bags; a dedicated minibus will transport both group and personal equipment, allowing us to travel light with just a day bag.
Embrace the authentic Swiss experience as we explore the enchanting landscapes by hopping on local trains and buses. And when it’s time to bid farewell, we’ll follow the same method, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free return journey.
Our new Swiss home
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure as you embark on a camping experience like no other. This remarkable site offers a range of facilities designed to make our stay unforgettable.
You’ll be camping in your own tents, with your mates, but don’t worry if you haven’t brought a tent; we have spares readily available for sharing.
As you settle into your new home, you’ll be thrilled to discover that you’re surrounded by a vibrant community of over a thousand enthusiastic Explorers, sharing in the joy of the outdoors.
The campsite’s dedication to cleanliness is evident in the abundance of pristine toilets and showers, ensuring a refreshing start to each day.
With the freedom to cook our own meals together, you and your mates will embark on a culinary journey together, creating delicious memories under the open sky.
Value for money
The total cost of this trip is £849.
This is thanks to a very generous donation from the Brian Sellars Trust, who have given Woodseats Explorers £100 per person to help keep the costs down to you.
A deposit of £149 is due by 15th October 2024 to secure your place. Participants after this date are welcome to join us, but will incur the additional fee of the varying flight ticket cost.
Additional payments in blocks of £100 are then to be made. We just need all balances paid by the start of June 2025.
This allows for some flexibility during the Christmas period when budgets are already tighter anyway.
We’ve worked incredibly hard to find a balance between doing lots of awes ome stuff and keeping the price down, and we hope you agree.
When you compare what we can offer, compared to school trips and other external trip agencies, we believe we are offering excellent value for money, and hope you agree too.
Funding Opportunities
We understand finances are tight at the moment, so we’ve spent the past few months ensuring we keep the costs down, in relation to actually getting out there and doing stuff. We hope we’ve found the right balance.
To help, there are a number of external funding providers that you can apply too.
Please do not apply to The Brian Sellars trust – they’ve already donated £100 per person directly to us, to keep the costs down to £849.
We have found the following grants that you can apply too:
Alec Oates Fund – upto £100 per participant.
FORM | GUIDANCE
The Scouts International Fund
Guidance
They will match local Souting grants, so £100 from Brian Sellars, and if you apply to the Alec Oates fund, an additional £100. Please email Sid if you wish for the group to apply for this on your behalf. If you have applied to Alec Oates – please wait till you have heard back from them. Applications must be submitted at least 3 months prior to the trip.
Complete your own fundraising
Guidance
Extra information
- The camp leader is Richard Hollingworth (Sid) and can be contacted by email or phone.
- The deputy camp leader is Matt Downs and can be contacted by email or phone.
- A large volunteer leadership team will be attending too, in fact over 10 of us are personally paying the full Explorer price to make the adventure possible.
- Full insurance (both travel and personal) will be purchased through Unity, but will not cover personal kit.
- Places will be on a first-come-first-served basis, so don’t delay
- We can point you in the direction of grants available to help with financing the camp if needed.
- Bags will be travelling out/back in the minibus. These will need to be ready a few days prior to the trip, and not available until a few days after.
- A full kit list will be sent out nearer to the time, but they will need summer clothes and proper outdoor clothing.
- A camp T-Shirt and UK International necker will be provided and to be worn during travel there and back. Neckers are to be worn when on site.
- Catering will be done by us (the Explorers) in small teams, with local foods. Teams will be given a budget to work toward, under the supervision of Leaders.
