Life at Kandersteg International Scout Centre is one of the highlights of the trip.

As the World Scout Centre, it welcomes hundreds of Scouts and Explorers from across the globe, creating an incredible international atmosphere where friendships are made through games, campfires and shared adventures.

There are plenty of indoor social spaces to relax, meet new people and enjoy the unique spirit of Kandersteg.

We’ll camp on one of the spacious campsites, with modern toilet and hot shower blocks just a short walk from our tents. The site also has a shop, restaurant, café, campfire areas and 24-hour reception, all within a private, safe and secure environment.

It’s the perfect place to experience the very best of international Scouting while enjoying the stunning Swiss Alps.

Our programme is packed with adventure, taking advantage of everything Kandersteg and the surrounding Swiss Alps have to offer.

Activities include high ropes, rafting, climbing, a mountain coaster, gondola rides, swimming, Bern Zoo, Swiss National Day celebrations, BBQs, and meals out, alongside visits to local towns and attractions.

There will also be plenty of free time to relax, explore Kandersteg village with friends, enjoy the campsite, browse the local shops, or simply take in the incredible mountain scenery.

If an Explorer is unsure about an activity, they will never be forced to take part, but we always encourage everyone to give it a go.

With the support of our experienced leaders, many discover they’re capable of far more than they expected, making the trip a fantastic opportunity to build confidence as well as unforgettable memories.

We’ll fly from the UK (hopefully Manchester Airport) to Switzerland, subject to flight prices and availability, before travelling by train to Kandersteg.

The journey includes two scenic Swiss train journeys, the first following the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, before a quick change onto a second train that climbs through the spectacular Swiss Alps to Kandersteg.

We normally reserve our own private train carriage, making the journey more comfortable and enjoyable. From the station, it’s just a relaxed 20 minute walk through the village to the campsite, with Explorers only carrying their day bag.

Our main camping equipment and group kit will travel separately by van, so there’s no need to carry heavy luggage on public transport. This makes travelling much easier, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the experience from the moment the trip begins.

Food is an important part of the Kandersteg experience, and we’ve planned a varied menu to give everyone a great mix of convenience, independence and local culture.

Throughout the trip we’ll enjoy a combination of catered meals provided by the site, meaning no cooking or washing up, alongside group-cooked camp meals where Explorers work together to prepare breakfast and evening meals.

We’ll also enjoy three meals out, giving everyone the chance to experience local cafés and restaurants and sample some traditional Swiss food.

One of the highlights of the trip is our friendly cooking competition, where teams will plan, shop for and prepare their own meal before it is judged by the leaders. Explorers will also have opportunities to visit local supermarkets, compare prices in Swiss Francs, and choose ingredients for group meals.

It’s a fantastic way to build confidence, learn new life skills and experience everyday life in Switzerland, while still enjoying plenty of familiar favourites throughout the trip.

Camp life is all about enjoying the outdoors while spending time with friends. Explorers will share spacious tents with their mates, creating a real sense of teamwork and community throughout the trip.

Our campsite has a large central area where everyone can relax, eat together, play games, chat after a busy day, or simply enjoy the incredible mountain surroundings.

We’ll be based close to modern toilet and hot shower facilities, making camp life comfortable and convenient.

With the campsite shop, restaurant, café and other amenities just a short walk away, there’s always somewhere to grab a snack, meet up with friends or unwind.

It’s the perfect balance of adventure, independence and a relaxed campsite atmosphere.

The trip will take place over 9 days between 24 July and 7 August 2027. Our exact travel dates will be confirmed once flights are released and booked, with final dates expected to be available in November 2026. This allows us to secure the best combination of flight times and prices before confirming the itinerary. There are 75 places available, with 15 volunteer adults attending.

The total cost of the trip is £1,149 per Explorer. The trip is run entirely at cost, with no profit made by the Unit. If flights are significantly cheaper than we’ve budgeted for, we’ll reduce the final cost of the expedition accordingly. The price includes return flights, rail travel within Switzerland, accommodation, activities, food, campsite fees, group equipment and transport of camping kit by van.

Explorers must be under 18 by the start of the camp. We cannot take Network members due to the numbers of Explorers across both of Units.

A £149 deposit is required by the end of September 2026 to secure your place. This allows us to book flights as soon as they’re released and helps us secure the best possible prices.

The remaining balance can then be paid in £100 instalments to suit your budget and schedule. We suggest paying around £100 per month, giving you almost a full year to spread the cost, but you are welcome to pay more or less whenever it suits you.

We don’t want cost to be a barrier. Financial assistance may be available through the Alec Oates Fund, which could reduce the cost by up to £100 for eligible Explorers. We also strongly encourage personal fundraising. For our 2025 expedition, one Explorer’s family raised over £1,500, more than covering the cost of the trip. With a little creativity and effort, fundraising can make a significant difference.

If finances are a struggle, but your Explorer would really like to come, please get in touch. We never want money to be the reason someone misses out, and we’ll always make it happen. We can offer flexible payment plans and, if needed, even allow payments to continue after the expedition has finished. Every Explorer deserves the opportunity to experience this once in a lifetime adventure.