Scouts hurry to be prepared in time for Switzerland visit

Altogether 23 young people from the St Martins group in West Hull will go to the week-long camp in Kandersteg that starts on Saturday, July 31.

The trip will include national Swiss Day celebrations, a 750-metre toboggan run, a cable car ride, a tour of the Chiller Chocolate Factory, a gondola ride to Oeschinen Lake, a visit to a cheesemaker and other activities.

For many of the nine- to 14-year-olds it will be their first time abroad.

They have spent two years fundraising to pay for the 14,000 trip – organising a balloon launch, car boot sale and bag-packing, as well as applying for grants.

Ben Hunter, 12, said: "Visiting Switzerland is one of the best things I will ever do as a Scout. I'll be spending a week with my friends, meeting new people and pushing myself to try all the activities, even the ones I'm nervous about.

"What more could I ask for? It's going to be brilliant."

The camp is attended by more than 10,000 people from 40 different countries.

Cub leader Gary McCune said: "Together we will all have new adventures, be challenged, become more globally and technologically aware, transform old materials, discover our vitality and cross the water to celebrate our membership of the international community.

"It's not every day you can walk from tent to tent in the Swiss Alps and enter a different country to learn about its culture and traditions."

The young people and adult volunteers will also attend workshops on global issues and take part in environmental projects.

Scout leader Ann Cooper said expedition would be memorable for people of all ages.

She said: "After so much planning and preparation, it's fantastic that we're finally gearing up for our greatest ever adventure. This trip is about offering our members the experience of a lifetime. It's something that none of us will ever forget."

All camping and personal equipment will be taken by an advanced party and the group is expected to arrive home on August 8.