Climbing – October 2025

We are looking to recruit one Expedition Leader and three Assistant Leaders to take young people and adults sports climbing abroad in October 2024. We are looking for diverse leadership team that can provide a wide range of skills to provide the best experience possible for our members.  

When, where and for who is the trip?  

The trip will take place during the school holidays of October 2024. 

Although Costa Blanca (Calpe) has been suggested as a possible venue the location is yet to be researched fully and agreed between the Leadership team and the Major Events Group. The idea behind the trip is to offer both young people (minimum age to be agreed) and leaders the opportunity to develop their climbing skills.  

This could be someone with limited or no previous experience of climbing when applying to someone with a wealth of experience who fancies the idea a of week climbing in the sun. It is also a great opportunity for those looking to complete the Rock Climbing Instructor Award gain more experience in Sports Climbing. 

What are we looking for the team to do?  

We are looking for a team of leaders to research possible locations, put together a budget and plan all logistics. This includes ensuring there are enough permitted adults within the leadership team and contingent.  

It is the role of the leadership team to build the knowledge, skills and technical competencies of those who apply to safely enjoy the sport of Climbing. 

On return to the UK the leadership team is required to provide MEG with a full set of accounts accompanied with a final report within an agreed timescale.  

What skills are we looking from the Expedition Leader?  

  • Someone with sound climbing knowledge and experience. Ideally this is someone with a climbing permit or the skills to obtain such a permit.  
  • Someone with strong leadership qualities who will work with support from the Major Events Group to lead the delivery of this international experience.  
  • Someone who is an excellent communicator, who can inspire confidence from their team, from the adult participants and from the young people and their parents.  
  • A good problem solver, who can handle challenging situations and make decisive decisions. 
  • Someone who conducts themselves professionally at all times and acts with dignity and respect in line with our core Scouting values.  

What core-skills are we looking from the Assistant Leaders?  

  • Someone with climbing knowledge and experience. You may hold or be working towards gaining a climbing permit.  
  • A team player who will support the Expedition Leader in the delivery of this trip, also with the ability to lead areas of this trip as required.  
  • Skills that will play an integral part in developing the trip and keeping the whole contingent happy and safe.  
  • Someone who conducts themselves professionally at all times and acts with dignity and respect in line with our core Scouting values.  

How much will this trip cost for leaders? 

The cost will be dependent on the trips budget and will be calculated in line with the Major Events Group’s Leader Fee Policy. Leaders will have the opportunity to seek financial support if they feel they need it from a variety of sources, including from the WLS Hardship Fund and The Scout Association’s Overseas Fund. Based on previous trips, we would not expect the leader fee to exceed £1,000.  

How much time commitment will this trip be?  

Leaders will be expected to give up a number of evenings to meet together to plan this trip and to complete the report after the trip. They will also be expected to plan and deliver training evenings/weekends. This trip will require commitment from the leadership team, but it’ll certainly be worth it!  

Who can apply for this leadership positions?  

Any member of West Lancs Scouts who is 18 or above is eligible to apply as a leader for this trip.  

How do I apply?  

You can apply for this trip by following this link: https://forms.office.com/e/7KF1TJC2rx

Closing Date: midnight 31st August 2023.

What will happen after I apply?  

Following the closing date of applications, you will be informed if you are successful in being invited to the selection day. 

Any questions email julie.paton@westlancsscouts.org.uk

Author: Chris Lomas

Date: 14 June 2023