Leader Vacancy!
Following one member of the leadership team having to drop out due to unforeseen circumstances we are recruiting for a further additional leader. The appointed leader would take over the duties of the leader dropping out and will be supporting us in North Macedonia and the surrounding countries from the 23rd July to the 07th August 2023.
We are looking for somebody to take on the following tasks as an Assistant Leader:
- Support up to three teams in the planning of their expeditions.
- Participate in the planning and delivery of the Rest and Relaxation phase of the expedition.
- Work alongside the rest of the leadership to supervise the participants during their expeditions.
- Attend the Explorer Belt presentations in August and September 2023.
- Participate in the planning and delivery of the final training event.
We welcome applications from any member of our county. We are hoping to appoint somebody with the following skills and qualities:
- Works well as part of a team.
- Is organised.
- Is passionate about developing the skills of young people.
- Enthuses others.
- Has an understanding of the Explorer Belt or is willing to learn.
- Is excited by the idea of exploring North Macedonia; Greece; Serbia; Bulgaria; Kosovo and Albania, whilst supervising teams!
https://forms.office.com/e/2F9P5w33G1
Closing Date for leader applications is midnight on the 12th February 2023.
What is an Explorer Belt?
The Explorer Belt is one of the Top Awards available to Explorers (over 16) and Network members in Scouting. This trip is for Explorers and Network members born between 26/07/2007 and 04/08/1998.
The Explorer Belt is the challenge of a lifetime and the most interesting expedition anyone can undertake in Scouting. It involves travelling as a team in an unfamiliar country, or countries, whilst also learning about the people, the culture, and the locality.
As a participant, you will undertake a 10-day expedition across a country, completing a major project (chosen by your team) and a variety of challenges, known as minor projects, (these will give you an insight into the country and encourage you to meet and interact with the people who live there). Past minor projects include things like:
- getting a haircut;
- interviewing a police officer;
- teaching school pupils some English
- and cooking a meal for a local family.
As part of a team, you will plan your own route for the 10 days, be self-sufficient and keep to a given budget.
When you complete your expedition, you will get an extraordinary sense of achievement and… an actual Explorer Belt!
Where is this Explorer Belt taking place?
Macedonia!
Macedonia is an ideal place for an Explorer Belt, it is safe in the current political climate and, not being a popular tourist destination and there is plenty of adventure to be had across the country. However, we are extending the challenge of the Explorer Belt to all the surrounding countries! As part of the Explorer Belt, you can visit:
❖ Albania
❖ Bulgaria
❖ Greece
❖ Kosovo
❖ Macedonia
❖ Serbia
You will have access to all of these fantastic locations for your expedition, with experienced Leaders in country. What an amazing chance to tick off parts of your European bucket list!
Starting point: Skopje
All of the expeditions will start in Skopje, in the north of Macedonia. It is also where we will have our R&R time after the trip. Flights are available directly from the UK to Skopje and other nearby airports, which will allow you to get started on your adventure quickly (and get home easily after all the hard work is done!).
Here are some amazing facts about all of the countries you might visit!
❖ Macedonia – Three national parks, the Korab mountain range and it was once ruled by the legendary, Alexander the Great!
❖ Albania – Accursed mountains, uninhabited islands and historic bunkers!
❖ Bulgaria – Oldest country in Europe, home of music on board the Voyager 1&2 and an opposite nod?
❖ Greece – Philosophers, temples and Greek Gods!
❖ Kosovo – The second youngest country in the world, with one of the youngest populations and limestone caves!
❖ Serbia – Birthplace of Constantine the Great, home to one of the oldest cities in Europe and the biggest exporter of… raspberries!
How much is it and what’s included?
Total Cost: no more than £550 (not including flights)
What’s Included:
❖ All three training weekends including food and accommodation
❖ Kit. A branded, wicking polo shirt, a hoodie, 2 international neckers and a contingent badge
❖ Travel insurance. This may not cover some expensive personal items, such as cameras
❖ Your budget for your Explorer Belt. You have a budget to stay within during your Explorer Belt, you will be given this money from your trip cost to use whilst in the Balkans
❖ Celebratory Meal in Country
❖ R&R activities. These are yet to be decided and will be chosen by you, the participants!
Use of a base prior to and after the expedition
Use of the base in the event of a team member dropping out mid-expedition.
An emergency budget, which if not used can be spent (or saved) by
participants following the expedition
❖ An Awards Ceremony on return to the UK. This will include your certificate, belt and badge
What’s Not Included:
❖ 2 lunches and 1 evening meal in Skopje prior/post Expedition
❖ Flights and transport to and from Skopje (see below)
Participants will have the opportunity to shape their own trip by deciding their own method of transport to Skopje. Most participants will book flights as a team and there are lots of options. It is possible to fly directly in to Skopje from the UK or it may be cheaper to change at another airport on the way. Alternatively, you may fly in to other nearby airports which have cheaper flights including: Ohrid (North Macedonia), Pristina (Kosovo), Sofia (Bulgaria), Thessaloniki (Greece) and Tirana (Albania). All of these airports have bus or train routes to Skopje.
Flight prices fluctuate quite a bit, but it is certainly plausible to find return flights under the £200 mark. Another option is to buy an Interrail ticket for €185 and make your way to Skopje via train. Alternatively, all participants are very welcome to fly on the same flights as the leaders – though participants will have to book these themselves. The leaders will be available to advise and support participants through this aspect of the trip.
Itinerary of the trip!
Here are the key dates for the 2023 Explorer Belt, including our Training Weekends. We expect you to make all of the dates listed, as this training is an important part of your preparation for your award. Once you have reached the end of the Expedition, you and your team will create a presentation of your experiences. There will be a whole contingent presentation in December 2023, where you will all be awarded your Belts and Badges.
Top 5 reasons to complete your Explorer Belt!
(From a 2019 Explorer Belt Awardee)
One!
Creating memories that last a lifetime!
The Explorer Belt is an incredible journey that many people wish they could do over and over again!
Two!
You get to meet amazing new people!
The Explorer Belt provides a unique opportunity to meet new, like-minded individuals and people from places we would never normally consider visiting!
Three!
Food, glorious food!
As you travel, you will immerse yourself in a new culture, and try the amazing food available in those countries.
Four!
Home Hospitality!
As part of the Explorer Belt, you will experience the hospitality and generosity of the local people.
Five!
Skills for Life!
The Explorer Belt will teach you skills that you will use for the rest of your life. Your ability to navigate, communicate, budget and cook will be tested!
If you have any queries about the trip prior to signing up, please use the following email address: chris.worthington@westlancsscouts.org.uk