In April 2028, Vale of Clwyd District will send its first ever international contingent abroad. We’re heading to Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in Switzerland, one of the official World Scout Centres and a place Scouts from across the globe have been travelling to since 1923.

We launched the expedition at our District Scout and Explorer Camp, and the reaction from young people and leaders has been brilliant. Now it’s time to build the team.

The trip at a glance

  • Dates: 12 to 21 April 2028
  • Where: Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland
  • Who’s going: 43 young people and 12 adult leaders
  • How long: Nine nights in the Swiss Alps

Nine days in the Alps

This is a chance to swap a weekend camp for something much bigger. The programme includes hiking up to Oeschinensee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, a high ropes course in Interlaken, curling and ice skating, and a team challenge exploring Bern. Along the way, you’ll meet Scouts from other countries, try things you’ve never done before, and come home with friendships that last long after the trip.

Two days of the programme are deliberately left open. Once the contingent is picked, the young people will help decide what happens on those days. This is their expedition as much as anyone’s.

More than nine days

Being part of the contingent is a commitment to the whole journey, not just the trip itself. Everyone selected, young people and adults, will take part in a series of preparation camps and training weekends through 2027 and into early 2028. These are where the group becomes a team, builds the skills it needs, and gets to know and trust each other before we travel. They’re compulsory, and they’re a big part of what makes the experience special.

Who can apply

Young people need to be 12½ or older, and under 18, on 12 April 2028. That means being born between 13 April 2010 and 12 October 2015 (inclusive).

Aged 18 or over? You’re welcome to apply as a leader or Network member.

How selection works

Places aren’t first come, first served. We’re looking for the right team for Kandersteg.

Young people complete an application form, followed by an in-person selection event. We’ll be looking at commitment to Scouting, attitude, teamwork and behaviour. It’s a chance for us to meet you and see how you work with others, not just what’s on paper. Applications open in October 2026, and the contingent will be confirmed by mid-November 2026.

Adults complete an application form, followed by a brief, informal chat about your experience, your role in the contingent and any questions you have. Adult applications are open now.

For parents and carers

The trip is fully led by experienced, DBS-checked Scout leaders throughout. We’ll stay in indoor bunkhouse accommodation at KISC, a purpose-built and secure Scout centre. Full risk assessments and safeguarding arrangements will be in place, in line with Scout Association policy for international travel.

What it costs

The fee is £1,650 for young people and £850 for adult leaders. It covers:

  • Travel (coaches and flights)
  • Accommodation and food
  • All activities and excursions
  • Expedition clothing
  • Group travel insurance
  • All preparation camps and training weekends

Nobody will be asked to pay the full amount up front. Places are secured with a 25% deposit (due 30 November 2026), with the rest spread across instalments through to January 2028.

We know £1,650 is a lot for any family. A hardship fund has been set up for young people who would otherwise be unable to go because of cost. If this applies to your family, please get in touch in confidence. We don’t want cost to be the reason any young person misses out.

Key dates

  • September 2026: Expedition launched at District Scout and Explorer Camp
  • October to November 2026: Applications and selection
  • Mid-November 2026: Contingent confirmed
  • 2027 to early 2028: Preparation camps, training weekends and fundraising
  • 12 to 21 April 2028: Kandersteg

Ready to apply?

Head to www.valeofclwydscouts.org.uk/kandersteg for full details, the payment schedule and application forms. Questions? Speak to your Group Scout Leader.

This is the District’s first ever international expedition. We’d love you to be part of it.