Fellowship help run Explorer Scouts' Expedition to Uganda

Two members of Gordano Fellowship helped to organiFellowship help run Explorer Scouts' Expedition to Uganda se an Expedition to Uganda for Explorer Scouts last summer. Mike Viney and Sylvia Holliman, along with Explorer Scout Leader Ross Perry from Bristol, ran a three week expedition for eight Explorer Scouts from the Avon area.

The Explorers stayed at Buwenda campsite, which was built by Venture Scouts from Avon during a ten year project ending in 2003. Mike, Sylvia and Ross were also involved in that project, and were delighted to have the chance to return to the very beautiful camp site on the banks of the River Nile.

The main objective of the trip was to provide a latrine block for a village near the campsite, which is a few miles from Jinja, the country's second largest city. The group funded and helped to build the latrine and shower block. Funds for the first phase were sent out in advance, the pit dug and the necessary slab laid by local workmen before the Explorers arrived.

The team of eight enthusiastic Explorers enjoyed helping with the completion of the building and were delighted to be presented with a certificate of thanks by the chairman of the village on their final day there.

At that stage the plasterwork was still drying, but the Explorers have since received a report that the painting has now been completed and the building is in use.

During their stay the Explorers also ran a weekend activity camp for 40 Ugandan Scouts aged ten to 14, who thoroughly enjoyed activities such as a bungee run and playing Puddocks - a cross between cricket and rounders!

Other highlights of the trip were the chance to go white water rafting on the River Nile, one of the best locations in the world, and a visit to an orphanage ran by an ex-Scout, which is home to 35 children aged between three and 20.

The final phase of the trip was a safari, and the Explorers were fortunate enough to see herds of elephant and buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, lions and cubs, and even a leopard at very close quarters. It proved a magical end to what had been a wonderful trip.

For further information about any aspect of the trip, including details of Buwenda Scout campsite, please email Sylvia Hollman.