700 Scouts travel to Switzerland for a Summer Adventure

This summer was packed with Scouts travelling on International Expeditions and trips and Surrey Scouts joined in on the fun

The Scouts attended Surrey’s Kix, challenging themselves to take part activities over a week at Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), Kandersteg, Switzerland.

This year sees the centenary of KISC and while Surrey Scouts were on site, they met Scouts from Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal and other parts of the UK.

Thirteen coaches set off from Cobham Services (thanks to them for accommodating their departure and return). Apart from the UK contingent visiting south Korea for the World Scout Jamboree, this expedition was the largest contingent of Scouts from the UK visiting overseas this year.

While in Switzerland, Scouts walked high into the mountains with our trained (and KISC trained) mountain walkers; rafted from Thun to Bern (as well as getting to visit Thun & Bern); went high into the trees as part of a high rope course in Interlaken (as well as getting to visit Interlaken).

All Troops also helped out on site and got to visit the local area. Troops also chose a Troop day where some Scouts went up the Schithorn (the one in the Bond movie), Jungfrau, Rothorn (via a steam ship and train), visited the Thermal pools in Brigerbad, Toboganning at Lake Oeschinen and travelled on a  Zip Wire amongst other things.

Ian MacQueen,Expedition leader, said “KIX 2023 took two years to plan with and aim to give 700 Scouts and leaders the opportunity to try new activities, make new friends and learn skills for life. I think it is safe to say we achieved our aim and more. My thanks to the staff and leaders who made the event a success. We will now start to plan KIX 2026”

Liam, a Scout from 1st Jacobs Well, Guildford said. “I really enjoyed the Rafting as it was exciting and something I haven’t done before.”

Luca, a Scout from 1st Goldsworth Park, said “I really enjoyed the High Ropes because of the massive zipline.”

Owen, a Scout from 1st Nork, said “My favourite thing about KIX was the river rafting and being able to invade all the other boats”.

Alice, a Scout from 8th Woking, said “I liked the rafting because we got to see mountain goats from the river”.

Check out the photo gallery HERE!