Essex helps Scouts prepare for international adventure

Explorer Scouts in Tendring are one step closer to jetting off on international adventures to Poland, Canada and Kenya thanks to a donation from the Essex region.

Five young members and two leaders from across the district have been selected to take part in a range of international opportunities next year, with trips including the World Scout Jamboree in Poland; a North America expedition covering the USA and Canada; and a Kenyan service project.

The dedicated youngsters have been busy bag packing, hosting quiz nights and running tabletop sales to help them reach their fundraising target and cover the cost of the trips, which is in the region of £3,500 per person.

They applied to our Community Champions scheme, and were awarded £1,000.

The business has a strong connection with Tendring, with 122 homes currently being built at Trinity Fields to the north of Clacton, and work due to start on Phases 1 and 2 of the new St John’s Gate community to the west of the town, and the team were keen to support the young people in the area.

Terri Smith, Head of Customer Care for Persimmon Homes Essex, said: “It is a privilege to be able to help these ambitious young people as they prepare for these life-changing trips, and to hear them speak so passionately about the voluntary work they will be undertaking during their travels.

“They will leave a legacy in the communities they are visiting just as Persimmon Homes creates a lasting legacy in the communities within which we work.”

Scout Leader Alfie Benson, is supporting the group, and said:”The Explorers have worked hard to secure places on these trips and will gain real life skills as a result of these expeditions.

Some of our young members come from deprived backgrounds and we want to make sure this does not stop them embracing the opportunities available through Scouting. Donations like this from Persimmon help us to be able to offer these trips to everyone within the district, and we are very grateful for the support.”

Cllr Andy Baker, Ward Member for Eastcliff on Tendring District Council, joined the presentation and praised the Scouting members for their dedication before thanking Persimmon for the contribution.