THREE Fordingbridge Viper Explorers have earned themselves places at the World Scout Jamboree.

Will Gande, Kirsten Reed and Yanouk Hennekens-Smith,who are part of 1st Fordingbridge Scouts, took part in a selection weekend, camping at Ferny Crofts in the New Forest with 300 other Scouts to earn their place in the 15 patrol contingent from Hampshire.

During the weekend they had to tackle various challenges including team building activities and first aid to secure a place on the 24th World Scout Jamboree which is being held in 2019.

The trio will be representing British Scouts at the international camp, which is held every four years, and travel to Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia where they will join 45,000 scouts from around the globe at the event jointly hosted by the Scouts of the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Kirsten said “ I’m looking forward to meeting Scouts from all over the world.”

Scouts from 180 countries will get to explore the mountainous terrain through the adventurous activities of white water rafting, climbing and mountain biking as well as sharing knowledge of their cultures with each other and participating in environmental projects.

During the twelve day trip they will also have the chance to visit the cities of New York and Washington as well as spend time with Scouting families from the three host nations.

Yanouk added: “I can’t wait to camp in the mountains and try all the different activities that will be on offer.”

And Will said: “The whole trip sounds amazing, it will be a great experience.”

Over the following eighteen months the Explorers will undertake a series of training exercises and camps

to get to know their fellow patrol members as well as use fundraising initiatives to raise the £3,200 needed to take them on this once in a life time camp.

Anyone who can help the trio with their fundraising efforts please contact 0844 414 2924 or go to fordingbridgescouts.org.uk.