High adventure camps are the focus of most Scouts and a terrific learning experience for both Scouts and the leaders who accompany them on these outings. I was fortunate enough to go to Philmont once as a Scout and three times as an advisor. The trip was a great experience as a Scout but it was an even more meaningful experience as an advisor. I watched these crews of young people mature, grow in self confidence, and bond in a short 12 day period.
There is now a new high adventure opportunity available to our Scouts. In January 2008 I wrote an article about a new position in the Longhorn Council- the International Representative. Tom’s charter was to open more international opportunities for Scouts in the US and find ways for our youth to participate in these activities. I’ll have to admit that I didn’t have any idea about what someone in this position would be able to accomplish.
A short time ago I heard from Tom and he really has found a wonderful high adventure opportunity. The camp is called Kandersteg and it is located at the base of the Swiss Alps. The camp, better known as KISC, is a World Scout Center and hosts approximately 11,000 youth each year. It is often described as a “Permanent International Mini-Jamboree” because each day is spent eating, camping, doing activities and sitting around a campfire with Scouts and Girl Guides from all around the world. Scouts from more than 40 countries attend the camp annually.
What do you do at this camp? The Longhorn Council flyer lists the usual kinds of activities- “climb the Swiss Alps, see the glaciers, raft the whitewater rivers, care for the environments and make Scouting friends from around the world.” A Scout might even get to overnight in a Swiss mountain hut.
Baden Powell’s dream was to have a world wide Scouting movement that stressed friendship and peace. The camp at KISC seems to help fulfill these goals.
For readers in the Longhorn Council there is a trip scheduled for July 2009. In order to go on the trip you must be registered by November 13, 2008 and the first meeting of the group is November 20, 2008. Information is available at the council office. If there is a problem, send me an email and I will get you in touch with Tom.
