Six Northern Ireland Explorer Scouts have recently returned from an unforgettable experience at the Blair Atholl International Jamborette in Scotland. The Scouts who took part were Daniel Bell, Adam Nelson, Ben Bell, Charlie Pyper, Cobi Smyth and Bailey Green.

The Blair Atholl International Jamborette is a major international Scout camp, bringing together hundreds of Scottish Explorer Scouts and international Scouts aged 14 to 17 in Perthshire every two years.

After successfully completing a selection camp last year, the group spent time getting to know one another before travelling to Scotland. Blair Atholl is a traditional camp where participants live under canvas, build shelters and cook on wood fires.

On arrival, the Explorers worked alongside a Scottish patrol, building their tents and dining shelters using pioneering poles and rope. The shelters became the centre of camp life, where they cooked, ate and cleaned up together each day.

Throughout the camp, the group took part in a wide range of activities including mud runs, hikes, sport, water sports and cliff climbing. They also experienced Scottish culture through a traditional Burns Supper, ceilidhs and camp-wide celebrations, all while proudly wearing their saffron kilts.

During the camp’s Country Fayre and visitors’ day, the Explorers shared a taste of Northern Ireland by serving brown lemonade and Irish stew. They also had the opportunity to sample food and traditions from other countries, including stroopwafels from the Netherlands and hákarl from Iceland.

The experience gave the Explorers the opportunity to make new friends, develop new skills and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.

A special thank you goes to Strangford District Scouts for funding the group’s saffron kilts.

Story submitted by Nathan Bell. Led by Jason Morrow, NI Blair Atholl Co-ordinator.