Scouts enjoy a trip of a lifetime to Caribbean islands

By Leigh Mencarini From Coventry Telegraph

Incredible opportunity gives young people insight into island life – “rather than just a holiday in a hotel”

It was the trip of a lifetime – and one the 38 Scouts from Warwickshire and Coventry will never forget.

The scouts have recently returned from a two-week trip to the Caribbean islands of Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda.

After 18 months of planning and raising the money for the visit themselves, the group joined forces with scouts in the islands to carry out projects in the local community.

In Anguilla, they worked with the local scouts to redecorate the Scout and Guide Headquarters.

In Basseterre, St Kitts, artistic skills were brought to the fore as a new mural was painted.

During the visit the scouts were hosted at receptions by the Governor of Anguilla and the Governors General of St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda.

It was not all work, though – there were opportunities to explore the islands, visit the beach, sample carnival and climb in the hills, as well as enjoy day trips around Nevis, St Maarten and Barbuda.

Connor, a Network Scout, said: “I’ve shared the last two weeks with some incredible people who I hope we have a lasting friendship. We couldn’t have asked for a better group of people – thank you to all the scouts in St Kitts and Antigua for making us welcome.”

James, an Explorer Scout, added: “We have reached the end of our amazing trip to the Caribbean. While it is over I certainly won’t forget any of it and the memories will stick with me forever.”

Nigel Hailey, the leader of the trip, said: “This was an opportunity for UK scouts to meet, work and play alongside scouts from Anguilla, St Kitts and Antigua.

“Living in the community gives much better understanding of the way people live rather than just a holiday in a hotel. The young people made friends that will remain with them for the rest of their lives, saw a different way of life and have come back with a wider view of the world.”

It is hoped that the scouts from the region will make a return visit to Warwickshire in 2017.

Also this summer, scouts from Warwickshire and Coventry have taken part in the World Scout Jamboree in Japan, the Haarlem Jamborette in The Netherlands and Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland.

IMAGES:
Warwickshire and Coventry Scouts outside Scout HQ in Anguilla, which they helped redecorate
The scouts help redecorate the headquarters in Anguilla
The scout group outside Government House in Antigua

For more on this story go to:
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/scouts-enjoy-trip-lifetime-caribbean-9904267