Kandersteg 2010

In July 2010 47 SMESU members and leaders headed out to the Swiss Alps for 10 days of high mountain adventure. We camped at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) along with Scouts from all over the world.

We traveled overland by bus and spent our first day recovering at the open-air swimming pool. That evening we join the international campfire and entertained the crowd with Galoop. The next day we hiked up to lake Oeschinen for the traditional chilly dip and a run on the summer toboggan. With this achieved our real programme started the following day. We split into our teams to carry out activities.

Mountain Biking - We headed up the Gasterntal valley through rock cut roads and spectacular scenery to enjoy the thrill on the 20 min decent back to the valley floor. High ropes - A new high ropes course has opened in Kandersteg and it’s a definite recommendation from SMESU. The courses are high and challenging and provide a great half days activity. Glacier Workshops - The highlight of the trip for many. We hiked up to 2587m and spent the night in the Frundenhutte. The next morning we got kited out with ice axes and crampons and headed out on the Glacier. Half the team went ice climbing with the rest doing a glacier skills workshop. An amazing experience in such a unique location. One other highlight for the explorers was the Choc and Cheese factory tours. I think the unlimited chocolate tasting room had it over the cheese samples but everyone was happy. We also soaked up the international atmosphere and spent loads of time socilaising with Scouts from around the world.

At the end of the week we ran a Scottish Reception and Ceilidh to say goodbye to our new friends and thank pinkies (KISC staff) for their hard work. We had around 200 people show up and everyone got into the sprit (especially the whiskey samples we had for the over 18's)

KISC was an amazing experience for all the attended. Thanks again to the Pinkies and see you again in a few years’ time.

SMESU Switzerland Photo Slideshow

Photography (Links to Flickr)